A comparison of osteoprotegerin with adiponectin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a marker for insulin resistance

Abstract Objective Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with low adiponectin and elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has been shown to be elevated in type 2 diabetes, but whether it reflects underlying IR is unclear. We aimed to compare the ability of serum OPG with adiponectin and hsCRP to act as a marker for IR in individuals with normal and abnormal glucose tolerance. Materials/methods 115 men underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. OPG, hsCRP and adiponectin were measured using ELISA. IR was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results Men with abnormal glucose tolerance (n = 38) were older (58.3 ± 11.2 vs 47.3 ± 11.4 years, P 2 , P P P P μ g/mL, P r  = − 0.317, P r  = 0.318, P r  = 0.126, P  = .196) correlated with HOMA-IR. On multiple linear regression analysis, adiponectin and hsCRP but not OPG were independent predictors of HOMA-IR. Conclusions OPG is higher in individuals with abnormal glucose tolerance, but unlike adiponectin and hsCRP, does not correlate with HOMA-IR, suggesting its elevation within this cohort of individuals is due to factors other than insulin resistance.