Polymorphism in LEP and LEPR May Modify Leptin Levels and Represent Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer

Purpose. To understand the role of polymorphisms in the LEP (rs7799039 and rs2167270) and LEPR (rs1137101 and rs1137100) genes in DTC susceptibility and their effect on leptin levels. Methods. We studied 153 patients with DTC and 234 controls through TaqMan SNP Genotyping and ELISA, comparing these data to the clinicopathological data of patients with DTC. Results. Patients with AA genotype of rs7799039 had higher levels of serum leptin (9.22±0.98 ng/mL) than those with AG genotype (10.07±0.60 ng/mL; P=0.005). Individuals with AG genotype of rs2167270 also produced higher serum leptin levels (10.05±0.59 ng/mL) than the subjects with GG genotype (9.52±0.79 ng/mL; P