Association of Leptin receptor (LEPR) Q223R Polymorphism with breast cancer

The leptin receptor (LEPR) is a member of the cytokine receptor family with two cytokine domains and a single trans membrane domain, which plays an important role in body weight homeostasis through regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. It also influences other pathways like hematopoiesis, reproduction, angiogenesis, and immune processes upon interacting with ligand leptin. Leptin is an adipocytokine produced in adipose tissue. Since obesity is one of the known risk factor as well as the LEPR expression and leptin levels were shown to be associated with the development of mammary ductal carcinoma, an attempt has been made to evaluate the role of LEPR Q223R polymorphism with breast cancer susceptibility in south Indian population as well as with confounding epidemiological and clinical factors. The present study included 194 breast cancer cases and 186 age matched control samples for the analysis of LEPR Q223R polymorphism through PCR-RFLP method. The frequency of RR genotype was significantly elevated in breast cancer compared to control subjects (χ2= 6.567; df=2, p= 0.037)). Similar trend was also observed with respect to high BMI and post menopausal status. No significant association was found with stage of the disease.