Gender-Specific Patterns of Adipokines in Coronary Artery Disease: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is influenced by multiple metabolic and hormonal factors, including adipokines such as adiponectin and leptin. Gender differences in these biomarkers may contribute to variations in disease severity and progression. Aim: To evaluate serum adiponectin and leptin levels in male and female patients with CAD and to examine their association with disease severity.Materials and Methods: A total of 190 patients aged >40 years diagnosed with CAD were included (141 males, 49 females). Serum adiponectin and leptin levels were measured using ELISA. CAD severity was classified using CAD-RADS criteria into mild (Group 1), moderate (Group 2), and severe (Group 3). Gender-based comparisons were performed using Student’s t-test, and differences across CAD severity groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Females exhibited significantly higher mean adiponectin (28.28 ± 8.76 ng/mL) and leptin (40.39 ± 14.45 ng/mL) levels compared to males (adiponectin: 25.06 ± 7.97 ng/mL; leptin: 35.73 ± 12.80 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Adiponectin levels tended to decrease and leptin levels slightly increased with CAD severity in both genders, though these trends were not statistically significant. Gender-specific patterns in adipokine distribution persisted across all CAD severity groups. Conclusion: Significant gender differences exist in serum adiponectin and leptin levels among CAD patients, with females showing higher concentrations. These adipokines exhibit distinct trends with disease severity, highlighting their potential role in sex-specific risk assessment and management of CAD. Further studies are needed to explore their utility as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Keywords: Coronary artery disease, Adiponectin, Leptin, Gender differences, CAD severity, Biomarkers