Adiponectin’s Role in the Development and Progression of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence

The incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma has risen dramatically worldwide in recent years, paralleling the increasing obesity rates. There is compelling evidence that identifies obesity as an independent risk factor for thyroid cancer, while highlighting the role of low-grade chronic inflammation, metabolic changes, and abnormal adipokine secretion. Adiponectin (APN) is an abundant adipokine in human serum that particularly stands out due to its inverse correlation with adipose tissue abundance and its well-established characteristics: anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and insulin-sensitizing properties. This review aims to synthesize the current state of evidence and research on the association between APN and thyroid carcinoma. It focuses on epidemiological links, including gender-specific effects and correlations with tumor aggressiveness features. The paper explores molecular mechanisms while aiming to underscore important signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase and the APN receptor-2-UNC-51-like kinase-1 autophagy axis. Moreover, it seeks to evaluate the potential of APN as a biomarker for both diagnosis and risk stratification, with particular focus on receptor expression and adipokine ratios. A deeper understanding of the APN’s role might reveal new directions for primary prevention, timely diagnosis, and personalized treatment of thyroid neoplasms.