A study of leptin and lipid profile in a sample of Iraqi patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract EN

Background : New data suggests that joint damage in Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) may be caused by systemic factors like adipose tissue products; Adipokines, which may provide a metabolic link between obesity & KOA.

Recently, one of the known adipokines named LEPTIN has been linked to KOA because it can be detected in serum & synovial fluid of patients with KOA.

Objective : To evaluate the contribution of Leptin & serum lipids to the pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis in Iraqi patients with Knee OA.

Subjects & Methods : The study was carried on 90 subjects divided into four groups : Knee Osteoarthritis cases group (n = 60).

Control group (n = 30).

Obese subjects group (n = 60).

Non‐obese subjects group (n = 30).

KOA cases were diagnosed clinically whereas obesity was specified by BMI ≥ 25 kg / m2.

For all subjects studied measurements of fasting serum leptin and lipid profile have been done.

Results : Mean serum leptin level was significantly higher in KOA cases compared to control group (P < 0.001), and higher in obese than non‐obese subjects (P < 0.001).

Serum leptin level also showed a strong positive correlation with BMI (r = 0.501, P < 0.01).

Conclusions : Leptin may play an important role in the pathogenesis of KOA.

In addition abnormal lipid profile and obesity are important risk factors for KOA.