Plasma leptin levels, LEPR Q223R polymorphism and mammographic breast density: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• Obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
• Breast density is a significant marker for breast cancer risk.
• Leptin, a hormone produced by adipose tissue, acts as a growth factor and its receptors are polymorphic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between body mass index, leptin, leptin receptors, and breast density in post-menopausal women.
• To explore the influence of the LEPR Q223R polymorphism on these associations.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 392 healthy post-menopausal women.
• Measurement of plasma leptin levels using ELISA.
• Genotyping of the LEPR Q223R polymorphism using PCR and RFLP.
• Analysis of mammographic breast density parameters.

Main Results:

• Leptin levels positively correlated with body mass index and breast area, but inversely with percent breast density.
• Leptin levels and percent breast density varied significantly across LEPR Q223R genotypes.
• An inverse association between leptin and dense breast area was observed in women with the G/G genotype.
• A significant interaction between body mass index and leptin levels on percent breast density was found.

Conclusions:

• The association between leptin and breast density is influenced by the LEPR Q223R genotype.
• Body mass index and leptin may interact in determining breast density in post-menopausal women.