Related Experiment Videos
Leptin and the proinflammatory state associated with human obesity
Chris J Hukshorn1, Jan H N Lindeman, Karin H Toet
1NUTRIM, Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 9, 2004
Summary
This study investigated leptin
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Elevated leptin levels are implicated in the low-grade inflammation associated with human obesity.
- Weight loss typically reduces inflammation, but the role of leptin in this process is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if exogenous leptin administration during weight loss counteracts beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.
- To investigate the effect of pegylated recombinant leptin (PEG-OB) on inflammation during a very low-calorie diet in overweight men.
Main Methods:
- Healthy overweight young men underwent a very low-calorie diet.
- Participants received either PEG-OB or a placebo.
- Cellular and humoral inflammation parameters were measured before and after the diet.
Main Results:
- Weight loss decreased most inflammation markers (TNF-alpha, tissue plasminogen activator, von Willebrand factor).
- PEG-OB treatment did not prevent the decline in most cellular inflammation parameters.
- PEG-OB enhanced the decrease in overall inflammation markers and specific parameters (tissue plasminogen activator, von Willebrand factor, PAI-1, ICAM-1) during weight loss.
- Leptin administration led to increased C-reactive protein levels, suggesting a proinflammatory effect.
- PEG-OB significantly increased weight loss.
Conclusions:
- The data do not support a proinflammatory role for leptin in human obesity.
- Despite a potential proinflammatory effect (increased CRP), leptin administration enhanced weight loss and reduced overall inflammation markers when combined with caloric restriction.