Associations between adipokines and obesity-related cancer

Gilberto Paz-Filho, Ee Lyn Lim, Ma Li Wong, Julio Licinio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

139 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that obesity may have pathophysiological effects that extend beyond its well-known co-morbidities; in particular its role in cancer has received considerable epidemiological support. As adipose tissue becomes strongly established as an endocrine organ, two of its most abundant and most investigated adipokines, leptin and adiponectin, are also taken beyond their traditional roles in energy homeostasis, and are implicated as mediators of the effects of obesity on cancer development. This review examines these dipokines in relation to the prostate, breast, colorectal, thyroid, renal, pancreatic, endometrial and oesophageal cancers, and how they may orchestrate the influence of obesity on the development of these malignancies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1634-1650
Number of pages17
JournalFrontiers in Bioscience
Volume16
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 1 Jan 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adipocytokine
  • Adipokine
  • Adiponectin
  • Cancer
  • Leptin
  • Obesity
  • Review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

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