Adiponectin, but not leptin, is associated with the metabolically healthy obesity phenotype

Abstract

Background: It is currently unknown whether high adiponectin or low leptin levels induce a favorable metabolic profile in the metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype. Objective: To determine the association between leptin and adiponectin levels with the MHO phenotype. Methods: Apparently healthy men and women aged 18 years or more with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were selected for a case–control study. Individuals with MHO were allocated to the case group while those with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) were assigned to the control group. Results: A total of 76 individuals were enrolled and allocated into the groups with MHO (n = 38) and MUO (n = 38). The logistic regression analysis adjusted by age, sex, BMI, and waist circumference showed that fasting glucose (odds ratio [OR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80–0.93) and triglycerides (OR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.98-0.99) are inversely associated with MHO, while adiponectin levels had a positive association (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.31-2.38). However, leptin concentrations were not associated with MHO (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.93-1.02). Conclusion: The adiponectin concentrations, but not leptin, are positively associated with the MHO phenotype.

Keywords

• Metabolically healthy obesity. Leptin. Adiponectin.