The potential role of leptin in tumor invasion and metastasis

摘要: The adipocyte-released hormone-like cytokine/adipokine leptin behaves differently in obesity compared to its functions the normal healthy state. In obese individuals, elevated levels act as a pro-inflammatory adipokine and are associated with certain types of cancers. Further, growing body evidence suggests that higher circulating concentrations and/or expression receptors (Ob-R) tumors may be poor prognostic factors. Although underlying pathological mechanisms leptin's association prognosis not clear, can impact tumor microenvironment several ways. For example, is number biological components could lead cell invasion distant metastasis. This includes interactions carcinoma-associated fibroblasts, promoting effects infiltrating macrophages, activation matrix metalloproteinases, transforming growth factor-β signaling, etc. Recent studies also have shown plays role epithelial-mesenchymal transition, an important phenomenon for cancer migration Furthermore, potentiating on insulin-like factor-I, epidermal factor receptor HER2/neu been reported. Regarding unfavorable prognosis, has influence both adenocarcinomas squamous carcinomas. Features such invasion, lymph node involvement metastasis recorded Ob-R. review will describe current scenario precise manner. general, indicates patients.