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Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Relationship Between Lipotoxicity and HFpEF
Published on: March 29, 2024
Relationship Between Leptin and Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis
Xin Sun1, Caihong Xin2, Jiayi Yao1
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, CN.
Insights
Leptin levels are significantly higher in individuals with heart failure (HF) compared to healthy controls. This meta-analysis clarifies the controversial association between leptin and HF, aiding potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) affects over 60 million globally, presenting a significant health challenge.
- Previous research suggests a link between leptin and HF, but findings are inconsistent.
- The precise association between leptin levels and heart failure remains controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing studies on leptin levels in heart failure patients.
- To clarify the controversial relationship between leptin and heart failure.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across major scientific databases (Web of Science, Wiley, Embase, PubMed).
- Studies were identified using keywords 'leptin' combined with 'heart failure' and 'HF'.
- Meta-analysis was conducted, reporting standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Main Results:
- Eighteen studies involving 1149 HF patients and 622 healthy controls were included.
- Leptin levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients with heart failure compared to healthy individuals (SMD, 0.54; 95% CI [0.15, 0.93]).
Conclusions:
- This systematic review is the first to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between leptin and heart failure.
- The findings indicate a significant association between higher leptin levels and heart failure.
- Understanding leptin's role in HF could advance diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Background:
Heart failure (HF) is a diverse and potentially fatal condition affecting more than 60 million people worldwide. Previous studies have identified a close relationship between leptin levels and HF, and that leptin levels in patients with HF are higher than those in healthy individuals. However, some studies have reported inconsistent results. Therefore, the association between leptin levels and HF remains controversial.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted on the Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Embase, and PubMed databases. The title or abstract search term 'leptin' was used in combination with 'heart failure' and 'HF'. Meta-analysis results were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results:
Eighteen studies comprising 1149 patients with HF and 622 healthy controls were included in the meta-analysis. Leptin levels in patients with HF were significantly higher than those in healthy individuals (SMD, 0.54; 95% CI [0.15, 0.93]).
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this systematic review is the first to evaluate the relationship between leptin and HF. Determining the role of leptin in HF will significantly contribute to its diagnosis and treatment.
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