SERUM LEPTIN LEVEL IN BREAST CANCER

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Leptin, a polypeptide hormone primarily from white adipose tissue, is implicated in inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion, and cell proliferation.
• Growing evidence suggests a significant role for leptin in breast cancer development and progression.
• Understanding leptin's association with menopausal status and body mass index (BMI) is crucial for breast cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum leptin levels in patients with benign breast tumors and various breast cancer phenotypes.
• To analyze the relationship between leptin levels, menopausal status, and body mass index (BMI) in breast tumor patients.

Main Methods:

• Serum leptin levels were quantified using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.
• The study included 97 patients who underwent surgical removal of their breast tumor.
• Leptin levels were analyzed in relation to menopausal status (premenopausal vs. postmenopausal) and BMI (obese vs. non-obese).

Main Results:

• Significantly higher serum leptin levels were observed in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women, irrespective of tumor type.
• Obese women exhibited significantly higher leptin levels than non-obese women, regardless of tumor malignancy.
• The highest leptin concentrations were found in postmenopausal obese women, followed by premenopausal obese women, and then non-obese postmenopausal women.

Conclusions:

• Serum leptin levels serve as a valuable diagnostic parameter, suggesting an elevated likelihood of breast cancer development.
• Leptin levels are significantly influenced by menopausal status and obesity in women with breast tumors.
• Further research into leptin's role could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.