Abstract
Simple Summary The rise in worldwide uterine cancer is tied to increasing obesity, influencing substances such as adipocytokines and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in the body, promoting cancer mainly through inflammation. Our main objective was to evaluate the levels of adiponectin, leptin, TNF alpha, IL6, IGFs 1 and 2 in endometrial cancer patients compared to control patients and to examine their relationship with obesity. Additionally, we aimed to explore the correlation between these markers and tumour characteristics. We also conducted a reassessment of the markers 6 months post-surgery to investigate the impact of treatment on these markers. Given the absence of established biomarkers for endometrial cancer, studying these markers and their variations post-surgery may provide valuable prognostic insights.Abstract The rising global incidence of uterine cancer is linked to the escalating prevalence of obesity. Obesity results in alterations in adipocytokines and IGFs, driving cancer progression via inflammation, increased cell proliferation, and apoptosis inhibition, although the precise mechanisms are still unclear. This study examined a set of six markers, namely, adiponectin, leptin, IL6, TNF alpha, IGF1, and IGF2 and compared them between fifty age-matched endometrial cancer patients (study group) and non-cancer patients with benign gynaecological conditions (control group). We also assessed the relationship of these markers with obesity and explored the correlation between these markers and various tumour characteristics. In the cancer population, these markers were also assessed 24 h and 6 months post-surgery. Remarkably, low adiponectin levels were associated with a 35.8% increase in endometrial cancer risk. Interestingly, compared to control subjects where IGF levels decreased after menopause, post-menopausal women in the study group showed elevated IGF1 and IGF2 levels, suggesting a potential influence of endometrial cancer on the IGF system, particularly after menopause. Lastly, it is noteworthy that a discernible inverse relationship trend was observed in the levels of adipocytokines and IGFs 6 months post-surgery. This indicates that treatment for endometrial cancer may have a differential impact on adipocytokines and IGFs, potentially holding clinical significance that merits further investigation.