The Role of Adipokines in Tumor Progression and Its Association with Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for various malignancies and emerging evidence suggests that adipokines play a pivotal role in linking excess adiposity to tumorigenesis. Adipokines are bioactive molecules secreted by adipose tissue and their altered expression in obesity contributes to a pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and growth-promoting microenvironment conducive to tumorigenesis. Leptin, a key adipokine, activates survival and proliferative signaling pathways whereas adiponectin exhibits tumor-suppressive effects by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Visfatin has also been documented to promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion. Moreover, emerging studies suggest that adipokines, such as resistin, apelin, and chemerin, which are overexpressed in obesity, may also possess oncogenic functions. Despite advancements in our understanding of the roles of individual adipokines in cancer, the intricate interplay and crosstalk between adipokines, tumor cells, and the tumor microenvironment remain complex and multifaceted. This review highlights the evolving knowledge of how adipokines contribute to obesity-related tumorigenesis, shedding light on the potential of targeting adipokine signaling pathways as a novel therapeutic approach for obesity-associated cancers. Further research on the specific mechanisms and interactions between adipokines and tumor cells is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of obesity-associated cancer pathogenesis.

The rs1862513 promoter variant of resistin gene influences susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

“…Resistin desensitizes fat, muscle, and liver cells to insulin and causes hepatic insulin resistance 20 . Consistently, resistin levels were positively associated with IR 10 , obesity 9 , NAFLD 11 , and fibrosis severity 21 . Alternatively, resistin may cause NAFLD via inducing inflammation, which is a key contributor to NAFLD pathogenesis.…”

“…IR, obesity, and NAFLD are all associated with alterations in circulating resistin levels. It has been demonstrated that resistin levels were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) 9 , IR 10 , and NAFLD 11 . Previous reports have also indicated significant associations between RETN gene polymorphisms and the expression of RETN gene 12 , serum resistin levels 13 , and obesity 14 .…”

Recent Insights into Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Defective Angiogenesis in Systemic Sclerosis

“…Resistin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes and mononuclear cells, is able to promote angiogenesis, and has recently been discovered to be involved in microvascular dysfunction [ 46 ]. In a study in which circulating resistin levels were measured in SSc patients at baseline and after a 52-week follow-up, this adipokine was found to be higher in SSc patients compared to controls and, among patients, to be lower in those with an early NVC pattern [ 47 ].…”