Tag: James Josh Snodgrass

Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes that is involved in a number of metabolic processes. A decreased production of adiponectin is an important risk factor linking obesity with other cardiovascular risk factors. However, few population-based studies have been conducted on this emerging biomarker, and virtually all existing data come from Western clinical settings. This study, part of a long-term research project focused on the indigenous Yakut (Sakha) of northeastern Siberia, examines potential sex differences in adiponectin and investigates relationships with body composition and blood pressure. The data were collected in 2009 from 255 healthy Yakut adults (≥18 years old; 137 females, 118 males) and used to test two hypotheses: 1) adiponectin levels will be higher in females compared to males; and 2) adiponectin will be inversely related to body composition and blood pressure measures. Results indicate a significant sex difference, with greater concentrations in females compared to males (P < 0.01). Adiponectin was negatively correlated with several anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and percent body fat (all measures P < 0.01) among males, and BMI (P < 0.05), WC (P < 0.01), and percent body fat (P < 0.01) among females. However, adiponectin among the Yakut was not significantly correlated with blood pressure in either sex, which raises questions about its utility as a cardiovascular risk marker in this population.