Adiponectin is related to markers of endothelial dysfunction and neoangiogenesis in diabetic patients

Adiponectin an adipokine, produced by mature adipocyte, has an important effect on several aspects of endothelial function, including leukocyte adhesion (mediated by adhesion molecules like intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) endothelial cell selective adhesion molecule ESAM). Recently, it has been linked to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-modulated angiogenesis. ESAM might also be involved in modulating VEGF-dependent actions. We studied relationship of adiponectin to ESAM, ICAM1, and VEGF in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DP) with or without microvascular complications.

Incident T2DP referred for nephrologic evaluation were included (patients with no nephropathy or stage 1-4 nephropathy). T2DP with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) were selected from a dialysis center. Clinical, standard laboratory assessment and adiponectin, ESAM, ICAM1, and VEGF (ELISA) were recorded.

Eighty-seven patients were included, 15 had no CKD, 30 with stage 1 or 2 CKD, 20 with stage 3 or 4 CKD and 22 patients on dialysis. ESAM was higher in patients with CKD than in those without CKD (p = 0.02), adiponectin, ICAM1, and VEGF were similar. Adiponectin correlated in univariate analysis to ESAM (r = 0.32, p = 0.002), ICAM1 (r = 0.23, p = 0.038), and CRP (r = 0.31, p = 0.012), and inversely to serum albumin (r = - 0.57, < 0.0001). In predialysis patients, adiponectin also correlated to albuminuria (r = 0.54, p < 0.0001) and glomerular filtration rate (r = - 0.46, p = 0.0001). In multivariate regression ESAM (p = 0.04), VEGF (p = 0.03), and albumin (p < 0.0001) are significant predictors of adiponectin. None of these cytokines were different when comparing patients with and without retinopathy.

Adiponectin is directly linked to adhesion molecules and VEGF in T2DP.