Serum leptin and glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis ‒ a cross-sectional study in Iraqi patients

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study aimed to evaluate differences in serum leptin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels between diabetic ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis and healthy controls. Material and methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 65 participants: 31 type 2 diabetic patients with ESRD on hemodialysis and 34 healthy controls. Serum leptin and GLP-1 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results. Patients with ESRD exhibited significantly higher serum leptin levels (1.7±1.0 ng/mL) compared to controls (1.4±0.7 ng/mL; p=0.001), and significantly lower GLP-1 levels (19.6±11.2 pmol/L vs. 37.0±25.7 pmol/L; p=0.001). Conclusion. Elevated leptin levels and reduced GLP-1 concentrations in diabetic ESRD patients suggest a potential role of these biomarkers in renal injury and metabolic regulation. The findings highlight the therapeutic promise of GLP-1 receptor agonists in this population.