Pro-Inflammatory Role Of Ob Gene Product In The Pathogenesis Of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hyperleptinemia mediated activation of inflammatory cells represent a potentially ominous combination of mechanisms by which leptin may cause damage in the heart. Hence, it becomes important to understand their role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the preceding event of acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Serum leptin and TNF-α levels were compared between the control and atherosclerosis subjects and their correlation analysis were also performed. RESULTS: Serum TNF-α level was found to be higher in atherosclerosis when compared to that of the control subjects. Serum TNF-α exhibits a positive correlation with leptin, insulin and BMI in these subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, circulating levels of leptin were found to be associated with obesity, triglycerides, insulin and TNF-α in atherosclerosis subjects. Hence, our results suggest that leptin may act as an additional risk factor and could be an important link between obesity and CVD.