Influence of Weight Loss, Body Composition, and Lifestyle Behaviors on Plasma Adipokines: A Randomized Weight Loss Trial in Older Men and Women with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective. To investigate effects of weight loss on adipokines and health measures in obese older adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Methods. Participants were randomly assigned to either weight loss (WL) (men: 12, women: 14) or weight stable (WS) group (men: 12, women: 13). WL intervention included meal replacements and structured exercise training. Measurements of leptin, adiponectin, soluble leptin receptor, lifestyle behaviors, and body composition were collected at baseline and 6 months. Univariate analysis of covariance was performed on 6 month variables, and Spearman and partial correlations were made between variables. Results. Weight loss was 13.0% and 6.7% in WL for men and women, respectively. Women in WL had lower whole body and trunk fat than WS. The leptin : adiponectin ratio was lower for women in WL than WS at 6 months, with no group differences in adipokines for men. Leptin and free leptin index correlated with body fat in both genders at baseline. Interestingly, only women showed reductions in leptin (P < 0.100) and correlations between the percentage change leptin and trunk fat and the percentage changes in free leptin index with total fat and trunk fat. Partial correlations between 6 month adipokines after adjustments for covariates and group/time period show potential multivariate influences. Conclusions. In the presence of an effective weight loss intervention in older obese adults, there are significant relationships between weight and fat loss and leptin in women, but not men, suggesting gender-specific features of adipokine metabolism in this age group.

1. Introduction

Obesity is increasing rapidly in the American population; currently 69.2% of all American adults are overweight (Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m²) or obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) [1]. Concurrent with this rise in obesity, there is an increase in our aging American population. According to the 2010 US census, more than 50 million people are currently ≥62 years in age, and approximately 70% of the aged population are overweight or obese [1], with continuing annual increases. This rise in overweight and obesity among older adults is especially troublesome because numerous diseases are associated with excess body fat and aging, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, and osteoarthritis [2].

Recent research has led to the recognition that adipose tissue not only stores energy but also is an active endocrine organ that secretes peptide hormones termed adipokines [3, 4]. Increases in adiposity alter a number of physiological processes, including energy metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity [5, 6]. More than 50 adipokines, including leptin and adiponectin, have been studied to determine their functions and roles in obesity and related comorbidities [7]. Leptin is a peptide hormone produced by adipocytes suppresses appetite and stimulates energy usage, but leptin also has immune-modulating activity [5]. Leptin signaling occurs through a membrane receptor, with several splice variants identified, as well as a soluble form. The long receptor in the hypothalamus is considered the main sensor for satiety signaling [5]. Additionally, the soluble leptin receptor (sLR), which binds leptin as it circulates in the blood, may be important for regulating leptin's actions by protecting leptin from degradation or by blocking its activity [5, 8–10]. Adiponectin is also secreted by adipocytes and is considered protective against type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, due to its anti-inflammatory effects [3, 5]. Elevated leptin levels have been observed during disease states, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. In contrast, levels of adiponectin have been associated with these diseases [3]. By delineating the conditions that regulate the accumulation of these adipokines and their soluble receptors, behavioral and pharmacological interventions may be targeted to alter their levels to improve clinical conditions.

It is well recognized that levels of leptin and adiponectin are linked to the amount of body fat, with leptin having a direct relationship [5, 7, 10–17] and adiponectin an inverse relationship [5, 7, 10, 15]. A number of studies have shown increases in adiponectin and/or reductions in leptin with weight loss interventions, mostly in younger adults [11–14], but there are few studies in older adults. However, even when corrected for body fat, there is still considerable variation among individuals in the plasma levels of these adipokines. This variance is likely attributed to factors other than body composition, which may include gender, acute body energy imbalance, dietary intake, body fat distribution, physical activity levels, race/ethnicity, and cardiovascular fitness [3, 15–23]. Additionally, levels of soluble leptin receptor and the free leptin index, a measure of the ratio of leptin: soluble leptin receptor [24], may add to the variability. Furthermore, body fat content is correlated with plasma leptin in young men and women, but not in elderly subjects [25], which may contribute to the increased prevalence of obesity occurring with age.

There is also evidence to indicate that adipokines may be a critical mediator of obesity-related osteoarthritis, which is significant in that the current cohort being studied was recruited based on having symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Leptin's relationship with osteoarthritis is likely multifactorial, including its synergistic action with inflammatory cytokines and growth factors such as transgenic growth factor b, a known stimulator of osteophyte formation; cell proliferation; repair processes of osteoarthritis; stimulation of nitric oxide production in chondrocytes; and limiting blood supply to the joint and impairing cartilage health [26–30]. In a cross-sectional study, adipokines, including leptin and adiponectin, were all higher in individuals with osteoarthritis compared to controls, but none of the adipokines were related to markers of cartilage damage [31].

There are scant data that investigate associations between adipokines and demographic, lifestyle, and metabolic factors in a randomized controlled trial in older adults. The few studies that have examined this area were limited in that they lacked control groups, were cross-sectional in design, failed to examine these key adipokines collectively, examined only healthy individuals, or did not look at the variety of factors together [33]. Therefore, our primary aim was to determine the adiponectin, leptin, and sLR responses to a weight loss intervention encompassing dietary restriction and exercise training compared to a weight stable control group in a randomized clinical trial in older obese men and women. Secondarily, we aimed to test the relationships between pre- and post-weight loss adipokine values with a number of lifestyle and body composition measures in men and women, separately.

2. Methods

2.1. Study Population

Data for this investigation and analysis were obtained from the physical activity, inflammation, and body composition Trial (PACT), which recruited obese (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m²) men and women. Details of this trial are described elsewhere [32, 34] but did not include the data reported here assessing 3 adipokine measurements and the effect of weight loss and gender on these values. Recruitment was performed through advertisements in newspapers, placement of brochures in clinics and physician offices, and contacting older adults who had participated in previous research in our clinical research center facility. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: intensive weight loss (WL) group and weight stable (WS) control group. The WL group had a 10% weight loss goal and consisted of a 6 month dietary restriction and supervised exercise training program. The WS group received bimonthly healthy lifestyle information sessions. Eligibility criteria included a sedentary lifestyle, age of ≥60 years, symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA), and self-reported difficulty attributed to knee pain in performing at least one of the following activities: lifting and carrying groceries, walking one-quarter mile, getting in and out of a chair, or going up and down stairs. Exclusion criteria included any unstable medical conditions or conditions where rapid weight loss or exercise is contraindicated (e.g., unstable angina, frailty, and advanced osteoporosis). In addition they were excluded from the study if they (1) were unwilling to modify diet or physical activity patterns or would not be able to comply with the intervention because of food allergies or reactions to the meal replacements; (2) if they lived >50 miles from the treatment center; or (3) if they had a history of alcohol abuse. All eligible participants understood the expectations from the study and gave written informed consent to participate in the study according to the guidelines of the Wake Forest University Institutional Review Board, which reviewed and approved the initial study and these continuing analyses.

2.2. Interventions

2.2.1. Intensive Weight Loss (WL)

The primary goal for this intervention included a 10% weight loss from initial body weight in a six month period. The weight loss intervention included partial meal replacements, nutrition education, and lifestyle behavior modifications, such as exercise. Initial diet plans were set at an energy deficit of 1000 kcals/day via dietary intake restrictions and meal replacements (SlimFast shakes and bars). The third meal was tailored to allow for individual preferences for various food items, while meeting the caloric restrictions.

Behavioral and educational sessions were held once a week, and sessions lasted for 60 minutes/group (n = 6–12 per group). Sessions included advice on food selection, meal portion, dietary fat control, relapse prevention, and self-monitoring techniques.

Participants also engaged in exercise training sessions 3 days a week for 60 minutes per session. Exercise programs consisted of a warm-up phase (5 minutes), an aerobic phase (15 minutes), a strength phase (20 minutes), a second aerobic phase (15 minutes), and a cool-down phase (5 minutes). The exercise intensity for the aerobic portion was 50–85% of the age-predicted heart rate reserve. Strength training included four stations: leg extension, leg curl, heel raise, and step-ups using ankle cuff weights, weight vest, and resistance training equipment. Two sets of 12 repetitions were performed at each station with progression of resistance as strength improved. Pedometers were distributed to the participants, and counts (steps) were recorded daily on self-monitoring logs provided. Participants were instructed to accumulate 10,000 steps per day as a goal.

2.2.2. Weight Stable (WS)

Participants randomized to this group served as the control group and met twice a month in a group setting with presentations on general health, including osteoarthritis and exercise. Individuals were weighed at these meetings and encouraged to maintain their weight through the 6 month period. In addition, participants received bimonthly newsletters, addressing such topics as nutrition, disease, and aging. Upon the study's close, weight stable participants were provided with the weight loss information on diet and exercise and a supply of meal replacements and snack foods, as well as a personalized exercise consultation and access to the facility-based exercise program as an incentive and reward for participation in the study.

2.2.3. Procedures

Individuals reported to the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) on their assigned testing days at baseline and again upon completion of the 6 month intervention. During each visit, body weight and height were obtained by a member of the GCRC nursing staff. Participants also underwent a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA; Hologic Delphi QDR) scan, where percentage, absolute total body fat, and trunk fat measures were obtained. At baseline only, a graded exercise treadmill test using a symptom-limited modified Naughton protocol was administered to achieve peak workload. Estimated peak metabolic equivalents (METS) were determined based on stage achieved on the treadmill test. Physical activity was assessed by pedometers. Each participant was given a pedometer to wear around his/her waist for a 7 day period. This collected the number of step counts per day. An average daily step count for the week was calculated and used in the analysis. Dietary intake was obtained from a 3 day food record taken at both testing periods. Nutrient analysis from the food records was performed using the Minnesota Nutrition Data System (NDS). Three-day averages of macronutrients and total energy intake were determined at baseline and 6 month followup.

Whole blood samples were collected in EDTA-treated vacutainers via venipuncture from an antecubital vein in the early morning (between 7–9 AM) after a 12 hr fast. Samples were put immediately on ice and separated by centrifugation for 20 minutes at 4°C within 30 minutes of collection. After separation, specimens were stored in 1 mL aliquots at −20°C until analyses for adipokines were performed. Plasma concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using ELISA kits from Millipore Corporation (Billerica, MA). Soluble leptin receptor plasma concentrations were determined using Quantikine ELISA kits from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, MN). All samples were measured in duplicate, and the average of the two values was used for data analyses. Duplicate samples that did not provide a coefficient of variation of less than 6% were reanalyzed. The intra-assay and interassay CVs for all adipokines were ≤6%. Leptin samples were diluted 1 : 4, adiponectin samples were diluted 1 : 500, and soluble leptin receptor samples were diluted 1 : 5.

Free leptin index was calculated from the ratio of leptin: soluble leptin receptor × 100 according to Kratzsch et al. [24] The leptin to adiponectin ratio was calculated. The ratio of leptin to fat mass was also determined, and all ratios were used in the data analysis.

2.2.4. Data Analysis

Eighty-seven participants were randomized to either the weight stable (WS) (n = 43) or weight loss (WL) (n = 44) group with 8 participants dropping out of the study due to lack of time, transportation issues, undisclosed reasons, or not being randomized to desired intervention group. Seventy-nine (n = 38 for WS and n = 41 for WL) individuals yielded data for at least part of the follow-up measures at 6 months with a total of 51 participants (n = 25 for WS and n = 26 for WL) having data for leptin, adiponectin, and soluble leptin receptor at both time points. The primary reason for the (79–51) difference was insufficient plasma to perform assays at both time points.

Due to substantial differences between genders, data were separated by gender for all intervention analyses. Data were checked for normality using histograms to show frequencies, and skewness was examined by multiplying the standard error of skewness by two and determining if the level of skewness was either ±1 of this value. The hormone and receptor concentrations were not normally distributed; therefore they were transformed using log conversions. Means and standard error of the mean were determined at both baseline and 6 months for body weight (kg), body weight loss (%), body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), total body fat (kg), trunk fat (kg), total body fat %, GXT peak METS level (baseline only), step counts, macronutrient and energy intake, and hormonal and receptor plasma concentrations at each time period.

Analysis for the effect of the intervention on the variables listed above was conducted using univariate analysis of covariance. These analyses were performed on 6 month outcomes of body composition, dietary intake, step counts, and the log values for the adipokines; the nontransformed values for the adipokines are also shown for ease of understanding (Table 3). The covariates include age, race, and baseline values for the specific variables. Results are shown as estimated marginal means ± standard error of the mean, confidence intervals, P value difference levels, and power of detection cutoffs. Partial correlations between 6 month adipokines after adjustments for covariates and groups/time periods are used to examine potential multivariate influences between the adipokines. The power of a t-test on a mean is 0.50 (i.e., 50%) when the absolute value of the true population mean value equals the half-width of the 95% confidence interval. Powers will be larger than 50% for more extreme means and less than 50% for less extreme true means. Spearman rank order correlations were performed between the adipokines and body composition, step counts, macronutrient and total energy intake, and initial METS from GXT for measures at baseline and 6 months. Frequencies were also obtained for gender, race, and medical history. Independent two-sample t-tests were used to compare demographic and medical history measures between the group of 51 participants included in all analyses and the group of 36 individuals that dropped out or had incomplete data. Additionally, comparisons for these measures were made between the WS and WL groups. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 19.0 (Chicago, IL), and statistical significance was set at P < 0.050.

Table 3.

Plasma concentrations of adipokines at baseline and 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed on 6 months log values. These means are estimated marginal means (SEM). Nontransformed values are presented for ease of reference.

	Weight stable		Weight loss		95% confidence interval {cutoff for 50% power}  for mean difference (WL − WS) at 6 months
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
	(n = 12)	(n = 13)	(n = 12)	(n = 14)
Log leptin, ng/mL
Baseline	1.53 (0.08)	1.87 (0.08)	1.37 (0.09)	1.81 (0.08)
6 months	1.37 (0.09)	1.88 (0.06)	1.30 (0.10)	1.74 (0.05)	(−0.37, 0.20)	(−0.31, 0.02)∧
					{±0.29}	{±0.17}
Leptin, ng/mL
Baseline	39.72 (7.33)	86.53 (12.86)	26.54 (3.64)	77.16 (12.17)
6 months	34.86 (7.16)	91.80 (12.71)	19.10 (2.14)	63.90 (12.69)
Log soluble leptin receptor, ng/mL
Baseline	1.35 (0.02)	1.47 (0.04)	1.34 (0.02)	1.43 (0.04)
6 months	1.31 (0.05)	1.53 (0.03)	1.40 (0.06)	1.49 (0.03)	(−0.06, 0.25)	(−0.14, 0.05)
					{±0.16}	{±0.10}
Soluble leptin receptor, ng/mL
Baseline	22.70 (1.02)	30.44 (3.41)	22.10 (0.71)	28.68 (2.27)
6 months	21.99 (1.86)	35.04 (2.68)	24.82 (1.36)	31.01 (2.08)
Log adiponectin, mg/mL
Baseline	3.99 (0.06)	4.15 (0.06)	4.05 (0.07)	4.17 (0.05)
6 months	4.02 (0.04)	4.12 (0.05)	4.04 (0.04)	4.25 (0.05)	(−0.10, 0.14)	(−0.03, 0.29)
					{±0.12}	{±0.16}
Adiponectin, mg/mL
Baseline	11.41 (1.66)	15.08 (2.12)	12.13 (1.61)	16.60 (1.87)
6 months	11.52 (1.51)	14.82 (1.67)	13.13 (1.90)	18.06 (1.70)
Log-free leptin index
Baseline	2.18 (0.09)	2.41 (0.10)	2.02 (0.10)	2.38 (0.10)
6 months	2.06 (0.12)	2.37 (0.06)	1.90 (0.13)	2.24 (0.05)	(−0.53, 0.22)	(−0.29, 0.04)
					{±0.38}	{±0.17}
Free leptin index
Baseline	177.26 (33.67)	349.62 (75.91)	125.74 (18.89)	294.41 (51.15)
6 months	276.27 (150.28)	272.86 (36.60)	76.45 (6.65)	213.85 (42.74)
Log leptin : adiponectin ratio
Baseline	0.54 (0.11)	0.73 (0.10)	0.32 (0.12)	0.65 (0.10)
6 months	0.37 (0.09)	0.78 (0.08)	0.24 (0.10)	0.48 (0.08)	(−0.44, 0.17)	(−0.54, −0.05)*
					{±0.31}	{±0.25}
Leptin : adiponectin ratio
Baseline	4.12 (0.74)	7.53 (1.76)	2.82 (0.51)	5.42 (0.96)
6 months	3.38 (0.64)	6.73 (0.91)	1.78 (0.30)	4.23 (1.05)
Log leptin/kg body fat
Baseline	−0.02 (0.07)	0.25 (0.08)	−0.28 (0.08)	0.18 (0.08)
6 months	−0.16 (0.10)	0.24 (0.04)	−0.30 (0.12)	0.21 (0.04)	(−0.50, 0.21)	(−0.16, 0.09)
					{±0.36}	{±0.13}
Leptin/kg body fat
Baseline	0.97 (0.13)	2.06 (0.30)	0.69 (0.10)	1.77 (0.28)
6 months	0.83 (0.14)	2.12 (0.29)	0.62 (0.07)	1.57 (0.20)

Free leptin index = (leptin : soluble leptin receptor) × 100.

*Indicates P < 0.050 for comparison between groups within gender. (Note that P < 0.050 corresponds to the associated difference confidence interval not overlapping 0.00.)

 ^∧Indicates P ≥ 0.050 to <0.100 for comparison between groups within gender.

The power is 50% if the absolute value of the true mean difference equals the half width of the respective 95% confidence interval.

3. Results

We examined 51 participants who were randomized to either weight stable (WS) (n = 25; men: 12; women: 13) or weight loss (WL) (n = 26; men: 12; women: 14) groups. There were no significant differences in demographics, initial body weight, BMI, and medical history between the WS and WL groups (Table 1). In our initial population, body weight was matched between groups, but because more women than men dropped out of the study or had insufficient plasma samples, the initial body weights were no longer matched between WL and WS groups. For the 51 randomized participants included in the adipokine analysis, their medical history showed that nearly two-thirds had high blood pressure, while 22% had palpitations, arrhythmia, or heart surgery, 22% had cancer, and 20% had diabetes. Most of the participants were female (53%) and Caucasian (88%); mean age was 69.3 ± 0.9 years (range 60 to 84 years). Initial weight and BMI for the active cohort were 101.2 kg and 35.0 kg/m². Additionally, there were no differences in physical fitness among the groups at baseline as indicated by maximal work capacity.

Table 1.

Baseline demographics and medical history for participants categorized as total completers, dropouts, or incomplete data, and completers by randomized group.

Variable	Total completers	Dropouts or incomplete data	Weight stable	Weight loss
	N = 51	N = 36	N = 25	N = 26
Age, years	69.3 (0.9)	69.8 (0.8)	69.3 (1.3)	69.3 (1.3)
Weight, kg	101.2 (2.4)	92.9 (2.5)*	101.8 (3.0)	102.6 (4.8)
Body mass index, kg/m2	35.0 (0.6)	34.0 (0.7)	34.9 (0.8)	35.7 (1.3)
Maximal work capacity, estimated METS	5.8 (0.2)	5.6 (0.2)	5.9 (0.2)	6.0 (0.2)
Gender, women (%)	52.9 (7.0)	77.8 (7.0)*	52.0 (10.2)	53.9 (10.0)
Race, white (%)	88.0 (5.6)	80.6 (6.7)	96.0 (4.0)	80.0 (8.2)
Experience chest pain, shortness of breath, other breathing difficulties, yes (%)	20.4 (5.8)	29.4 (8.0)	16.7 (7.8)	24.0 (8.7)
Experience injuries or falls, yes (%)	10.0 (4.3)	17.7 (6.6)	8.0 (5.5)	12.0 (6.6)
Has a doctor ever told you that you had any of the following? yes (%)
Angina	10.4 (4.4)	8.6 (4.8)	4.3 (4.3)	16.0 (7.5)
Congestive heart failure	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)
Palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or heart surgery	22.5 (6.0)	14.7 (6.1)	20.0 (8.2)	25.0 (9.0)
Heart attack	6.0 (3.4)	5.7 (4.0)	4.0 (4.0)	8.0 (5.5)
High blood pressure	65.3 (6.9)	52.9 (8.7)	64.0 (9.8)	66.7 (9.8)
Cancer	22.0 (5.9)	17.7 (6.6)	24.0 (8.7)	20.0 (8.1)
Diabetes	20.0 (5.7)	18.2 (6.8)	16.0 (7.5)	24.0 (8.7)
Emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, breathing difficulties, or lung problems	19.2 (5.8)	23.5 (7.4)	24.0 (8.7)	13.6 (7.5)
Kidney disease	2.0 (2.0)	8.6 (4.8)	0.0 (0.0)	4.0 (4.0)
Poor circulation of your legs or leg cramping when walking	12.0 (4.6)	21.9 (7.4)	8.0 (5.5)	16.0 (7.5)
Stroke or TIA	4.0 (2.8)	2.9 (2.9)	4.0 (4.0)	4.0 (4.0)

Values are presented as means (standard error of mean).

*Indicates P < 0.050 for comparison between total completers column and dropouts or incomplete data column.

A major goal of this study was to develop a successful intensive weight loss intervention in older obese adults that incorporated meal replacements and exercise training. The aim of this analysis was to explore the effect of the weight loss intervention on biomarkers. Compliance with the WL intervention for the 26 participants was measured by attendance to the weekly nutrition classes (mean = 74.0%; ~20 of 26 classes attended) and exercise training classes (mean = 76.3%; ~50 out of 66 sessions attended). Table 2 shows measures for groups at baseline and 6 months for body weight and composition outcomes and behaviors associated with the interventions (step counts and dietary intake). Analyses of covariance between groups on 6 month measures were adjusted for covariates of age, race, and respective baseline measure. The WL groups showed weight change of −13.0 ± 2.3% and −6.7 ± 1.6% relative to initial body weight for men and women, respectively, which is greater than the −1.0 ± 2.1% and 0.6 ± 1.6% change in the WS men and women, respectively. Additionally, women in the WL had reduced amounts of three measures of body fat at 6 months compared to the WS group. Men also had trends for reduction in BMI (P = 0.062; 95% confidence interval for mean difference is −6.02, 0.17) and body fat (P = 0.087; 95% confidence interval for mean difference is −9.91, 0.74). Also, men showed reduced levels of fat-free mass at 6 months for WL versus WS, which was not apparent in women. For the lifestyle behaviors, men in WL showed an increase in step counts, a reduction in energy intake and fat intake (% of total kcals), an increase in carbohydrate intake (% of total kcals), and a trend for increase in protein intake (P = 0.078; 95% confidence interval for mean difference is −0.40 and 6.79). Although women showed similar patterns in diet and physical activity behaviors for comparisons between WL versus WS at 6 months, these only reached statistical significance for a reduction in dietary fat and an increase in dietary carbohydrate.

Table 2.

Measures of body weight and body composition outcomes and diet and physical activity behaviors at baseline and 6 month followup separated by gender. Statistical analysis was performed on 6 month values.

Variable	Weight stable		Weight loss		95% confidence interval  {cutoff for 50% power}   for mean difference (WL − WS) at 6 Month
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
	(n = 12)	(n = 13)	(n = 12)	(n = 14)
Weight, kg
Baseline	110.3 (5.3)	94.6 (3.8)	121.3 (2.8)	90.7 (3.6)
6 months	111.4 (2.7)	92.9 (1.4)	101.3 (3.0)	87.2 (1.3)	(−18.9, −1.4)*	(−9.8, −1.6)*
					{±8.8}	{±4.1}
Weight change (%)	−1.0 (2.1)	0.6 (1.6)	−13.0 (2.3)	−6.7 (1.6)	(−18.7, −5.3)*	(−12.1, −2.4)*
					{±6.7}	{±4.9}
Body mass index, kg/m2
Baseline	34.4 (1.7)	35.6 (1.2)	38.5 (1.8)	34.2 (1.2)
6 months	35.0 (0.9)	35.0 (0.6)	32.1 (1.0)	32.8 (0.5)	(−6.0, 0.2)∧	(−3.8, −0.5)*
					{±3.1}	{±1.7}
Body fat, kg
Baseline	38.8 (2.2)	42.8 (2.4)	38.9 (2.4)	42.6 (2.4)
6 months	38.9 (1.7)	44.3 (1.6)	34.3 (1.9)	37.5 (1.5)	(−9.9, 0.7)∧	(−11.4, −2.2)*
					{±5.3}	{±4.6}
Body fat (%)
Baseline	34.6 (1.3)	45.7 (1.0)	34.1 (1.5)	45.5 (0.9)
6 months	34.0 (1.0)	45.7 (0.6)	32.1 (1.1)	42.6 (0.6)	(−5.2, 1.4)	(−4.9, −1.2)*
					{±3.3}	{±1.9}
Trunk fat, kg
Baseline	20.7 (1.3)	20.5 (1.1)	23.4 (1.5)	19.7 (1.0)
6 months	21.3 (1.2)	20.2 (0.6)	18.8 (1.4)	17.8 (0.6)	(−6.8, 1.6)	(−4.2, −0.7)*
					{±4.2}	{±1.8}
Fat free mass, kg
Baseline	73.0 (2.5)	52.1 (1.7)	70.4 (2.8)	49.5 (1.6)
6 months	74.3 (0.9)	51.1 (0.6)	69.7 (1.1)	50.0 (0.6)	(−7.7, −1.4)*	(−2.9, 0.6)
					{±3.2}	{±1.8}
Step counts, n
Baseline	4720 (649)	5065 (790)	3339 (723)	3555 (727)
6 months	4719 (715)	4676 (1030)	7698 (801)	7101 (769)	(535, 5421)*	(−555, 5405)
					{±2443}	{±2980}
Energy intake, kcals
Baseline	2050.4 (168)	1881 (150)	1917 (197)	1561 (139)
6 months	2088 (120)	1641 (125)	1489 (141)	1431 (115)	(−1012, −186)*	(−584, 164)
					{±413}	{±374}
Fat intake, % kcals
Baseline	35.7 (2.0)	38.4 (2.2)	33.7 (2.4)	35.4 (2.0)
6 Months	36.9 (2.5)	35.6 (1.3)	34.6 (2.9)	27.7 (1.2)	(−20.9, −3.7)*	(−11.6, −4.2)*
					{±8.6}	{±3.7}
Carbohydrate intake, % kcals
Baseline	48.8 (2.7)	48.0 (2.6)	47.3 (3.2)	50.8 (2.4)
6 months	47.3 (2.9)	50.1 (2.0)	59.5 (3.4)	57.6 (1.8)	(2.4, 22.0)*	(1.7, 13.3)*
					{±9.8}	{±5.8}
Protein intake, % kcals
Baseline	15.0 (1.1)	15.7 (0.7)	18.1 (1.3)	16.2 (0.7)
6 months	15.4 (1.0)	16.6 (1.1)	18.6 (1.2)	18.4 (1.0)	(−0.4, 6.8)∧	(−1.3, 5.0)
					{±3.6}	{±3.2}

Values are estimated marginal mean (SEM).

*Indicates P < 0.050 for comparison between (WL versus WS) groups within gender.

^∧Indicates P ≥ 0.050 to <0.100 for comparison between groups within gender.

The power is 50% if the absolute value of the true mean difference equals the half width of the respective 95% confidence interval.

To present useful additional detail to the above tests, we present all of the corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the mean group differences. Note that there is a significant difference (at critical P value of 0.050) when the corresponding 95% confidence interval does not overlap 0.0. Since the power of a t-test is 0.500 (i.e., 50%) when the absolute value of the true population mean value equals the half width of the 95% confidence interval, we also derive and present, in braces, the cutoff true mean differences which would have had 50% power for our study. True mean differences that are less extreme (smaller in absolute value) would have smaller power, while more extreme differences would have larger power.

Few studies have examined how adipokines can be altered by a dietary restriction and exercise training intensive weight loss program in obese older men and women. Since leptin levels are linked to fat mass and to signaling the brain to reduce food consumption, understanding how these change during weight loss can provide insight into metabolic changes associated with weight loss. Plasma levels of leptin and its soluble receptor, and adiponectin, along with calculations among these to obtain free leptin index and ratios between leptin and adiponectin, and leptin and body fat mass were quantified at baseline and follow-up visits as shown in Table 3. Again, due to expected gender differences, these are presented for men and women separately. Because these values were not normally distributed, the log of the baseline and 6 month concentrations of each adipokine were obtained and used in the analysis. Both the log and nontransformed values are presented in the table for clarity. Surprisingly, the only significant effect of the intervention on these measures and calculations was for a lower leptin : adiponectin ratio in women for WL versus WS at 6 months (P = 0.021; 95% confidence interval for mean (WL–WS) difference: −0.54 and −0.05). However, there was a trend for leptin to be lower for WL versus WS in women (P = 0.081; 95% confidence interval for mean difference: −0.31 and 0.02). Note that the power is 50% for the above two tests at true population mean differences of ±(0.49/2) and ±(0.33/2), respectively.

One striking difference in this table is in the levels of leptin between the men and the women. In younger individuals, the higher levels of leptin in females than males, even when matched for BMI, have been reported, so we asked if these differences are still present in older and obese individuals. To highlight this difference, the leptin levels in these groups are shown in Figure 1. This data set indicates that there are 2- to 3- fold higher levels of leptin in women, than in men, in older obese adults; these gender differences are statistically significant based on an independent two-sample t-test. The trend for leptin decreasing in women is also noted on this graph.

Figure 1.

Group comparisons of leptin concentrations at baseline and 6 months for women and men. ∧ Represents significant differences between WS and WL for women at the 6 months at P < 0.100. Bars present sample means augmented with their standard errors. All versus women mean differences are statistically significant with group and sample time combinations.

Examination of partial correlations between the 6 month adipokines' levels after adjustment for background, gender, group, and age suggests some potential causal influences between the adipokines. For men of the WS group, the partial correlation between leptin and soluble leptin receptor was r = −0.461 (P = 0.251), between leptin and adiponectin was r = 0.273 (P = 0.512), and between soluble leptin receptor and adiponectin was r = 0.557 (P = 0.152). For women of the WS group the partial correlations are for the leptin and soluble leptin receptor (r = 0.587, P = 0.126), for leptin and adiponectin (r = 0.296, P = 0.476), and for soluble leptin receptor and adiponectin (r = −0.083, P = 0.845). For men of the WL group, the partial correlations are the following: leptin and soluble leptin receptor (r = 0.155, P = 0.691), leptin and adiponectin (r = 0.333, P = 0.381), and soluble leptin receptor and adiponectin (r = −0.064, P = 0.871). For women of the WL group the partial correlations for the adipokine pairs are: leptin and soluble leptin receptor (r = 0.316, P = 0.374); leptin and adiponectin (r = −0.457, P = 0.184) and soluble leptin receptor and adiponectin (r = −0.047, P = 0.898). It is interesting that there were trends of gender and group differences in these partial correlations.

Spearman correlations were performed to look at associations between measures of body composition, fitness, physical activity, and dietary intake with the adipokines, separately by gender (Table 4 for men and Table 5 for women). For both men and women, the strongest correlations were seen for leptin with percent body fat at baseline and 6 months. Furthermore, percent body fat was significantly correlated with free leptin index; also, percent body fat showed a trend towards significance with adiponectin at baseline (P = 0.058). The only other significant findings or trends towards significant correlations for men were between carbohydrate intake and soluble leptin receptor at baseline and protein intake for free leptin index (6 months only). For women, in addition to leptin, percent body fat also showed significance or trends towards significance for soluble leptin receptor (r = 0.347, P = 0.076 at 6 months), free leptin index (r = 0.369, P = 0.058 at baseline; r = 0.631, P < 0.001 at 6 months), and leptin : adiponectin ratio (r = 0.333, P = 0.089 at baseline; r = 0.562, P = 0.002 at 6 months). Additionally, trunk fat, an index for visceral abdominal fat, was at 6 months correlated with leptin (r = 0.471, P = 0.013), soluble leptin receptor (r = 0.368, P = 0.059), free leptin index (r = 0.335, P = 0.087), and leptin : adiponectin ratio (r = 0.454, P = 0.017). Women also showed a number of significant (and trends for significant) correlations between adipokines and step counts and intake of total calories and macronutrients. Step counts were negatively correlated at 6 months with leptin (r = −0.464, P = 0.034) and free leptin index (r = −0.408, P = 0.067). Energy intake was associated with soluble leptin receptor at baseline (r = 0.411, P = 0.037). Fat intake was associated with soluble leptin receptor at 6 months (r = 0.449, P = 0.021). At baseline, carbohydrate intake was associated with leptin (r = 0.498, P = 0.010), free leptin index (r = 0.413, P = 0.036), and leptin : adiponectin ratio (r = 0.428, P = 0.029). Finally, soluble leptin receptor was negatively correlated with protein intake at both baseline (r = −0.342, P = 0.088) and 6 months (r = −0.393, P = 0.047).

Table 4.

Spearman correlations at baseline and 6 months for men between adipokines and body fat %, trunk fat, step counts, dietary intake, and peak METS from GXT (baseline only). Data are presented as rho correlation coefficient (P value).

	Leptin	Soluble leptin receptor	Adiponectin	Free leptin Index	Leptin : adiponectin
Body fat (%)
Baseline	0.695 (P < 0.001)*	0.128 (P = 0.559)	0.401 (P = 0.058)∧	0.570 (P = 0.005)*	0.133 (P = 0.544)
6 months	0.465 (0.026)*	0.007 (0.973)	0.220 (0.312)	0.441 (0.035)*	0.233 (0.284)
Trunk fat
Baseline	0.183 (0.404)	0.367 (P = 0.085)∧	0.518 (P = 0.011)*	0.056 (P = 0.799)	−0.150 (P = 0.494)
6 months	0.222 (0.321)	0.091 (0.687)	−0.005 (0.982)	0.186 (0.408)	0.313 (0.156)
METS
Baseline	−0.192 (P = 0.369)	−0.059 (P = 0.784)	−0.095 (P = 0.659)	−0.112 (P = 0.601)	−0.002 (P = 0.994)
6 months	#	#	#	#	#
Step counts
Baseline	−0.134 (P = 0.553)	−0.099 (0.662)	−0.051 (0.820)	−0.028 (0.903)	−0.006 (0.978)
6 months	−0.168 (0.444)	0.141 (0.520)	0.005 (0.982)	−0.190 (0.386)	−0.299 (0.165)
Energy intake
Baseline	−0.237 (0.276)	0.310 (0.150)	0.174 (0.427)	−0.298 (0.167)	−0.006 (0.978)
6 months	0.230 (0.291)	−0.042 (0.847)	0.351 (0.101)	0.216 (0.321)	−0.024 (0.914)
Fat intake (%)
Baseline	0.158 (0.471)	0.105 (0.634)	0.325 (0.130)	0.154 (0.483)	−0.113 (0.609)
6 months	0.191 (0.383)	−0.135 (0.538)	0.315 (0.143)	0.217 (0.319)	−0.125 (0.571)
Carbohydrate intake (%)
Baseline	0.042 (0.847)	−0.445 (0.034)*	−0.299 (0.165)	0.093 (0.673)	0.267 (0.218)
6 months	−0.118 (0.593)	−0.161 (0.463)	−0.243 (0.264)	−0.085 (0.700)	0.112 (0.612)
Protein intake (%)
Baseline	−0.242 (0.266)	−0.047 (0.830)	−0.263 (0.266)	−0.226 (0.299)	−0.119 (0.590)
6 months	−0.351 (0.101)	0.113 (0.609)	−0.063 (0.774)	0.379 (0.074)∧	−0.249 (0.252)

 *Indicates statistical significance at P < 0.05;  ^∧indicates P value ≥0.050 and <0.100.

^#Indicates that comparisons were only from baseline measures of METS.

Table 5.

Spearman correlations at baseline and 6 months for women between adipokines and body fat %, trunk fat, step counts, dietary intake, and peak METS from GXT (baseline only). Data are presented as rho correlation coefficient (P value).

	Leptin	Soluble leptin receptor	Adiponectin	Free leptin index	Leptin : adiponectin
Body fat (%)
Baseline	0.440 (0.022)*	−0.090 (0.656)	0.015 (0.940)	0.369 (0.058)∧	0.333 (0.089)∧
6 months	0.757 (P < 0.001)*	0.347 (0.076)∧	−0.067 (0.739)	0.631 (P < 0.001)*	0.562 (0.002)*
Trunk fat
Baseline	0.099 (0.624)	0.226 (0.256)	0.136 (0.498)	0.046 (0.821)	0.018 (0.928)
6 months	0.471 (0.013)*	0.368 (0.059)∧	−0.167 (0.406)	0.335 (0.087)∧	0.454 (0.017)*
METS
Baseline	−0.276 (0.172)	−0.091 (0.657)	−0.026 (0.900)	−0.198 (0.333)	−0.193 (0.344)
6 months	#	#	#	#	#
Step counts
Baseline	−0.054 (0.792)	0.157 (0.444)	0.172 (0.401)	−0.147 (0.475)	−0.085 (0.679)
6 months	−0.464 (0.034)*	0.022 (0.924)	0.261 (0.253)	−0.408 (0.067)∧	−0.349 (0.121)
Energy intake
Baseline	−0.050 (0.807)	0.411 (0.037)*	0.213 (0.296)	−0.156 (0.446)	−0.161 (0.432)
6 months	−0.121 (0.555)	0.320 (0.111)	−0.065 (0.751)	−0.206 (0.312)	0.006 (0.978)
Fat intake (%)
Baseline	−0.246 (0.225)	0.198 (0.332)	−0.062 (0.764)	−0.209 (0.306)	−0.226 (0.267)
6 months	0.032 (0.875)	0.449 (0.021)*	0.105 (0.610)	−0.115 (0.575)	−0.033 (0.872)
Carbohydrate intake (%)
Baseline	0.498 (0.010)*	−0.221 (0.278)	−0.048 (0.815)	0.413 (0.036)*	0.428 (0.029)*
6 months	−0.087 (0.672)	−0.160 (0.434)	−0.136 (0.506)	−0.030 (0.883)	0.069 (0.739)
Protein intake (%)
Baseline	−0.269 (0.184)	−0.342 (0.088)∧	0.212 (0.298)	−0.056 (0.787)	−0.265 (0.191)
6 months	0.148 (0.470)	−0.393 (0.047)*	0.120 (0.559)	0.246 (0.226)	−0.035 (0.864)

 *Indicates statistical significance at P < 0.05;  ^∧indicates P value ≥ 0.050 and < 0.100.

^# Indicates that comparisons were only from baseline measures of METS.

Interestingly, the gender differences in adipokines were apparent when the percentage changes from baseline to 6 months were examined. The relationship between the percent change in adipokine levels and differences in % body fat, trunk fat, and step counts is shown in Table 6. In the women, the change in leptin, the free leptin index, and the leptin : adiponectin ratio were also significantly correlated with the change in percent body fat (r = 0.590, P = 0.001 for leptin; r = 0.431, P = 0.025 for free leptin index; r = 0.430, P = 0.025 for leptin : adiponectin) and trunk fat (r = 0.540, P = 0.004 for leptin, r = 0.386, P = 0.047 for free leptin index; r = 0.422, P = 0.028 for leptin : adiponectin). In men, the only significant relationships were between changes in the free leptin index and the leptin : adiponectin ratio with the change in step counts (r = −0.425, P = 0.049 for free leptin index; r = −0.530, P = 0.011 for leptin : adiponectin).

Table 6.

Spearman correlations by gender for percent change from baseline to 6 months in adipokines and body fat and step counts.

	%Δ Body fat		%Δ Trunk fat		%Δ Step counts
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
%Δ Leptin	0.064 (0.784)	0.590 (0.001)*	−0.048 (0.836)	0.540 (0.004)*	−0.344 (0.137)	−0.216 (0.348)
%  Δ sLR	0.345 (0.107)	0.083 (0.681)	0.258 (0.246)	0.148 (0.462)	0.273 (0.219)	0.074 (0.750)
%Δ Adiponectin	0.018 (0.936)	−0.229 (0.251)	−0.239 (0.284)	−0.217 (0.278)	0.330 (0.133)	0.281 (0.218)
%Δ Free leptin index	−0.110 (0.618)	0.431 (0.025)*	−0.139 (0.536)	0.386 (0.047)*	−0.425 (0.049)*	−0.231 (0.313)
%Δ Leptin : adiponectin	−0.120 (0.587)	0.430 (0.025)*	0.022 (0.923)	0.422 (0.028)*	−0.530 (0.011)*	−0.200 (0.385)

4. Discussion

The goal of this analysis was to assess the effect of the lifestyle behavioral weight loss intervention on adipokine levels in older obese men and women. We also examined relationships between the adipokines and obesity indices, physical activity, and dietary intake at baseline and the end of the 6 month intervention. The weight loss intervention led to among the largest levels of weight loss published from a randomized behavioral weight loss intervention trial in older adults [32–34]. Accompanying the change in weight were significantly lower body fat and trunk fat for women in WL as compared to WS. Men in WL showed a trend (P ≥ 0.050 and <0.100) for having lower body fat than WS. Men in WL versus WS showed higher physical activity and lower energy intake with lower fat intake and higher carbohydrate intake. Women in WL had a lower fat intake and higher carbohydrate intake, but no differences in total energy intake or step counts were identified in comparison to WS.

This study is unique in that it is the first study that examined leptin, adiponectin, and soluble leptin receptor together in older obese adults before and after weight loss. This allowed an assessment of these adipokines partial correlations (adjusted for other factors), suggesting potential multivariate relationships. Additionally, these findings add to the literature by reporting on the relationships between the adipokines and lifestyle behaviors. While it was hypothesized that the adipokines would show significant effects from the intervention, it was surprising that while there was a trend for difference in leptin levels in women, the only statistically significant (P < 0.050) WL versus WS difference was seen in women for the leptin : adiponectin ratio. This study also highlights the substantially higher levels (>2 fold elevation) of leptin in females than males, which is similar to that reported in younger adults [15, 35–37]. This was suggested to be attributed to women having higher adiposity levels overall [35, 37, 38], but in our study population, even when leptin levels were adjusted for body fat, women still had greater than 2-fold elevated levels than men (Table 3). Leptin also remained significantly correlated with percent whole body fat and trunk fat at the end of the intervention for women, but not for men.

Earlier reports have shown reductions in leptin in older adults following a dietary restriction based weight loss program [14]. In the earlier work, dietary induced weight loss (with and without exercise training) of 5-6% over 18 months showed a decrease in serum leptin as compared to non-dieting groups. The reason for the greater effect in that study than in this dataset may be from the longer follow-up period (6 versus 18 months), although others have shown changes in leptin in ≤6 months of weight loss [13, 39]. For better understanding of the data, we detail all of the 95% confidence intervals for our mean differences in WL versus WS as well as the cutoff for 50% power (see Table 3). Larger sample sizes would have yielded larger power. Earlier work by Monzillo and coworkers showed a statistically significant reduction in leptin during weight loss, although they only showed a 14% decrease in serum leptin (27.9 ± 3 before and 23.6 ± 3 ng/mL after 6% weight loss) [13]. In more intensive weight losses, serum leptin concentrations decreased by 45% [39] and 22% [40]. Study populations in these earlier works were much younger than this current sample, and they were all insulin resistant. Although we do not have a measure of insulin resistance for our cohort, the medical history indicates that about 1 in 5 (~20%) had type 2 diabetes, with the distribution of these individuals being similar between the 2 intervention groups. The other studies focused only on brief but more extreme dietary interventions while our study included a modest modification of dietary and lifestyle behaviors.

Adiponectin levels did not change over the 6 month study for either men or women, but the leptin : adiponectin ratio was significantly lower in the WL group for women at the end of the intervention period than in the WS women. The leptin : adiponectin ratio has been shown to be a possible indicator of the metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and insulin resistance with higher ratios serving as a marker for these obesity comorbidities [41–43]. Therefore, the reduced leptin : adiponectin ratio in WL women suggests a reduced risk for these comorbidities. Consistent with this hypothesis, the leptin : adiponectin ratio was significantly correlated with percent body fat and trunk fat in women. The lack of change in adiponectin levels from the intervention and positive correlation with percent fat and trunk fat (in men) were unexpected as adiponectin has been shown to be inversely correlated with fat mass [44, 45].

The soluble leptin receptor is thought to bind circulating leptin, and it has been proposed to control leptin action in two opposing ways. This soluble receptor may alter the proportion of free leptin, thereby inhibiting leptin binding to membrane leptin receptors and decreasing leptin activity [24, 46] by protecting leptin from degradation or by blocking its activity [5, 8–10]. In this study we find significant positive correlations between body fat and trunk fat with soluble leptin receptor and free leptin index. This differs from a report that soluble leptin receptor levels were inversely correlated with fat mass in young, healthy participants [15]. Also, levels of sLR have been reported to be higher in men than women [47].

In our current analysis, the free leptin index was correlated with percent body fat at baseline and at 6 months in both men and women and had an inverse correlation with step count at 6 months for women. The correlation with percent body fat is consistent with findings of a previous study on young, healthy individuals [15]. The inverse correlation with step counts suggests that increased physical activity leads to lower levels of unbound leptin in the blood or less leptin activity. This finding is of interest due to the comorbidities seen in obese, hyperleptinemic individuals [47]. More studies on sLR levels in older individuals with obesity are needed to clarify how this receptor is affected by diet and exercise in this particular population. Because of the conflicting hypotheses on the role of soluble receptor in leptin signaling, it is important to have a more thorough understanding of factors that alter soluble leptin receptors.

Because lifestyle habits are modifiable, their effects on adipokine secretion are a critical issue, especially in obese older adults. The links between adipokines and disease conditions are becoming evident, thus understanding factors that modify their levels may have an impact on disease morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, changes to diet and physical activity provide safe alternatives to pharmacologic interventions. In this study, dietary components and physical activity had limited statistically significant correlations in either men or women with baseline and 6 month measures of adipokines. Others have shown that sLR was positively associated with carbohydrate intake and negatively associated with fat intake and that the free leptin index showed opposite associations (positively from fat and negatively from carbohydrate intake) [15]. These findings would suggest that, in this cohort, dietary intake and physical activity play a minor role in the variability seen in adipokine levels. This supports our earlier work which showed that exercise training had no effect on plasma leptin following an 18-month weight loss intervention [14]. Another factor contributing to the variance in adipokines that have previously been reported are regarding race/ethnicity [21, 23]. The small number of non-Caucasians in our study sample precluded us from looking at this variable, although we adjusted for it in our univariate analyses models.

The older obese adults in this study had symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, consistent with obesity being a primary risk factor for knee osteoarthritis. This has been proposed to be, at least partly, from the hyperleptinemia present in obesity as leptin and adiponectin are high in individuals with osteoarthritis versus weight-matched controls [31]. Thus, the potential effect of weight loss in this cohort on leptin is of interest as adipokines may be a critical mediator of obesity-related osteoarthritis [34, 48, 49]. In this modified cohort, pain and function also improved in both men and women from the intervention. However, there were no correlations between the different adipokines and these outcomes.

In summary, there have been relatively few randomized controlled weight loss trials in older obese adults. This study identifies an effective weight loss regime for this population and explored adipokines and their interactions with body fat measures, dietary components, and exercise levels at baseline and after a six month control or intensive weight-loss intervention period. While a number of studies have looked at younger populations, it is becoming apparent that those studies' findings may not be directly applicable to the older obese population as metabolic alterations with aging may impact adipokines metabolism. Additionally, the striking differences between men and women in this age group in adipokine levels and their relationship to weight loss suggest further complexities in understanding the linkage between adipokines and metabolism. Understanding the regulatory factors for these adipokines and their soluble receptors may have important physiological and therapeutic implications for obesity and related comorbidities.

Abbreviations

BMI:

Body Mass Index

PACT:

Physical Activity, Inflammation, and Body Composition Trial

WL:

Weight loss

WS:

Weight stable

OA:

Osteoarthritis

GCRC:

General Clinical Research Center

DXA:

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry

METS:

Metabolic equivalents

NDS:

Nutrition data system

sLR:

Soluble leptin receptor

GXT:

Graded exercise test.