Serum leptin and body mass index in a sample of Egyptian multiple sclerosis patients

Background The adipose tissues release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as leptin that can be considered a link between obesity and autoimmunity. This study aimed to investigate a possible correlation between BMI, serum leptin, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods This case-control study recruited consecutively 169 patients from our MS Unit and 50 healthy controls. Clinical history and examination with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scoring were done for all patients. Calculation of body mass index (BMI) and measurement of serum leptin level were done for patients and controls. Results The case group had significantly higher BMI (mean of 26.85 +/- 6.06 versus 19.55 +/- 1.62; P < 0.001) and higher serum leptin levels (median [IQR] of 280 pgm/ml [175-525] versus 102.5 pgm/ml [80-125]; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Serum leptin levels did not have a correlation with either disease activity or degree of disability. Conclusions MS patients had significantly higher BMI and higher serum leptin levels compared to controls.