Elevated leptin levels in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis

Abstract

Objective: Leptin is a protein hormone produced by adipocytes in proportion to body fat stores that has also been shown to induce angiogenesis, regulate immune functions and increase in response to certain inflammatory cytokines. Endometriosis involves active angiogenesis around the implants and is characterized by elevated inflammatory cytokines in the peritoneal environment. For these reasons, we sought to assess the relationship, if any, between peritoneal fluid (PF) leptin levels and the presence of endometriosis. We evaluated the impact of the menstrual cycle, the stage and depth of endometriotic lesions and the effect of prior treatment with GnRH agonists (GnRH-a) on PF leptin levels.