Plasma adiponectin increases postprandially in obese, but not in lean, subjects.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the acute responses of plasma adiponectin levels to a test meal in lean and obese subjects.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

We studied 13 lean and 11 obese subjects after a 10-hour overnight fast. Glucose, insulin, and adiponectin concentrations were measured at baseline and 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after a fixed breakfast.

RESULTS

At baseline, fasting adiponectin concentrations were lower in the obese group vs. the lean group [mean (95% confidence interval): 2.9 (2.1 to 4.1) microg/mL vs. 8.6 (6.5 to 11.3) microg/mL], but rose 4-fold postprandially in the obese group, reaching a peak at 60 minutes [baseline: 2.9 (2.1 to 4.1) microg/mL vs. 60 minutes: 12.1 (8.5 to 17.4) microg/mL; p< 0.0001] and remaining elevated for the remainder of the study. There were no postprandial changes in plasma adiponectin concentrations in lean subjects.

DISCUSSION

This increase of adiponectin concentrations in obese individuals might have important beneficial effects on postprandial glucose and lipid metabolism and might be viewed as a mechanism for maintaining normal glucose tolerance in those who are obese and insulin resistant.