LEP and metabolic syndrome: Leptin concentration was found to be linearly associated with white blood cell counts,28 a possible marker for future cardiovascular mortality.29 Blood pressure level was also related to leptin concentration independent of insulin level,30 and decrease in adiponectin level was associated with metabolic syndrome.31 Adiponectin concentration was inversely associated with CRP level in extremely healthy individuals, suggesting its anti-inflammatory and anti-arteriosclerotic property.32 It might be causally associated with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy.33