Leptin acts as a growth factor for colorectal tumours at stages subsequent to tumour initiation in murine colon carcinogenesis

Abstract

Our findings indicate that leptin is important for CRC growth in obesity, and acts as a growth factor for CRC at stages subsequent to tumour initiation in colorectal carcinogenesis. Thus, inhibition of leptin signalling may be an effective strategy for therapy and prevention of colonic adenoma and cancer, which show activation of Wnt signalling.