Serum Leptin Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Relationship with Disease Activity

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. It typically results in warm, swollen, and painful joints. Pain and stiffness often worsen following rest. Most commonly, the wrist and hands are involved, with the same joints typically involved on both sides of the body. Often, symptoms come on gradually over weeks to months. The disease may also affect other parts of the body. This may result in a low red blood cell count, inflammation around the lungs, and inflammation around the heart. Fever and low energy may also be present. Objective: To study leptin levels in rheumatoid arthritis and relationship between these levels and disease activity. Conclusion: Blocking the key signal pathways of leptin and inhibiting leptin activity, such as with leptin antagonists, may be a promising way for the therapeutic potential of RA at risk of detrimental effects. Hence, further understanding of the mechanism of leptin would be advantageous in the future in RA treatment.