Lifestyle-related determinants and serum adiponectin concentrations in a general population of Japanese females

Background. Serum adiponectin concentration plays a role in the development of metabolic and atherosclerotic diseases. Although elucidating the determinants that affect circulating adiponectin concentrations including lifestyle factors are important, little is known about the relationships between lifestyle and adiponectin in the general Japanese female population. Methods. A total of 311 Japanese females (mean age 54 years) with normal lifestyles and taking no medications were enrolled in a community-based cross-sectional study to investigate which lifestyle factors were associated with serum adiponectin concentrations. Adiponectin was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The modified Breslow's index (a well-known comprehensive index) was used in assessing lifestyle factors. Results. The group of moderate drinkers (consuming 1-3 go/day on average) had significantly higher serum adiponectin concentrations than that of nondrinkers (consuming < 1 go/day) (15.0 +/- 7.2 vs. 12.0 +/- 6.5 mu g/mL). Using a partial correlation analysis on serum adiponectin concentrations adjusted for age and all lifestyle factors, there were significant positive correlations with age (r = 0.197) and alcohol intake (r = 0.130) and a significant inverse correlation with body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.178). Conclusions. Among many lifestyle factors, in addition to maintaining decreased BMI levels, moderate alcohol intake habits may have a significant, independent, and positive effect on adiponectin concentrations in the general population of Japanese females, similar to that of Caucasian populations. (c) 2007 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc.