Relationships of total adiponectin and molecular weight fractions of adiponectin with free testosterone in African men and premenopausal women.

Adiponectin, a protein secreted by adipose tissue, has anti-inflammatory, antithrombogenic, and antidiabetogenic effects. Lower plasma adiponectin levels are present in diabetes, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin levels are higher in women compared with men. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between total adiponectin, or the molecular weight fractions of adiponectin, and testosterone levels in African American men and premenopausal women. A sample (N=48) of men and premenopausal women was selected based on high and low serum-free testosterone level. All patients had data on blood pressure, metabolic risk factors, and sex hormone levels. Stored plasma samples were assayed for total adiponectin. Molecular weight fractions of adiponectin were separated by gel electrophoresis and quantified by Western blot. Data analysis compared adiponectin (total and fractions) levels with androgen status in both sexes. Among men with high testosterone levels, all fractions of adiponectin were significantly lower than those in men with low testosterone (P<.05). In women with high testosterone, total adiponectin (P=.02) and all fractions of molecular weight adiponectin (P<.05) were lower compared with those in women with low testosterone. Plasma adiponectin levels are lower in both men and premenopausal women with relatively higher testosterone levels.