Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2013 , Vol 59 , Num 4

Investigation of the Effects of Leptin on the Cardiovascular System in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

Zuhal Arıtürk Atılgan 1 ,Yahya İslamoğlu 1 ,Ebru Tekbaş 1 ,Mahmut Budulgan 2 ,İbrahim Batmaz 3 ,Mehmet Tahtasız 2 ,Hatice Yüksel 4 ,Kemal Nas 3
1 Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Kardiyoloji Anabilim Dalı, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
2 Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
3 Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
4 Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Biyokimya Anabilim Dalı, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
DOI : 10.4274/tftr.36450

Objective: Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis can be seen, and often remains silent. Leptin, which is often associated with hypertension and regulation of sympathetic tone, has been reported to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and thrombosis by acting directly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of leptin on the cardiovascular system in patients with systemic sclerosis.

 

Materials and Methods: Twenty–seven patients with systemic sclerosis and 28 healthy subjects as a control group were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory parameters, 24-hour Holter ECG and ambulatory blood pressure monitorings were recorded and serum leptin levels were measured in all subjects.

 

Results: Mean leptin levels were lower in patients with systemic sclerosis than in controls. In 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure Holter recordings, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values at night were lower in patients when compared with controls. There was no relationship between leptin and heart rate variability parameters. A positive correlation was found between leptin levels and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure parameters.

 

Conclusion: Decreased serum leptin levels and increased mean heart rate in patients with systemic sclerosis may be the result of increased sympathetic tone.

Keywords : Systemic sclerosis, leptin, 24-hour holter monitoring