The Relation of Serum Adipocytokines Levels and Haematological Malignancy

Abstract

 Obesity is a global health problem. Adipocytes produce adipocytokines, which participate in carcinogenesis of many solid tumours. However, reports on the effects in haematological malignancies are limited. We studied this feature in haematological malignancies. The body mass index (BMI), waist:hip ratio and serum adipocytokines levels (leptin and adiponectin) were measured in subjects (n=29) and healthy control (n=18). There was no significant difference in the mean BMI of control and subjects. However, the mean waist:hip ratio in subjects were significantly higher (0.91) compared to control (0.82); p=0.04. The mean level of leptin was raised in subjects compared to control (1.80 vs 17.41); p=0.00. The mean adiponectin level was suppressed in subjects (6.54 vs 0.15); p=0.00. The leptin:adiponectin ratio was also suppressed (0.01 vs 3.93); p=0.000. Subjects with good and poor initial clinical outcome did not show any significant difference in the adiposity index and the serum adipocytokines levels. This study supports the evidence that adiposity and adipocytokines are related to haematological malignancy similar to that reported in solid tumours. Leptin:adiponectin ratio may have the potential as a biomarker of obesity related malignancy. We also concluded that waist:hip ratio is a better index of adiposity compared to BMI. However, there is no significant relation of these parameters with the prognosis.