Aims: Adiponectin is an adipocytokine with antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated associations between circulating adiponectin, inflammation and cardiovascular disease in peritoneal dialysis patients.
Methods: A prospective study was performed in 59 non-diabetic patients. The concentrations of serum adiponectin, biochemical data and ultrasound of carotid artery were measured at enrollment. The patients were followed up to 39 months mainly for cardiovascular events.
Results: The serum adiponectin concentration was elevated and inversely related to C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in the patients. The adiponectin level of patients with carotid plaques was significantly lower than in those without plaques (p < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative survival without new cardiovascular events was better in patients with higher adiponectin levels than in those with lower adiponectin levels.
Conclusion: Serum adiponectin levels are inversely related with markers of systemic inflammation and signs of atherosclerosis which may explain why hyperadiponectinemia in this study was associated with better cardiovascular outcome.
(c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel