Observation On Leptin In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis And Related Analysis

Objective To investigate the level of serum leptin in 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis( RA) and in a control group of 40 subjects ,and its relationship with some important cytokines in pathogenesis of RA ,such as IL-6,IL-1β; clinical and laboratory factors, BMI, DAS28,HB,BG ,TG etc. The characteristics of leptin in RA were discussed.Method 40 patients with RA as defined by ACR criteria were investigated as study group.The control group consisted of 40 healthy volunteers. The disease activity was measured by the DAS28. Blood samples were collected using a standard venepuncture technique between 8:00 and 9:00 am.Serum was separated and stored at -70°C until analysis. Serum leptin,IL-6,IL-1βassays were performed using sensitive Radioimmunoassay.The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined according to the Westergren method. Serum leptin were analyzed by T-test analysis in patient group and normal subjects,in male and female of each group. Tamhane analysis was used interclass.In addition, Pearson's correlation was used in related analysis. Leptin was analyzed by digital image analysis in patient groups and normal subjects. Its relationship with BMI, DAS28, HB,BG ,TG were studied in RA group.Results①Leptin,IL-6,IL-1βvalues of the patients group was significantly different compared with the control group (p <0.001).②The levels of leptin among non-active,active group of RA patients and healthy subjects were significantly different(p <0.001).③In each group,the level of leptin was significantly different between male and female(p<0.001).④Related analysis:there is a significant correlation between serum leptin and BMI in RA group. The level of leptin in RA group was significantly correlated to the level of serum IL-6 and IL-1β. There was positive correlation between the level of serum leptin and DAS28. There was negative correlation between serum leptin and blood glucose (BG). But no correlation with laboratory factors such as hemoglobin(HB), triglyceride(TG),p>0.05.Conclusion Leptin may have a important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and may lead to disequilibrium of energy metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis. And it can be an index in evaluating clinical disease activity of RA.