Role of adiponectin in obesity related gastrointestinal carcinogenesis.

Adiponectin is produced in the white adipose tissue and is known to have anti-metabolic and anti-inflammatory properties. Serum/plasma adiponectin levels depend on diet, physical activity, and inheritance. Epidemiologic observations suggest a potential link between obesity and gastrointestinal malignancies. Low levels of adiponectin, which are known to occur in obesity, may contribute to the high incidence of cancer in this population. This review discusses the biochemical and molecular evidence regarding the relationship between adiponectin and gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and provides several future perspectives on the role of adiponectin as a target for prevention and therapy.