KOWSAR Nephro-Urol Mon. 2011;3(4):272-275 Journal home page: www.NUmonthly.com Copyright c 2011, BNURC, Published by Kowsar M.P.Co All right reserved Relationship Between Serum Leptin Level and Peritonitis in CAPD Patients Ali Momeni 1* , Shiva Seirafian 2 1 Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, IR Iran 2 Isfahan Nephrology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran * Corresponding author at: Ali Momeni, Hajar Hospital, Parastar Avenue, Shahrekord, IR Iran. P.O. Box: 8816754633. Tel: +98-9133267459, Fax: +98- 3813334911. E-mail: ali.momeny@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Background: Leptin is produced by fat cells and is secreted into the blood stream. Lep- tin is freely filtered into the renal tubules but its concentration in the urine is very low. Serum leptin level is higher in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) pa- tients, compared to the healthy individuals. Serum leptin level may have correlation with inflammatory markers and peritonitis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate relationship of serum leptin level with peritonitis, the major complication of CAPD, in these patients. Patients and Methods: In a cross sectional study, 75 CAPD patients in Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan were enrolled from October 2007 to February 2008. Serum levels of leptin, Kt/V, demographic findings, total numbers of peritonitis and presence of peritonitis in last year, were recorded in all patients, based on history, physical exam and patients’ files. Results: Mean age of the patients was 53 ± 15 years. Mean serum leptin level in females and males were 27 ± 23μg/L and 16 ± 13μg/L respectively. At univariate general linear model (GLM), there was a significant correlation between serum leptin level with body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001, ɵ = 2.7) and duration of renal failure (P = 0.01). No correlation was seen between serum leptin level and total number of peritonitis in the past. However, there was negative relationship between serum leptin level and pres- ence of peritonitis in the last year (P = 0.004, ɵ = 6). Conclusions: Presumably, we could not use serum leptin level as a marker of infection in long term; however, serum leptin level may be used as an index of peritonitis and morbidity in short time. ARTICLE INFO Article history: Received: 10 Jan 2011 Revised: 22 Jan 2011 Accepted: 05 Feb 2011 Keywords: CAPD Leptin Peritonitis Article Type: Original Article c 2011 Kowsar M.P.Co. All rights reserved. Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: Serum leptin levels could not be used as a marker of infection in long-term but it may be applied as an index of peritonitis and morbidity in short-time. 1. Background Leptin is a 16000 Dalton protein that is produced by fat cells, it is secreted into the blood stream, and it attaches to the leptin binding protein, and reaches hypothalamus via CSF. It decreases neuropeptide Y (NPY), suppresses appetite, and with blockade of (melanocyte stimulating hormone) MSH, reduces hunger which in turn decreases weight (1). Kidneys play an important role in metabolism and excretion of leptin. It is freely filtered into glomeruli with very little excretion in urine (2), because it is probably reabsorbed and metabolised in tubules (3). Serum leptin level is higher in chronic renal failure, hemodialysis and CAPD patients compared to general population (4, 5). Some studies reported that the level of leptin in CAPD patients and women is higher compared to hemodialysis patients and men, respectively (6, 7). Exact cause of elevated serum leptin level in renal failure Please cite this paper as: Momeni A, Seirafian S.Relationship Between Serum Leptin Level and Peritionitis in CAPD Patients. Nepho-Urol Mon. 2011;3(4):272-5.