Background The association of adipocyte-derived
proteins, adiponectin and leptin, with the degree of
coronary atherosclerosis has not been not been well
elucidated. This study aimed to determine the relationship
between serum adiponectin and leptin with the presence
and degree of coronary atherosclerosis.
Methods Seventy patients and 20 matched controls
were recruited. Angiographic evaluation of coronary
atherosclerosis was carried out by assessing three
atherosclerotic indices, severity (transverse disease),
extent (longitudinal disease), and pattern (lesion
complexity).
Results The independent predictors of atherosclerosis
severity were larger waist/hip ratio, followed by higher lowdensity
lipoprotein-cholesterol, low serum adiponectin
level, older age, higher leptin level, current unstable angina,
and finally previous myocardial infarction (MI). This model
is a good one as indicated by the model-adjusted r2 (50%).
For extent index, lower serum adiponectin level was by far
the most important independent predictor, followed by
higher low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, older age, and
previous MI, whereas higher serum leptin level was only
a univariate predictor. The model-adjusted r2 was 65%. For
pattern index, the independent predictors were previous
MI, lower serum adiponectin level, larger waist/hip ratio,
higher serum leptin level, older age, and higher fasting
blood glucose level. The model-adjusted r2 was 62%.
Conclusion Both serum adiponectin and leptin might play
an important pathogenic role not only in the occurrence
but also in the severity, extent, and lesion complexity
in coronary artery disease patients. Coron Artery Dis
22:264–269 c 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins.