THE ROLE OF LEPTIN IN PATHOGENESIS OF OBESITY-RELATED CANCERS

Leptin is an adipokine, produced by white adipose tissue, exerting pleiotropic effect. Its main function is regulation of body weight and energy balance via its receptor located in the hypothalamus. Serum leptin concentration significantly correlates with total fat mass and is substantially elevated in obese individuals. In this review, we highlight the role of leptin in pathogenesis of cancers which incidence and prognosis are strongly associated with obesity: breast and endometrial cancer among women, prostate cancer among men and colorectal cancer among both men and women. Additionally, in our review we highlight important impact of leptin on regulation and initiation of angiogenesis and epithelial mesenchymal transition, processes that are highly associated with cancer progression.