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 microg/ml) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in the normal controls (19.5 +/- 1.0 microg/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.
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 diabeticpatients. 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 microg/ml) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in the normal controls (19.5 +/- 1.0 microg/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.