Carotid intima media thickness is associated with plasma adiponectin but not with the leptin:adiponectin ratio independently of metabolic syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
A recent report showed no benefit of the leptin:adiponectin ratio (L:A ratio) over individual adipokine levels in CHD prediction [8]. We determined associations of carotid intima media thickness (IMT) with the L:A ratio taking account of cardiovascular risk factors in a high risk population.


METHODS
IMT, plasma leptin, adiponectin and the L:A ratio were determined in 161 middle-aged men and women (45% metabolic syndrome).


RESULTS
IMT was associated inversely with adiponectin and positively with the L:A ratio in age- and sex-adjusted multiple linear regression analyses (P<0.001 for both). After controlling for metabolic syndrome, the independent association with adiponectin remained (P<0.001), but the relationship with the L:A ratio disappeared (P=0.126). Results were similar after additional adjustment for diabetes status or for insulin resistance.


CONCLUSIONS
This study does not support the preferential use of the leptin:adiponectin ratio as a marker of atherosclerosis susceptibility.
Dullaart
Robin P F
RP
Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. r.p.f.dullaart@int.umcg.nl
Kappelle
Paul J W H
PJ
Dallinga-Thie
Geesje M
GM
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000097:blood*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology*; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000473:pathology*
D052242:Adiponectin; D020738:Leptin