Visceral fat functions as an active endocrine organ which produces pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and resistin while reducing the protective adipokine production of adiponectin to create conditions for insulin resistance and accelerated atherogenesis and endothelial dysfunction [27,28]. This evidence concerns the gene ADIPOQ and endothelial dysfunction.