Reciprocal association of C-reactive protein with adiponectin in blood stream and adipose tissue

Noriyuki Ouchi ¹, Shinji Kihara , Tohru Funahashi

⁰Department of Internal Medicine and Molecular Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan. ouchi@imed2.med.osaka-u.ac.jp

Circulation +

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February 13, 2003

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Adiponectin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) show an inverse relationship in both blood and adipose tissue. Lower adiponectin and higher hs-CRP levels are linked to coronary artery disease (CAD).

Area Of Science

Cardiovascular Research
Metabolic Syndrome
Inflammation Biology

Background

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).
Adiponectin, an anti-atherogenic protein secreted by adipocytes, plays a role in vascular health.
The interplay between adiponectin and CRP in CAD development requires further elucidation.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the association between adiponectin and CRP in human plasma and adipose tissue.
To determine if these associations differ between patients with and without coronary atherosclerosis.
To explore the expression and correlation of CRP and adiponectin at the mRNA level in adipose tissue.

Main Methods

Analysis of plasma levels of hs-CRP and adiponectin in 101 male patients (71 with CAD, 30 controls).
Quantitative real-time PCR to measure CRP and adiponectin mRNA expression in human adipose tissue.
Comparison of adipose tissue CRP mRNA levels in adiponectin-deficient and wild-type mice.

Main Results

Plasma hs-CRP levels were negatively correlated with plasma adiponectin levels (r=-0.29, P<0.01).
CAD patients exhibited significantly lower adiponectin and higher hs-CRP levels than controls.
A strong inverse correlation was found between CRP and adiponectin mRNA levels in adipose tissue (r=-0.89, P<0.01).
CRP mRNA expression was detected in human adipose tissue, and was higher in adiponectin-deficient mice.

Conclusions

A reciprocal association exists between adiponectin and CRP in both plasma and adipose tissue.
This interplay may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Adipose tissue is a site of CRP production and its expression is linked to adiponectin levels.

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