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

Abstract

Introduction

Association between leptin and ghrelin plasma levels and alcohol craving have been found in few studies but they have failed to differentiate this correlation with alcohol withdrawal state.

Objectives

To research this correlation in a different population and to study this correlation with respect to hyper-excitable state of alcohol withdrawal.

Aim

To study levels of leptin and ghrelin in relation with alcohol withdrawal and craving.

Methods

Twenty-five indoor patients fulfilling the alcohol dependence criteria were assessed for alcohol withdrawal symptoms and craving. Leptin and ghrelin levels were measured on 1st day, @ the end of 1st week, @ the end of 3rd 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 the end of week 1 and week 3. Control group consisted of 15 first-degree relatives not taking alcohol.

Results

It was found that leptin [t (38) = 2.95, P = 0.005] and ghrelin [t (38) = 2.56, P = 0.015] were significantly higher in alcohol-dependent patients. Levels of hormones had no significant correlation with alcohol withdrawal scores but had positive correlation with craving scores after abstinence.

Conclusions

Leptin and ghrelin, 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 as leptin and ghrelin levels are not correlated with withdrawal scores, which is an indicator of stress hormone axis activation during alcohol withdrawal.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.