Association of serum leptin and adiponectin with anthropomorphic indices of obesity, blood lipids and insulin resistance in a Sub-Saharan African population

Abstract

BackgroundThere is little data on the metabolic effects of adipokines in sub-Saharan African populations. This study aimed to explore the potential relationship of leptin and adiponectin, with obesity, plasma lipids and insulin resistance in a Cameroonian population.MethodsWe enrolled 167 men and 309 women aged ≥18 years from the general population in Cameroon. Data were collected on waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat (BF%), fasting blood glucose, plasma lipids, adiponectin, leptin, insulin and homeostasis model for assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Pearson’s correlation and multiple stepwise linear regression analyses were used to determine correlates of leptin and adiponectin serum levels.ResultsThe prevalence of obesity was higher in women compared to men (p < 0.0001), and Central obesity which is more prevalent particularly in women (WC = 42.4 %, WHR = 42.3 %), is almost for 90 % comparable to %BF (42.7 %).Adiponectin negatively with BMI (r = −0.294, p < 0.0001), WC (r = −0.294, p < 0.0001), %BF (r = −0.122, p = 0.028), WHR (r = −0.143, p = 0.009), triglycerides (r = −0.141, p = 0.011), HOMA-IR (r = −0.145, p = 0.027) and insulin (r = −0.130, p = 0.048). Leptin positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.628), WC (r = 0.530), BF% (r = 0.720), (all p < 0.0001); with DBP (r = 0.112, p = 0.043), total cholesterol (r = 0.324, p < 0.0001), LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.298, p < 0.0001), insulin (r = 0.320, p < 0.001 and HOMA-IR (r = 0.272, p < 0.0001).In multiple stepwise regression analysis, adiponectin was negatively associated with WC (β = −0.38, p = 0.001) and BF% (β = 0.33, p < 0.0001), while leptin was positively associated with BF% (β = 0.60, p < 0.0001), total cholesterol (β = 0.11, p = 0.02) and HOMA-IR (β = 0.11, p = 0.02). When controlled for gender, HOMA-IR was found significantly associated to adiponectin (β = 0.13, p = 0.046), but not BF%, while the association previously found between leptin and HOMA-IR disappeared; BMI and WC were significantly associated with leptin (β = 0.18, p = 0.04 & β = 0.19, p = 0.02 respectively).ConclusionThis study, which includes a population who was not receiving potentially confounding medications, confirms the associations previously observed of adiponectin with reduced adiposity especially central adiposity and improved insulin sensitivity. Confirmatory associations were also observed between leptin and obesity, blood lipids and insulin resistance for the first time in an African population. Gender was significant covariate interacting with insulin sensitivity/insulin resistance and obesity indexes associations in this population.

Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation in Childhood Obesity Is Associated with Decreased IL-10 Expression by Monocyte Subsets

“…Indeed, adiponectin, leptin and other mediators have been associated with obesity [39, 40], but their association with the immune response of children with obesity shown in this paper is a new finding. We demonstrated an increase in all clinical parameters evaluated in children with obesity, except for HDL and adiponectin.…”

Epidemiology of Overweight and Obesity in Adults Living in Cameroon: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

“…Full texts of the remaining 76 records were scrutinized for eligibility, among which 50 were excluded. In the end, 26 studies were retained for meta‐analysis (Supporting Information Figure S1).…”

“…Seventeen studies were conducted in an urban area only, two in a rural area only, and seven in both urban and rural areas (Supporting Information Table S4). Twenty‐four studies measured BMI , sixteen measured WC , eight measured WHR , and two measured %BF .…”

Review: Metabolic Syndrome in Black South African Women

“…69 A positive association between leptin and blood pressure in Black South African women has been observed, 70,71 and leptin also correlates with total cholesterol levels. 72 Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with cardiometabolic diseases; however, the evidence is inconsistent. 73,74 A recent Iranian study noted that vitamin D supplementation improves vitamin D status and lowers triglyceride levels in patients with MetS.…”