Serum Adiponectin Relates Inversely with Helicobacter pylori Infection among Nigerian Adults

Abstract

Background: Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived protein, plays key physiological roles in regulating energy metabolism, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and exerting potent anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects. Low adiponectin levels have been associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Reports indicate that Helicobacter pylori infection (HpI) results in chronic inflammation, primarily through the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines production, which in turn may contribute to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and alterations in body mass index. Currently, there is limited information on the relationship between adiponectin level and HpI. Therefore, we determined the serum level of adiponectin in Nigerian adults with HPI in this study.

Materials and Methods: A total of 277 adults, comprising 185 males and 92 females, aged 18 - 72 years, were recruited from a University in Northern Nigeria. Adiponectin level and anti-Helicobacter pylori IgA and/or IgG antibodies were determined using ELISA. The Student’s t-test, Spearman’s correlation and binary logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis at p<0.05.   

Results: The mean serum adiponectin level was significantly lower in males (1.26 ± 0.4 µg/L) and females (1.29 ± 0.4 µg/L) with HpI compared to the males (1.58 ± 0.2 µg/L) and females (1.58 ± 0.2 µg/L) without HpI. Furthermore, HpI showed an inverse association with adiponectin levels in both sexes.

Conclusion: Irrespective of sex, there is an inverse relationship between H. pylori infection and serum adiponectin level. This indicates that H. pylori infection contributes not only to gastrointestinal pathology but also to systemic metabolic risk.