Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Obesity lowers adiponectin levels. Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory effects. It has been suggested that the lower levels of adiponectin in obesity results in chronic low grade inflammation (CLGI). Aim of this study was to examine if plasma adiponectin is a valid marker of CLGI in normal weight, overweight and obese individuals. In addition, we also assessed adiponectin as marker of body fat and insulin resistance

Methods: We measured adiponectin, markers of CLGI (CRP, SAA, ESR), insulin resistance and lipids. Body fat was estimated by DEXA and BIA.

Results: i) Adiponectin was widely distributed within each BMI group. ii) The levels of makers of inflammatory and insulin resistance were progressively and significantly elevated in parallel to the increased BMI. iii) In our combined population, adiponectin was significantly and negatively correlated to BMI, lipids and body fat while no correlation was evident with markers of CLGI. iv) After adjusting for BMI, a positive and moderate correlation between adiponectin and body fat was evident only in the obese. v) The distribution of adiponectin within each BMI group was wide and overlapping the three BMI groups its median value being 10.9 μg/ml. (vi) This phenomenon was not due to higher concentrations of adiponectin in the females since it was apparent in the males. (vii) Adiponectin levels in each BMI group were separated into quartiles which revealed: a significant reverse association of adiponectin with total and leg fat mass, a weak correlation between adiponectin levels and markers of CLGI, and a significant correlation to insulin resistance.

In conclusion: adiponectin is widely distributed within each BMI group. It appears to be a good marker of adiposity and insulin resistance but not a valid marker of obesity-induced chronic inflammation.