[Serum changes of adiponectin, insulin resistance and their correlation in endometrial cancer patients]

To explore changes of serum adiponectin and insulin resistance in patients with endometrial cancer and to evaluate the clinical significance and correlation.

The serum levels of adiponectin and fasting insulin were determined by ELISA, electro-chemilluminometry and radioimmunoassay in 35 patients with endometrial cancer [all patients divided into two groups, A1 group belonged to without postmenopausal when first visiting (n = 20), A2 group belonged to postmenopausal when first visiting (n = 15)] and 30 cases of health control. The result of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated.

The levels of adiponectin in A1 group was lower than that of health control group [(6.7 ± 1.1) versus (10.0 ± 1.4) ng/L, P < 0.05], and HOMA-IR was higher than that of health control group (3.5 ± 1.8 versus 1.1 ± 0.7, P < 0.05). While there were not significant difference between A2 group and health control group (P > 0.05). Adiponectin and insulin resistance was negatively correlated (r = -0.389, P < 0.05).

Adiponectin reducing and insulin resistance in reproductive age patients may be the independent factors to promote endometrial cancers.