Serum levels of adiponectin, resistin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in Nigerian men with nuchal fat fold

Factors necessitating the propensity of adults with upper body fat deposition (UBFD) for developing insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are poorly understood. Therefore, understanding the roles of adipocytokines in the development of UBFD-associated pathologies could be of clinical importance. To assess the levels of selected adipocytokines in males with nuchal fat fold (NFF). Eighty-six males (43 with NFF and 43 without NFF) were enrolled into this study. Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), resistin and adiponectin were determined using ELISA. Adiponectin level was significantly higher while resistin and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in NFF compared with the controls. TNF-α had significant positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (SBP) while adiponectin had significant positive correlation with the waist-hip ratio (WHR). Stratifying based on the obesity status, the mean body weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), WHR, neck circumference (NC), NFF and diastolic BP were significantly higher in NFF with obesity compared with those without obesity. However, levels of TNF-α, resistin and adiponectin were similar between the two groups. NFF is associated with elevation in adiponectin level and increased CVD risk. NFF can therefore, serve as an index of early onset of cardiometabolic diseases. •Deposition of fat in the nuchal region is associated with elevation in serum adiponectin level.•Alteration in adipocytokines in males with nuchal fat fold is independent of obesity status.•Measurement of nuchal fat fold can serve as an index of early onset of cardiometabolic diseases.