Context: Hypoadiponectinemia has emerged as an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although associations of adiponectin with central obesity and insulin resistance have been reported, very little data are available from studies employing detailed measures of insulin sensitivity and/or body fat distribution in ethnic groups at high risk of metabolic disease.

Objective: To identify the correlates of adiponectin in 1636 non-diabetic Hispanic and African Americans.

Design: A cross-sectional analysis of participants in the IRAS Family study. Insulin sensitivity (S_I) was determined from frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests with minimal model analysis. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (SAT, VAT) were determined with computed tomography. Triglyceride (Tg), HDL, CRP, and adiponectin were measured in fasting samples. Generalized estimating equation models were used to identify factors associated with adiponectin concentration.

Setting: Multi-center study using a family-based design.

Participants: 1636 non-diabetic Hispanic and African American subjects.

Main outcome measure: Circulating adiponectin concentration.

Results: Age, female gender, HDL, SAT and S_I were positive independent correlates of adiponectin, while glucose, CRP and VAT were negative independent correlates (all p<0.05). Ethnicity was not an independent correlate of adiponectin in this model (p=0.27); however, an ethnicity by VAT interaction term was retained, indicating a stronger negative association of VAT with adiponectin in African Americans compared to Hispanics.

Conclusion: Directly measured S_I, VAT and SAT, were independently correlated with adiponectin in Hispanic and African American subjects. The inverse association of VAT with adiponectin was stronger in African Americans compared to Hispanics, a finding which suggests possible ethnic differences in the effects of visceral obesity.