Abstract
BACKGROUND: Decreased levels of high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin are associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. This relationship may be further confounded by alcohol consumption, which plays a role in the development of liver dysfunction. In Japan, few studies have investigated the relationship between HMW adiponectin levels and alcohol consumption with mortality. METHODS: The study included 845 male participants (mean age, 61 ± 13 years; range, 20-89 years) and 1065 female participants (mean age, 63 ± 11 years; range, 22-88 years). Of the participants, 809 (42.4%) were classified as nondrinkers, 561 (29.4%) as occasional drinkers, 346 (18.1%) as daily light drinkers, and 194 (10.2%) as daily heavy drinkers. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality, adjusting for various confounders, including HMW adiponectin levels. RESULTS: Individuals who abstained from alcohol consumption (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.52) or engaged in daily heavy drinking (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04-1.86) exhibited significantly higher overall mortality than occasional drinkers. Additionally, those with the 3rd standard deviation (SD) level of HMW adiponectin (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.07-1.80) and 4th SD level (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.23-2.23) had a similarly increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with the lowest levels. After adjusting for confounders, the HR for individuals with the 3rd + 4th SD levels of HMW adiponectin was significantly elevated in nondrinkers (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.09-3.29), occasional drinkers (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.05-3.21), and daily heavy drinkers (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.05-3.44), but not in daily light drinkers. The interaction between alcohol consumption and HMW adiponectin levels was significantly associated with all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that alcohol consumption and elevated HMW adiponectin levels are interactively associated with all-cause mortality in community-dwelling individuals.