The levels of leptin, a major regulator of lipid metabolism, may increase in obesity, and contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Leptin is produced by adipose tissue and is a peptide hormone, which has strong association with obesity, elevated cardiovascular risk, and morbidity. The present study was designed to evaluate the relationships between leptin levels, obesity, and cardiovascular risk factors in men with acute myocardial infarction. Twenty-four obese and twenty-three nonobese male patients, who had experienced their first myocardial infarction, were included in the study. Their leptin levels, biochemical parameters, and anthropometric measures were obtained. Mean leptin levels were significantly higher in the obese group compared to the nonobese group (2.53ng/mL versus 1.23ng/mL; p<0.01). Leptin levels correlated positively with anthropometric measurements, triglyceride, fasting glucose, C-reactive protein, and uric acid levels, and negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Findings indicate high leptin levels to be positively correlated with obesity and diastolic blood pressure in male patients with myocardial infarction.

Objective: To evaluate the association of body composition parameters with outcomes in Covid-19. Methods: 173 patients hospitalized for Covid-19 infection in 6 European centers were included in this retrospective study. Measurements were performed at L3-level and comprised skeletal muscle index (SMI), muscle density (MD), and adipose tissue measurements [visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), visceral-to-subcutaneous-adipose-tissue-area-ratio (VSR)]. The association with mortality, the need for intubation (MV), and the need for admission to ICU within 30 days were evaluated. Results: Higher SAT density was associated with a greater risk of MV (OR = 1.071, 95%CI=(1.034;1.110), p < 0.001). Higher VAT density was associated with admission to ICU (OR = 1.068, 95%CI=(1.029;1.109), p < 0.001). Higher MD was a protective factor for MV and ICU admission (OR = 0.914, 95%CI=(0.870;0.960), p < 0.001; OR = 0.882, 95%CI=(0.832;0.934), p = 0.028). Higher VSR was associated with mortality (OR = 2.147, 95%CI=(1.022;4.512), p = 0.044). Male sex showed the strongest influence on the risk of ICU admission and MV. SMI was not associated with either parameter. Conclusion: In patients hospitalized for Covid-19 infection, higher VSR seems to be a strong prognostic factor of short-term mortality. Weak associations with clinical course were found for MD and adipose tissue measurements. Male sex was the strongest prognostic factor of adverse clinical course. Advances in knowledge: VSR is a prognostic biomarker for 30-day mortality in patients hospitalized for Covid-19 disease.

Primary central nervous system lymphomas are infrequently occurring lymphomas that account for only 0.3-1.5% of all intra-cranial neoplasms in patients without acquired immune deficiency syndrome. However, a pure third ventricle lymphoma is extremely rare. Here, we discuss the similar radiological appearances of lesions localized in the third ventricle and the importance of accurately diagnosing primary central nervous system lymphomas for favorable treatment outcomes.