Leptin and Soluble Leptin Receptor among Obese Patients in Gaza Strip

Abstract

Background: Leptin is a lately detected adipocytes derived protohormone. It plays an important circulating signal for the regulating body weight. Soluble leptin receptor (OB-Re) makes up the main binding compound for leptin in the blood plasma. Objective: This study aimed to ascertain weather an association exist between leptin and OB-Re among obese individuals in Gaza Strip. Study design: Retrospective design (case-control study) was used Setting and Study sample: Two biggest obesity clinics from the North and the Mid-Zone Governorates in the Gaza strip have been identified In order to choose a representative sample for this study. Study sample was convenience one consisted of 83 obese individuals without history of other diseases (case group). Control group consisted of 83 eligible normal weight individuals that selectively chosen to match case group. Tools of the study: Self reported structure interview and serum blood sample were obtained from the both groups. Outcome measures and statistical Analysis: Human leptin and soluble leptin receptor competitive ELISA kits from Diagnostic Systems Laboratories (Texas, USA) were used. Logistic regression model, ANOVA, correlation coefficient and a students t test were used to analyze the data. Results: The results of the study shows a positive correlation, and a significant relationship between body mass index (BMI) and leptin hormone in obese individuals (r =0.64, F test = 55.96, P-value 0.00), and a strong positive correlation among case and control groups (r= 0.801, p value =0.00). On the other hand, the results showed that OB-Re was a significantly inverse correlated with BMI in obese individuals (r =-0.26 -F test =14.2, p value =0.017) and a strong inverse correlation among case and control groups (r =-0.58, p value =0.00) . The result shows a statistical differences in leptin and OB-Re levels between male and female individuals. That is the leptin was significantly higher (t =-4.2, p value =0.00) in females (mean= 72.4 ng/ml) than in males (mean= 44.05 ng/ml). In contrast, OB-Re was slightly higher in females (mean=9.75 ng/ml) than males (mean= 8.91ng/ml) that was not statistically significant. The results also shows no significant correlation between OB-Re and leptin (r =-0.16, p value =0.14), whereas serum OB-Re levels significantly inverse correlated with leptin among case and control groups (r=-51, p=0.00). A significant positive correlation was found between OB-Re and HDL-c. In addition, a significant positive correlations were found between cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglyceride with leptin. Significant negative inverse correlations were detected between leptin, cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglyceride with OB-Re. However a significant negative inverse correlation was found between HDL-c and leptin. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study can elucidate the causes and consequences of obesity are expected to aid the provision of care for obese individuals.