Association between high molecular weight adiponectin levels and metabolic parameters.

AIM

Low plasma adiponectin levels have been demonstrated to be linked to obesity and insulin resistance. It has also been suggested that high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin is more important for vascular protection than the total amount of adiponectin, although clinical data of HMW adiponectin are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate HMW adiponectin levels in Japanese rural residents and to elucidate their clinical significance.

METHODS

We measured plasma HMW adiponectin levels in 1,183 subjects (643 men) who participated in our annual health check program in Kashima-city, Saga, Japan.

RESULTS

The median plasma level of HMW adiponectin was significantly lower in men than women (2.6, 1.64.0 vs 6.5, 3.78.6 microg/mL, p<0.001), respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that body weight, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were independently associated with HMW adiponectin in both genders. Triglyceride and serum creatinine levels were associated with HMW adiponectin in men only.

CONCLUSIONS

HMW adiponectin levels were lower in men than in women and were associated with BNP independently. A prospective follow-up of the subjects in this study is required to determine the usefulness of HMW adiponectin as a biomarker for predicting the development of cardiovascular disease.