The relationship between plasma level of adiponectin and coronary lesion complexity in the population of north-east China.

The relationship between plasma adiponectin and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in 683 cases of suspected CAD from north-east China was determined. Cases were divided into four groups, as follows: group 1, no stenosis; group 2, > 50% stenosis of one vessel; group 3, > 50% stenosis of two vessels; group 4, > 50% stenosis of three or more vessels. Group 1 was classified as a non-CAD group (control) and groups 2, 3 and 4 were classified as CAD groups. Plasma adiponectin levels were significantly correlated with coronary artery stenosis and were lower in the CAD groups than in the non-CAD group. Adiponectin concentration decreased from group 2 to group 4, but this difference was not significant. Adiponectin levels among females were also lower than for males in the CAD groups. There was a significant difference between plasma adiponectin levels in patients with coronary stenoses versus those without, but there were no significant differences between the three CAD groups in terms of plasma adiponectin levels.