Elevated serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha are correlated with serum levels of leptin in obese healthy subjects and in obese male patientswith type 2 diabetes

We have evaluated the relationship between serum tumour necrosis factor-alp ha (TNF-alpha) levels and those of leptin in 14 obese healthy men and 14 ob ese male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. As controls, we selected 1 4 non-obese healthy men and 14 non-obese men with type 2 diabetes. There wa s a significant positive correlation between the serum levels of TNF-alpha and leptin in obese subjects (obese men; r = 0.796, P < 0.01, obese diabeti c patients; r = 0.677, P < 0.02) but not in non-obese subjects. In obese di abetic patients, the significant positive correlation between TNF-alpha and leptin disappeared after 4 weeks of a weight reduction program. The correl ation between serum levels of TNF-alpha and leptin in obesity is apparently reported for the first time. Med Sci Res 27:519-520 (C) 1999 Lippincott Wi lliams & Wilkins.