Serum Leptin in Cerebrovascular Stroke: A Case–Control Study with Implications for Pharmacotherapy and Risk Stratification

Abstract

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone with pro-inflammatory and atherogenic properties, has been implicated in vascular pathology, though its association with cerebrovascular stroke remains controversial. This hospital-based case–control study evaluated circulating serum leptin levels in 100 subjects, including 50 patients with cerebrovascular stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) and 50 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum leptin levels were measured using ELISA, while fasting blood glucose and lipid profile parameters were assessed by standard enzymatic methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in stroke patients compared to controls (p < 0.001), with mean values of 10.39 ± 4.25 ng/mL in ischemic stroke, 9.32 ± 3.45 ng/mL in hemorrhagic stroke, and 5.54 ± 0.85 ng/mL in controls. Leptin showed positive correlations with LDL cholesterol, body mass index, and blood pressure, and LDL and total cholesterol were significantly elevated in stroke patients (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that elevated leptin levels may serve as a biomarker of metabolic and vascular risk in cerebrovascular disease and may have clinical relevance in therapeutic risk stratification and drug safety monitoring. Integrative approaches, including nutraceuticals and lifestyle interventions targeting leptin modulation, may complement conventional therapy. Further prospective studies are required to clarify its predictive and clinical utility.