Serum leptin in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Its correlation with disease activity and some disease parameters

Abstract

Aim of the workTo evaluate serum leptin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and correlate these levels with clinical and laboratory parameters as well as disease activity using systemic lupus disease activity index (SLEDAI). Patients and methodsThe study was conducted on sixty female subjects, forty SLE patients and twenty healthy controls. Patients were diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) revised criteria for SLE. All patients were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, assessment of disease activity using SLEDAI and laboratory investigations including serum leptin levels (pg/ml) assessed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Patients were divided into two groups; group I with active SLE and group II with inactive SLE. Patients with SLEDAI ≥3 were considered active. ResultsSignificant statistical differences were found in serum leptin levels between SLE patients and controls (6229.65vs. 2962.30pg/ml, p<0.001). Significant statistical correlation of serum leptin levels with body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001) and total cholesterol (p=0.014) in SLE patients. Non-significant statistical correlation between serum leptin levels and SLEDAI (p=0.310). Non-significant statistical difference was found in levels of serum leptin between active and inactive SLE groups (p=0.344). ConclusionsSLE patients had elevated serum leptin levels. Elevated leptin levels correlated significantly with BMI and total cholesterol. Serum leptin levels showed non-significant correlations with SLEDAI nor did they differentiate between active and inactive SLE patients.