Artery calcification, osteoporosis, and plasma adiponectin levels in Chinese elderly

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the plasma adiponectin level and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) in Chinese elderly. Background The association of serum adiponectin levels and thoracic aortic calcification has not been reported. Methods Total plasma adiponectin level was measured by ELISA. TAC was evaluated by posterior-anterior chest radiographs. Osteoporosis was diagnosed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results The mean plasma adiponectin level was 6.3 ± 3.7 μg/ml, TAC was detected in 58% of subjects, and comorbidities of TAC and osteoporosis were observed in 33.6% subjects. The percentages of TAC or comorbidities of TAC and osteoporosis were higher in subjects with low adiponectin tertile level than that in patients with intermediate or high adiponectin tertile level. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that adiponectin level was negatively associated with TAC prevalence. Conclusions Plasma adiponectin level is associated with TAC and lower plasma adiponectin level may be a useful indicator of artery calcification in the elderly.