Introduction: Elevated serum leptin levels are associated with
cardiovascular events. We investigated the role of serum leptin in
patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: A total of 74
patients (55 men; 38 symptomatic and 36 asymptomatic; mean age 66.9 +/-
8.2 years) undergoing CEA for >70% carotid artery stenosis were
enrolled. Results: Serum leptin levels were lower in symptomatic
compared with asymptomatic patients (7.1 +/- 1.3 vs 14.4 +/- 4.7 ng/dL;
P < .001). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were higher in symptomatic
compared with asymptomatic patients (4.3 +/- 1.7 vs 3.3 +/- 1.1 pg/dL; P
= .017). Symptomatic patients had more intense macrophage accumulation
(0.7% +/- 0.1% vs 0.3% +/- 0.1%; P < .001). Serum leptin and serum
IL-6 levels were independently associated with the presence of symptoms
in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Serum leptin levels were decreased
in symptomatic carotid artery disease. This finding requires further
investigation in larger studies
