Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ that secretes adipokines involved in metabolic regulation, inflammation, and cardiovascular homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests that adipokine imbalance may contribute to the development of hypertension. This study aimed to compare circulating adipokine levels in newly diagnosed untreated hypertensive patients and normaotensive controls and to evaluate their association with blood pressure. METHODS: This case-control study included 180 participants recruited from outpatient clinics at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine. The study population consisted of 96 newly diagnosed untreated hypertensive patients and 84 normotensive controls. Sociodemographic data and blood pressure measurements were recorded. Serum levels of leptin, intelectin, RBP-1, chemerin, visceral adipokine index, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, and C-reactive protein were measured using ELISA kits. Statistical analyses included group comparisons, correlation analyses, ANCOVA adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Leptin, intelectin, RBP-1, resistin, and visfatin levels were significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in controls (p < 0.001). Adiponectin levels were slightly higher in hypertensive individuals, while chemerin, visceral adipokine index, and CRP showed no significant differences. Logistic regression analysis identified age, BMI, and resistin as independent predictors of hypertension. CONCLUSION: Several adipokines are elevated in hypertension, suggesting a potential role in blood pressure regulation. Among them, resistin appears to be an independent predictor of hypertension and may represent a potential biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment.