Adiponectin levels in obese and nonobese children with asthma

Background: The rolle of adiponectin, a protein secreted predominantly by adipocytes, is controversial. The adiponectin level is reduced in metabolic conditions associated with adipose tissue excess, while it is increased in the chronic inflammatory as well as in autoimmune diseases.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum adiponectin levels in children with asthma and compare it with healthy controls.

Method: The study included 62 patients with stable asthma (47 obese and 15 non-obese) and 15 healthy controls (45 males and 32 females; mean age 11.20 ± 2.85 years). All subjects were prospectively and consecutively evaluated. A skin prick test and blood sampling for assessing serum adiponectin levels and C reactive protein were preformed in all subjects. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using height and weight, waist circumference (WH) and waist to hip ratio (WHR), measured on the same day that pulmonary function tests performed.

Results: Adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher in obese asthmatic patients than in non-obese asthmatics patients and healthy controls (41.98±49.85 ng/ml vs. 7.23 ±3.07 ng/ml vs. 7.13 ±2.68 ng/ml, p<0.001). In the group of obese and non obese asthmatics we were not found statistically significant correlations between adiponectin levels and auxologycal parameters. CRP levels were also significantly higher in obese asthmatic patients then non-obese asthmatics and healthy controls (4.20±3.06 mg/l vs. 1.74±1.12 mg/l vs. 1.76±0.97 mg/l, p<0.001). The correlation between adiponectin and CRP was positive, but without significance. The correlations of adiponectin with indices of pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity and forced mid-expiratory flow) were negative (p<0.05;).

Conclusion: According to our results adiponectin seems to act as a protective factor against current asthma in obese asthmatic children.