Association between serum/plasma adiponectin levels and immune-mediated diseases: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Adiponectin plays an important role in the development of immune-mediated diseases. Currently published data regarding the relationship between serum/plasma levels of adiponectin and immune-mediated diseases are inconsistent. We therefore conducted this meta-analysis to explore the association of serum/plasma adiponectin levels with immune-mediated diseases in humans. Systematic literature search was conducted to identify all relevant studies. The study quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by random-effect model analysis. A total of 47 studies were included in our meta-analysis, including 27 studies of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), 9 studies of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 7 studies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 4 studies of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The results revealed significant differences in serum/plasma levels of adiponectin between immune-mediated diseases and normal controls (SMD = 1.262, 95% CI 0.766-1.758, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis stratified by disease type, the serum/plasma levels of adiponectin in T1DM, RA and SLE patients were higher than those in normal control, but not in AS patients. Moreover, in the subgroup analysis stratified by gender, in both men and women group, the serum/plasma levels of adiponectin in patients with immune-mediated diseases were higher than that in the control group. Furthermore, subgroup analyses also showed that immune-mediated diseases from Asian population, Caucasian population, mean age >40 years, and BMI ≥24 kg/m had higher serum/plasma adiponectin levels when compared with normal controls. Collectively, this meta-analysis demonstrates that serum/plasma levels of adiponectin in T1DM, RA and SLE patients were higher than those in normal controls, but not in AS patients.

Multifaceted Physiological Roles of Adiponectin in Inflammation and Diseases

“…In contrast to metabolic disorders, a high HMW serum level in autoimmune diseases seems to exacerbate chronic inflammation through a pro-inflammatory reaction of HMW. Patients with autoimmune disease show continuous production of HMW, and the severity of their symptoms had a positive relationship with the serum HMW level [122,123]. In addition, both NF-κB and TNF-α are consistently stimulated in patients with autoimmune diseases [137].…”

“…Adiponectin is increased in some diseases with chronic inflammation such as RA, CKD, IBD, type 1 diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [76]. In addition, other studies showed that patients with systemic autoimmune diseases have elevated adiponectin serum levels [122,123]. However, the reasons why adiponectin is positively associated with autoimmune diseases have not been elucidated, and adiponectin's role in inflammation remains controversial.…”

Adipokines and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a Mendelian randomization study

“…A large number of observational epidemiological studies have been undertaken to investigate the role of adipokines in the occurrence and progression of RA. Two recent meta-analyses of case-control studies demonstrated that circulating adiponectin levels could be signi cantly higher in the RA patients than those in the health controls [30,31]. However, it was also reported separately that adiponectin levels were not related to RA activity [30,32].…”

Obesity: A Risk Factor for Infection after Surgery

“…Adiponectin can inhibit the phagocytic activity of macrophages, reduce the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha and gamma interferon, as well as induce the production of interleukin 10 and interleukin 1 receptor antagonists which are antiinflammatory molecules. However, serum/plasma levels of adiponectin are higher in immune-mediated diseases [17,18]. In contrast, in obese patients, adiponectin levels are lower than controls, and it has been observed that production of this adipocytokine increases after weight loss [19].…”