The Adipokine Adiponectin Can Be Elevated in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy

Abstract

Purpose: : A transgenic mouse model with overexpression of the adipokine adiponectin resulted in progressive expansion of the retrobulbar fat pad leading to fulminant exophthalmos. We undertook a pilot study to determine if adiponectin levels in patients with Graves’ Ophthalmopathy are elevated as found in the transgenic mouse model.

Methods: : From a large urban ophthalmic plastics service 46 consecutive patients with Graves' Ophthalmolopathy had their mean serum adiponectin levels determined through an adiponectin ELISA. Clinical data was recorded using standardized criteria.

Results: : An ANOVA analysis found that mean adiponectin levels differed significantly between inactive and active Graves' disease patients (p=0.0458) and presence of diabetes (p=0.0054). Mean adiponectin level in the active disease group was 15.78 mg/L (SD=8.51), and in the inactive group it was 11.36 mg/L (SD=6.29).

Conclusions: : The adipokines such as adiponectin warrant further investigation regarding its role in the development of Graves’ ophthalmopathy and its clinical subtypes and concomitant diseases such as diabetes.

Keywords: orbit • proteins encoded by disease genes