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Interleukin 1 alpha increases serum leptin concentrations in humans
J E Janik1, B D Curti, R V Considine
1Medicine Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1906, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 1, 1997
Summary
Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) administration increased serum leptin concentrations in cancer patients. This leptin response diminished with continued IL-1 alpha therapy, suggesting complex anorexia mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Leptin regulates appetite and body weight.
- Endotoxins and cytokines like IL-1 alpha can increase leptin expression in animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of recombinant human IL-1 alpha on serum leptin concentrations in cancer patients.
- To explore the relationship between IL-1 alpha dose and leptin response.
- To examine the duration of the leptin response to IL-1 alpha.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen cancer patients received recombinant human IL-1 alpha at escalating doses (0.03, 0.1, 0.3 microgram/kg/day) for 5 days.
- Serum leptin concentrations were measured before and after IL-1 alpha administration.
- Statistical analysis was used to correlate IL-1 alpha dose with leptin increase.
Main Results:
- Serum leptin concentrations increased in most patients within 24 hours of the first IL-1 alpha dose.
- The increase in leptin was directly correlated with the IL-1 alpha dose.
- Leptin levels returned to baseline by day 5 despite continued IL-1 alpha administration.
Conclusions:
- Increased serum leptin may contribute to IL-1 alpha-induced anorexia.
- Tachyphylaxis (diminished response) to the leptin-inducing effects of IL-1 alpha was observed.
- Other mechanisms likely contribute to anorexia during IL-1 alpha therapy.