Assessment of adiponectin and its isoforms in Polish centenarians

BackgroundThe physiological mechanisms that promote longevity remain unclear. It has been suggested that insulin sensitivity is preserved in centenarians, whereas typical aging is accompanied by increasing insulin resistance. The oldest-old individuals display raised total adiponectin levels, despite the potential correlation between enhanced adiponectin and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.AimTo evaluate the level of adiponectin and its isoforms in sera of centenarians and to assess associations between adiponectin and metabolic parameters.ParticipantsA group of 58 Polish centenarians (50 women and 8 men, mean age 101 ± 1.34 years) and 68 elderly persons (55 women and 13 men, mean age 70 ± 5.69 years) as controls.MeasurementsSerum samples were analyzed to evaluate the following parameters: adiponectin array (total adiponectin, HWM-, MMW- and LMW-adiponectin; all by ELISA methods), insulin (by IRMA methods), glucose and lipid profiles. HOMA-IR was calculated. Clinical data were collected. Statistical analyses were performed.ResultsThe concentrations of all adiponectin isoforms were significantly higher in the oldest-old participants. In the centenarian group, total adiponectin positively correlated with age and HDL-cholesterol, and HMW-adiponectin was negatively associated with insulin and triglycerides. The long-lived participants had a lower incidence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity, with lower concentrations of serum glucose and insulin, and reduced HOMA-IR.ConclusionOur findings support the thesis that centenarians possess a different adiponectin isoform pattern and have a favorable metabolic phenotype in comparison with elderly individuals. However, additional work is necessary to understand the relevance of these findings to longevity.

► Assessment of adiponectin array was performed in Polish centenarians.
► Levels of total adiponectin and its fractions were markedly higher in centenarians.
► Centenarians had more favorable health status than younger participants.
► Increased adiponectin array and better metabolic status may lead to healthy aging.