Adiponectin and Cancer: A Systematic Review
Author Information
Author(s): Kelesidis I, Kelesidis T, Mantzoros C S
Primary Institution: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
Hypothesis
Decreased adiponectin levels might underlie the association between breast cancer and obesity.
Conclusion
Low serum adiponectin levels may be a novel risk factor for cancer, and studying adiponectin biology can provide new insights into the association of obesity with cancer risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for several cancers, including breast and endometrial cancer.
- Low adiponectin levels have been associated with increased risk of malignancies related to obesity and insulin resistance.
- Adiponectin levels are inversely correlated with fasting plasma insulin.
Takeaway
Adiponectin is a hormone that helps regulate fat and sugar in the body, and low levels of it might increase the risk of certain cancers, especially in people who are overweight.
Methodology
This is a systematic review summarizing recent findings on the association of adiponectin with various malignancies and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Limitations
The review highlights that the mechanisms of action of adiponectin are not entirely clear and that further studies are needed.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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