Vaspin and its relation to cancer (Review)

. Adipose tissue releases signaling molecules and hormones which are known as adipokines. Adipose tissue also provides a medium for low‑grade inflammation which occurs from adipocyte hypertrophy with ensuing hypoxia and cell death. Cancers are known to arise in states of low‑grade inflammation. There have been attempts to understand the role of adipokines in cancer pathogenesis and to establish their use as diagnostic and prognostic tools, as well as treatment targets. The present review article aims to highlight the role of vaspin in various types of cancer. Vaspin is known to inhibit apop‑ tosis via the phosphatidylinositol‑3‑kinase/protein kinase B pathway, which has also been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer. The inhibition of the apoptosis of cells with malignant potential promotes tumor formation. At the same time, vaspin exhibits anti‑inflammatory and insulin‑sensitizing properties, which possibly confer its tumor inhibitory effects observed in endometrial cancer. However, its role either as a tumor promoter or inhibitor in other types of cancer in which it has not yet been studied would be difficult to predict.