Preoperative plasma adiponectin level is a risk factor for postoperative infection following colorectal cancer surgery.

Background: Adiponectin is produced exclusively by adipose tissues. It is associated with visceral adiposity and various metabolic disorders, and acts as an anti-inflammatory protein that inhibits nuclear factor-kappaB activation. The purpose of this study is to clarify the association between the preoperative plasma adiponectin levels and the development of postoperative infection following colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 41 colorectal cancer patients before surgery and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 5, and 7. Plasma adiponectin, leptin, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured and the white blood cells (WBCs) were counted. Subcutaneous and visceral fat volumes were quantified by preoperative CT scans. The patients were divided into a group with postoperative infections and an uninfected group.

Results: In both groups, the postoperative plasma adiponectin levels decreased transiently and then gradually recovered. However, the infected group had significantly lower adiponectin levels throughout the perioperative period than the uninfected group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative adiponectin level was an independent risk factor for postoperative infection.

Conclusions: Preoperative adiponectin levels may be useful for anticipating the development of postoperative infection following colorectal cancer surgery.