Differential Associations betweenCDH13Genotypes, Adiponectin Levels, and Circulating Levels of Cellular Adhesive Molecules

Abstract

CDH13gene variants with lower adiponectin levels are paradoxically associated with a more favorable metabolic profile. We investigated the statistical association betweenCDH13locus variants and adiponectin levels by examining 12 circulating inflammation marker levels and adiposity status in 530 Han Chinese people in Taiwan. After adjustments for clinical covariates, adiponectin levels were positively associated with soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM1) levels and negatively associated with adiposity status and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM1). In addition, minor alleles of theCDH13rs12051272 polymorphism were found to have lower adiponectin levels and higher CRP, sE-selectin, sICAM1, and sVCAM1 levels as well as higher body mass indices and waist circumferences in participants (allP<0.05). In a subgroup analysis stratified by sex, significant associations betweenCDH13genotypes and sE-selectin levels occurred only in men (P=3.9×10-4and interactionP=0.005).CDH13locus variants and adiponectin levels are associated with circulating levels of cellular adhesion molecules and adiposity status in a differential manner that interacts with sex. These results provide further evidence for the crucial role of adiponectin levels andCDH13gene variants in immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases.