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).
Nasri
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Hajar Medical, Educational and Therapeutic Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. hamidnasri@yahoo.com
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