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High serum leptin is associated with attenuated coronary vasoreactivity
Jan Sundell1, Risto Huupponen, Olli T Raitakari
1Department of Medicine, Turku University, Turku, Finland. jan.sandell@utu.fi
Obesity Research
|June 14, 2003
Summary
In obese men, higher leptin levels correlate with reduced coronary vasoreactivity. This suggests leptin may play a role in regulating myocardial blood supply, even if obesity and hyperinsulinemia explain the direct link.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Hyperleptinemia, common in obesity, is a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease.
- Leptin is a vasoactive hormone, yet its direct impact on coronary perfusion remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circulating leptin concentration and coronary vasoreactivity in young obese and nonobese males.
Main Methods:
- Positron emission tomography (PET) with O-15-water was used to quantify myocardial blood flow in 10 obese and 10 nonobese men.
- Measurements were taken at baseline and during adenosine infusion to assess coronary vasoreactivity.
Main Results:
- Obese men exhibited significantly higher serum leptin levels compared to nonobese men.
- Adenosine-stimulated myocardial blood flow was significantly blunted in obese individuals.
- Serum leptin concentration showed an inverse association with adenosine-stimulated coronary flow.
Conclusions:
- Young obese men present with both hyperleptinemia and reduced coronary vasoreactivity.
- While obesity and hyperinsulinemia may mediate the observed relationship, leptin's potential role in myocardial blood supply regulation warrants further investigation.