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Serum leptin concentration and advanced gastrointestinal cancers: a case controlled study
F Fusun Bolukbas1, Hasan Kilic, Cengiz Bolukbas
1Harran University Medical Faculty, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Sanliurfa, Turkey. fusunbol@yahoo.ca
BMC Cancer
|June 26, 2004
Summary
Serum leptin levels are lower in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. This lower leptin concentration does not correlate with weight loss in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Serum leptin is linked to appetite and energy expenditure in healthy individuals.
- Advanced gastrointestinal cancers can lead to significant weight loss.
- Understanding factors influencing weight loss in cancer patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum leptin concentration in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer.
- To identify factors associated with serum leptin levels in these patients.
- To determine the relationship between serum leptin and weight loss.
Main Methods:
- Enrolled 44 advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients and 25 healthy controls.
- Measured serum leptin levels using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA).
- Analyzed differences between groups and correlations with weight loss and gender.
Main Results:
- Cancer patients exhibited significantly lower serum leptin levels than controls.
- Gender influenced leptin levels in controls but not in cancer patients.
- No significant relationship was found between serum leptin and weight loss percentage.
Conclusions:
- Serum leptin concentration is reduced in advanced gastrointestinal cancer, irrespective of cancer site.
- Serum leptin does not appear to be a determinant factor for weight loss in these patients.
- Unlike healthy subjects, gender does not affect serum leptin levels in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients.