Regulatory Roles of Adiponectin in Animal Reproduction: Molecular Insights from the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived adipokine, plays a key regulatory role in physiological processes such as energy balance, glucose metabolism, and fatty acid oxidation. Evidence from animal studies indicates that adiponectin is involved in the regulation of reproductive performance by mediating molecular crosstalk between energy metabolism and the reproductive system. As the core regulatory center for animal reproduction, the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis exhibits a close link between its functional state and the body’s energy homeostasis. This review systematically summarizes the expression patterns and molecular mechanisms of adiponectin and its receptors at different levels of the animal HPG axis. It provides a theoretical basis for future research and applications of adiponectin in animal reproduction.