MINIREVIEW
Adipocytokines and Cancer
D. HOUSA1, J. HOUSOVÁ2, Z.
VERNEROVÁ1, M. HALUZÍK2
1Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine
and University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, 2Third
Department of Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine and General
University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
Received August 17, 2005
Accepted October 17, 2005
On-line available October 17, 2005
Summary
Adipose tissue-produced hormones significantly affect the
metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates as well as numerous other
processes in human body. It is generally accepted that endocrine
dysfunction of adipose tissue may represent one of the causal
links between obesity and insulin resistance/diabetes.
Epidemiological studies underlined that obesity represents a
significant risk factor for the development of cancer, although
the exact mechanism of this relationship remains to be
determined. Multiple recent studies have indicated that some of
adipose tissue-derived hormones may significantly influence the
growth and proliferation of tumorous stroma and malignant cells
within. Here we review current knowledge about possible
relationship of leptin and adiponectin to the etiopathogenesis
of different malignant tumors. Most of the studies indicated
that while leptin may potentiate the growth of cancer cells in
vitro, adiponectin appears to have an opposite effect. Further
studies are necessary to decide whether obesity-induced
endocrine dysfunction of adipose tissue can directly influence
carcinogenesis in different tissues and organs.
Key words
Obesity • Adipocytokine • Leptin • Adiponectin • Cancer •
Adipose tissue
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