Association of serum levels of leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin in schizophrenic patients and healthy controls

Abstract

Background. Leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin play important roles in the regulation of body weight, food intake, and energy homeostasis, and have been suggested to be important biomarkers of metabolic syndrome. In this study, we tried to simultaneously investigate the serum levels of leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin in schizophrenic patients and healthy controls. Methods. During a period of 2 years, we recruited 37 schizophrenic patients and 65 healthy controls. The levels of metabolic syndrome-related biomarkers including serum adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. On applying analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with age and body mass index adjustments, the leptin levels of schizophrenic patients (P = 0.038) were found to be higher than those of healthy controls. However, there were no significant differences in the serum levels of ghrelin or adiponectin between these two groups. Conclusion. These results showed that serum leptin levels might be more sensitive than ghrelin or adiponectin levels between schizophrenic patients and healthy controls. However, studies with a large sample size are needed to confirm these results.

Key words::

• Leptin
• ghrelin
• adiponectin
• schizophrenia

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants provided by C.M. Chang from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan (research number: CMRPG361421 and CMRPG361422 ). We did not obtain financial support from any drug company. In addition, T.L. Huang, C.M. Chang, C.Y. Liu and P.Y. Chang conceptualized and designed the immunological aspects of the study and formulated the hypotheses and analytical strategies. M.C. Tsai wrote the manuscript.

Statement of interest

None to declare.