The Leptin to Adiponectin Ratio is a Marker of the Number of Metabolic Syndrome Criteria in French Adults

Abstract

Aim: Visceral distribution of adipose tissue (AT) is one of the key components of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Plasma concentrations of leptin and adiponectin are closely linked to AT distribution. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a marker of arterial stiffness, is linked to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this study is to describe the extent of the usefulness of the Leptin/Adiponectin (L/A) ratio as a marker of MetS. Methods: Leptin and adiponectin concentrations, magnetic resonance image-based of visceral and subcutaneous fat measurements, and carotid PWV were analyzed in the subjects of a French prospective cohort composed of 97 subjects not presenting metabolic syndrome (MetS-), 122 patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS+) without diabetes, and 94 type 2 diabetics (T2D) with MetS. Results: After adjustment for gender and age, leptinemia was found to be higher in MetS+ patients than in T2D patients. Adiponectinemia alone was not discriminated. There was a statistically significant difference in the L/A ratio between MetS- patients and the other groups. For the whole population, there is a positive correlation between the L/A and waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral fat (r=0.53), triglyceride concentrations, fasting glucose concentrations, insulinemia, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and number of MetS criteria (r=0.39). The L/A ratio is also significantly correlated with carotid artery stiffness. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of the L/A ratio as a marker, independent of age and gender, of a subject’s metabolic risk. The L/A Ratio is also a reliable marker for arterial stiffness.