Evaluation of the effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) on the serum level of leptin hormone in Tabriz, Iran

Introduction: Leptin is a hormone predominantly made by adipose cells that helps to regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger. This hormone acts on receptors in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. The objective of the study was to evaluate possible relationship between serum Leptin levels and Body Mass Index (BMI) of gender in adult age group at Tabriz, Iran. Methods: One hundred twenty subjects aged 18-61 years were randomly selected from general population of Emam Reza Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. After complete evaluation, demographic data was recorded and BMI calculated. The subjects were grouped on the basis on BMI. 9Three group) Non-fasting venous blood samples were drawn to measure serum Leptin and serum glucose levels. The data were analyzed using SPSS-16. Results: Serum Leptin levels and differences between genders were significant in all body mass indices. For normal BMI group the mean values for leptin were 2.3 +/- 1.5 ng/ml in Men, and 16.3 +/- 10.2 ng/ml in Women. For Group-2 mean leptin levels were 9.9 +/- 6.8 ng/ml in Men, and 32.4 +/- 13.6 ng/ml in Women. For Group-3 BMI comprising obese subjects mean values were 21.3 +/- 14.2 ng/ml in Men, and 49.01 +/- 21.2 ng/ml in Women (p<0.001). Conclusion: A notable elevation in serum leptin concentration was observed with an increase in BMI. Significantdifference between leptin concentrations in either gender was found in normal, overweight and obese subjects. We suggested more study in this field.

Keywords:

Body Mass Index (BMI) , Leptin level , Tabriz , Iran