Serum leptin levels in patients with childhood immune thrombocytopenic purpura

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2007 Jan;29(1):23-6. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e318030ac0e.

Abstract

Acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) induces thrombocytopenia by means of an autoimmune mechanism. Recent studies suggested that T helper immune response is responsible for the pathogenesis of chronic ITP. Despite several studies that were carried out, we do not have a clue as to what triggers the autoimmunity. Leptin is a 16-kd protein secreted from the adipose tissue. Leptin is structurally similar to interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and IL-15. The structural similarities between leptin receptor and hematopoietic cytokine receptors suggested that leptin could play a role in hematopoiesis and immune function. Recent studies suggested that leptin could play an important role in autoimmunity. We made a prospective analysis of a series of 39 newly diagnosed acute childhood ITP in a year period. Serum leptin levels were obtained after diagnosis and before treatment and all patients were followed up at least 6 months to designate acute or chronic event. We conclude that in childhood acute ITP, leptin did not play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease. Further investigations are needed to examine what triggers T cells and how the autoimmune disease became.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Autoimmunity
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Cytokines / chemistry
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Leptin / blood*
  • Leptin / chemistry
  • Leptin / immunology
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / blood*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / immunology
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / physiopathology
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / therapy
  • Structural Homology, Protein
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Leptin