Complications of chronic peritoneal dialysis: The role of leptin

Abstract

The use of peritoneal dialysis for patients with end stage renal disease is not widespread, mainly because of the complications of repeated peritoneal dialysis, such as peritonitis and peritoneal fibrosis. Leptin is a 16 kDa hormone whose basic function is the maintenance of body weight and the balance of energy expenditure. Evidence for the involvement of leptin in the complications of peritoneal dialysis, i.e., peritonitis and peritoneal fibrosis, is increasing. It appears that leptin could be used as a prognostic or diagnostic tool for the early diagnosis of peritonitis. Leptin also acts synergistically with TGF-β and enhances the progress of fibrosis. Drugs that antagonize the action of leptin could possibly be developed for the inhibition or modulation of the progress of fibrosis. Further studies on this issue are anticipated, as leptin appears to be a hormone with much promise for the clinician. © Athens Medical Society.