Certain hormonal markers in urban thai adults with metabolic syndrome

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.