Leptin levels in alcohol dependent patients and their relationship with withdrawal and craving

Objective: Association between leptin plasma levels and alcohol craving has been seen previously. This study aims to research this correlation in a different population while comparing this correlation with respect to hyper-excitable state of alcohol withdrawal.

Methods: 25 patients of alcohol dependence were assessed for withdrawal symptoms and craving for alcohol. Leptin levels were measured on 1^st day, @ the end of 1^st week, @ the end of 3^rd week of stopping alcohol. Withdrawal was assessed using CIWA-A at day 1 and day 7, craving was assessed using PENN's scale of craving at week 1 and week 3. Control group consisted of 15 first degree relatives.

Results: Leptin levels [t (38) = 2.95, p = 0.005] was significantly higher in alcohol dependent patients. Levels had no significant correlation with alcohol withdrawal scores [Leptin/BMI and CIWA Ar: r = 0.18, p = 0.40 on day 1] but had positive correlation with craving scores [Leptin/BMI and PACS: r = 0.684, p = 0.001].

Conclusion: This study shows that leptin, known for balancing the energy homeostasis of body, also seem to play a role in pathways of drug dependence and craving. This relation is independent of stress hormone axis.