Association between adipocytokines and insulin resistance in Indian hypertensive patients

Although the relationship between obesity, hypertension (HT), and insulin resistance is well-recognised, the pathophysiological mechanism involved is relatively poorly understood. The present study aims in examining the relationship between adipocytokines and insulin resistance in Indian hypertensive patients to better understand the pathogenesis of HT.

A total of 124 subjects including 41 controls, 41 obese, and 42 hypertensive patients were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Fasting adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Insulin resistance (IR) index was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The relation between these variables was studied by univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Among the hypertensive patients, obese hypertensive patients exhibited significantly increased HOMA-IR and altered adipocytokine profile compared to the non-obese control subjects. In a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis with IR as a dependant variable, the study shows leptin as a significant predictor in hypertensive patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that among the adipocytokines, leptin had a strong association with HT in our population.

Among the adipocytokine, serum leptin levels were significantly increased in hypertensive patients and were also associated with IR and HT. Thus, our findings suggest that leptin may be playing an important role in the development of HT in our population.