Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Carotid Atherosclerosis: Relevance of Combined Criteria Including the Serum Adiponectin Level for the General Population

Abstract

Objective The association between carotid atherosclerosis and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) was analyzed in the general population. The usefulness of the inclusion of the serum adiponectin concentration in the MetS criteria for the detection of atherosclerosis was also examined. Patients and MethodsThe 825 participants of a comprehensive health checkup who underwent carotid ultrasonography and the measurement of serum adiponectin levels were studied. Results The carotid plaque score (PLS) was significantly higher in the MetS group than in the non-MetS group in women, but not in men. In women, a significantly higher odds ratios was obtained for MetS, in terms of the current waist circumference criterion, and a high PLS (fourth quartile) (OR=2.64, p=0.040). In men, however, a waist circumference of around 85 cm did not reflect high a PLS, and even when the waist circumference criterion was varied, the odds ratio did not increase. When the waist circumference was replaced by hypoadiponectinemia in the current MetS criteria, the odds ratio was significantly increased in men (OR=1.82, p=0.032). Conclusion The current MetS criteria seem appropriate for women. In men, there was no significant evidence for the validity of the inclusion of the waist circumference criterion as an essential component. Incorporating hypoadiponectinemia into the current criteria would be useful for the early detection of atherosclerosis in men.

Correlation of serum adiponectin and adiponectin gene polymorphism with metabolic syndrome in Chinese adolescents

“…However, it remains unclear whether the predictive role of adiponectin levels is dependent on gender. A recent study in Japan 19 showed that the applicability of diagnostic criteria for MetS in adult males was inferior to the criteria for females. This study also found that replacing WC with the adiponectin level in the diagnostic criteria for MetS may be useful for identifying more males with CVD risk factors.…”

Visceral Fat Area and Serum Adiponectin Level Predict the Development of Metabolic Syndrome in a Community-Based Asymptomatic Population

“…Adipokines, such as adiponectin, are secreted by the adipose tissue or as a result of glucose and lipid metabolism. [20–22]. Accordingly, the level of adiponectin is associated with obesity-related disorders and metabolic risk factors [23–26].…”

Significance of the Presence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Asymptomatic Arteriosclerosis Affecting the Aorta and the Cerebral, Extra-cranial Carotid and Coronary Arteries

“…However, the relationship between MetS and the localization of arteriosclerosis remains uncertain. In subjects with MetS, carotid atherosclerosis on ultrasonography has been identified in several investigations (21)(22)(23)(24). Several authors (25)(26)(27) have found that asymptomatic cerebral infarction on MRI is significantly more frequently detected in subjects with MetS.…”