Leptin Levels In Alcohol Dependent Patients And Their Relationship With Withdrawal And Craving

Abstract Objective Association between leptin plasma levels and alcohol craving has been seen previously. This study aims to research this correlation in a different population while comparing this correlation with respect to hyper-excitable state of alcohol withdrawal. Methods 25 patients of alcohol dependence were assessed for withdrawal symptoms and craving for alcohol. Leptin levels were measured on 1st day, @ the end of 1st week, @ the end of 3rd week of stopping alcohol. Withdrawal was assessed using CIWA-A at day 1 and day 7, craving was assessed using PENN’s scale of craving at week 1 and week 3. Control group consisted of 15 first degree relatives. Results Leptin levels [t (38) = 2.95, p = 0.005] was significantly higher in alcohol dependent patients. Levels had no significant correlation with alcohol withdrawal scores [Leptin/BMI and CIWA Ar: r = 0.18, p = 0.40 on day 1] but had positive correlation with craving scores [Leptin/BMI and PACS: r = 0.684, p = 0.001]. Conclusion This study shows that leptin, known for balancing the energy homeostasis of body, also seem to play a role in pathways of drug dependence and craving. This relation is independent of stress hormone axis.