| [ Summary ] |
Obesity is strongly associated with adipose tissue dysfunction and altered serum levels of adipocytokines, which may underlie increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, no definitive conclusions have been reached. Data concerning the effects of adipocytokines, such as adiponectin and leptin, on colorectal cancer development are contradictory and difficult to interpret. Various growth hormones and cytokines can induce the activation of signal pathways related to colorectal carcinogenesis. From a physiological viewpoint, it is thought that adipocytokines do not exist in vivo alone but rather coexist in serum. This leads to a reasonable assumption that colorectal carcinogenesis may be influenced by the activation of various signal pathways. These factors complicate elucidation of the mechanisms related to colorectal carcinogenesis connected with obesity. Insights into adipocytokine signaling in colorectal cancer suggest novel therapeutic and preventive approaches for treatment of colon polyps and cancer. Further investigation to elucidate the precise mechanisms related to the effects of adipocytokines on colorectal carcinogenesis is needed. |