The relationship of serum adiponectin and leptin levels with pain, function and intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with chronic low back pain

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum adiponectin and leptin levels, which are cytokines released from fatty tissue, and pain, function and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Patients and methods: Between January 2018 and November 2019, a total of 85 patients (34 males, 51 females; mean age: 42.1 +/- 10.7 years; range, 18 to 62 years) who were diagnosed with IVDD and 84 healthy volunteers (34 males, 50 females; mean age: 41.9 +/- 10.7 years; range, 22 to 64 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-10 cm) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scales were used in the patient group. Serum adiponectin and leptin levels were measured in all participants. The grading of IVDD was determined using the Pfirrmann Classification. Results: There was no significant difference in serum adiponectin (p=0.35) and leptin (p=0.19) levels between the patient group and the control group. No relationship was found between serum adiponectin and leptin levels and pain intensity (VAS), pain duration, and disability (ODI) in patients with low back pain. No relationship was found between the severity of IVDD as evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and adiponectin (p=0.18) and leptin (p=0.11) levels. There was a positive correlation between the severity of disc degeneration and body mass index (r=0.35, p=0.008) and waist circumference (r=0.34, p=0.01). Conclusion: Serum adipokine levels were not associated with low back pain symptoms and IVDD severity as evidenced by MRI. These findings suggest that the effects of obesity on chronic low back pain and disc degeneration cannot be explained by systemic inflammatory effects alone.