Table 2

Summary of the general and specific function of adipocytokines

Molecule

Function/effect in general

Leukocyte function

References

Function and cancer type

References

Leptin

Satiety and appetite; signals to the brain to regulate energy homoeostasis and body weight.

Chemoattractant of neutrophils, monocytes & macrophages; stimulates chemokinesis of eosinophils

[18,20-22]

Promotes migration & invasion of chondrosarcoma, glioma, colon, endometrial prostate & hepatocellular carcinoma cells

[28,29,34-38]

Adiponectin

Regulator of energy homoeostasis: enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake; has anti-inflammatory properties.

Stimulates the migration of neutrophils & inhibits phagocytotic activity of macrophages.

[51]

Figure 1

Suppresses growth in breast, colon & prostate cancer cell lines

Stimulates the migration of chondrosarcoma, colon & prostate carcinoma cells

[62,63,67,70,71]

Table 1

Lang and Ratke Cell Communication and Signaling 2009 7:27   doi:10.1186/1478-811X-7-27