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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
05:45
Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing
Published on: October 25, 2019
Leptin, adiponectin, and asthma: findings from a population-based cohort study
Tim J T Sutherland1, Malcolm R Sears, Christene R McLachlan
1Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Summary
Obesity may increase asthma risk, but this study found no link between asthma and key adipokines (leptin, adiponectin) in young adults. Further research is needed on adiponectin and exhaled nitric oxide in men.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Obesity is linked to increased asthma risk, particularly in women.
- Adipokines from adipose tissue may influence this association through immune modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine associations between asthma phenotypes and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin) in young adults.
- Investigate leptin and adiponectin roles in asthma markers.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of a population-based birth cohort (approx. 1,000 individuals, age 32).
- Evaluated associations between leptin/adiponectin and asthma diagnosis, wheeze, bronchodilator response, airflow obstruction, and exhaled nitric oxide.
- Used logistic/linear regression, adjusting for smoking and body fat.
Main Results:
- No significant associations found between leptin and asthma markers in men or women.
- In men, higher adiponectin correlated with lower exhaled nitric oxide (significant after body fat adjustment).
- In men, higher adiponectin showed a non-significant association with increased bronchodilator responsiveness; no asthma marker associations in women.
Conclusions:
- The inverse association between adiponectin and exhaled nitric oxide in men requires further study.
- Leptin and adiponectin levels are unlikely to explain the obesity-asthma link.
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