Leptin increases prostate cancer aggressiveness

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that adipose tissue and adipocytokines might affect the development of prostate cancer (PCa). Leptin would have a stimulating effect on prostate cancer cells by inducing promotion and progression, whereas adiponectin would have a protective effect. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between body composition, leptin, and adiponectin levels with the prevalence and aggressiveness of PCa in men of Mendoza, Argentina. Seventy volunteers between 50 and 80 years (35 healthy men as control group and 35 with PCa) were selected. The PCa group was subclassified according to the Gleason Score (GS). Digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, and prostatic biopsy were performed; PSA, testosterone, leptin, and adiponectin levels were determined; and a nutritional interview including anthropometric measurements and a food frequency questionnaire was carried out. Statistical analysis was performed by Student t test, ANOVA I, and Bonferroni (p < 0.05). Body mass index and percentage of body fat mass were not statistically different between PCa and control groups. However, body fat mass was higher in subjects with more aggressive tumors (p = 0.032). No differences were observed regarding leptin levels between the groups. Nevertheless, leptin levels were higher in subjects with high GS (p < 0.001). Adiponectin levels showed no statistical differences regarding the presence and aggressiveness of the tumor (p = 0.131). Finally, consumption and nutrient intake did not differ in the studied groups. In conclusion, body composition and leptin are related to the PCa aggressiveness but not with its prevalence.

Obesity, Energy Balance, and Cancer: New Opportunities for Prevention

“…In endometrial cancer, a positive association with leptin was found for two studies, though in one this relationship disappeared after adjusting for BMI (76,77). For prostate cancer, leptin does not appear to increase overall risk (78,79, 80) however, it may be linked with more aggressive disease (81). In addition, recent studies suggest that absolute levels of leptin may not be the driving force behind neoplasia, but rather it is the ratio of higher leptin in the presence of low adiponectin that confers risk (82).…”

Dietary lipids and adipocytes: potential therapeutic targets in cancers

“…Moreover, the stimulatory effects of leptin on cancer growth may also be due to its angiogenic property [86]. Leptin modulates angiogenesis by increasing the expressions of several angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor β-1 and basic fibroblast growth factor [87]. In Japan, a study indicated that leptin was directly associated with increased colorectal cancer risk independent of body mass index in women [88].…”

Diet, Obesity, and Prostate Health: Are We Missing the Link?

“…A recent in vitro study suggested an association between obesity‐associated hyperleptinemia and an increased risk for CaP, but further investigations are necessary to clarify whether these data have clinical relevance for use as a prognostic marker for predicting CaP risk (Hoda et al, 2010). It has been observed that body composition and leptin are related to the CaP aggressiveness, but not with its prevalence (López Fontana et al, 2011). A study showed that leptin might not be a surrogate marker of aggressiveness of CaP associated with raised serum leptin, which is independent of obesity and serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA; López Fontana et al, 2011).…”

“…It has been observed that body composition and leptin are related to the CaP aggressiveness, but not with its prevalence (López Fontana et al, 2011). A study showed that leptin might not be a surrogate marker of aggressiveness of CaP associated with raised serum leptin, which is independent of obesity and serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA; López Fontana et al, 2011). It hints at the role of leptin in pathogenesis of this tumor; however, for validation, further studies, including a large patient population, are required.…”