Circulating resistin levels and risk of multiple myeloma in three prospective cohorts

Loredana Santo1, Lauren R Teras2, Graham G Giles3

  • 1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Abstract

Insights

Lower resistin hormone levels may increase multiple myeloma (MM) risk, especially in men. This prospective study found a significant inverse association in men, but not women.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Resistin, a hormone from adipose tissue, was previously linked to lower multiple myeloma (MM) risk in a case-control study.
  • The prospective association between resistin and MM risk remains uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate the association between serum resistin levels and the risk of developing multiple myeloma (MM).
  • To investigate potential sex-specific differences in the resistin-MM risk relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Serum resistin concentrations were measured in pre-diagnostic peripheral blood samples.
  • 178 MM cases and 358 matched controls from three cohorts were analyzed.
  • Statistical analyses examined the association between resistin quartiles and MM risk.

Main Results:

  • Overall, higher resistin levels showed a weak inverse association with MM risk.
  • A statistically significant inverse association was observed for men across higher resistin quartiles (Ptrend=0.03).
  • No significant association was found between resistin levels and MM risk in women.

Conclusions:

  • This prospective study provides novel evidence linking lower circulating resistin levels to an increased risk of multiple myeloma (MM).
  • The association appears particularly pronounced in men.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of resistin in MM pathogenesis.