Does leptin have a role in the development of intracranial meningiomas?

Abstract

Background: Meningiomas are the most frequent benign tumors of the intracranial cavity accounting for around 30% of all intracranial tumors.Great majority of this entity is frankly benign while a certain subset manifest itself with higher incidence of recurrence and unfavorable morbidity and mortality rates. Leptin, the product of the obese (ob) gene, is a 16kDA polypeptide which is located on human chromosome 7. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of body weight by controlling food intake, energy metabolism and neuroendocrine function. Aim : To search for a possible relationship between leptin and intracranial meningioma formation. Study Design: Prospective Control Clinical Study Methods: According to WHO classification of CNS tumors, 20 patients with grade I and 12 patients harboring grade II meningiomas were included in the study. Fasting blood glucose, blood insulin and leptin levels were determined. Leptin staining scores were evaluated immunohistochemically from the parafin blocks of the meningioma patients. Body mass index values and antidiabetic drug treatment were also noted. Results : No statistically significant relation was noted between the grade I and grade II meningioma groups in all the parameters searched (body mass index, blood glucose levels, blood leptin levels, leptin staining score). The use of antidiabetic drug was homogenous between the groups. Conclusion: The present study did not provide an evidence about a possible association between leptin and intracranial meningioma formation. However, research with larger volume of patient groups including grade III meningiomas are needed in order to substantiate such a relation.