Increased adiponectin level in parallel with increased NT-pro BNP in patients with severe heart failure in the elderly: A hospital cohort study

Background: Adiponectin, which is a collagen-like plasma protein produced by adipose tissue, has in general anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently it was shown to be elevated in chronic heart failure patients. However whether this holds true in the elderly heart failure patients who are often associated with malnutrition remains unknown. Materials and methods: Patients with severe heart failure (n= 92, average age >70 years, NYHA III-IV) and age-matched healthy volunteers (n= 70) as control were enrolled in the present study. Serum levels of adiponectin and NT-pro BNP were measured. Results: Adiponectin levels were significantly increased in heart failure patients for those >70 years old as compared with control group. There were higher adiponectin levels in non-ischemic heart failure as compared with those with ischemic cause. Serum adiponectin levels were positively associated with serum NT-pro BNP levels. There was a strong trend of higher adiponectin levels in those who died as compared with those who survived. Conclusion: Serum adiponectin levels were increased in the very elderly heart failure patients, and particularly in those with underlying non-ischemic origin. Adiponectin levels appear to be associated with increased mortality. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.