The Impact of Visceral Adipose Tissue and High-Molecular Weight (HMW) Adiponectin on Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) in Asymptomatic Japanese Subjects

Few studies addressed the relation of visceral adiposity and high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin to arterial stiffness. We investigated the impact of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and HMW adiponectin on cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in asymptomatic Japanese subjects. We studied 487 consecutive subjects (271 men and 216 women) who underwent general health examination between October 2005 and May 2008. The abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas were determined by low-dose x-ray computed tomography. Serum levels of total and HMW adiponectin were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system based on a monoclonal antibody to humans. CAVI was positively correlated with the VAT area and negatively correlated with HMW adiponectin levels. We also found the positive association of the number of metabolic syndrome components with CAVI in both sexes. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that age, the VAT area, serum HMW adiponectin levels, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were independent determinants of CAVI. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses demonstrated that the predictive value of the VAT area for the extent of CAVI (mild: < 25%tile vs. severe: >75%tile) exceeded that of total or HMW adiponectin levels in both sexes. In conclusion, increased CAVI is associated