Article Text
Abstract
Background Adipokines are different proteins synthesized by adipose tissue who have an influence on angiogenesis, hemostasis, lipid metabolism and immune system regulation. Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granuloma which etiology is unknown yet. Adipokines may play an important role in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.
Objectives To determine the serum adipokines levels in patients with sarcoidosis and to determine a possible correlation with clinical and laboratory signs of disease.
Methods Forty-four biopsy proven sarcoidosis patients followed at a single center and age and sex matched 41 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were recorded and body mass index (BMI) was calculated in all patients. Routine laboratory tests (blood glucose, liver and kidney function test) were measured. Serum adiponectin and leptin levels were measured by ELISA method.
Results Among 44sarcoidosis patients 13 (29.5%) were male and 31 (70.5%) were female. Twenty-one (47.7%) patients had erythema nodosum, three (6.8%) had uveitis, 40 (90.9%) had arthralgia, 23 (52.3%) had ankle arthritis, 15 (34.1%) had enthesitis. Laboratory evaluation showed increased serum ACE level in 24 (54.5%) patients, increased serum calcium level in 11 (25%) patients, increased serum D3 level in 5 (11.4%) patients, increased ESR and CRP levels in 22 (50%) and 23 (52.3%) patients, respectively. Compared with the control group serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in patients with sarcoidosis (p=0.007). Serum adiponectin level were associated with arthralgia and ankle arthritis (p=0.007, p=0.006 respectively). Serum leptin levels were similar in sarcoidosis patients and controls (p=0.327). There was no relationship between serum leptin level and disease features (p>0.05).
Conclusions In this study, high serum adiponectin level was detected in patients with sarcoidosis while serum leptin level were similar in the sarcoidosis and control group. Adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory protein may play an important role in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. Studies are needed to shed light on this topic.
Disclosure of Interest None declared