Longitudinal associations between adiponectin and cardiac structure differ by hypertensive status: Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults

Objective We studied the longitudinal association between adiponectin and cardiac structure and function 10 years later stratified by hypertension status. Methods This was a multicenter longitudinal study of black and white men and women that began in 1985-1986, when participants were 18-30 years old. Adiponectin was measured at year 15 (2000-2001). Echocardiograms were completed at year 25 (2010-2011). Participants were stratified by the presence of hypertension. Risk factoradjusted echocardiographic variables were compared across adiponectin quintiles. Linear and quadratic regression models were also derived for risk factoradjusted echocardiographic variables. Results Relative to the lowest quintile of adiponectin, participants from the highest quintile had a 6% lower left ventricular mass index (LVMi) among normotensives and an 8% higher LVMi among hypertensives. Among normotensive participants, regression analysis showed a linear inverse relationship between adiponectin and LV mass, LVMi, posterior wall thickness, and ventricular septal thickness (all P≤0.05). Among hypertensive participants, regression analysis showed a U-shaped relationship between adiponectin and LV mass, LVMi, posterior wall thickness, and ventricular septal thickness (P≤0.005 for all quadratic terms). Conclusion Among normotensive participants, higher adiponectin may be a useful marker of less adverse future cardiac structure. Further study is required to determine whether adiponectin receptor agonists may provide a benefit among these individuals. Among hypertensive participants, further study is required to assess the prognostic and therapeutic use of adiponectin.