| Plasma Leptin Associated with Insulin-Resistant Hypertension |
| Dr. Hideki
Takizawa from Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
presented data at the American Heart Association's
Council for High Blood Pressure Research 53rd Annual Fall
Conference and Scientific Sessions that leptin appears to
have some role in regulating blood pressure. The relationship between leptin and blood pressure was evaluated in 133 men and 263 women 64 years of age or younger. History of diabetes and medication for hypertension were both reasons for exclusion from study. "Plasma leptin levels were significantly higher among women than among men. But there was no significant difference between levels in premenopausal women and postmenopausal women." Leptin levels were positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in men and women via single regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis showed elevated leptin levels were positively associated with elevated diastolic blood pressure only in males. Moreover, association with insulin-resistant hypertension was stronger than insulin-sensitive hypertension. Dr. Takizawa concluded "Leptin levels are clearly related to hypertension." |