Aberrant serum adiponectin levels in women with uterine leiomyomas

Background: Adiponectin is an adipocyte-secreted hormone. Serum adiponectin levels are inversely correlated with insulin resistance, and low plasma adiponectin levels have been demonstrated in type 2 diabetic patients. However, information on serum adiponectin levels in gynecological disorders is mostly lacking. In this study, we analyzed the possible correlation between serum adiponectin levels and uterine leiomyomas. Methods: Serum adiponectin levels, determined by radioimmunoassay, were compared in women with uterine leiomyomas (n = 47) and normal controls ( n = 46). Results: Serum adiponectin levels in women with uterine leiomyomas (16.4 +/- 0.9 mug/ml) were significantly lower ( p < 0.05) than those in the normal controls (19.5 +/- 1.0 mu g/ml). Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between serum adiponectin levels and body mass index, in both women with leiomyomas and normal controls. Conclusions: Serum adiponectin levels are significantly decreased in myomatous patients. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.