Leptin Levels in Multiple Sclerosis Patients - Systematic Review
A systematic review analyzed 2978 participants from 21 studies and found that MS patients had significantly higher circulating leptin levels compared to healthy controls. Female MS patients showed higher levels than males. However, results in relapsing-remitting MS were less stable, not reaching significance.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not yet assessed
- Mechanism
- Not yet assessed
- Evidence strength
- Not yet assessed
- Outcome
- Not yet assessed
Why it matters
Elevated leptin levels in MS may indicate immune dysregulation related to the disease. Understanding leptin's role could inform future research on MS pathophysiology.
What this does not prove
High heterogeneity in findings limits firm conclusions, and subgroup analyses showed instability, particularly in relapsing-remitting MS.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Systematic review
- Participants / samples
- 2978 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- No
- Controlled
- Yes
- Primary endpoint met
- Yes
- Relevant MS type
- All
- Publication date
- 2026-10-12
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceSerum and plasma leptin levels in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107972
Supporting passages (12)
study designThis systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesize the available evidence and generate a more precise estimate of serum and plasma leptin levels in individuals with MS.
subjectsTwenty-one studies including 2978 participants (1656 MS patients and 1322 controls) were analyzed.
sample sizeTwenty-one studies including 2978 participants (1656 MS patients and 1322 controls) were analyzed.
randomizedNo
controlledStudies were included if they reported quantitative serum or plasma leptin levels in MS patients and healthy controls.
primary endpoint metMS patients showed significantly higher circulating leptin levels than controls (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI [0.14, 0.95], p = 0.01) with a moderate effect size and substantial heterogeneity (I² = 95.82%).
relevant ms typesIn relapsing-remitting MS, leptin levels did not differ significantly from controls (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI [-0.04, 0.83], p = 0.08), and sensitivity analyses indicated instability depending on study removal in this subgroup.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-12
comparatorOverall, MS patients showed significantly higher circulating leptin levels than controls (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI [0.14, 0.95], p = 0.01) with a moderate effect size and substantial heterogeneity (I² = 95.82%).
primary endpointCONCLUSIONS: Circulating leptin levels are elevated in MS patients, suggesting a potential role in disease-related immune dysregulation.
findingsOverall, MS patients showed significantly higher circulating leptin levels than controls (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI [0.14, 0.95], p = 0.01) with a moderate effect size and substantial heterogeneity (I² = 95.82%).
limitationsHowever, high heterogeneity and inconsistent subgroup findings limit firm conclusions, which highlights the need for further large, well-designed studies.
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