Integrated analysis of adipokine biomarkers (leptin and adiponectin) in tumor progression of ovarian cancer and their immuno-inflammatory link with rheumatoid arthritis
Abstract
Imbalance in adipokines, especially leptin and adiponectin, is likely to play a role in tumor progression in ovarian cancer via immuno-inflammatory pathways, which may be associated with the biology of tumors and the mechanism of rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, we assessed the leptin and adiponectin levels and their ratio in ovarian cancer patients, and examined their relationship with tumor progression and immuno-inflammatory markers, especially regarding rheumatoid arthritis. The present case-control study was carried out in May 2025–May 2026, involving 120 patients with ovarian cancer and 60 healthy controls. Clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings were used to confirm the diagnosis and the staging was carried out according to the FIGO criteria. To determine rheumatoid arthritis, RF and anti-CCP tests were used. Leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP, and CA-125ELISA were measured, and standard parameters were determined with automated techniques. No significant differences were found between the groups in age, marital status, menopausal status, or smoking status. However, BMI was higher and a family history of ovarian cancer was more common among the patients with ovarian cancer than among the controls. Most of the patients were diagnosed at advanced stage (64.2%), and the majority of the tumors were of high grade (60.0%), and serous type (61.7%). There was a significant increase in leptin and inflammatory markers but a reduction in adiponectin. The imbalance was higher in advanced cases and in RA. The biomarkers were observed to have strong associations with tumor progression and inflammation. Increased leptin and decreased adiponectin indicate a pro-inflammatory, protumorigenic environment that enhances ovarian cancer progression through the activation of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). The leptin/adiponectin ratio is an effective predictor of the severity of the disease, reflecting immunometabolic dysregulation and chronic inflammation, especially in rheumatoid arthritis.