Low Adiponectin Levels Are an Independent Predictor of Mixed and Non-Calcified Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques
2009

Low Adiponectin Levels and Coronary Plaque

Sample size: 303 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Uli C. Broedl, Corinna Lebherz, Michael Lehrke, Renee Stark, Martin Greif, Alexander Becker, Franz von Ziegler, Janine Tittus, Maximilian Reiser, Christoph Becker, Burkhard Göke, Klaus G. Parhofer, Alexander W. Leber

Primary Institution: University of Munich, Munich, Germany

Hypothesis

Are low serum adiponectin levels associated with coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden and morphology?

Conclusion

Low adiponectin levels predict mixed and non-calcified coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden.

Supporting Evidence

  • Adiponectin levels were inversely correlated with total coronary plaque burden.
  • Adiponectin levels accounted for approximately 20% of the variability in mixed and non-calcified plaque burden.
  • No correlation was seen with calcified plaques.

Takeaway

If you have low levels of a substance called adiponectin, it might mean you have more dangerous types of heart plaque that can lead to heart problems.

Methodology

Serum adiponectin levels were measured in patients who underwent CT-angiography to assess coronary artery plaques.

Potential Biases

The study may not be applicable to diabetic patients as they were underrepresented.

Limitations

The study does not establish a causal relationship between adiponectin and coronary plaque morphology.

Participant Demographics

303 patients with stable chest pain, median age 63, 202 males and 101 females.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95%CI: −0.052 to −0.020

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004733

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