Apelin levels are higher in obese patients with endometrial cancer

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum concentrations of apelin, a newly discovered adipocytokine, in relation with tumor markers, metabolic profile and clinicopathologic features of patients with endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 46 women with endometrial cancer and 44 controls were eligible for the study. Clinicopathologic features and metabolic profile as well as apelin-36 levels were evaluated in each subject. RESULTS: Women with endometrial cancer exhibited higher serum concentrations of apelin levels than controls (215.1 ± 59.8 pg/mL vs 177.3 ± 55.2 pg/mL, P = 0.002). Apelin levels were significantly correlated positively with body mass index, fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment index (P < 0.05). When patients were further divided into obese (body mass index ≥ 30) and non-obese women, apelin levels remained higher in women with endometrial cancer in the obese group (P = 0.006, 243.5 ± 49.2 pg/mL vs 200.5 ± 52.7 pg/mL, respectively); whereas these levels were similar in the non-obese group (P = 0.879, 161.9 ± 37.5 pg/mL vs 159.6 ± 51.3, respectively). After adjustment for all possible confounding factors, age, apelin levels > 160 pg/mL, and diabetes mellitus were found to be associated with risk of endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: The data of the present study suggest that higher levels of circulating apelin are associated with an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer in obese women.