Relationship between serum adipocytokine levels and metabolic syndrome in menopausal women

Objective. Adipocytokines are bioactive substances derived from adipose tissues, especially visceral fat, and play a crucial role in the development of metabolic syndrome. The aims of this study were to estimate serum levels of adipocytokines (adiponectin, resistin and TNF-α) and to examine the associations between adipocytokine levels and metabolic syndrome in menopausal women. Methods. We recruited 28 postmenopausal women with features of metabolic syndrome. For the purpose of comparing adipocytokine levels, 30 postmenopausal women without metabolic syndrome were recruited by matching age and body mass index (BMI). Serum levels of adipocytokines (adiponectin, resistin, TNF-α) were then determined, and any potential correlations between adipocytokine levels and metabolic syndrome were investigated. Results. There were no significant differences in adiponectin or resistin levels in women with metabolic syndrome when compared with the control group. Conversely, TNF-α levels were significantly higher in women with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that TNF-α was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion. Our results suggest that, among the adipocytokines (adiponectin, resistin and TNF-α), serum TNF-α levels may serve as a useful biomarker for diagnosing metabolic syndrome in menopausal women.