Effects of Physiological Leptin Administration on Markers of Inflammation, Platelet Activation, and Platelet Aggregation during Caloric Deprivation

Context: Leptin is a nutritionally regulated adipocyte-derived cytokine. Previous studies in obese patients have demonstrated increased inflammatory markers and increased platelet aggregation in association with leptin. However, the effects of leptin administration on markers of inflammation and platelet aggregation in a human model of undernutrition have not previously been studied. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate markers of inflammation, platelet activation, and platelet aggregation in a model of caloric deprivation and increased leptin sensitivity. Design: This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted between November 2002 and November 2003. Setting: The study was conducted at an inpatient care setting at the General Clinical Research Center. Participants: Twenty healthy, young (18–35 yr old), normal-weight (body mass index, 20–26 kg/m2) women were recruited from local advertisements. No subjects withdrew due to adverse effects. Intervention: The effects of ph...