Changes in adipokines and inflammatory markers through the menopausal transition and relationships with changes in body fat distribution variables were examined in 69 women. During the menopause transition period, there were significant increases in serum amyloid A, adiponectin, monocyte-chemotactic protein-1 and tissue plasminogen activator antigen concentrations. There were also significant increases in intra-abdominal (visceral) fat (+21%, p<0.001) and subcutaneous fat (+15%, p<0.001). The increase in intra-abdominal adipose tissue correlated positively with the change in serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, tissue plasminogen activator antigen and leptin concentrations and negatively with adiponectin levels. Statistical adjustment for subcutaneous fat did not alter relationships, except for serum amyloid A, where the relationship disappeared. The accumulation of intra-abdominal fat across the menopausal transition is associated with deleterious changes in adipokines and inflammatory markers.
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