Circulating Adiponectin Levels Are Inversely Associated with Mortality and Respiratory Failure in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19

Background. Chronic low-grade inflammation associated with a dysregulated adipose tissue might contribute to amplifying the inflammatory response in severe COVID-19. The aim of this study was to examine the association between levels of circulating leptin and adiponectin and the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Methods. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were determined at admission in 123 individuals with confirmed COVID-19 and their association with 90-day mortality and respiratory failure was analyzed by logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. The median values of circulating leptin and adiponectin were 7.2 ng/mL (IQR 3.8–13.4) and 9.0 μg/mL (IQR 5.7–14.6), respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and oxygen saturation at admission, a doubling of circulating adiponectin was associated with a 38% reduction in odds of 90-day mortality (OR 0.62, CI 0.43–0.89) and a 40% reduction in odds of respiratory failure (OR 0.60, CI 0.42–0.86). The association tended to be strongest in individuals below the median age of 72 years. Circulating leptin was not associated with outcomes. Conclusions. Circulating adiponectin at admission was inversely associated with mortality and respiratory failure in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are needed to elucidate how exactly adipokines, especially adiponectin, are linked to the progression and prognosis of COVID-19.