Abstract 11571: Associations of Adipokine Levels With Levels of Remnant Cholesterol: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Introduction: The metabolic phenotype of obesity is characterized by high levels of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins and remnant particles, which are atherogenic. Adipokines are endogenous hormones released from adipose tissue with several metabolic effects. We aimed to assess the association between adipokines and levels of remnant cholesterol (RC). Methods: We studied 1,791 MESA participants of an ancillary study who had adipokine levels measured (leptin, adiponectin, resistin) and CT assessment of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue at either visit 2 or 3. RC was calculated as non-HDL-C minus LDL-C, measured at the same visit as the adipokines. Multivariable adjusted linear regression models were used to assess the cross-sectional association between adipokines and RC levels. Results: Mean ± SD age was 64.5 ± 9.6 years; 52% women, 40% White, 21% Black, 26% Hispanic, and 14% Chinese-American participants. Median (IQR) of leptin, resistin and adiponectin were 13.1 (5.6-28.2) ng/mL, 14.9 (11.9-18.8) ng/mL and 17.5 (11.9-26.4) ng/mL, respectively. Those in the highest tertile of adiponectin had lower levels of TG [89 mg/dL (65-136)] and RC [18.8 mg/dL (15-24.9)] compared to the lowest tertile [TG 130 mg/dL (93-180); RC 23.6 mg/dL (19.1-30.2), p<0.01]. Individuals in the highest tertile of leptin had higher levels of TG [121 mg/dL (83-177)] and RC [22.8 mg/dL (17.8-30)] compared to the lowest tertile [TG 100 mg/dL (69-141); RC 20 mg/dL (15.7-25.4), p<0.01]. Diabetes was more prevalent in lowest tertile of adiponectin (18.8% vs. 9.1%) and highest tertile of leptin (15.8% vs. 10.7%) compared to their lowest tertiles. No significant differences were seen across resistin tertiles. After adjustment, levels of adiponectin and leptin remained significantly associated with higher levels of RC (Table) . Conclusion: Lower adiponectin and higher leptin levels were associated with worse metabolic profile, and independently associated with higher levels of RC.