Lack of association between body mass index and plasma adiponectin levels in healthy adults

Abstract

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that obesity (increase in fat mass) independently affects the level of adipokines: adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNFa) and interleukin (IL)-6. Methods: Publications in the past decade reporting adult plasma adiponectin, leptin, TNFa and/or IL-6 levels were compiled. Mean gender-specific values were extracted from studies that included medical screening to confirm physical health (43 groups, total 4852 subjects). Correlation analysis was conducted between adipokine levels and body mass index (BMI), a widely used estimate of adiposity. Results: For healthy lean to obese adults of both genders, no significant correlation between plasma adiponectin and BMI was detected. There was also no gender difference in plasma adiponectin level. In contrast, leptin levels showed a positive correlation with BMI in both genders, and women had significantly higher levels of plasma leptin consistent with a higher percentage of body fat. The proinflammatory cytokine TNFa failed to show correlation with BMI. Although IL-6 showed a positive correlation with BMI in women, the obesity-related increase was very limited. Conclusions: Data analysis based on studies performed on healthy adults did not support the hypothesis that obesity independently affects the plasma level of adiponectin and TNFa. Reported obesity-related changes in plasma adipokine levels may be a consequence of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Future studies are especially needed to understand the homeostasis of adiponectin.

Influence of serum adiponectin level and SNP +45 polymorphism of adiponectin gene on myocardial fibrosis

“…Similarly, no significant differences were detected in TT and TG+GG genotypes between genders. Our results were in accordance with Kuo and Halpern (2011). Indeed, there were many inconsistent results concerning the impact of genders on adiponectin levels.…”

Relationship between adiponectin, obesity and insulin resistance

“…27 Recent evidence also suggests that adiponectin potently inhibits the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is induced by the formation of ROS, suggesting a broad anti-oxidant effect of adiponectin on blood vessels. 4 In summary, adiponectin emerges playing a key role in the protection and integrity of vasculature. Decreased adiponectin levels (and therefore its function), for instance in the case of obesity and metabolic syndrome, make people more susceptible to atherosclerotic vascular disease.…”

“…Although the risk is well established, the mechanisms leading to it are still unclear. 4 The pathogenic relationship between obesity, metabolic syndrome, and their cardiovascular complications is well established; however, the mechanisms by which excess body fat causes these conditions need to be clarified. The direct vascular and metabolic effects of plasma proteins that originate from adipose tissue, especially adiponectin, have received growing attention.…”

“…However, in some cases, individuals regarded as obese do not exhibit these changes. 4 Adiponectin was first described as a peptide of adipose tissue that becomes dysregulated in obesity. Shortly after, its potential as an anti-atherogenic factor was recognized for its ability to modulate the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and affect key mechanisms involved in atherogenesis.…”

Gender Differences Regarding Novel Biomarkers and Metabolic Risk Factors in Metformin Treated Type 2 Diabetic Patients

“…weight, BMI and waist circumference showed a somewhat stronger and more consistent association in women. As leptin is secreted by adipose tissue and in direct proportion to the amount of body fat, the relation with the anthropometric variables is expected [17,18]. The higher level of leptin among women is only partly related to the higher deposit of adipose tissue among women, and it has been hypothesized that women may be resistant to the unfavorable metabolic effects [19].…”