Leptin, insulin sensitivity and TNF as parameters for metabolic changes in chronic heart failure with and without cardiac cachexia

ABSTRACT

Background: The development of cachexia is a particular predictor of adverse prognosis in chronic heart failure [CHF]. Less is known about anabolic metabolism in CHF. Leptin -the hormone product of obesity gene has been shown to inhibit food intake, increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Insulin sensitivity and secretion is related to leptin. Leptin has been reported also to stimulate proliferation of CD4 T cells and increases cytokine production. The study aimed to investigate leptin. Insulin sensitivity and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] in chronic heart failure with and without cachexia