Leptin, superoxide dismutase, and weight loss: initial leptin predicts weight loss.
OBJECTIVE
Our goal was to study how plasma leptin concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and weight loss are related in obese adults.


METHODS
Serum leptin concentration, SOD activities, general biochemical data, and body composition measurements were obtained for 62 overweight and obese subjects before and after an 8-week body weight reduction (BWR) regimen. The subjects were on dietary control, performed moderate aerobic and strength training exercises, and attended educational lectures.


RESULTS
The measurement results indicated that the following criteria were significantly reduced: body weight [84.4 +/- 17.0 vs. 79.3 +/- 16.1 (standard error) kg, p < 0.001]; BMI (31.5 +/- 4.3 vs. 29.4 +/- 4.2 kg/m(2), p < 0.001), and fat mass (33.3 +/- 10.0 vs. 29.8 +/- 10.4 kg, p < 0.001). Plasma leptin levels also significantly decreased from 31.5 +/- 17.6 to 26.5 +/- 17.2 ng/mL (p < 0.001). Additionally, SOD activity was significantly increased from 261.4 +/- 66.0 to 302.7 +/- 30.9 U/mL (p < 0.001). Based on linear regression analysis results, a 3.78- to 8.13-kg reduction in weight can be expected after the 8-week BWR regimen when initial leptin concentration was 5 to 30 ng/mL.


CONCLUSIONS
We found that an 8-week exercise and diet program was effective in reducing weight and fat mass and, notably, had further beneficial effects on leptin resistance and SOD activity. Additionally, this study demonstrated that initial plasma leptin concentration may be used as a predictor for weight loss outcome.
Shih
Ling-Ying
LY
Graduate Institute of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Liou
Tsan-Hon
TH
Chao
Jane C-J
JC
Kau
Hsin-Nung
HN
Wu
Yi-Jiun
YJ
Shieh
Ming-Jer
MJ
Yeh
Ching-Ying
CY
Han
Bor-Cheng
BC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood* / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000628:therapy; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012737:Sex Factors; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology
D020738:Leptin; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase