【Ａｂｓｔｒａｃｔ】　Background　Adiponectin， an adipokine secreted by different adipocytes， has been known to play pivotal roles in metabolisms including insulin sensitization， oxidation of glucose and lipids. Recently， it has been reported that adiponectin can also attenuate the process of atherosclerosis， decrease the inflammatory response， protect myocardia against ischemic reperfusion injury， and provide neuroprotection.　Objective　To review the related clinical studies of adiponection as a factor to assess the risk and the prognosis of ischemic stroke and basic studies about the mechanism of exogenous adiponectin induced neuroprotection against ischemic stroke injury.　Content　In present review， we described the recent advances in the relationship between serum adiponectin and occurrence of ischemic stroke in clinic trials and the mechanism of neuroprotection induced by supplement of adiponectin.　Trend　Mounting clinical studies indicate that low level of serum adiponectin is associated with high incidence and poor outcome of ischemic stroke. Furthermore， some basic researches also demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of exogenous adipokine. Content In present review, we described the recent advances in the relationship between serum adiponectin and occurrence of ischemic stroke in clinic trials and the mechanism of neuroprotection induced by supplement of adiponectin. Trend Major clinical studies have indicated that low level of serum adiponectin was associated with high incidence and poor outcome of ischemic stroke. And some basic studies also demonstrated the neuroprotection of this adipokine.