The role of adiponectin and leptin in the treatment of ovarian cancer patients

Introduction. Ovarian cancer is most frequently detected in the advanced stage. Although its pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, it is assumed that body susceptibility and hormonal disorders are responsible. The role of some cytokines as predictors in the treatment process is still investigated. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of adiponectin and leptin with the disease severity and response to chemotherapy. Materials and methods. 43 ovarian cancer patients were treated in the Department of Oncology of Specialist Hospital in Rybnik. Patients received 5-7 cycles of chemotherapy - the paclitaxel / carboplatin with or without bevacizumab. Using standard ELISA kits before and after chemotherapy, adiponectin and leptin concentrations were determined in the blood serum. Results. The average adiponectin concentration before chemotherapy was found to be 8.83 ± 3.19 μg / ml, as compared to 10.37 ± 4.18 μg / ml (increase by 17.44%, p < 0.001) after treatment. Mean pre-treatment leptin concentration was 16.89 ± 15.54 ng / ml, and 21.77 ± 14.69 ng / ml after chemotherapy (increase by 28.89%, p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between leptin concentration and age and BMI. There was no relationship of the disease severity with the response to treatment and the concentration of the adipokines. The leptin/adiponectin ratio (L/A) before treatment, correlate with the better the response to chemotherapy. Conclusions. Adiponectin and leptin do not correlate with the stage of ovarian cancer and response to chemotherapy. The L/A ratio may be considered a predictor of clinical response to treatment.