Role of adipokines and cytokines in obesity-associated breast cancer: Therapeutic targets

  • Sajid Khan
  • , Samriddhi Shukla
  • , Sonam Sinha
  • , Syed Musthapa Meeran

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

Abstract

Obesity is the cause of a large proportion of breast cancer incidences and mortality in post-menopausal women. In obese people, elevated levels of various growth factors such as insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are found. Elevated insulin level leads to increased secretion of estrogen by binding to the circulating sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The increased estrogen-mediated downstream signaling favors breast carcinogenesis. Obesity leads to altered expression profiles of various adipokines and cytokines including leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. The increased levels of leptin and decreased adiponectin secretion are directly associated with breast cancer development. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the tumor microenvironment promote tumor development. Efficacy of available breast cancer drugs against obesity-associated breast cancer is yet to be confirmed. In this review, we will discuss different adipokine- and cytokine-mediated molecular signaling pathways involved in obesity-associated breast cancer, available therapeutic strategies and potential therapeutic targets for obesity-associated breast cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)503-513
Number of pages11
JournalCytokine and Growth Factor Reviews
Volume24
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adiponectin
  • Breast cancer
  • Cytokines
  • Leptin
  • Obesity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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