Adipokine Omentin-1: A Diagnostic Tool in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death and the most common solid malignancy in women worldwide. Omentin-1 is produced by visceral adipose tissue, placenta, and ovary that its production is affected by some cancers. The aim of this study was to assess omentin-1 in patients with breast cancer to be applied as a biomarker in the diagnosis of breast cancer.
In this case-control study, 45 patients with breast cancer and 45 healthy women as control group were included. In addition to anthropometric and blood parameters analysis, omentin-1 serum levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays method. Receiver operator characteristic curve and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were calculated to define the diagnostic accuracy.
Serum omentin-1 level in breast cancer group was significantly lower than the control group. There was no significant correlation between omentin-1 levels and anthropometric and blood parameters analysis. The best cut-off point for the diagnosis of breast cancer was at 146 ng/L. Calculated PPV and NPV based on 66% disease prevalence were 88.8% and 51.5%, respectively.
Serum level of omentin-1 was significantly lower than the healthy group, so, it can be used as a screening test along with the early-approved methods in diagnosis of patients with breast cancer in the future.