The adiponectin/leptin ratio as a biomarker of adiposopathy and visceral adipose tissue accumulation: sex-specific mechanisms.
The adiponectin/leptin ratio may be a useful biomarker for assessing visceral fat accumulation, especially in postmenopausal women, but further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the lanreotide corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the adiponectin/leptin ratio (ALR) as a biomarker for adipose tissue functionality and its association with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation in 54 adults (29 males, 25 postmenopausal females) aged 30-70 years. The study found that in postmenopausal females, ALR was inversely associated with several factors including adipocyte size and VAT area. In males, ALR and insulin resistance were independently associated with VAT.
Abstract
Adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction can lead to increased visceral AT (VAT) and metabolic damage. The adiponectin/leptin ratio (ALR) has been proposed as a biomarker of AT functionality. However, its participation in VAT accumulation and the impact of sex on these associations have not been evaluated. In an analytical cross-sectional study, 54 adults (29 male, 25 postmenopausal females, aged 30-70 years, BMI 19-31 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) were analysed. Anthropometric data, fasting serum samples, and subcutaneous AT (SAT) biopsies were obtained. Morpho-functional AT characteristics included ALR, adipocyte size, macrophage content and AT insulin resistance (ADIPO-IR). Using multivariate and mediation models, we evaluated the associations of SAT characteristics with systemic IR (TyG index), systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein), and VAT area. In postmenopausal females, ALR was inversely associated with adipocyte size, macrophage number, TyG index, CRP, and VAT area. SAT inflammation and ADIPO-IR were independently associated with VAT, and a mediation model suggested ALR as a possible precursor of VAT. Among males, ADIPO-IR and ALR were independently associated with VAT. These findings emphasize the importance of considering sex differences in the prevention and treatment strategies for metabolic diseases among Mexican-Mestizo populations, although these results should be confirmed by prospective studies.
Background
This paper addresses the role of adipose tissue dysfunction in visceral adipose tissue accumulation and metabolic damage. Prior research has indicated that the adiponectin/leptin ratio (ALR) may serve as a biomarker of adipose tissue functionality, but its specific role in visceral fat accumulation and the influence of sex differences had not been thoroughly evaluated. This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing the associations of ALR with various metabolic parameters in a specific population.
Methods
The study employed an analytical cross-sectional design involving 54 adults (29 male, 25 postmenopausal females) aged 30-70 years with a BMI of 19-31 kg/m². Anthropometric data, fasting serum samples, and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were collected. The primary outcomes included the associations of ALR with systemic insulin resistance (TyG index), systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein), and visceral adipose tissue area.
Results
In postmenopausal females, ALR was inversely associated with adipocyte size, macrophage number, TyG index, CRP, and VAT area. SAT inflammation and ADIPO-IR were independently associated with VAT. Among males, ADIPO-IR and ALR were independently associated with VAT.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that ALR may be a relevant biomarker for assessing adipose tissue functionality and its relationship with visceral fat, particularly in postmenopausal females. However, the effect sizes and clinical significance of these associations are not clearly defined. The study's cross-sectional nature limits the ability to draw causal inferences, and the results may not be generalizable beyond the Mexican-Mestizo population studied.
Key findings
- In postmenopausal females, ALR was inversely associated with adipocyte size, macrophage number, TyG index, CRP, and VAT area.
- SAT inflammation and ADIPO-IR were independently associated with VAT.
- Among males, ADIPO-IR and ALR were independently associated with VAT.
Limitations
- small n=54
- cross-sectional design limits causal inference
- results should be confirmed by prospective studies
- specific to Mexican-Mestizo population, limiting generalizability