Implanon use lowers plasma concentrations of high-molecular-weight adiponectin.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of the low-dosed etonogestrel-releasing contraceptive implant Implanon on new cardiovascular risk markers, we studied the effect of this implant on adiponectin and its metabolically important isomer high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW). Low-dosed progestagen-only contraception is preferentially prescribed to females with increased cardiovascular risks.


METHODS
Longitudinal study.


METHODS
Family-planning center of a university hospital.


METHODS
Forty healthy nonsmoking women with regular cycles (n=20 controls without hormonal contraception; n=20 cases wishing the insertion of Implanon).


METHODS
Blood samples for the measurements of adiponectin, HMW, C-reactive protein (CRP), sex hormone binding globulin, sexual hormones, and plasma lipids were taken in the early follicular phase of the cycle in both groups. A second sample was taken 12 weeks after Implanon insertion or in the controls during the early follicular phase of cycle four.


METHODS
At baseline there was a significant correlation between adiponectin and the parameters hsCRP and high-density lipoprotein. Implanon treatment caused a significant decrease in HMW and the HMW/adiponectin ratio. Additionally plasma lipids (cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein), sex hormone binding globulin, and testosterone levels decreased significantly. Adiponectin plasma concentrations were not affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-term Implanon use in healthy premenopausal women was associated with a decrease in the cardioprotective adiponectin isomer HMW. It remains to be investigated if this decrease persists after longer use of the implant.
Merki-Feld
Gabriele S
GS
Clinic for Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland. gabriele.merki@usz.ch
Imthurn
Bruno
B
Rosselli
Marinella
M
Spanaus
Katharina
K
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry; D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
C499918:ADIPOQ protein, human; D052242:Adiponectin; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; C044815:etonogestrel; D013739:Testosterone; D017135:Desogestrel