Serum Leptin Levels and Pancreatic Endocrine Function in Bariatric Patients

Abstract

Background. Leptin is a hormone synthetized and secreted by the adipose tissue, with a regulating role in the neuro-endocrine-metabolic functions in humans during fasting. Obesity associates metabolic syndrome which combines a leptin resistance status with an insulin resistance status, a disorder that increases the risk of occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. After the bariatric treatment, the decrease of leptin levels in obese patients improves the endocrine function of the pancreas and decreases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus over time. Aim. In the present study, we have monitored the dynamics of the serum values of leptin, insulin and glucose in correlation with the decrease of BMI (body mass index) after the bariatric surgery. Material and methods. Glucose, insulin and leptin serum levels were assessed in 48 obese individuals before and at 6 months after the bariatric surgery. Results. Leptin and insulin serum levels are decreasing significantly along with the decrease of BMI and pancreatic beta cells optimize their endocrine functionality. Conclusion. Pancreatic endocrine function in obese individuals who undergo bariatric treatment improves significantly at 6 months after the surgery procedure.