Leptin to adiponectin ratio as a useful predictor for cardiac syndrome X.

OBJECTIVE

The role of adipokines in the development of cardiac syndrome X (CSX) remains unknown.

METHODS

Fifty-nine CSX subjects were retrospectively enrolled from our catheterization databank. Another 54 subjects with valvular heart disease or arrhythmia served as controls. Adipokines were measured by ELISA tests.

RESULTS

The CSX had lower circulating adiponectin but higher leptin and higher leptin/adiponectin ratio (×1000) (3.78 ± 4.96 vs. 2.14 ± 5.67, p < 0.001) than those of the controls. In a multivariate analysis, a higher leptin/adiponectin ratio was a predictor of CSX, while insulin-resistance index was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Adipokines may be implicated in the pathogenesis of CSX.