Correlation between adiponectin and factors related to the risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly.

Abstract

Introduction: Adipose tissue produces numerous endocrine substances that regulate various physiological functions. Among these substances, adiponectin stands out, which, among other functions, can provide protection against Cardiovascular Diseases, through its antiatherosclerotic and antihypertensive effects.

Objective: to evaluate the ADPN profile in the elderly and its correlation with factors related to the risk of CVD in the elderly.

Method: Cross-sectional, observational, quantitative study, carried out in a university hospital located in northeastern Brazil. The sample consisted of 76 elderly people, aged 60 years or over, of both sexes. Demographic data (sex, age), lifestyle (physical activity, smoking), anthropometric variables (weight, height), circumferences (waist, hips, neck) were collected; laboratory evaluation (blood count, serum levels of triacylglycerol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, CRP, blood glucose, adiponectin).

Results: Of the 76 patients evaluated, 31.58% were male, with a mean age of 71.21 years. Of the studied population, 36 elderly people collected a serum adiponectin sample. Patients who had a high adiposity index had an average adiponectin of 7.56 mcg/dl (p=0.041), those who received a nutritional diagnosis of being overweight had an average adiponectin of 6.80 mcg/dl (p=0.001). Those who had a high waist circumference had an average adiponectin of 8.05 mcg/dl (p=0.01) and those who had a high neck circumference had an average adiponectin of 7.69 mcg/dl (p= 0.038).

Discussion: It was observed that there was a prevalence of excess weight in the studied population (56.58%) and a negative correlation with the level of adiponectin (r= -0.595 p < 0.001). A significantly negative correlation was also evidenced between the percentage of body fat (p = 0.004) and adiponectin.

Conclusion: Adiponectin showed a significant correlation with anthropometric parameters related to cardiovascular diseases and body composition.