LEP and metabolic syndrome: Individuals with MetS exhibit elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, including adiponectin, leptin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, fibrinogen, monocytic toll-like receptors 2 and 4, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), compared to those without MetS (41, 42).