Adiponectin as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer

Adipokines are bioactive proteins that mediate proliferation, metabolism, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Adiponectin is an important adipokine that exerts multiple key functions via its anti-metabolic syndrome and anti-inflammatory properties. A number of adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1, AdipoR2 and T-cadherin, have been identified. Recent studies have suggested the involvement of adiponectin and receptors in several cancers, including prostate, breast, endometrial, brain, and colon cancer. Altered levels of adiponectin expression, or its interacting receptors, in cancers can lead to dysregulation of signaling pathways. Our current review describes the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumorigenesis activity of adiponectin and the role of its receptors in prostate carcinogenesis, and provides perspectives of adiponectin-mediated signaling as a potential target for therapy.