Clinical evidence to support the role of leptin in the mediation of hyperthytropinemia of obesity

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a common health problem. In obesity, thyrotropin (TSH) levels are at the upper limit of the normal range or slightly elevated and positively correlated with body mass index. Leptin resistance and hyperleptinemia is also common in obesity.

Material & Method: This was a cross-section study of 80 subjects grouped into 2 groups; obese euthyroid subjects with BMI more than 35 (n = 40) and normal subjects with normal BMI (n = 40). TSH, Free T4, and Leptin were measured and anthropometric measures were taken.

Results: TSH was significantly higher in obese subjects versus the control (mean ± SD 2.04 ± 1.51 µIU/mL vs1.46 ± 0.96 µIU/mL, p = 0.024).

Conclusion: These results lead us to confirm that leptin level has an important role in the link between hyperthyrotropinemia and obesity.