Relationship between adiponectin and left atrium size in uncomplicated obese patients: adiponectin, a link between
Juan Ybarra1, Eugenia Resmini, Francesc Planas
1Instituto de Cardiología y Medicina Avanzada, Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona 08017, Spain. JYbarraM@santpau.cat
Insights
Lower adiponectin levels are linked to larger left atrial (LA) size in obese individuals, independent of other factors. This suggests adiponectin may influence cardiac remodeling in obesity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Obesity Medicine
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, often associated with left ventricle (LV) and left atrium (LA) enlargement.
- Factors beyond hemodynamics may contribute to LA remodeling in obese patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between adiponectin levels and LA size in uncomplicated obese individuals.
- To explore adiponectin's potential role in cardiac remodeling.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 74 asymptomatic obese patients and 70 controls.
- Echocardiographic, clinical, and analytical assessments, including measurement of serum total adiponectin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
Main Results:
- Obese individuals exhibited lower adiponectin levels and larger LA sizes compared to controls.
- Adiponectin levels correlated significantly with various metabolic markers, LV mass, and LA size.
- An inverse relationship between adiponectin and LA size persisted even after adjusting for HOMA-IR, age, sex, and LV mass.
Conclusions:
- A novel inverse relationship exists between adiponectin and LA size in obese individuals, independent of age, sex, insulin resistance, and LV mass.
- Adiponectin may serve as a link between adipose tissue and cardiac remodeling.
Background:
It is well known that obesity is a risk factor for severe cardiovascular complications, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, venous thromboembolic disease, and atrial fibrillation. Left ventricle (LV) and left atrium (LA) enlargement is a characteristic feature of these patients with the consequent cardiovascular risk. Factors other than hemodynamic may influence LA remodeling. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between adiponectin and LA size in uncomplicated obese patients.
Methods:
Seventy-four asymptomatic obese patients and an age- and sex-matched control group (N = 70) were recruited. A detailed clinical, echocardiographic, and analytical study was performed. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. Insulin sensitivity was assessed measuring serum total adiponectin concentrations.
Results:
Adiponectin levels were lower in the obese group (P < 0.001) and particularly so in those obese participants with enlarged LA (32%; P < 0.0005). LA sizes were higher in the obese group (P < 0.0005). Adiponectin displayed significant correlations with body mass index, glucose, insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations as well as HOMA-IR (P < 0.001 for all). Adiponectin displayed significant correlations with LV mass and LA size, diastolic and systolic cardiac volumes and diameters, and cardiac output (P < 0.001 for all). Adiponectin correlations with LA size (r = -0.429; P < 0.001) persisted after adjustment for HOMA-IR, age, sex, and LV mass.
Conclusions:
A novel inverse relationship between adiponectin and LA size independent of age, sex, insulin resistance, and LV mass appears in our series. Adiponectin could be a link between adipose tissue and the heart, having an influence on cardiac remodeling.
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