[Serum leptin levels during normal menstrual cycles in women].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the changes in serum leptin levels during normal menstrual cycles in women for the purpose of investigating the association of leptin with female fertility.


METHODS
Serum samples were collected from 35 healthy women on day 2 and 8 of the menstrual cycle and days 1 and 6 after ovulation, respectively. Serum leptin levels in these samples were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the results statistically analyzed.


RESULTS
Significant increase in the leptin levels was observed after ovulation, reaching the peak level (19.8+/-1.61) ng/ml on day 6 after ovulation. During follicular phase, serum leptin level dropped to its lowest point of 17.1+/-1.24 and 17.6+/-1.32 ng/ml respectively on day 2 and 8 when a new menstrual cycle started.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum leptin levels undergo significant changes with progress of the menstrual cycles, suggesting a close relationship between leptin and female reproductive function.
Guo
Xin-Yu
XY
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, General Hospital of Guangzhou Command, Guangzhou 510010, China.
Xing
Fu-Qi
FQ
Chen
Shi-Ling
SL
D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors
D020738:Leptin