Leptin serum levels in different subtypes of Multiple sclerosis: does leptin play a role in progress of Multiple sclerosis? (44.9)

Abstract

Abstract Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS resulting in accumulating neurological disability. Recent evidences have strongly indicated that leptin has influence on the immune system and maybe involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as MS. Objectives: To compare serum leptin levels among healthy volunteers and patients with different subtypes of MS and to investigate its association with disease progression. Material and Methods: Leptin concentrations in sera of 114 healthy volunteers and 136 patients with different types of MS, including 93 relapsing remitting (RR), 18 primary progressive (PP), 13 secondary progressive (SP), and 12 progressive relapsing (PR) after matching for sex, age and BMI were measured using ELISA technique. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed between healthy volunteers and MS patients (18.55±23.55 vs 38.86±39.59 ng/ml, p<0.001), SP and PP (25.80±22.05 vs 70.64±53.01, p<0.01), and also between RR and PP (42.10±42.35 vs 70.64±53.01, p<0.05). There was a tight correlation between Progression Index and leptin serum concentrations (F=21.7, P<0.001). Conclusion: Leptin serum level is significantly higher in the sera of MS patients compared to healthy sex, age and BMI matched group. Patients with progressive forms have elevated leptin levels that seem to be associated with their disease progression. Our data suggests a pro-inflammatory role for leptin in MS.