Introduction:

Several studies have documented the statistical association between leptin and osteoarthritis (OA) especially in joints that support weight, such as hips and knees, demonstrating high concentrations of plasma leptin and synovial fluid. Few studies address the possible relationship between leptin and obesity/overweight with OA hand. Objectives: To determine the relationship between serum leptin levels and the severity of OA in hands. Establish the association between obesity/overweight with the severity of OA, using radiographic scales.

Methods:

Measurement of leptin levels by ELISA technique to 44 patients with primary OA of hand and 30 healthy controls. Analysis of hand radiographs using the classification system of Kellgren and Lawrence, and anthropometric measurements for the calculation of body mass index.

Results:

Serum leptin levels in the group of patients with primary hand OA were higher compared to healthy controls (P = 0.046). No significant associations were found between the different degrees of severity of the disease measured by radiological scale of de Kellgren and Lawrence with the average leptin levels (P = 0.94) as well as the obesity/overweight categorization according to the body mass index (P = 0.88).

Conclusions:

Serum leptin levels in the group of patients with primary hand OA in this study were higher compared to healthy controls, with a significant statistical difference. This difference was not maintained in relation to gender, as well as in the subgroup of patients with obesity or overweight.

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