Abstract
BACKGROUND: Alcoholic hepatitis is a chronic liver disease characterized by jaundice and hepatomegaly, influenced by excessive alcohol consumption, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased leptin levels. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess leptin's role in regulating IL-6 and TNF-α in alcoholic hepatitis patients, evaluate serum levels of these hormones, and investigate their interrelationship. METHODOLOGY: A total of 160 venous blood samples were collected, comprising 80 samples from nonalcoholic individuals (controls) and 80 from alcoholic patients (cases). The samples were centrifuged, and serum was collected in Eppendorf tubes. Approximately 1.5-2 mL of serum was required to perform enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α. RESULTS: In a cohort of 80 alcoholic patients, decreased leptin levels were found in 82.5%, particularly prevalent in the 40-50 years age group with alcoholic hepatitis (88.9%). Elevated IL-6 and TNF-α levels were each observed in 53.8% of participants, showing significant correlations with reduced leptin (93.0% and 95.3%, respectively; P < 0.05). Notably, all patients with elevated bilirubin had both decreased leptin and increased TNF-α, while among those with normal bilirubin, reduced leptin (71.4%) and TNF-α (75.5%) were still common. CONCLUSION: The study reveals a significant link between leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and liver dysfunction indicators like total bilirubin, indicating leptin's potential as a biomarker for hepatic inflammation in alcoholic liver disease, emphasizing systemic inflammatory pathways' role in its pathophysiology.