The Expression of Leptin and Its Receptor During Tumorigenesis of Diffuse Gliomas such as Astrocytoma and Oligodendroglioma - Grade II, III and IV (NOS)

Abstract

Background: Leptin, an adipocytokine functions via the leptin receptor, OB-Rb that contains an intact intracellular<br />domain and activates the JAK/STAT signalling cascade. It stimulates growth, migration and invasion of cancer cells in<br />vitro potentiating angiogenesis. Recently, the involvement of leptin in tumor progression is being explored. Gliomas<br />exhibit poor prognosis, low survival rates demanding for novel therapeutic regimens resulting in discovery of many<br />potential biomarkers and pharmaceutical targets. We analysed the potential role of leptin and OB-Rb in carcinogenesis<br />of malignant gliomas. Methods: Sixty fresh tissue samples of diffuse gliomas were collected after tumor excision. Real<br />time PCR, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and western blot analysis were carried out to assess the expression of<br />leptin and its receptor. Results: The present study demonstrates the expression of leptin and LepR and their involvement<br />in tumor progression. Of the 60 cases, 57 cases (95%) and 53 cases (88.3%) showed amplification for leptin and<br />OB-Rb respectively. The expression of these proteins were measured semi-quantitatively and correlated with degree of<br />malignancy (p<0.05). The bands were visualised on western blot. Conclusion: Leptin may be valued as a pharmaceutical<br />target and anti-leptin compounds could be developed as drugs in mono- or combined therapies for these tumors.