Cross-Sectional Association of Adiponectin with Sociodemographic and Nutrition-Related Factors in Mexican Students from the Los Altos, Jalisco Region

Abstract Background Adiponectin is a biomarker useful for the early diagnosis of obesity-related comorbidities. The Mexican population has one of the highest obesity rates worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an association exists between adiponectin and certain sociodemographic and nutrition-related factors in young adults. This is perhaps one of only a few studies focused in the Los Altos, Jalisco area, a center for religious and cultural traditions in Mexico. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted from January to November 2019 at the Los Altos University Center. A total of 173 student volunteers participating in the study provided voluntary signed, written consent forms. Sociodemographic data were collected. Biochemical and nutritional assessments were realized after eight hours of fasting. Dietary questionnaires were analyzed using Nutrikcal® software. Total serum adiponectin levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlations and multivariate models were computerized by SPSSv20. This research project was approved and registered by the Research and Bioethics Committee of the Los Altos University Center, Mexico. Results According to body mass index (BMI), the incidence of underweight participants was found to be 10.4%, whereas that for overweight and obese patients combined was found to be 23.1%. A positive correlation of serum adiponectin levels was found in the following categories: female gender ( r = 0.353, p = 0.01); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) ( r = 0.487, p = 0.01); and fruit intake ( r = 0.204, p = 0.031). Multivariate analysis showed that 41.6% of adiponectin levels measured could be explained by gender, glucose, HDL-c, sodium and ascorbic acid consumption ( r 2 = 0.416, p < 0.01). Conclusions In accordance with the results, the incidence of underweight participants was greater than that expected as contrasted by national reports generated in Mexico. In addition, adiponectin level was found to vary with gender and nutrition-related factors. Further studies should be performed in this population to assess the role of religious and Mexican cultural traditions on health status in an effort to prevent undernutrition and obesity-related morbidity and mortality.