Plasma adiponectin increases postprandially in obese, but not in lean, subjects

Objective: We investigated the acute responses of plasma adiponectin levels to a test meal in lean and obese subjects. Research Methods and Procedures: We studied 13 lean and 11 obese subjects after a 10-hour overnight fast. Glucose, insulin, and adiponectin concentrations were measured at baseline and 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after a fixed breakfast. Results: At baseline, fasting adiponectin concentrations were lower in the obese group vs. the lean group [mean (95% confidence interval): 2.9 (2.1 to 4.1) mug/mL vs. 8.6 (6.5 to 11.3) mug/mL], but rose 4-fold postprandially in the obese group, reaching a peak at 60 minutes [baseline: 19 (2.1 to 4.1) mug/mL vs. 60 minutes: 12.1 (8.5 to 17.4) mug/mL; p < 0.0001] and remaining elevated for the remainder of the study. There were no postprandial changes in plasma adiponectin concentrations in lean subjects. Discussion: This increase of adiponectin concentrations in obese individuals might have important beneficial effects on postprandial glucose and lipid metabolism and might be viewed as a mechanism for maintaining normal glucose tolerance in those who are obese and insulin resistant.