title: Oncogenic role and therapeutic target of leptin signaling in colorectal cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obesity is characterized by high secretion of several cytokines from adipose tissue and is a recognized risk factor for many cancers. Among these cytokines, leptin mainly produced by adipose tissue and cancer cells is the most studied adipokine. Leptin is an activator of cell proliferation, an antiapoptotic molecule and inducer of cancer stem cells in many cell types, and its critical roles in obesity-related tumorigenesis are based on its oncogenic, mitogenic, pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic actions.
  
  
  METHODS
  These leptin-induced signals and action are critical for their biological effects on energy balance, adiposity, endocrine systems, immunity, angiogenesis as well as oncogenesis. This review focuses on the up-to-date knowledge on the oncogenic role of leptin signaling, clinical significance and specific drug target development in colorectal cancer (CRC). Additionally, leptin-induced angiogenic ability and molecular mechanisms in CRC cells are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stringent binding affinity of leptin/Ob-R and overexpression of leptin/Ob-R and their targets in cancer cells make it a unique drug target for prevention and treatment of CRC, particularly in obesity colorectal patients.
authors.affiliation: Shenyang Medical College, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Microecology of Liaoning Province , No.146 North Huanghe St, Huanggu Dis, Shenyang City, Liaoning Pro 110034 , PR China zhouwq@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Weiqiang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Yuwang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tian
authors.forename: Hangjun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gong
authors.forename: Shanchun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Chengyu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Luo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000378:metabolism*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D020738:Leptin
keywords: colorectal cancer; leptin; leptin antagonist; leptin signaling; tumor angiogenesis