An adipocytokine signature improves diagnostic accuracy for people living with lipoedema

British Journal of Dermatology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Katja S. Mühlberg, Robin Schürfeld, Patricia Kieser, Simone Uhlemann, Michael Stümvoll, Dierk Scheinert, Matthias Blüher, Mathias Faßhauer, Thomas Ebert
DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljag103
Cited by: 2
References: 6

Abstract

Lipoedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder often misdiagnosed as obesity due to overlapping symptoms and a lack of biomarkers. In this study, we analysed 13 adipocytokines in 79 women and identified chemerin, FGF21 and adiponectin as key biomarkers for distinguishing lipoedema. Decision tree models achieved up to 95% sensitivity, supporting the potential of these biomarkers for improving diagnostic accuracy, particularly in women with overweight or obesity.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Lymphatic System and Diseases Adipokines Inflammation and Metabolic Diseases Systemic Sclerosis and Related Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
British Journal of Dermatology
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
195
Issue
1
Pages
167–169
Publication date
24 March 2026
Language
EN