Serum Maresin-1 Levels in Patients With Lipedema: A Cross-Sectional Study

Lipedema is a chronic and progressive adipose tissue disorder characterized by symmetrical fat accumulation, pain, tenderness, and easy bruising, predominantly affecting women. Increasing evidence suggests that chronic low-grade inflammation and impaired resolution of inflammation may contribute to its pathophysiology. Maresin-1 is a specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator with potent anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective properties; however, its role in lipedema remains largely unknown. This cross-sectional observational study aims to evaluate serum Maresin-1 levels in women with lipedema and to investigate their associations with pain severity, inflammatory markers, central sensitization, and quality of life. Serum Maresin-1 levels and clinical characteristics will be compared among women with lipedema, obese women without lipedema, and healthy controls to explore the potential value of Maresin-1 as a biomarker in lipedema.

Inclusion Criteria: * Female participants aged 18 to 65 years. Women with a clinical diagnosis of lipedema for the lipedema group. Women with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²) and without a diagnosis of lipedema for the obesity group. Healthy female volunteers without chronic or inflammatory diseases for the healthy control group. No acute infection within the previous 3 months. Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Active infection at the time of enrollment. History of autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disease. History of malignancy. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Current use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications. Regular use of anti-inflammatory medications that may affect inflammatory biomarkers. Acute infection within the previous 3 months. Inability to comply with study procedures or complete study assessments. Refusal or inability to provide written informed consent.