Reduced levels of adiponectin in sleep apnea syndrome

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 (BIVII) 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, fatfree 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.