Leptin is a hormone that plays a central role in food intake and energy balance. It is secreted by fat cells, released into the circulation and transported into the central nervous system (brain), where it regulates energy balance and food intake. The overall effects of leptin appear to reduce food intake when the body is calorically satisfied, and to alter metabolic rate A decrease in the amount of body fat, which occurs after fasting, reduces the level of leptin, thereby stimulating food intake. Systemic Inflammation is a condition in which body tissues respond to stress. It may be associated with severe infection or other stimuli such as trauma, and may lead to organ failure and death. It has been shown, that Leptin may be a "survival protein", where higher levels are associated with lower mortality. The investigators set out to quantify the levels of Leptin in critically ill patients in association with other markers of inflammation and mortality.
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To assess in the intensive care setting leptin levels and their relationship to inflammatory cytokines during the course of catabolic illnesses and following recovery.
Timeframe: 14 days, discharge from ICU or death