Adiponectin and leptin serum concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Adipose tissue is regarded as an active metabolic and endocrine organ producing adipokines. The purpose of the study was to evaluate adiponectin and leptin concentrations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (pts) in relation to disease duration and activity. The study group consisted of 80 RA pts. Serum adiponectin and leptin concentrations remained within normal ranges. Adiponectin concentration correlated positively both with the age and disease duration. Both adipokines levels correlated negatively with glomerular filtration rate. There were significant positive correlations between adipokines' concentrations and lipid profile components (between adiponectin and HDL-cholesterol, leptin and total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol). In pts with long-standing RA, there was a negative correlation between adiponectin and numbers of tender, swollen joints and a positive relationship between leptin level and DAS28. The results confirm adipokines' involvement in the process of inflammation and atherosclerosis: protective and antiinflammatory adiponectin effect and proatherogenic and proinflammatory leptin function.