Melasma is an acquired disorder of pigmentation that affects different ethnic groups with high prevalence among pigmented phenotypes. It presents as symmetric brown or grayish black patches and macules on sun-exposed areas especially face. Neck and chest are less frequently affected. 1 It is usually associated with a negative impact on the psychological state and the quality of life of affected patients. 2,3 The definite etiopathogenesis of melasma is not completely known. Genetic predisposition is a major factor in the pathogenesis of melasma besides sun exposure and hormonal factors of pregnancy or estrogen and progesterone therapy. 4 Melanocytes hyperactivity with excess melanin production is the main pathological finding in melasma. In addition to, disruption of the basement membrane by the effect of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 has been found to be elevated in the lesional areas, with subsequent facilitation of the descent of active

Background: More research is ongoing on obesity as a risk factor for cancer occurrence. Cell of origin (COO), stage and National Comprehensive Cancer Network International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) are frequently used for risk evaluation and treatment tailoring in patients with Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Relatively, few studies assessed the prognostic role of obesity and leptin level in patients with DLBCL. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity and leptin level on response and prognosis in DLBCL. Methods: A single institution prospective study that included patients with DLBCL. For each patient, demographic data, body mass index (BMI), serum leptin level by ELISA, response and survival were determined. Results: Seventeen (24.3%) out of the 70 patients in our cohort were classified as obese (BMI>30). They had a higher serum leptin level (p < 0.001) and less response to R-CHOP chemotherapy (P= 0.003). Forty (57.14%) patients had elevated serum leptin level with B symptoms, Cell of origin and response to chemotherapy were significantly different between the two groups. There was no significant relationship between BMI and survival. On the other hand, higher serum leptin was associated with worse disease-free survival (p=0.035). Conclusion: The results support a relationship between both BMI and serum leptin level and response to treatment in DLBCL patients. Leptin level like other common prognostic factors is related to disease-free survival.