Abnormal adipokine levels and leptin-induced changes in gene expression profiles in multiple myeloma.
BACKGROUND
Studies have revealed an association between overweight/obesity and multiple myeloma. However, the factors linking a dysregulated energy metabolism to this disease have not been identified. Adipose tissue produces and secretes the adipokines leptin, adiponectin and resistin, involved in metabolism and cell growth.


METHODS
We measured the plasma concentrations of these three adipokines in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma as well as in patients with relapse. We further explored the importance of leptin in multiple myeloma by performing gene expression profiling in two myeloma cell lines.


RESULTS
At diagnosis, leptin was increased (P < 0.05) in both female and male patients compared with controls. Adiponectin was reduced (P < 0.05) among male patients, whereas no significant changes in resistin were noted among any patients. In patients with relapse and treated with thalidomide, no particular adipokine pattern was revealed. Leptin induced the expression of several genes important for cell signaling, growth and viability.


CONCLUSIONS
The plasma concentrations of leptin and adiponectin, but not resistin, were abnormal in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Adipose tissue may modify the growth and metabolism of myeloma cells through adipokine-mediated effects.
Reseland
Janne E
JE
Department of Biomaterials, Institute for Clinical Dentistry, Oslo, Norway.
Reppe
Sjur
S
Olstad
Ole K
OK
Hjorth-Hansen
Henrik
H
Brenne
Anne T
AT
Syversen
Unni
U
Waage
Anders
A
Iversen
Per O
PO
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000097:blood; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D052243:Resistin / Q000097:blood*; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage
C499918:ADIPOQ protein, human; D052242:Adiponectin; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D020738:Leptin; C499624:RETN protein, human; D052243:Resistin; D013792:Thalidomide