Correlations Between Serum Leptin and Nitric Oxide Concentrations in Obese and Control Balb/C Mice



Shabanikia N¹ ; Saeidi H¹ ; Kalantari E¹ ; Tahergorabi Z² ; Khazaei M³
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2013

Abstract

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is an endothelium-derived relaxing factor with several effects on vascular structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum leptin and nitric oxide concentrations in obese and control BALB/c mice. Methods: Twelve male BALB/C mice were allocated to control and obese groups. Obesity was induced by administration of a high fat diet (60% fat) for 20 weeks. The control group received normal diet during the study. After 20 weeks, blood samples were taken and serum NO and leptin concentrations were measured. Correlations between the measured factors and obesity were evaluated. Findings: Body weight of obese mice was significantly higher than controls. Serum NO concentration in obese animals was higher than the control group (17.62 ± 2.60 vs. 11.93 ± 2.40 μmol/l; P < 0.05). Serum leptin was also higher in obese animals compared to the control group. There was also a positive correlation between serum leptin and NO concentrations (r = 0.78). Conclusion: Diet-induced obesity caused significant increases in serum NO and leptin concentrations. Moreover, a positive correlation between serum NO and leptin levels was detected.