Circulating leptin levels in obese and non obese menopausal women: a possible association with hypertension

Abstract

Objective: To find out the role of serum leptin levels in obese menopausal women: a possible
association with hypertension.
Methods: Study included 92 postmenopausal women with age > 50 years. Women were
categorized as group A (Normotensive), group B (obese normotensive), group C (non obese
hypertensive) and group D (obese hypertensive). Detailed history was recorded in proforma.
Systolic /diastolic blood pressure was taken three times in sitting position using random-zero
sphygmomanometry, and the mean of the 2nd and the 3rd measurements was considered. Level
of serum leptin was estimated by the technique of ELISA.
Results: Mean values of serum leptin in normotensive obese menopausal women were
significantly increased (P<0.001) as compared to control and non obese hypertensive
menopausal women. On the other hand, mean values of serum leptin in obese hypertensive was
significantly high (P<0.001) as compared to non obese normotensive and hypertensive
menopausal women. Correlation of systolic blood pressure & diastolic blood pressure with serum
leptin was significantly positive in obese hypertensive and non obese hypertensive menopausal
women.
Conclusions: It is concluded that leptin may contribute to increase in blood pressure in
obese menopausal women who may have a resistance to satiety effect of leptin.