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Reduced levels of adiponectin in sleep apnea syndrome

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Abstract

Background: To investigate adiponectin levels in an obese population with and without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the acute modifications in adiponectin after a whole-night control by auto continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). Methods: 46 obese subjects [22 males, 24 females, age 55.1±11.4 yr, body mass index (BMI) 38.9±6.5 kg/m2]: 11 OSAS with apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) from 10/h to 30/h, 14 OSAS with AHI >30/h and 21 without OSAS. Thirty-seven normal weight healthy subjects (20 males, 17 females, age 31.3±9.5 yr, BMI 21.5±1.8 kg/m2). Serum adiponectin levels, biochemical parameters, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function, pulse-oxymetry and polisomnography. Results: The 3 groups of obese patients were comparable for gender, BMI, age, fat mass, fat free mass, hip and waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure and glycometabolic parameters. Adiponectin levels were significantly reduced in obese patients compared to healthy normal weight subjects (8.1±3.5 vs 11.3±4.8 μg/ml p<0.001) In particular, adiponectin showed a trend to decrease according to the severity of OSAS. No differences in adiponectin levels were found after a whole-night control by Auto CPAP. Conclusions: OSAS is associated with reduced levels of adiponectin independently of insulin-resistance and BMI. These low adiponectin levels may contribute to the increased mortality seen in such patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Endocrine Sciences, University of Milan, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli, Regina Elena, IRCCS, Via F. Sforza, 35, 20122, Milan, Italy

    B. Masserini, P. S. Morpurgo, F. Donadio, P. Beck-Peccoz & E. Orsi MD

  2. Department of Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disease, Center of Sleep Respiratory Disorders, University of Milan, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli, Regina Elena, IRCCS, Milan, Italy

    C. Baldessari & R. Bossi

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  1. B. Masserini
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Masserini, B., Morpurgo, P.S., Donadio, F. et al. Reduced levels of adiponectin in sleep apnea syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 29, 700–705 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03344179

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