Plasma adiponectin concentration is strongly associated with VLDL-TG catabolism in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Background and aims To investigate associations between plasma adiponectin concentration and very-low density lipoprotein–triglyceride (VLDL-TG) secretion and catabolism in postmenopausal women. Methods and results This cross-sectional study included 30 postmenopausal women. Plasma adiponectin concentration was measured by ELISA. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by a 2-h euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG) were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test. The calculation of VLDL-TG fractional catabolic rate (FCR) and VLDL-TG total secretion rate (TSR) were based on the monoexponential decrease of TG-[ 2H 5] glycerol values obtained following the administration of a 2H 5-glycerol bolus. Plasma adiponectin concentration was negatively associated with VLDL-TG TSR ( r = −0.50; p = 0.005) and positively associated with VLDL-TG FCR ( r = 0.54; p < 0.002). This latter association remained significant after further adjustments for insulin sensitivity, visceral adipose tissue, HDL-C, FPG and 2hPG concentrations. In a multivariate model including adiponectin, insulin sensitivity and 2hPG, plasma adiponectin level was the strongest correlate of VLDL-TG FCR. Conclusions Elevated plasma adiponectin concentration is associated with a favourable VLDL-TG metabolism.