Carnitine and Adiponectin Levels in Breast Cancer after Radiotherapy

In this study, serum carnitine (CRNT) and adiponectin (APN) levels and the correlation of these parameters in patients with breast cancer before and after treatment with radiotherapy (RT) were determined.

Serum adiponectin and carnitine levels were assessed in 58 patients with breast carcinoma and 30 control subjects. Serum carnitine and APN levels were determined using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

While serum carnitine level was significantly lower in the patients with breast cancer after RT compared with the control group and before treatment (p=0.002 and p=0.019, respectively), serum APN level was significantly higher than in the control group and before treatment ( p=0.003 and p=0.027, respectively). Carnitine level showed a negative correlation with APN level in the patients after RT (r= -0.626, p= 0.001). There was no correlation between carnitine and APN levels in subjects of control group and before treatment. Also, neither carnitine nor APN levels demonstrated correlation other parameters.

Results suggest that increased serum adiponectin and decreased carnitine levels in breast cancer after RT than control group. Carnitine level showed a negative correlation with APN level in the patient with breast cancer after RT. While carnitine, HDL-C and total cholesterol levels are decreased, trygliceride and LDL-C levels are increased in patients than control group. In addition, serum APN concentration was inversely correlated with serum carnitine levels. Furthermore, increased serum APN level in breast cancer after RT might be associated with hypocarnitinemia.