Mona Abo-Bakr El-Hussiny

Leptin, insulin and thyroid hormones in a cohort of Egyptian obese Down syndrome children: a comparative study

BackgroundObesity is a major worldwide health problem. It is commonly observed in Down syndrome individuals than in the general population. The reason for increased risk of obesity in DS is unclear.The current study was designed to clarify differences in some obesity- related hormones in a group of prepubertal Down syndrome children.MethodsThirty six Egyptian children with Down syndrome were enrolled in this study, divided according to their body mass index (BMI) into 23 obese and13 non obese. Another group of 43 non Down children were recruited, they were divided according to their BMI into 20 patients having simple obesity and 23 non obese, as control groups. Fasting blood samples were collected for estimation of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, leptin, free thyroxin (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) and creatine kinase (CK). Insulin resistance was assessed by Homeostasis Model Assessment method (HOMA-IR). The ratio of leptin to BMI (LEP/BMI) was used as an index of leptin resistance.ResultsMedian values of FBG, insulin, and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in Down versus non Down groups, while median values of leptin and leptin resistance were non-significantly different among Down versus non Down groups. Median TSH values were non- significantly different between obese Down and obese non Down. Although the median values of TSH and FT4 were within normal range in Down groups, four cases of subclinical hypothyroidism were encountered. Leptin levels were correlated with insulin and IR but not with TSH in Down groups.ConclusionIncreased circulating leptin, a marker of leptin resistance in obese children with Down syndrome seems to be similar to that in children with simple obesity. Elevated FBG and insulin in obese Down children highlights the presence of early IR. Associated myopathy evidenced by mildly elevated CK levels could be an added factor for obesity in such group of patients.

Leptin receptor Q223R polymorphism in Egyptian female patients with breast cancer

Aim of the study Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women. Obesity has been associated with increased risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. It induces chronic inflammation, which increases local and systemic levels of cytokines and adipokines such as leptin. Leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes have several polymorphisms in humans. This study aims to assess the association between blood levels of leptin and LEPR Q223R gene polymorphism in patients of cancer breast. Material and methods The current study was carried on 48 female breast cancer patients and 48 heathy female subjects. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antibody CA15-3, and leptin hormone were determined. Single nucleotide polymorphism of LEPR Q223R was assessed by PCR/RFLP. Statistical analysis used: The statistical analysis of data was done by using SPSS version 20. Results There were significant increases in the concentrations of CEA (p = 0.004), CA15-3 (p < 0.001), and leptin hormone (p < 0.001) in BC patients in relation to the respective concentrations in control subjects. CEA and CA 15-3 showed significant differences between various BC stages. As regard to LEPR Q223R gene polymorphism, AA genotype showed significantly higher frequency in BC patients when compared to their respective controls, with higher risk to develop BC. Conclusions Leptin hormone shows significantly higher concentrations in BC patients. As regard to LEPR Q223R gene polymorphism, AA genotype showed significantly higher frequency in BC patients.

Serum atrial natriuretic peptide: a suspected biomarker of breast cancer

Aim of the study To assess serum levels of ANP in breast cancer female patients and its relationship to metastasis and some clinical parameters among those patients. Material and methods One hundred breast cancer patients with and without metastasis along with 20 healthy closely matched controls, were enrolled in the present cross sectional study. Background: To assess the serum levels of atrial natriuretic peptide in breast cancer Serum levels of ANP were assessed using ELISA. Results Mean serum levels of ANP breast cancer patients (13.9 ±10.1 ng/ml) were significantly elevated compared to healthy control group (2.2 ±1.3 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). The metastatic breast cancer patients showed significant elevated ANP levels (17.1 ±8.9 ng/ml) compared to non-metastatic group (6.4 ±8.8 ng/ml) p < 0.001. Within the metastatic group significant difference was detected between de novo metastatic, under follow-up, under hormonal control and locally advanced group (p = 0.007). Conclusions This study showed significant elevated levels of ANP in the serum of metastatic breast cancer patients compared to non-metastatic patients. Within the metastatic group the lowest levels were detected in metastatic breast Cancer under hormonal treatment either tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor.