Leptin - An Immunomodulator in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Background: Leptin, a 16 KDa protein hormone is one of the most important adipocytokine that modulates metabolic processes by regulating energy intake and expenditure, including appetite and metabolism. However, under pathological conditions such as leptin resistance, leptin has been found to activate inflammatory cells including Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) thereby causing damage to the heart. In the present study, we aimed at investigating if leptin could act as an immunomodulator in PBMCs and trigger the secretion of TNF-α and iNOS (inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase). Methods: PBMCs from healthy volunteers were treated with leptin in the presence and the absence of LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor). The gene and the protein levels of TNF-α and iNOS and also the levels of nitric oxide in the cells under study were then estimated. Results and conclusion: Our study suggest that leptin can activate human PBMCs and promote TNF-α and iNOS synthesis. The subsequent synthesis of TNF-α and NO during pathological conditions might act as an important mediator in the progression of CVD. The immunomodulatory role of leptin in PBMC in turn suggests that leptin might act as a novel therapeutic target for Cardiovascular Diseases.