Adiponectin and body composition in cystic fibrosis

The aim of the study was to evaluate adiponectin (AD) serum concentrations in 43 stable CF patients and 27 healthy subjects and to correlate them with their nutritional status. Body Composition (Bioelectrical Impedance), visceral/subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT-SAT) in CF patients (CT-scan at L4), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and AD serum concentrations (ELISA) were studied. CF patients and controls had comparable weight, height, %BF, %FFM, fasting glucose, insulin and insulin resistance. CF patients had significantly lower BMI-SDS. CF males had higher %FFM and total FFM and lower %BF and total BF than females (p<0.001). Serum AD was higher in CF patients than controls (11.53+/-5.37 vs. 9.07+/-4.41 microg/ml) and comparable between females and males. AD was lowest among young malnourished patients (8.06+/-1.85 microg/ml) and highest among young patients with normal nutrition (14.56+/-7.69 microg/ml). Patients with biliary cirrhosis had higher levels than patients with normal liver (10.52+/-5.49 vs. 14.04+/-4.52 mug/ml, p<0.05). AD correlated with %BF, %FFM, FFM (kg) (p<0.05).VAT was significantly increased in malnourished patients. AD was not affected by VAT.

Adiponectin is higher in CF patients than healthy individuals. It is decreased in malnourished young patients and increased in patients with normal nutrition and in patients with liver disease. This may be attributed to the reduced BF and to the energy deficit inherent to the disease.