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

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. 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. 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). Our findings suggest that patients with breast cancer have significantly higher levels of leptin compared to those with benign lesions.