Comparison of Serum Leptin Levels among Patients with Benign or Malignant Breast Lesions

Background: Studies have shown that obese individuals are at increased risk of breast cancer development and poorer prognosis. Leptin, an adipose tissue-derived hormone, has pro-inflammatory and proliferative effects and a well-established association with several comorbidities of obesity. This study was designed and conducted to compare the serum levels of leptin in patients with malignant and benign breast lesions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Research Center of Cancer Institute, Tehran, Iran between 2010 and 2011. Sixty-five patients with breast cancer and 65 BMI-matched patients with benign breast lesions were enrolled in this study. The serum leptin level was measured by the ELISA method and compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 130 patients were collected. The mean BMI in benign and malignant groups was 25.2±3.2 and 25.8±3.8 (kg/m2), respectively. Circulating levels of leptin were 20.05±14.69 vs. 14.74±10.16 mL in malignant and benign groups, respectively (P=0.011). A positive correlation was observed between BMI and leptin concentration (r = 0.431, P < 0.001). Leptins levels were not associated with the patients’ age (P = 0.108), menstrual status (P = 0.214), and history of OCP use (P = 0.269). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with breast cancer have significantly higher levels of leptin compared to those with benign lesions.