Leptin triggers Ca2+ imbalance in monocytes of overweight subjects

Obesity is a major risk factor in numerous diseases, in which elevated intracellular Ca2+ plays a major role in increased adiposity. We examined the difference between Ca2+ signals in monocytes of lean and overweight subjects and the relationship between leptin induced NADPH oxidase activation and intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i homeostasis. Our results are as follows: (1) The basal level of [Ca2+]i in resting monocytes of overweight subjects (OW monocytes) was higher than that in control cells, whereas the leptin-induced peak of the Ca2+ signal was lower and the return to basal level was delayed. (2) Ca2+ signals were more pronounced in OW monocytes than in control cells. (3) Using different inhibitors of cellular signaling, we found that in control cells the Ca2+ signals originated from intracellular pools, whereas in OW cells they were generated predominantly by Ca2+-influx from medium. Finally, we found correlation between leptin induced superoxide anion generation and Ca2+ signals. The disturbed [Ca2+]i homeostasis in OW monocytes was fully restored in the presence of fluvastatin. Statins have pleiotropic effects involving the inhibition of free radical generation that may account for its beneficial effect on elevated [Ca2+]i and consequently on the pathomechanism of obesity.