Adiponectin levels in obese and non-obese middle-aged African–American women

SummaryContextAdiponectin levels in African–Americans are poorly described.ObjectiveTo assess predictors of serum adiponectin levels in obese and non-obese middle-aged African–American women.MethodsSerum adiponectin, testosterone (T), free androgen index (FAI), estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), leptin, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), triglycerides and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 142 obese and 102 non-obese, community-dwelling, African–American women in St. Louis, Missouri. Medical history, physical activity, anthropometry, medications and body composition were assessed.ResultsAdiponectin and SHBG levels were lower and leptin and CRP were higher in obese compared to non-obese women (P's < 0.01). Overall, log adiponectin was positively associated with age (R = 0.13) and log SHBG (R = 0.29), and inversely associated with anthropometric measures (R's = −0.17 to −0.36), serum androgens (R's = −0.21 to −0.23), log estradiol (R = −0.21), log leptin (R = −0.15), log triglycerides (R = −0.33) and log CRP (R = −0.29). Overall, multivariate modelling significantly predicted 32% of variation in adiponectin level; the most significant factors were WHR (β = −1.33), SHBG (β = 0.23) and triglycerides (β = −0.34). In non-obese women, the model predicted 27% of variation in adiponectin level; no individual factor was independently associated. In obese women, the model predicted 30% of variation in adiponectin level; the most significant factors were WHR (β = −1.49), triglycerides (β = −0.34) and history of stroke (β = −0.71).ConclusionsAdiponectin level in African–American women is predicted by WHR, SHBG, and triglycerides; stroke history adds predictive value in obese women.