Leptin as an InflammatoryMarker in Dialysis Patients

Objective: Markers of chronic inflammation, such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6, are predictive for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic renal failure. Leptin stimulates angiogenesis and accelerates vascular calcification and it plays an active role in the process of atherosclerotic disease. This study investigated the relationship between leptin and inflammatory markers (hs-CRP,TNF-alpha ve IL-6) and leptin as an inflammatory marker in dialysis patients. Material and Methods: We examined the relationship of serum leptin levels with inflammatory markers in dialyzed patients. Serum CRP or TNF-alpha, IL-6 and leptin levels were determined as well as other metabolic parameters. Correlation studies and multivariate regression analysis were performed among variables. Results: Our patients showed elevated serum leptin and inflammatory markers. Serum leptin levels were positively correlated with CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and body mass index (BMI). Serum CRP levels were directly related to leptin levels. Conclusion: Both hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients showed high levels of chronic inflammation markers. Serum leptin levels were elevated in dialysis patients and significantly correlated with inflammatory markers.