Plasma adiponectin and resistin levels in type 2 diabetic obese female patients with and without hypertension and retinopathy

ABSTRACT

In the past, adipose tissue was largely regarded as a depot for fuel storage in the form of triglyceride. However, adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ that secretes a variety of metabolically important substances including adipokines. The adipocyte is now known to secrete a variety of proteins such as tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, adipsin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, resistin, and adiponectin. Adipose tissue regulates insulin sensitivity via the circulating adipocytokines, resistin and adiponectin. These factors affect insulin sensitivity and may represent a link between obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes [DM]. The objective of this study was to compare the levels of resistin and adiponectin in type 2 diabetic obese female patients with and without hypertension and retinopathy. In this study the plasma adiponectin and resistin concentrations were investigated, in 20 control obese non-diabetic females and 40 obese female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The diabetic females were divided into 2 groups. G[I] included 20 controlled uncomplicated diabetics and GII included 20 diabetic patients with hypertension and retinopathy. The plasma concentration of adiponectin was significantly lower [P< 0.01] in diabetic females in G[I] and G[II] than non-diabetic control females. In diabetic patients with hypertension and retinopathy [G[II]] there was a significant decrease in plasma adiponectin levels [P< 0.01] as compared to their levels in diabetic females in G and control females. Our results also show that there were non-significant changes in plasma resistin in diabetic patients in both groups G[I] and G[II] as compared to their levels in control group. These results suggest that adiponectin may play a key role in pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its microangiopathy and macrovascular complications