FACTOR-a, LEPTIN, PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INHIBITOR-I, AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF OBESITY DIABETES SYNDROME

Abstract

Obesity is a highly prevalent disorder. It is associated with numerous disorders such as impaird glucose tolerance and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, inappropriate fibrinolysis

and cardiovascular disease.< 1

These disorders are collectively known as

the metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance syndrome (IRS). < 161

Although the important link between obesity and these disorders has long been recognized, the molecular basis of this connection has been elusive.

Obesity is also characterized by changes in the secretory pattern of fat cells including leptin, TNF-a, and PAI-l. These secretory products are thought to function as possible mediators of obesity-linked metabolic disturbances leading to increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The aim of the present work was to study the relationship between leptin, TNF-a, PAI-l and lipid peroxidation with variables of the metabolic syndrome.

In order to achieve our goal, 60 premenopausal females were evaluated and subcategorized into four groups; group I consisted of 15 obese type 2 diabetic patients, group II consisted of 15 lean type 2 diabetic patients, group III consisted of 15 obese nondiabetic females, and finally group IV consisted of 15 nonobese nondiabetic females.

All the study population was subjected to:

1- full history taking;

2- thorough clinical examination