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Serum leptin concentrations in chronic hepatitis

Rungsunn Tungtrongchitr1, Sombat Treeprasertsuk, Nyein Nyein Ei

  • 1Department of Tropical Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University., Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400 Thailand. tmrtg@mahidol.ac.th

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|May 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Leptin levels are higher in Thai patients with chronic viral liver diseases (Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus) and non-alcoholic steatosis hepatitis compared to healthy controls. This suggests leptin may indicate liver dysfunction severity.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Chronic liver diseases, including Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and non-alcoholic steatosis hepatitis (NASH), are significant global health concerns.
  • Leptin, a hormone primarily involved in regulating body weight and metabolism, has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including liver disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare serum leptin concentrations in Thai patients diagnosed with chronic HBV, chronic HCV, and NASH.
  • To evaluate the relationship between leptin levels and clinical parameters such as body mass index (BMI), liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP), and hematological variables in these patient groups.
  • To compare leptin levels in liver disease patients with those of healthy control subjects.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 20 patients each with HBV, HCV, and NASH, alongside a control group of 60 healthy individuals from Thailand.
  • Fasting blood samples were collected to measure serum leptin concentration, liver enzyme function tests, and hematological parameters.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare leptin levels and other variables between patient groups and controls.

Main Results:

  • Serum leptin concentration was significantly elevated in patients with chronic liver diseases (HBV, HCV, NASH) compared to the control group.
  • No significant correlation was found between leptin levels and BMI, ALT, AST, ALP, or hematological variables (WBC, platelets, hematocrit).
  • Liver enzyme function tests were markedly higher in patient groups, while white blood cell counts, platelets, and hematocrit were slightly lower.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum leptin levels in chronic liver disease patients may be associated with fat accumulation in the liver.
  • Despite no direct correlation with specific clinical parameters, serum leptin levels in chronic viral liver diseases might serve as a potential indicator of the extent of liver dysfunction.
  • Physiological regulation of leptin concerning body fat appears to be maintained even in the presence of chronic viral liver diseases.

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