Adiponectin and Lipoprotein Particle Size

OBJECTIVE Adiponectin has been postulated to affect lipid and insulin signal transduction pathways. We evaluated the relationships of plasma adiponectin with lipoprotein mean particle size and subclass concentrations, independent of obesity and insulin sensitivity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of 884 young Israeli adults who participated in the population-based Jerusalem Lipid Research Clinic (LRC) study was conducted. Lipoprotein particle size was assessed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance. RESULTS In multivariable linear regression models that included sex, BMI, waist circumference, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and leptin, adiponectin was associated with mean LDL size (standardized regression coefficient B = 0.20; P < 0.001), VLDL size (B = -0.12; P < 0.001), and HDL size (B = 0.06; P = 0.013). Adiponectin was inversely related to large VLDL (P < 0.001) but positively to small VLDL (P = 0.02), inversely related to small LDL (P < 0.006) but positively to large LDL (P < 0.001), and positively related to large HDL (P < 0.001) subclass concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Adiponectin is favorably associated with lipoprotein particle size and subclass distribution independent of adiposity and insulin sensitivity.