Resistin is a predictor of asthma risk and resistin: adiponectin ratio is a negative predictor of lung function in asthma

Background Adipokines, such as resistin and adiponectin, modify inflammation and may contribute to increased asthma risk and severity in obese people. Objective To examine plasma resistin and resistin: adiponectin ratio (i) in asthmatics compared to healthy controls, (ii) according to asthma severity, obesity and gender (iii) following weight loss in obese asthmatics. Methods In a cross-sectional observational study of asthmatic adults (n = 96) and healthy controls (n = 46), plasma resistin and adiponectin were measured. In a separate intervention study, obese asthmatic adults (n = 27) completed a 10-week weight loss intervention and plasma resistin and adiponectin concentrations were analysed. Results Plasma resistin and resistin: adiponectin ratio were higher in asthma compared to controls and were higher again in subjects with a severe vs. mild-to-moderate asthma pattern. Amongst asthmatic subjects, resistin was not modified by gender or obesity, while adiponectin was lower in males and obese subjects. As a result, resistin: adiponectin ratio was higher in obese males, non-obese males and obese females, compared to non-obese females. In a logistic regression model, plasma resistin concentration was a predictor of asthma risk. In a multiple linear regression model, plasma resistin: adiponectin ratio was a negative predictor of FEV1 in asthma. Following weight loss, neither resistin, adiponectin nor resistin: adiponectin ratio was changed. However, the change (Delta) in % body fat was associated with Delta resistin: adiponectin ratio. Post-intervention Delta resistin was negatively correlated with both Delta FRC and Delta RV. Conclusion and clinical relevance This study demonstrates that resistin and resistin: adiponectin ratio are higher in asthma and are higher again in subjects who have more severe disease. Resistin: adiponectin ratio is highest in obese male asthmatics. As resistin is a predictor of asthma risk and resistin: adiponectin is a predictor of FEV1 in asthma, these adipokines may be contributing to the obese asthma phenotype, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for obese asthma.