Extended-release niacin raises adiponectin and leptin.
BACKGROUND
The lipid-lowering drug niacin has attracted renewed interest because it raises HDL-cholesterol and because it has recently been found to slow down the progression of intima media thickness in patients with coronary heart disease. Since niacin acts on adipocytes, we investigated its impact on adipokines and on some functions attributed to adipokines.


RESULTS
In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study 30 men with the metabolic syndrome were treated for 6 weeks with 1500 mg extended-release niacin (n=20) or a placebo (n=10). Adiponectin increased by 56% (p<0.001) and leptin by 26.8% (p<0.012). Resistin, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and high sensitive CRP remained unchanged. In spite of the increase in adiponectin there was no improvement in endothelial function. The HOMA index actually deteriorated by 42% (p<0.014).


CONCLUSIONS
Short-term treatment with extended-release niacin causes a pronounced increase in adiponectin but fails to improve atheroprotective functions attributed to adiponectin, such as insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammation and endothelial function.
Westphal
Sabine
S
Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Magdeburg University Hospital, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany. Sabine.Westphal@Medizin.Uni-Magdeburg.de
Borucki
Katrin
K
Taneva
Elena
E
Makarova
Ruma
R
Luley
Claus
C
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D052242:Adiponectin / Q000097:blood*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009525:Niacin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010865:Pilot Projects
D052242:Adiponectin; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D020738:Leptin; D009525:Niacin