Glucocorticoid Replacement Affects Serum Adiponectin Levels and HDL-C in Patients With Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency.

Context: Low serum adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency are at higher risk of cardiovascular complications compared with healthy subjects. However, there is no information on the relationship between adiponectin and glucocorticoid replacement therapy in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI).

Objective: To determine the effects of intrinsic adrenal function and glucocorticoid replacement therapy on serum adiponectin levels and lipid profile in patients with SAI.

Design: Part 1: a cross-sectional study. Part 2: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.

Setting: Osaka University Hospital, Osaka, Japan.

Patients: Part 1: 58 patients diagnosed with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma who underwent insulin tolerance test (ITT) for assessment of adrenal function. Part 2: 12 SAI patients randomly received hydrocortisone replacement therapy at a dose of 10, 20, or 30 mg/d for 4 weeks per term for three terms.

Outcome Measurements: Part 1: we analyzed the relationship between serum cortisol levels during ITT and serum adiponectin levels and the lipid profile. Part 2: serum adiponectin levels and lipid profile were measured every 4 weeks.

Results: Serum levels of adiponectin and HDL-C correlated significantly with peak cortisol levels after ITT. Serum adiponectin and HDL-C levels were significantly lower in patients with SAI than non-SAI. Serum levels of adiponectin and HDL-C increased in a hydrocortisone dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions: Glucocorticoid replacement therapy increased serum levels of adiponectin, an adipose-derived anti-atherogenic factor, and HDL-C in patients with SAI.