Zeitschrift für Adipositas- und Gewichtsverlusttherapie

Abstrakt

Leptin and Adiponectin Levels in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Association with Hypoxia

Foteini Malli, Panagiotis Georgoulias, Varvara Valotassiou, Fotini Bardaka, Irene Tsilioni, Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis and Zoe Daniil*

Background: Studies in the literature suggest a regulatory role of leptin and adiponectin in the development of fibrosis in various organs. However, their role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has not been examined in the past. The study aimed to assess the levels of leptin and adiponectin in IPF patients and 22 controls. Methods: Leptin and adiponectin were measured in serum while leptin was assessed in broncholaveloar lavage fluid and exhaled breath condensate of IPF patients. The association of the adipokines levels with markers of disease severity was also addressed. Results: Leptin levels adjusted for BMI and leptin to adiponectin (L/A) ratio in male patients with PaO2 <65 were significantly reduced as compared to male patients with PaO2 ≥65 mmHg. L/A ratio was positively associated with PaO2. Additionally, L/A ratio were positively associated with Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire components. Interestingly, exhaled breath condensate and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid leptin were not associated with corresponding serum leptin levels. Discussion: Overall our findings suggest a possible role of leptin and adiponectin in the severity and/or pathogenesis of IPF. Further studies are required in order to clarify the mechanisms and physiological relevance of our observations.