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Adiponectin as Link Factor between Adipose Tissue and Cancer
Erika Di Zazzo1,2, Rita Polito3,4, Silvia Bartollino5
1Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso 86100, Italy. erika.dizazzo@unimol.it.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 21, 2019
Summary
Obesity increases cancer risk through inflammation and altered adipokine secretion. Lower levels of adiponectin (APN), an anti-cancer adipokine, in obesity may link these conditions, impacting cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Adipose tissue regulates energy balance and hormone synthesis, impacting obesity.
- Obesity is a risk factor for various cancers, often leading to poor outcomes.
- The link between obesity and cancer involves inflammation and disrupted adipokine signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of adiponectin (APN) and its receptors in cancer etiology.
- To explore how obesity-associated changes in APN influence cancer risk and progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advances on adiponectin in cancer.
- Analysis of the relationship between obesity, inflammation, and adipokine dysregulation.
- Examination of APN's anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and pro-apoptotic functions.
Main Results:
- Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and immune cell infiltration in adipose tissue.
- Adiponectin (APN) levels are significantly reduced in obese individuals.
- Reduced APN is implicated as a potential link between obesity and increased cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- Adiponectin (APN) exhibits protective effects against cancer through its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties.
- Decreased circulating APN in obesity may contribute to cancer development and progression.
- Understanding APN's role is crucial for novel therapeutic strategies targeting obesity-related cancers.
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