Leptin May be Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Egyptian Patients

Objectives: Leptin, a protein that is associated with neovascularization, has been suggested as a potential promoter in diabetic retinopathy, the aim of the present study is to examine the possible relationship between the existence or stage of DR and serum leptin levels in egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes.Patients and Methods: The study enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted in Internal Medicine Department or nephrology outpatient clinic of Cairo University hospital between October 2006 and May 2007. In addition to history and physical examination, patients underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination, serum leptin and a panel of biochemical tests. Patients were divided into four groups according to the stage of diabetic retinopathy. Statistical analysis of the data was done using ANOVA and student t tests.Results: Serum leptin levels were 16.17 (±12.1) in group 1 (no diabetic retinal changes), compared to 22.72 (±14.3) in the remaining groups (different stages of diabetic retinopathy) (p=0.06). No significant differences in serum leptin levels were detected when comparing the four groups with ANOVA test. Among different factors studied, only hyperuricaemia (p=0.04), proteinuria (p=0.001) and the duration of diabetes (p=0.001),were significantly associated with the stages of diabetic retinopathy.Conclusion: Serum leptin level may act as a predictor for the presence of diabetic retinopathy.