Objective: Although increased central fat mass is characteristic of active Cushing's syndrome (CS), little is known on body composition and secretion of adipokines after long-term recovery of CS. The aim was to evaluate central fat mass and its correlation with adipokines and cardiovascular risk factors in patients after long-term remission of CS.

Methods: Thirty-seven women with CS in remission (27 of pituitary and 10 of adrenal origin, mean age: 50 ± 14 years, mean time of hormonal cure: 11 ± 6 years) were enrolled and compared to 14 with active CS and 85 gender, age and BMI-matched healthy controls. Total and trunk fat mass were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning. Laboratory parameters and adipokine levels [including adiponectin, visfatin, soluble TNF-receptor 1 (sTNF-R1), sTNF-R2 and IL-6] were measured.

Results: Cured CS patients had more total and trunk fat mass than controls. Cured and active CS had higher levels of sTNF-R1 and IL-6, and lower adiponectin levels than controls. Higher insulin levels and blood pressure in both groups of CS patients and higher apoprotein B in cured CS were observed compared to controls. sTNF-R1 correlated positively with percentage of trunk fat mass, and remained significant after adjusting for anthropometric parameters.

Conclusion: Despite long-term cure, patients who have suffered CS exhibit persistent accumulation of central fat, as in active hypercortisolemia, with the consequent unfavourable adipokine profile, leading to a state of low-grade inflammation. This situation determines a persistent and increased cardiovascular risk in these patients.