Interplay between Prostate Cancer and Adipose Microenvironment: A Complex and Flexible Scenario

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Metabolism

Background:

• Adipose tissue, including periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT), is integral to the prostate cancer (PCa) microenvironment.
• PPAT plays a significant role in PCa aggressiveness, influencing tumor growth and metastatic potential.
• Interactions between adipocytes and PCa cells involve various molecules like adipokines, hormones, lipids, and stored pollutants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the complex role of PPAT in the PCa microenvironment.
• To understand the molecular crosstalk between adipocytes and PCa cells.
• To explore how PPAT influences PCa progression and metastasis.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of molecular interactions between adipocytes and PCa cells within the PPAT microenvironment.
• Review of studies examining the impact of adipokines, hormones, lipids, and pollutants.
• Investigation of the dual role of PPAT components (pro- and anti-tumorigenic).

Main Results:

• PPAT releases molecules that can promote PCa growth and metastasis.
• Certain PPAT components, such as adiponectin and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), exhibit anti-tumor properties.
• The net effect of PPAT on PCa is determined by the balance of these pro- and anti-tumorigenic factors.

Conclusions:

• The influence of PPAT on PCa is complex, involving a balance of promoting and inhibiting factors.
• Genetic and environmental factors, including obesity and diet, modulate PPAT-PCa cell interactions.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing targeted therapies for prostate cancer.