Serum Adiponectin and Leptin levels in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Adipokines are a group of novel and highly active molecules that are abundantly secreted by adipocytes, and act at both the local and systemic levels. They have attracted considerable interest due to their potential role in the development of cancer as a risk factor. Adipokines have been shown to regulate the survival, proliferation, differentiation and function of normal hematopoietic and leukemic cells. Two adipokines, leptin and adiponectin in particular, have come to be recognized for their influence on tumor biology. In this study we aimed to measure the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in AML patients and correlate these levels with standard prognostic markers of the disease. The study was conducted on 60 newly diagnosed AML patients as well as 20 age and sex matched healthy subjects as a control group. Our results showed a significantly lower body mass index, hemoglobin level, platelet count, serum leptin and adiponectin levels among AML patients compared to control group. A significantly higher lactate dehydrogenase level was detected in AML patients compared to control group. No statistically significant difference was detected between patients and control as regard age, sex and white cell count. A significant correlation was detected between leptin and splenomegaly only while no significant difference was detected regarding other clinical, demographic or laboratory parameters. No significant correlation was found between adiponectin and any of clinical, demographic or laboratory parameters. These findings didn’t prove or exclude the prognostic value of serum leptin and adiponectin levels in acute myeloid leukemia patients. Therefore, additional studies on these two adipokines are justified.