Serum Adiponectin and Leptin Among Ghanaian Migrants in Amsterdam and Their Compatriots in Rural and Urban Ghana: The RODAM Study
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Clinical Medicine Insights: Endocrinology and Diabetes
Abstract
Background: The rapidly rising cardiometabolic disease (CMD) burden in urbanizing sub-Saharan African populations and among sub Saharan African migrants in Europe likely affects serum adiponectin and leptin levels, but this has not yet been quantified.
Objectives: To compare the serum levels of adiponectin and leptin among migrant, and non-migrant (urban and rural) populations of
Ghanaian descent.
Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of serum leptin and adiponectin in the multi-centre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African
Migrants (RODAM) study. Logistic-regression models were used to examine the association between these adipocyte-derived hormones
after stratification (sex, geographic area) and adjustments for potential confounders.
Results: A total of 2518 Ghanaians were included. Rural participants had the highest serum adiponectin and lowest leptin levels com pared to Amsterdam and urban Ghanaians (P < .001). In fully adjusted models, participants living in urban Ghana had significantly higher
odds of hyperleptinemia compared to rural participants (women-odds ratio 2.88; 95% CI, 1.12-7.38, P=.028 and men 43.52, 95% CI, 4.84-
391.25, P < .001). Urban Ghanaian men also had higher odds of elevated leptin: adiponectin ratio (6.29, 95% CI, 1.43-27.62, P=.015). The
odds of hyperleptinemia were only higher in Amsterdam Ghanaian men (10.56; 95% CI, 1.11-100.85, P=.041), but not in women (0.85; 95%
CI, 0.30-2.41, P=.759). There was no significant association between hypoadiponectinemia and geographical location in both sexes.
Conclusion: Urbanization is associated with serum adiponectin and leptin levels after adjusting for confounding covariates in sub-Saha ran Africans. These findings serve as a backdrop for further research on the role adipokines play in CMD epidemiology among Africans.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Adiponectin, leptin, cardiometabolic disease, obesity