Association of Adipokines and CIMT in Metabolic Syndrome in Western Uttar Pradesh Population: a Cross-Sectional Study

A cluster of metabolic indicators responsible to elevate the risk of high blood sugar, heart diseases along with stroke is called metabolic syndrome (MetS). Adipokines play critical roles in the formation and progression of these clusters of diseases. Adiponectin enhances fatty acid oxidation, prevents foam cell formation and improves lipid metabolism. In contrast, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) possesses pro-atherogenic properties. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is directly associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Complete information about the association related to adipokines and CIMT in MetS of Indian population is lacking.

To evaluate the association of adipokine levels and PAI-1 with CIMT in MetS patients, including its components.

We performed a cross-sectional study and IDF criteria were used for the screening of MetS. A total of 164 subjects with MetS (88 males and 76 females) and 100 controls (54 males and 46 females) were enrolled. Serum levels of adiponectin and PAI-1 were measured using ELISA. A CIMT measurement of carotid arteries was also done. The relationship between various parameters was assessed by the Pearson correlation coefficient test.

The levels of adiponectin were lower (p < 0.001), while those of PAI-1 and CIMT were higher (p < 0.001) when we compared patients with controls. When the number of metabolic abnormalities increased, the levels of adiponectin decreased and those of PAI-1 increased. There was a strong negative association between PAI-1 levels and those of adiponectin (p <0.001).

Our findings indicate that elevated PAI-1 levels are associated with a higher probability of having MetS and negatively impact MetS-related components.