Diagnostic value of serum leptin as a tumor marker in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Background Leptin is a peptide hormone produced by adipocytes, acts on the energy balance of reproduction and immunomodulation, and this action is linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases. High levels of this hormone increase hepatic response to various stimuli of liver fibrosis. Leptin acts to mediate hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis throughout indirect effects on Kupffer cells The aim The aim is to evaluate diagnostic value of serum leptin as a tumor marker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods 90 Egyptian subjects were conducted to this study after their written informed consent. They divided into 4 groups (30 patients with untreated HCC, 30 patients with treated HCC, 15 patients with end stage chronic liver disease without HCC and 15 healthy controls). They subjected to full history, examination, laboratory investigation and abdominal ultrasound. Serum leptin assessment is done using ELISA method. Results Leptin level is increased in all patients groups compared to control ((med. 40 IQR 37-50, med. 8 IQR 3-20, med. 2 IQR 1-4 VS med.1 IQR 1-1 ng/ml respectively) also it was higher in untreated HCC and treated HCC patients than patients without HCC. (med. 40 IQR 37-50, med. 8 IQR 3-20 VS med. 2 IQR 1-4) . Furthermore, leptin level is higher in untreated HCC than treated HCC(med. 40 IQR 37-50 VS med. 8 IQR 3-20) Leptin positively correlated with HCC Conclusion Leptin level in HCC either untreated or treated patients and in end stage CLD patients is higher than healthy .Also, it’s higher in HCC patients either untreated or treated than cirrhotic patients without HCC . Furthermore, leptin level is higher in un treated HCC than treated HCC patients.