Serum Adiponectin and Leptin Among Ghanaian Migrants in Amsterdam and Their Compatriots in Rural and Urban Ghana: The RODAM Study

Abstract

Background: The rapidly rising cardiometabolic disease (CMD) burden in urbanizing sub-Saharan African populations and among sub-Saharan African migrants in Europe likely affects serum adiponectin and leptin levels, but this has not yet been quantified. Objectives: To compare the serum levels of adiponectin and leptin among migrant, and non-migrant (urban and rural) populations of Ghanaian descent. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of serum leptin and adiponectin in the multi-centre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study. Logistic-regression models were used to examine the association between these adipocyte-derived hormones after stratification (sex, geographic area) and adjustments for potential confounders. Results: A total of 2518 Ghanaians were included. Rural participants had the highest serum adiponectin and lowest leptin levels compared to Amsterdam and urban Ghanaians (P