Decreased adiponectin level and effect of orlistat treatment in obesity

Abstract

Objective: Obesity, a serious, worldwide public health problem, is characterized by increased fat tissue and is a risk factor for insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, Diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerosis. Adiponectin, one of the many cytokines synthesized in the fat tissue, has protective effects on atherosclerosis. Orlistat, which is a lipase inhibitor, is a therapeutic agent whose efficiency in obesity was proven. In the present study, we aimed to examine serum adiponectin levels and the effect of orlistat treatment on serum adiponectin levels in obese individuals. Material and Methods: The study included 21 non-diabetic obese cases and 10 healthy individuals. Obese cases were divided into two groups; one group (n= 11) was recommended to use diet accompanied with 120 mg orlistat tid, and the other group (n= 10) was recommended to do life style changes along with diet. The study lasted 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the participants before and after the treatment to determine basal and post-treatment insulin, C-peptide and adiponectin levels, as well as routine blood biochemistry. Insulin resistance was evaluated by "homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR)" technique. Results: Adiponectin level was 18.8 ± 6.8 ?/mL in healthy individuals and 5.05 ± 1.7 ?/mL in obese individuals; the difference between the two was significant (p< 0.01). Although the difference was not statistically significant, serum adiponectin level was lower in hypertensive obese cases in comparison to normotensive obese cases, and in those without a family history of DM and cardiovascular disease compared to those with a family history. At the end of the 12-week treatment, there was a significant decrease in body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin in both groups and an additional decrease was observed in total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels in the orlistat group. Besides, serum adiponectin levels had significantly increased in both groups, relative to the levels before the treatment. Conclusion: Despite increased abdominal fat tissue, adiponectin level decreases in obesity. Weight lost with diet or orlistat in obese individuals resulted in an increase in adiponectin levels. Copyright & 2006 by Türkiye Klinikleri.