Modest weight loss does not increase plasma adiponectin levels: effects of weight loss on C-reactive protein and DNA damage

Adiponectin has been reported to have antiatherogenic, antidiabetic properties and was proposed as an important mediator of insulin action and glucose metabolism. This study was conducted to determine weight loss effects on the plasma adiponectin levels and clinical parameters including oxidative DNA damage and C-reactive protein (CRP) in overweight-obese subjects. A total of 184 overweight-obese volunteers underwent a clinical intervention study consisting of -1255 kJ/d for 12 weeks. Anthropometic parameters, blood lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, CRP, and baseline DNA damage using comet assay and adiponectin concentrations were determined at baseline and at 12 weeks of intervention. The treatment induced modest weight loss averaged 4.75% of initial body weight. C-reactive protein (P < .005); baseline DNA damages as measured by tail length (micrometers, P < .05), tail DNA (percentage, P < .001), and tail moment on DNA (P < .001); and the insulin resistance-related variables (P < .01 for glucose; P < .05 for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) showed significant changes toward clinical improvement at the end of the intervention. However, no significant changes in plasma adiponectin levels were found after 12 weeks. When subjects were divided into 3 groups according to the degree of weight change, significant increases in plasma adiponectin levels were found only in the subjects with the greatest weight change. In conclusion, modest weight loss improved metabolic parameters including blood lipids, insulin resistance, CRP, and DNA damage, but did not increase plasma levels of adiponectin in overweight-obese subjects. However, the increases in plasma adiponectin after 12 weeks were observed in the subjects with a higher degree of weight loss.