Plasma adiponectin levels are associated with habitual dietary polyphenol intake in individuals at high cardiometabolic risk: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background and aim: Adiponectin, the most abundant adipokine secreted by adipose tissue, plays a key role in glucose and lipid metabolism while exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Its expression is influenced by age, sex, physical activity, and diet. While adherence to healthy dietary patterns like the Mediterranean and DASH diets has been linked to higher adiponectin levels, the specific impact of individual dietary components remains uncertain. In this cross-sectional study we investigated the relationship between plasma adiponectin levels, metabolic parameters, and habitual dietary composition in individuals at high cardiometabolic risk.

Methods and results: Seventy-five overweight/obese participants from the Etherpaths European Project, with increased waist circumference and one additional metabolic syndrome component, were included in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was assessed using a 7-day food record, and plasma adiponectin levels were measured via ELISA. Correlations were analyzed at baseline, before any dietary intervention. Mean plasma adiponectin concentration was 10.2 ± 2.5 μg/mL. Adiponectin levels correlated inversely with diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.288, p = 0.015) and directly with HDL cholesterol (r = 0.268, p = 0.020). A significant positive association was observed with dietary fiber (r = 0.259, p = 0.028) and total polyphenol intake (r = 0.319, p = 0.006). Among polyphenols, phenolic acids (r = 0.308, p = 0.009), flavones (r = 0.270, p = 0.023), and tyrosols (r = 0.279, p = 0.018) showed the strongest associations. Adiponectin was significantly correlated with fruit and vegetable intake (r = 0.266, p = 0.021), but not with other food groups.

Conclusion: A higher habitual intake of polyphenol-rich plant-based foods is associated with increased plasma adiponectin levels, which in turn correlate with a more favorable metabolic profile in individuals at high cardiometabolic risk.

Keywords: Adiponectin; Cardiometabolic risk; Dietary fiber; Dietary polyphenols.