This book clarify with details the following points: - Adiponectin a multifunctional adipokine - Mechanism of action of adiponectin - Adiponectin receptors. - Adiponectin gene expression and secretion - Adiponectin as therapeutic targets. - Gestational diabetes mellitus. - Alterations in adiponectin gene are associated with human diabetes - Adiponectin hypothesis - The human placenta in gestational diabetes mellitus - The placenta is a source of cytokines: placental influence - The placenta is a target of cytokines: maternal and fetal influences