Obesity and cancer phenotype: Is angiogenesis a missed link?

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Mendonca, F (Author) Other; soares, r (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Life Sciences

Vol. 139

Pages: 16-23

ISSN: 0024-3205

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 8 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-JJ0

DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.08.009

Abstract (EN): Obesity remains nowadays one of the main threats to human health, being a problem of worldwide proportions. It is characterized by augmented storage of fatty acids in an enlarged adipose tissue. This process is possible thanks to a rich capillary network, supported by a mechanism that has also a crucial role on cancer: angiogenesis. Given that several studies point obesity as a risk factor for cancer development, angiogenesis may be approached as the missed link between these two pathologies. Understanding the different pathways behind angiogenesis becomes essential to break this link by developing new anti-angiogenic therapies or improving the actual ones. In the first phase, this paper will focus the structural and cellular changes that adipose tissue suffers in obesity. Then, the main pro-angiogenic players will be reviewed, taking into account the pathways that explain their putative role in obesity-cancer link. Finally, the clinical implications of the presented mechanisms will also be regarded, being the main focus on the anti-angiogenic therapies.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8