The association between serum leptin and blood lymphocytes in hemodialysis patients.
OBJECTIVE
To find the association between serum leptin, blood lymphocytes and PMN percentages as markers of immune-system function, as well as nutritional status in long term hemodialysis patients.


METHODS
In a group of long term hemodialysis patients, serum leptin, albumin, creatinine, BUN, and white-blood cell (WBC) count--[lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells] were measured.


RESULTS
A significant positive correlation between serum leptin and body-mass index and between serum leptin and lymphocyte percentage was found, as well as a significant negative correlation between serum leptin and PMN percentage. There was a weak negative correlation between WBC counts and the duration and dosage of dialysis, and also a near significant negative correlation between WBC counts and hemodialysis adequacy. There was also a significant negative correlation between WBC counts and serum albumin.


CONCLUSIONS
Generally increased neutrophil coun and increased lymphocyte count markers of an increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. This study shows a positive association between serum leptin and lymphocytes, and a negative correlation between serum leptin and PMN. Leptin might have a protective role in decreasing mortality in hemodialysis patients by maintaining the function of the immune system (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref 33).
Hajar Medical, Educational and Therapeutic Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. hamidnasri@yahoo.com
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D006435:Renal Dialysis
D020738:Leptin