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Abstract Leptin is a 16 kilodalton protein that is encoded by the ob gene and secreted by adipocytes. The main target receptors are present in the hypothalamus where leptin exerts its action causing anorexia, stimulating thermogenesis and increasing metabolism. Recently an increased circulatory level of leptin was reported in women with alcoholic cirrhosis. We studied the serum leptin in cirrhosis and normal healthy control and its possible correlation with the nutritional status, liver function, and the type of viral hepatitis. The study included 30 patients with different stages of liver cirrhosis and 10 normal healthy controls. Diabetic patients and patients with intercurrent infections are excluded. We concluded the association of liver cirrhosis and increased serum leptin also the relation between increased serum leptin and the severity. of liver cirrhosis. |