Plasma leptin and reduced FEV1 and FVC in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

PM R, 2018 · DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.08.437 · Published: March 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Endocrinology

Simple Explanation

This study explores the relationship between leptin and adiponectin with lung function in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that higher levels of leptin were associated with decreased lung function (FEV1 and FVC) in individuals with chronic SCI. The researchers suggest that leptin may contribute to reduced pulmonary function in this population, independently of SCI severity and other factors.

Study Duration

Between 8/2009 and 4/2015

Participants

285 participants (237 men and 48 women) with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Level II

Key Findings

1
There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between plasma leptin with FEV1 and FVC.
2
Each interquartile range (16,214 pg/mL) increase in leptin was associated with a significant decrease in FEV1 (−93.1 ml) and decrease in FVC (−130.7 ml).
3
There were no significant associations between leptin and FEV1/FVC or between plasma adiponectin with FEV1, FVC, or FEV1/FVC.

Research Summary

This study investigated the associations between plasma leptin and adiponectin levels and pulmonary function in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The results showed a significant inverse relationship between plasma leptin levels and both FEV1 and FVC, indicating that higher leptin levels are associated with reduced lung function. The study suggests that plasma leptin may contribute to impaired pulmonary function in individuals with chronic SCI, independent of factors like SCI severity and BMI.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Consider interventions to manage leptin levels in individuals with chronic SCI to potentially improve pulmonary function.

Further Research

Conduct longitudinal studies to confirm the causal relationship between leptin and pulmonary function in SCI.

Clinical Monitoring

Monitor leptin levels as a potential biomarker for pulmonary health in individuals with chronic SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study only included participants well enough to travel to VA Boston and perform acceptable pulmonary function tests, potentially excluding those with the most reduced pulmonary function.
2
Due to its cross-sectional nature, the study had only one assessment of pulmonary function and adipokines, so temporal associations could not be assessed.
3
Although level of injury did not appear to be a confounder of our results, it is possible that our results cannot be generalized to populations with more severe levels of injury.

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