Study of adiponectin and leptin levels in postmenopausal obese breast cancer

• Published in: Indian journal of clinical biochemistry Vol. 31; no. S1; p. S57
• Main Authors: Sarvari G, Bitla, Aparna R, Rao, P.V.L.N Srinivasa, Mutheeswaraiah, Y, Narendra, H, Sachan, Alok, Manickavasagam, M, Asha, T, Lakshmi, A.Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Adipose tissues; Breast cancer; Cancer; Health aspects; Leptin; Mortality; Oncology, Experimental; Postmenopausal women; Women
• ISSN: 0970-1915

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and leading cause of cancer related mortality. Obesity is related to increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Adipose tissue secrets a range of adipocytokines including adiponectin and leptin. Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties while leptin act as a proliferator and pro-inflammatory factor. Obesity in adults is associated with increased circulating levels of leptin and decreased adiponectin and are involved in breast cancer development. The present study thus taken up to see the plasma levels of adiponectin and leptin in breast cancer patients. Methodology: Thirty five newly diagnosed breast cancer postmenopausal obese women attending the Oncology outpatient department of Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati were included along with 35 age-matched healthy postmenopausal obese women. Adiponectin and leptin were measured by commercially available enzyme immune assay (EIA) kits on Chemwell automated ELISA system. Results: Plasma adiponectin levels were found to be significantly lower in breast cancer patients compared to controls (p= 0.001) while plasma leptin levels were found to be significantly higher in breast cancer patients compared to controls (p= 0.02). Conclusion: Obesity in breast cancer is characterized by dysregulation of adipocytokines which is evidenced by decreased adiponectin and increased leptin levels. This altered plasma levels are involved in increased cell proliferation which in turn leads to breast cancer development.