Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Obesity in humans causes hypertension, myocardial hypertrophy and coronary atherosclerosis, and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that is thought to be related to sympathetic overactivity. Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that acts in the hypothalamus to regulate appetite, energy expenditure and sympathetic nervous system outflow. One of the major mechanisms leading to the development of obesity-induced hypertension appears to be leptin-mediated sympatho-activation.
OBJECTIVE:
This study is done to evaluate the contribution of leptin in the development of obesity related hypertension in post menopausal women.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
A total number of 64 subjects (post menopausal women) included in the study were divided into obese hypertensive group (n= 38 )and non obese non hypertensive group (n=26) , age(57+4.5year) and (56+2.7year) respectively(mean+SD).
Obese hypertensive group defined as (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg with or without history of taking anti hypertensive medications)and Non-obese non hypertensive group defined as (BMI < 30 kg/m2- blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg).In the present study leptin had been measured.
RESULTS:
Leptin level is higher in obese hypertensive group than in non obese non hypertensive group and it was 29.2+4 and 15.2+2.1(mean+SD) respectively and this difference is statistically significant with p value < 0.001.
CONCLUSION :
leptin may play a role in the development of obesity- related hypertension and may be an independent predictor of hypertension