Temporal changes of adiponectin plasma levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Its decreased levels were noted in patients with ischemic stroke (IS). Animal studies suggest that the decline of adiponectin levels in the acute IS phase is a dynamic process. The aim of the present study was to analyze the temporal expression of the adiponectin plasma levels in patients with acute IS. Thirty-one consecutive patients with first-ever IS (mean age ± SD: 69.5 ± 12.5 years; 12 women) and 26 control subjects (CS; 72.2 ± 7.6 years; 18 women) were included into the study. Plasma adiponectin levels were measured at three time points: within first 24 hours, on Days 2-4, and on Days 5-10 days after the onset of IS. Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in IS patients on admission comparing with CS (medians: 6.0 μg/ml vs. 11.3 μg/ml, respectively; P < 0.05) and continued to decline at later time points (P < 0.001).