Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
08:50
5/6th Nephrectomy in Combination with High Salt Diet and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition to Induce Chronic Kidney Disease in the Lewis Rat
Published on: July 3, 2013
Relationship between Plasma Leptin Level and Chronic Kidney Disease
Anoop Shankar1, Shirmila Syamala, Jie Xiao
1Department of Community Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 9190, Morgantown, WV 26506-9190, USA.
International Journal of Nephrology
|June 6, 2012
Summary
Higher plasma leptin levels are linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in US adults. This study found a significant association, suggesting leptin may play a role in CKD development.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Leptin, a hormone from adipose tissue, influences metabolic, inflammatory, and hemostatic factors relevant to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Animal studies suggest recombinant leptin promotes glomerulosclerosis, but human data on leptin and CKD is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma leptin levels and the prevalence of CKD in a representative sample of U.S. adults.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 5820 participants (age >20) in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
- Plasma leptin levels were stratified into quartiles; CKD was defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m².
- Statistical adjustments were made for age, sex, race/ethnicity, lifestyle factors, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol.
Main Results:
- Higher plasma leptin levels were significantly associated with an increased odds of CKD.
- The highest quartile of leptin showed an odds ratio of 3.31 (95% CI: 1.41 to 7.78) for CKD compared to the lowest quartile (P-trend = 0.0135).
- Consistent positive associations were observed across subgroups based on gender, BMI, diabetes, and hypertension status.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma leptin levels are independently associated with CKD in the general U.S. adult population.
- These findings highlight a potential role for leptin in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
01:28Diabetic Nephropathy
Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
01:28Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be estimated from serum creatinine using the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula or the chronic kidney disease–epidemiology collaboration (CKD–EPI) equation. Both methods are widely used in clinical practice to assess kidney function and guide treatment decisions.The MDRD equation does not require weight or height measurements and is normalized to the body surface area of 1.73 m², considered the average adult surface area. This equation is...
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...