Characteristics of Selected Adipokines in Ascites and Blood of Ovarian Cancer Patients

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Ovarian cancer is at the forefront of all cancers worldwide. A specific microenvironment for the secretion of various proteins, including adipokines, is formed around the neoplastic tissue. Five of these proteins, namely adiponectin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), were found to have a particular effect on metastasis. The review collects data available in the literature on the function and occurrence of these cytokines in ovarian cancer. The collected information will allow for the observation of these proteins in the area of diagnostics and the planning of further scientific research, and will enable the use of the cytokine level determination as biomarkers of neoplastic disease, its progression and prognosis. ABSTRACT: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. The course of the disease is often latent and asymptomatic in the early stages, but as it develops, metastasis occurs, accompanied by accumulation of ascites in the peritoneal cavity. The ascites fluid constitutes a specific microenvironment influencing the processes of carcinogenesis. In ascites, signaling is mediated by various cytokines that control tumor cell proliferation, progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Adipokines, secreted into ascites and also appearing in blood, may be markers of ongoing processes related to the development of neoplastic disease. Moreover, a significant influence of adipocyte lipids on the growth of tumors, for which they are one of energy sources, is observed. Adiponectin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), discussed in the present review, were found to mediate the effects of omentum metastasis through homing, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Further research on those adipokines seem to be a natural consequence, allowing for a better understanding of the mechanisms of neoplastic disease and determination of the treatment procedure.