Introduction: Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone. Exogenous leptin allows the recovery of the reproductive function. In humans, leptin correlates positively with the body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of leptin with the toxic effects of iron overload.
Methods: 219 Major Beta thalassemic patients (119 men, 100 women) and 137 non thalassemic individuals (86 men, 51 women) were investigated on the basis of a case control study. Data was gathered from six hospitals related to Tehran University during a seven month petiod (July 2006– January 2007). Blood samples of all major beta thalassemic patients who were admitted to these hospitals for recurrent blood transfusion were collected. Non thalassemic individuals were selected from outpatients who without significant medical problems, had come to these hospitals and had extra blood sample. The similarities of the two groups in age, gender and BMI also were considered.
Results: The serum leptin level median was 5.00 (interquartile range: 6.50) for major beta thalassemic patients and 6.10 (interquartile range: 7.00) for healthy individuals. Serum leptin level was significantly lower in thalassemic patients (P value <0.001). Major beta thalassemic men had significantly lower leptin level (median, interquartile range: 2.90, 3.60) than major beta thalassemic women (median, interquartile range: 6.45, 16.02; P value <0.001).
Conclusions: This study confirmed that the adipocytes of major beta thalassemic patients are unable to maintain adequate leptin production. These results suggest that adipose tissue dysfunction can be considered one of the endocrinopathies affecting major beta thalassemic patients.