Leptin, Insulin and Lipid Profiles in Obese Subjects with and without Metabolic Syndrome in the Region of Cap-Bon: Tunisia

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effect of obesity associated or not with Metabolic Syndrome (MS) on leptinemia, insulinemia and lipid profile in subjects from the region of Cap-Bon in northeastern Tunisia. Methods: Ninety seven individuals were included in this study. Anthropometric parameters (Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC) and Hip Circumference (HC), metabolic parameters (Total Cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA), Triglycerides (TG), C˗Reactive Protein (CRP), glucose) and hormones (insulin and leptin) were determined. Insulin resistance was estimated by Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Metabolic syndrome was identified with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results: Obese patients with and without MS, Ob-MS and Ob groups, have significantly increased plasma levels of glucose, TG, TC, LDL-C and decreased HDL-C. In obese subjects Ob and Ob-MS, plasma levels of insulin and the HOMA-IR index were increased especially when obesity is associated with MS, conversely to leptin which decreases slightly in the presence of MS. Leptinemia was positively correlated with BMI in the whole population. But, we did not find any correlation between leptinemia and HOMA-IR. In controls, plasma leptin concentrations were positively correlated to LDL-C (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings support the link between leptinemia in obesity, associated or not with MS. However, in the Tunisian population plasma leptin was not associated to insulin profile.

Leptin Concentrations in Non-Obese and Obese Non-Diabetes Nigerian-Africans

“… 34 Genetic, geographic, study selection criteria and dietary pattern may also vary across populations studied. The high Median leptin levels in this study is somewhat similar to previous reports in Industrialized countries, 18 , 22 , 23 , 25 , 27 , 35 , 36 some African 24 , 26 and Nigerian studies. 16 , 31 , 32 It however, contrasts report of much lower leptin levels in some other geographical locations.…”

“…This is consistent with previous reports from most African, 16 , 24 , 28 , 30–33 American 14 , 17 , 18 , 21 , 27 , 34 and studies from other continents. 22 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 35 , 37 There was however, variations in Median leptin concentrations across populations, ethnicities and geographical locations. Most African-American, even population-based studies, 17 , 18 , 27 , 28 , 34 , 36 reported higher leptin levels in blacks than whites, attributed to higher subcutaneous tissue than visceral adipose tissue, as more leptin is produced from the latter than the former.…”

“… 3 , 5 , 17 , 18 , 20–22 , 27 Information on leptin levels in indigenous African populations is scanty with few data emanating from South-Africa, 28 Sudan, 29 Benin-Republic 24 Cameroon 30 and Nigeria. 16 , 24 , 30–33 Conflicting evidence exists on leptin production rates and levels among ethnic groups, 26 , 27 , 34 with some studies showing positive correlation with anthropometric indices and or fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose as well as homeostasis-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), 18 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 31 , 33 , 35–37 while some other reported contrasting finding. 34 This study was therefore, conducted to determine plasma leptin concentrations in a sample of obese and non-obese non-diabetes healthy Northern Nigerian-Africans and assess its relation to anthropometric measures, fasting insulin and metabolic indices, bearing in mind ethnic and geographical differences in a heterogeneous global society.…”

Determinants of Circulating Soluble Leptin Receptor and Free Leptin Index in Indonesian Pre-Pubertal Obese Male Children: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study

“…In this study, we did not find any significant correlation between HOMA-IR with CSLR and FLI. These results are consistent with those observed by Fadoua et al [45]. Theoretically, leptin exerts an insulin-sensitizing and glucose-lowering effect in the peripheral tissues, which can be observed by looking at the HOMA-IR value.…”

“…Theoretically, leptin exerts an insulin-sensitizing and glucose-lowering effect in the peripheral tissues, which can be observed by looking at the HOMA-IR value. However, leptin and insulin resistance in obese individuals may make these effects less distinct; therefore, we did not find any significant correlation between HOMA-IR with CSLR and FLI [45,46]. These results need to be confirmed further as other studies revealed contrary results.…”