Carotid intima media thickness is associated with plasma adiponectin but not with the leptin:adiponectin ratio independently of metabolic syndrome

PurposeA 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.MethodsIMT, plasma leptin, adiponectin and the L:A ratio were determined in 161 middle-aged men and women (45% metabolic syndrome).ResultsIMT 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.ConclusionThis study does not support the preferential use of the leptin:adiponectin ratio as a marker of atherosclerosis susceptibility.