ABSTRACT

Objective:

To determine whether body mass index (BMI) and serum leptin levels in patients with endometrial hyperplasia and cancer deviate from the values in patients with a normal endometrium.

Methods:

From June 2008 to December 2009, among the patients administered to our clinic for abnormal uterine bleeding, 86 were included in this study to evaluate the association of histopathological results of endometrial biopsies with BMI and leptin levels. Three groups were formed according to BMI: group I, BMI<30; group II BMI=30 - 40; group III BMI>40. Leptin levels were measured using an immunoenzymatic test.

Results:

Serum leptin levels in patients with endometrial cancer and hyperplasia were 32.8 ng/mL as opposed to 20.3 ng/mL in patients with normal endometrial pathology (p<0.0001.)

Conclusion:

Leptin appears to be involved in the pathology of endometrial cancer and hyperplasia. Obesity is an important risk factor for endometrial cancer.