Abstract
Introduction: Introduction: The close link between leptin and kidney function is now
concerned that a significant increase in the level of bioactive form of leptin in progressive
kidney injuries has been recently revealed.
Objectives: This study assessed the levels of leptin and its main determinants among endstage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 78 patients suffering
from ESRD that were planned for hemodialysis (68 patients) or peritoneal dialysis (10
patients) three times a week. The baseline characteristics including demographics, medical
history, and medications were collected. The level of laboratory parameters including fasting
blood sugar, lipid profile, urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, and parathormone were
determined using the special kits.
Results: The mean level of leptin was lower than 7.8 ng/mL in 35.9% of patients Serum leptin
of 8.7 to 13.1 ng/mL in 7.7% of cases and higher than 13.1 ng/mL in 56.4% of patients was
detected. A direct association of plasma leptin with body weight, body mass index (BMI), and
serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL and uric acid was seen. Serum
levels of leptin were adversely associated with the duration of dialysis. In other patients
who underwent peritoneal dialysis, the serum levels of leptin were significantly related to
leptin with body weight and BMI while adversely with the duration of dialysis. Regarding
association of inflammatory markers, this hormone was adversely associated with levels of β2
microglobulin in the hemodialysis group but not in the peritoneal dialysis group. The level of
leptin was not associated with the concentrations of IL6 and IFN-γ in both dialysis groups.
Conclusion: In ESRD patients undergoing dialysis, the serum level of leptin is associated with
lipid metabolism and BMI. These associations are expected more in the hemodialysis group
than in the peritoneal dialysis group.