The role of soluble leptin receptor in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease

Abstract

Introduction. The participation of soluble leptin receptor (SLR) in the formation of hyperleptinemia and leptin resistance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in combination with obesity is discussed. Aim. Study of the role of SLR in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease. Materials and methods. A cohort study of 744 patients was performed: 465 patients with CAD (56 years old, Q1=44; Q3=62), 270 patients without CAD (52 years old, Q1=44; Q3=56). Methods: EchoCG, heart computed tomography, coronary angiography. In the blood serum, the lipids, glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and c-reactive protein were assessed using a highly sensitive method (HF-CRP). Concentrations of SLR, leptin (LN), adiponectin (total and high molecular weight), fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP-4) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum insulin were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Results. The level of SLR in blood serum in men and women with CAD is lower than in men without CAD (p <0.001). In CAD patients, obesity was associated with a low SLR level in the blood serum and a high free LN index. At a serum SLR concentration of <7.5ng/ml in men with CAD, the incidence of obesity was higher simultaneously with signs of visceral obesity of the heart, the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the common carotid arteries, high glycaemic levels, insulin, IL-6, and LN in serum, serum LN/adiponectin ratio and a high HOMA-IR index. Diabetes mellitus, visceral obesity, high levels of hs-CRP, TNF-α, FABP-4, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR index were more often detected in women with coronary artery disease with SLR <10.2 ng/ml. In men and women with CAD, there were no differences in SLR concentration depending on the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusion. An increase in the free LN index indicates the disruption of connections in the leptin-receptor system and reflects the mechanisms of compensation for overcoming the resistance of peripheral tissues to leptin, which is confirmed by a noticeable negative relationship between the levels of SLR and leptin in the serum of men with coronary artery disease. A low concentration of SLR in patients with CAD is associated with obesity, pro-atherogenic and pro-inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases.