Serum leptin, insulin and parathyroid hormone levels in chronic renal failure patients

Chronic renal failure patients whether they are treated with hemodialysis or on conservative treatment frequently suffer uremic anorexia and malnutrition, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this study we have measured serum leptin, serum insulin and parathyroid hormone in addition to routine kidney function tests, serum glucose, total protein, albumin, lipogram, total serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus. This study was conducted on forty five male patients with chronic renal failure and ten healthy male subjects as control group [Group I.]. According to management of chronic renal failure the patients were divided into two groups: 22 patients on conservative treatment [Group II] and 23 patients on hemodialysis [Group III]. Serum levels of both leptin and insulin revealed significant elevation in patient groups [either on conservative or on hemodialysis,] compared to controls, also in hemodialysis group compared to group on conservative treatment. Serum level of intact parathyroid hormone, also showed significant elevation in groups II and III compared to controls with no difference in comparing group Ill versus group II. Correlation study in whole patients group revealed significant negative correlations between creatinine clearance with both leptin and insulin. Also significant positive correlations were found between leptin and insulin and between leptin and intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH]. Anorexia was found in both patient groups II and III [90.9% and 91.3% respectively,]. Chronic renal failure patients have hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia and there are important interactions between leptin and insulin in which each hormone may be involved in regulating the function of the other. Excess parathyroid hormone may play a role in the pathogenesis of both hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia. Hyperleptinemia may be an important contributing factor for uremic anorexia