Serum Adipokine Profiles and Insulin Resistance in Relation to Adiposity Patterns Among Postmenopausal Women in Benin City, South South Nigeria

Background: Menopause is accompanied by redistribution of adipose tissue toward visceral depots, with attendant changes in adipokine secretion patterns that influence insulin sensitivity and metabolic risk. Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin have emerged as key adipose tissue-derived hormones mediating these relationships. Empirical data describing adipokine-insulin resistance associations specifically among postmenopausal Nigerian women are scarce. Objectives: This study seeks to characterise serum adipokine profiles, quantify insulin resistance using the homeostatic model assessment, and examine the independent contributions of adiposity measures, including body mass index, waist circumference, and visceral fat rating, to adipokine-driven insulin resistance in postmenopausal women in Benin City. Methods: Eighty postmenopausal women and forty premenopausal controls will be recruited from three tertiary institutions in Edo State. Serum leptin, adiponectin, and resistin will be quantified by ELISA. Fasting insulin and glucose will be measured. Body composition will be assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Hierarchical regression will determine the independent predictive contribution of adiposity indices. Expected Outcomes: Postmenopausal women are anticipated to exhibit elevated leptin, reduced adiponectin, higher resistin, and greater insulin resistance, with visceral adiposity being the strongest independent predictor. Conclusion: Findings will enrich the analytical literature on adipose physiology and menopause-related metabolic risk in Nigerian women. Keywords: adipokines, insulin resistance, postmenopause, adiposity, Benin City.