Leptin levels in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ascites

摘要

AIM: To evaluate the role of leptin levels in the differential diagnosis of ascites. METHODS: Ascitic leptin, TNFα and serum leptin levels were measured in 77 patients with ascites (35 with malignancies, 30 cirrhosis and 12 tuberculosis). Control serum samples were obtained from 20 healthy subjects. Leptin and TNFα levels were measured by ELISA. Body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat (BFM) by skin fold measurement were calculated for all patients and control groups. Peritoneal biopsy, ascites cytology and cultures or biochemical values were used for the diagnosis of patients. RESULTS: In patients with malignancies, the mean serum and ascites leptin levels and their ratios were significantly decreased compared to the other patient groups and controls. In tuberculosis peritonitis, ascitic fluid TNFα levels were significantly higher than malignant ascites and cirrhotic sterile ascites. BMI and BFM values did not distinguish between patients and controls. CONCLUSION: In patients with malignant ascites, levels of leptin and TNFα were significantly lower than in patients with tuberculous ascites.