Abstract

Background. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly prevalent multifaceted clinical entity produced through the interaction of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. MetS is accompanied by an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications. Hyperleptinemia plays an important role in the formation of MetS. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of physical activity on leptin serum levels in patients with MetS.
Methods and materials. The study enrolled 76 patients with metabolic syndrome, 42 men (55.26%) and 34 women (44.76%) with the mean age of 50.06 ± 5.7 years. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the IDF. The patients were divided in two groups: a group of 54 participants with sedentary behavior and a group of 22 participants who underwent a six months program of moderate physical activity.  Serum leptin was measured by using a specific radio-immunoassay kit (SPI BIO).
Results. The mean leptin levels by patients with lake of physical activity was 33.42 ng/mL ± 15.14 and by patients with physical activity was 19.65 ng/mL ± 17.50 (p ANOVA<0.001). The patients who underwent the program of physical activity had lower values of glycemia (112.54 mg/dl ± 21.36) and abdominal waist (108.45 cm ± 9.10) than the sedentary group of participants (glycemia 117.11 mg/dl ± 26.24 and abdominal waist 118.39 cm ± 9.32).
Conclusion. Serum leptin levels were lower in patients with MetS who underwent a moderate program of physical activity over a six months period of time. Sedentary behavior was correlated with high serum leptin levels. Lifestyle changes might show additional effect on the hyperleptinemia which is a key in the pathogenesis of MetS and its complications.