Adipose-Derived Stems Cells and Their Role in Human Cancer Development, Growth, Progression, and Metastasis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Obesity is a well recognized risk factor for several types of cancers, many of which occur solely or disproportionately in women. Adipose tissue is a rich source of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC), which have received attention for their role in cancer behavior. The purpose of this systematic review is to present the existing literature on the role of ASCs in the growth, development, progression, and metastasis of cancer, with an emphasis on malignancies that primarily affect women. To accomplish this goal, the bibliographic database PubMed was systematically searched for articles published between 2001 and 2014 that address ASCs' relationship to human cancer. Thirty-seven articles on ASCs' role in human cancer were reviewed. Literature suggests that ASCs exhibit cancer-promoting properties, influence/are influenced by the tumor microenvironment, promote angiogenesis, and may be associated with pathogenic processes through a variety of mechanisms, such as playing a role in hypoxic tumor microenvironment. ASCs appear to be important contributors to tumor behavior, but research in areas specific to women's cancers, specifically endometrial cancer, is scarce. Also, because obesity continues to be a major health concern, it is important to continue research in this area to improve understanding of the impact adiposity has on cancer incidence. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1161-8. Ó2015 AACR.

Adipocytes contribute to the growth and progression of multiple myeloma: Unraveling obesity related differences in adipocyte signaling

“…Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how ASCs interact with cancer cells and affect their microenvironment [41]. These include differentiation into cancer-associated myofibroblasts (CAFs), paracrine signaling, secretion of adipokines that promote vascularization and creation of an inflammatory microenvironment [41].…”

“…Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how ASCs interact with cancer cells and affect their microenvironment [41]. These include differentiation into cancer-associated myofibroblasts (CAFs), paracrine signaling, secretion of adipokines that promote vascularization and creation of an inflammatory microenvironment [41]. Moreover, reports have found that ASCs isolated from obese humans or animals increase tumorigenesis to a greater extent than cells from normal weight individuals, typically displaying increased expression of adipokines, chemokines and/or matrix metalloproteinases [37][38][39][40]42].…”

Distinct Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Adipocytes on Normal and Cancer Cell Hierarchy

“…Several other soluble factors from ASCs have been implicated in this process including VEGF, IL8, IGF, and HGF (5). A recent "meta PubMed" search identified 37 studies that have linked ASCs to cancer progression with the majority indicating unfavorable effects (5). Concurrently, breast cancer-derived factors themselves have been shown to alter plasticity and The differential effect of ASC and adipocyte CM on noninvasive and invasive breast cancer cells is intriguing.…”

“…Nonetheless, it is important to investigate the effects of ASCs and adipocytes on cancer cells because of the established link between obesity and cancer (4). A recent review in Cancer Research identified 37 articles that investigated the influence of ASCs on cancer progression and metastases (5). ASC-derived factors such as VEGF, IL6, IL8, TNFa, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), leptin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) are suggested to promote angiogenesis, inflammation, cell proliferation, and hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment (5-7).…”

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells as a strategy to improve recovery after stroke

“…To date there is no evidence of negative results in terms of safety after AD-MSC administration; however it is important to consider that AD-MSCs are important contributors to the development and progression of previously existing tumors [50][51][52].…”