Increased Adiponectin Levels are Associated with Higher Radiographic Scores in the Knee Joint, but not in the Hand Joint: The Dong-gu Study
Abstract Background: Several studies have evaluated the association between the serum adiponectin level and knee and hand osteoarthritis (OA); mixed results have been reported. We investigated the relationship between OA and the serum adiponectin level according to the radiographic features of knee and hand OA.Methods: A total of 2,402 subjects was recruited from the Dong-gu Study. Baseline characteristics were collected via a questionnaire, and X-rays of knee and hand joints were scored using a semi-quantitative grading system. The relationship between the serum adiponectin level and radiographic severity was evaluated by linear regression analysis.Results: Subjects in the higher serum adiponectin level tertiles were older and had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those in the lower tertiles. Regarding knee joint scores, the serum adiponectin level was positively associated with the total score (P < 0.001), osteophyte score (P = 0.003), and joint space narrowing (JSN) score (P < 0.001) after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and physical activity. In terms of hand joint scores, no association was found between the serum adiponectin level and the total score, osteophyte score, JSN score, subchondral cyst score, sclerosis score, erosion score, or malalignment score after the above-mentioned adjustments.Conclusion: An increased serum adiponectin level was associated with a higher radiographic score in the knee joint, but not in the hand joint, suggesting the involvement of different pathophysiologic mechanisms in the development of OA between those joints.