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Liu R, Chen B, Chen J, Lan J. Leptin upregulates smooth muscle cell expression of MMP-9 to promote plaque destabilization by activating AP-1 via the leptin receptor/MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:5327-5333. [PMID: 30542491 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin has been reported to be expressed in carotid atherosclerotic plaques, where it can promote lesion instability. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) produced by smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are known to contribute to the weakening of atherosclerotic plaques via the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The present study investigated whether leptin promotes plaque rupture by increasing the expression of MMP in SMCs in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, the neointima/media ratio and expression of MMP in the carotid artery of ob/ob mice were measured following carotid ligation and systemic administration of leptin. In vitro, the effect of leptin treatment on the expression of MMP in isolated SMCs and the underlying signaling pathways were investigated by gelatin zymography and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that leptin treatment significantly increased the neointima/media ratio and expression of MMP-9 in the carotid artery of mice following carotid ligation. In vitro, leptin also significantly increased the expression and activity of MMP-9 in cultured SMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Leptin also increased the production of MMP-9 by activating leptin receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinases, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which in turn enhanced the binding of the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) to the MMP-9 promoter. The inhibition of leptin-activated phosphorylation of ERK and JNK suppressed the leptin-stimulated expression of AP-1 and MMP-9. Leptin treatment induced the expression of MMP-9 in SMCs, suggesting that leptin may have substantial involvement in plaque rupture by promoting the degradation of ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Dongguan Third People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523326, P.R. China
| | - Benfa Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Donghua Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523326, P.R. China
| | - Jiemin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Dongguan Third People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523326, P.R. China
| | - Jun Lan
- Department of Cardiology, Dongguan Third People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523326, P.R. China
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Katsiki N, Mikhailidis DP, Banach M. Leptin, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:1176-1188. [PMID: 29877321 PMCID: PMC6289384 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2018.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin, an adipokine that is implicated in the control of food intake via appetite suppression, may also stimulate oxidative stress, inflammation, thrombosis, arterial stiffness, angiogenesis and atherogenesis. These leptin-induced effects may predispose to the development of cardiovascular diseases. In the present review we discuss the evidence linking leptin levels with the presence, severity and/or prognosis of both coronary artery disease and non-cardiac vascular diseases such as stroke, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) as well as with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Leptin levels have been positively associated with the presence, severity, extent and lesion complexity of coronary atherosclerosis as well as with the presence, severity and poor clinical outcomes of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. But conflicting results also exist. Furthermore, leptin was reported to independently predict common carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque instability. A link between hyperleptinemia and PAD has been reported, whereas limited data were available on the potential association between leptin and AAA. Elevated leptin concentrations have also been related to CKD incidence and progression as well as with insulin resistance, T2DM, micro- and macrovascular diabetic complications. Statins and antidiabetic drugs (including sitagliptin, metformin, pioglitazone, liraglutide and empagliflozin) may affect leptin levels. Further research is needed to establish the potential use (if any) of leptin as a therapeutic target in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Katsiki
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippocration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitri P Mikhailidis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Weinkauf CC, Concha-Moore K, Lindner JR, Marinelli ER, Hadinger KP, Bhattacharjee S, Berman SS, Goshima K, Leon LR, Matsunaga TO, Unger E. Endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 is a marker for high-risk carotid plaques and target for ultrasound molecular imaging. J Vasc Surg 2018; 68:105S-113S. [PMID: 29452833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2017.10.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular imaging of carotid plaque vulnerability to atheroembolic events is likely to lead to improvements in selection of patients for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The aims of this study were to assess the relative value of endothelial inflammatory markers for this application and to develop molecular ultrasound contrast agents for their imaging. METHODS Human CEA specimens were obtained prospectively from asymptomatic (30) and symptomatic (30) patients. Plaques were assessed by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry for vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1, P-selectin, and von Willebrand factor. Established small peptide ligands to each of these targets were then synthesized and covalently conjugated to the surface of lipid-shelled microbubble ultrasound contrast agents, which were then evaluated in a flow chamber for binding kinetics to activated human aortic endothelial cells under variable shear conditions. RESULTS Expression of VCAM-1 on the endothelium of CEA specimens from symptomatic patients was 2.4-fold greater than that from asymptomatic patients (P < .01). Expression was not significantly different between groups for P-selectin (P = .43), von Willebrand factor (P = .59), or lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (P = .99). Although most plaques from asymptomatic patients displayed low VCAM-1 expression, approximately one in five expressed high VCAM-1 similar to plaques from symptomatic patients. In vitro flow chamber experiments demonstrated that VCAM-1-targeted microbubbles bind cells that express VCAM-1, even under high-shear conditions that approximate those found in human carotid arteries, whereas binding efficiency was lower for the other agents. CONCLUSIONS VCAM-1 displays significantly higher expression on high-risk (symptomatic) vs low-risk (asymptomatic) carotid plaques. Ultrasound contrast agents bearing ligands for VCAM-1 can sustain high-shear attachment and may be useful for identifying patients in whom more aggressive treatment is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig C Weinkauf
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz
| | | | - Jonathan R Lindner
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Ore
| | | | - Kyle P Hadinger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz
| | | | | | - Kay Goshima
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz
| | - Luis R Leon
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz
| | - Terry O Matsunaga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz; Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz
| | - Evan Unger
- NuvOx Pharmaceuticals, Tucson, Ariz; Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.
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Adipo/cytokines in atherosclerotic secretomes: increased visfatin levels in unstable carotid plaque. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2016; 16:149. [PMID: 27391230 PMCID: PMC4939016 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-016-0320-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory derivatives from adipose tissue, known as adipokines, act as metabolic factors. The aim of this study was to analyse the secreted expression of different adipo/cytokines in secretomes of unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaque versus non-atherosclerotic mammary artery. Methods We evaluated the secretion levels of adiponectin, visfatin, lipocalin-2, resistin, IL-6 and TNFR2 by ELISA in human secretomes from cultured unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaque (n = 18) and non-atherosclerotic mammary artery (n = 13). We also measured visfatin serum levels in patients suffering from atherosclerosis and in a serum cohort of healthy subjects (n = 16). Results We found that visfatin levels were significantly increased in unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaque secretome than in non-atherosclerotic mammary artery secretome. No differences were found with regard the other adipo/cytokines studied. Regarding visfatin circulating levels, there were no differences between unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaque and non-atherosclerotic mammary artery group. However, these visfatin levels were increased in comparison to serum cohort of healthy subjects. Conclusions Of all the adipo/cytokines analysed, only visfatin showed increased levels in secretomes of unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Additional human studies are needed to clarify the possible role of visfatin as prognostic factor of unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaque.
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Alix PM, Guebre-Egziabher F, Soulage CO. Leptin as an uremic toxin: Deleterious role of leptin in chronic kidney disease. Biochimie 2014; 105:12-21. [PMID: 25010649 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
White adipose tissue secretes a large variety of compounds named adipokines amongst which, leptin exhibits pleiotropic metabolic actions. Leptin is an anorexigenic hormone, secreted in proportion of fat mass, with additional effects on the regulation of inflammation, cardiovascular system, immunity, hematopoiesis and bone metabolism. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by an increase of plasma leptin concentration that may be explained by a lack of renal clearance. Hyperleptinemia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of complications associated with CKD such as cachexia, protein energy wasting, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular damages and bone complications. Leptin is also involved in the progression of renal disease through its pro-fibrotic and pro-hypertensive actions. Most of the adverse effects of leptin have been documented both experimentally and clinically. Leptin may therefore be considered as an uremic toxin in CKD. The aim of this review is to summarize the pathophysiological and clinical role of leptin in in vitro studies, experimental models, as well as in patients suffering from CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascaline M Alix
- Université de Lyon, INSERM U1060, CarMeN, INSA de Lyon, Univ Lyon-1, F-69621 Villeurbanne, France; Hospices Civils de Lyon, Department of Nephrology, Hôpital E Herriot, Lyon F-69003, France.
| | - Fitsum Guebre-Egziabher
- Université de Lyon, INSERM U1060, CarMeN, INSA de Lyon, Univ Lyon-1, F-69621 Villeurbanne, France; Hospices Civils de Lyon, Department of Nephrology, Hôpital E Herriot, Lyon F-69003, France
| | - Christophe O Soulage
- Université de Lyon, INSERM U1060, CarMeN, INSA de Lyon, Univ Lyon-1, F-69621 Villeurbanne, France
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Chmielewski M, Cohen G, Wiecek A, Jesús Carrero J. The peptidic middle molecules: is molecular weight doing the trick? Semin Nephrol 2014; 34:118-34. [PMID: 24780468 DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a gradual endogenous intoxication caused by the progressive accumulation of bioactive compounds that in normal conditions would be excreted and/or metabolized by the kidney. Uremic toxicity now is understood as one of the potential causes for the excess of cardiovascular disease and mortality observed in CKD. An important family of uremic toxins is that of the peptidic middle molecules, with a molecular weight ranging between 500 and 60,000 Da, which makes them, as a consequence, difficult to remove in the process of dialysis unless the dialyzer pore size is large enough. This review provides an overview of the main and best-characterized peptidic middle molecules and their role as potential culprits of the cardiometabolic complications inherent to CKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Chmielewski
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Gerald Cohen
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrzej Wiecek
- Department of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Juan Jesús Carrero
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Schneiderman J, Schaefer K, Kolodgie FD, Savion N, Kotev-Emeth S, Dardik R, Simon AJ, Halak M, Pariente C, Engelberg I, Konstantinides S, Virmani R. Leptin locally synthesized in carotid atherosclerotic plaques could be associated with lesion instability and cerebral emboli. J Am Heart Assoc 2012; 1:e001727. [PMID: 23316287 PMCID: PMC3541612 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.112.001727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unstable carotid plaques cause cerebral emboli. Leptin promotes atherosclerosis and vessel wall remodeling. We hypothesized that carotid atherosclerotic lesion instability is associated with local leptin synthesis. METHODS AND RESULTS Carotid endarterectomy plaques from symptomatic (n=40) and asymptomatic patients with progressive stenosis (n=38) were analyzed for local expression of leptin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1. All lesions exhibited advanced atherosclerosis inclusive of thick- and thin-cap fibroatheromas or lesion rupture. Symptomatic lesions exhibited more plaque ruptures and macrophage infiltration (P=0.001 and P=0.05, respectively). Symptomatic plaques showed preferential leptin, TNF-α, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 transcript (P=0.03, P=0.04, and P=0.05, respectively). Leptin mRNA and antigen in macrophages and smooth muscle cells were confirmed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Plasma leptin levels were not significantly different between groups (P=1.0), whereas TNF-α was significantly increased in symptomatic patients (P=0.006). Human aortic smooth muscle cell culture stimulated by TNF-α, lipopolysaccharide, or lipoteichoic acid revealed 6-, 6.7-, and 6-fold increased secreted leptin antigen, respectively, at 72 hours (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Neurologically symptomatic patients overexpress leptin mRNA and synthesize leptin protein in carotid plaque macrophages and smooth muscle cells. Local leptin induction, presumably by TNF-α, could exert paracrine or autocrine effects, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of lesion instability. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: www.Clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00449306.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Schneiderman
- Department of Vascular Surgery and the Gottesdiener Vascular Biology Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
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Role of adipokines in atherosclerosis: interferences with cardiovascular complications in rheumatic diseases. Mediators Inflamm 2012; 2012:125458. [PMID: 22910888 PMCID: PMC3403095 DOI: 10.1155/2012/125458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of mortality by cardiovascular events. In fact, several rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although traditional cardiovascular risk factors have been involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases in rheumatic patients, these alterations do not completely explain the enhanced cardiovascular risk in this population. Obesity and its pathologic alteration of fat mass and dysfunction, due to an altered pattern of secretion of proinflammatory adipokines, could be one of the links between cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases. Indeed, the incidence of CVDs is augmented in obese individuals with rheumatic disorders. Thus, in this paper we explore in detail the relationships among adipokines, rheumatic diseases, and cardiovascular complications by giving to the reader a holistic vision and several suggestions for future perspectives and potential clinical implications.
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Bonanni A, Mannucci I, Verzola D, Sofia A, Saffioti S, Gianetta E, Garibotto G. Protein-energy wasting and mortality in chronic kidney disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2011; 8:1631-54. [PMID: 21655142 PMCID: PMC3108132 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph8051631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with an increased death risk from cardiovascular diseases. However, while even minor renal dysfunction is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular prognosis, PEW becomes clinically manifest at an advanced stage, early before or during the dialytic stage. Mechanisms causing loss of muscle protein and fat are complex and not always associated with anorexia, but are linked to several abnormalities that stimulate protein degradation and/or decrease protein synthesis. In addition, data from experimental CKD indicate that uremia specifically blunts the regenerative potential in skeletal muscle, by acting on muscle stem cells. In this discussion recent findings regarding the mechanisms responsible for malnutrition and the increase in cardiovascular risk in CKD patients are discussed. During the course of CKD, the loss of kidney excretory and metabolic functions proceed together with the activation of pathways of endothelial damage, inflammation, acidosis, alterations in insulin signaling and anorexia which are likely to orchestrate net protein catabolism and the PEW syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bonanni
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedale Università San Martino, Genoa University, Viale Benedetto XV 6, Genoa, Italy; E-Mails: (A.B.); (I.M.); (D.V.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Irene Mannucci
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedale Università San Martino, Genoa University, Viale Benedetto XV 6, Genoa, Italy; E-Mails: (A.B.); (I.M.); (D.V.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Daniela Verzola
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedale Università San Martino, Genoa University, Viale Benedetto XV 6, Genoa, Italy; E-Mails: (A.B.); (I.M.); (D.V.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Antonella Sofia
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedale Università San Martino, Genoa University, Viale Benedetto XV 6, Genoa, Italy; E-Mails: (A.B.); (I.M.); (D.V.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Stefano Saffioti
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedale Università San Martino, Genoa University, Viale Benedetto XV 6, Genoa, Italy; E-Mails: (A.B.); (I.M.); (D.V.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Ezio Gianetta
- Department of Surgery, Azienda Ospedale Università San Martino, Genoa University, Largo R. Benzi, Genoa, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Giacomo Garibotto
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedale Università San Martino, Genoa University, Viale Benedetto XV 6, Genoa, Italy; E-Mails: (A.B.); (I.M.); (D.V.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
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Bountouris I, Paraskevas KI, Koutouzis M, Tzavara V, Nikolaou N, Nomikos A, Barbatis C, Andrikopoulos V, Mikhailidis DP, Andrikopoulou M, Kyriakides ZS, Georgopoulos S, Michail PO, Bastounis E. Serum leptin levels in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy: a pilot study. Angiology 2009; 60:698-704. [PMID: 19825871 DOI: 10.1177/0003319709350133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Elevated serum leptin levels are associated with cardiovascular events. We investigated the role of serum leptin in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS A total of 74 patients (55 men; 38 symptomatic and 36 asymptomatic; mean age 66.9 +/- 8.2 years) undergoing CEA for >70% carotid artery stenosis were enrolled. RESULTS Serum leptin levels were lower in symptomatic compared with asymptomatic patients (7.1 +/- 1.3 vs 14.4 +/- 4.7 ng/dL; P < .001). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were higher in symptomatic compared with asymptomatic patients (4.3 +/- 1.7 vs 3.3 +/- 1.1 pg/dL; P = .017). Symptomatic patients had more intense macrophage accumulation (0.7% +/- 0.1% vs 0.3% +/- 0.1%; P < .001). Serum leptin and serum IL-6 levels were independently associated with the presence of symptoms in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Serum leptin levels were decreased in symptomatic carotid artery disease. This finding requires further investigation in larger studies.
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