Investigation of Leptin, Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), and IL-6 Serum Levels in Myeloid Leukemia

Background: Leptin has been implicated in the differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic cells. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) may play an important role, along with Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G- CSF), in the regulation of early hematopoietic stem cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum level of leptin, LIF, and IL-6 in myeloid leukemia patients. Materials and Methods: We investigated serum level of leptin, LIF, and IL-6 levels, body mass index, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in 30 myeloid leukemia patients (15 patients with acute and 15 with chronic myeloid leukemia) before chemotherapy, and compared the results with 15 healthy controls. Results: Leptin, LIF and IL-6 serum levels, and lipid profile in myeloied leukemic patient was significantly different from the control group (p<0.05). The relationship between leptin and BMI was statistically significant in control group, whereas in the patient group, there were no significant relationship between leptin and BMI. Conclusion: Lipid profile and leptin, LIF, and IL-6 serum levels of leukemic patients were significantly different from normal population.