Abstract / Summary
Abstract Introduction Patients on dialysis often experience muscle abnormalities. In patients on hemodialysis, serum leptin levels were positively associated with reduced muscle strength and muscle quality index (MQI). Conversely, low serum leptin levels have been observed in patients on hemodialysis with sarcopenia. Objective To analyze the association of serum leptin with muscle strength, quantity, MQI and physical performance in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods Muscle strength was assessed by sit-to-stand test and handgrip strength. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance, and appendicular lean mass (ALM) was estimated. MQI was calculated by the handgrip strength to ALM ratio. Physical performance was assessed by Short Physical Performance Battery, gait speed, and timed-up and go. Serum leptin was quantified by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Results Forty-nine patients were included, 59.2% male, and mean age of 57 ± 13 years. Muscle strength, physical performance, and ALM were not correlated with serum leptin. MQI was negatively correlated with leptin. In multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and body fat, only ALM was significantly associated with serum leptin (β = 0.008; 95%CI 0.003–0.014; p = 0.003). Conclusion A positive association was found between serum leptin and ALM. Serum leptin did not appear to behave as a marker of functional muscle parameters in this exploratory sample of maintenance hemodialysis patients.