Certain Hormonal Markers in Urban Thai Adults with Metabolic Syndrome
Supornpim Chearskul MD, MSc*, Mayuree Homsanit MD, PhD**, Kamol Udol MD, MSc**, Suwattanee Kooptiwut MD, PhD*, Malika Churintaraphan MSc*, Namoiy Semprasert MSc*, Smarn Onreabroi BSc*
Affiliation : * Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) accompanied with cardiometabolic complications has progressively
increased in Thailand. The roles of insulin resistance, leptin, adiponectin, and free testosterone as prognostic indicators of
MS among Thai population were evaluated.
Material and Method: Men and women aged 34 to 89 years (n = 308) having 0-5 criteria of MS according to NCEP III
with Asian-specific cut-points for waist circumference were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Blood glucose, lipids,
insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and free testosterone were measured.
Results : Each component of MS, especially the enlarged waist, adversely affected insulin sensitivity. MS subjects were at
higher risk for developing insulin resistance, decreasing of plasma adiponectin, and increasing of leptin and the leptin/
adiponectin ratio in comparison to non-MS individuals. The hormonal changes that have been shown to be associated with
increased cardiometabolic risk were amplified as more MS criteria have been met. Odds ratios of increased leptin/adiponectin
ratio among MS group were highest in comparison to others. Free testosterone levels declined with age and did not
discriminate men with MS.
Conclusion : The results indicate the benefit of hormonal assessment, particularly the leptin/adiponectin ratio in identifying
MS individuals with high cardiometabolic disease risk.
Keywords : Leptin adiponectin ratio, Insulin resistance, Free testosterone, Metabolic syndrome, Cardiometabolic disease
