Roles of hormones and signaling molecules in describing the relationship between obesity and colon cancer.

Colon cancer represents a highly prevalent disease in the Western world. While dietary and lifestyle recommendations remain important factors in disease prevention and treatment, epidemiological data have made it clear that obesity and excess body weight remain significant risk factors for the disease. A number of potential direct and indirect relationships exist between obesity and increased risk of colon cancer. Several mechanisms which appear promising and warrant further investigation are discussed here, specifically the modifying role of insulin and insulin-like growth factors, leptin, adipose-tissue induced changes in estrogens and androgens, and inflammatory molecules. A brief review of these hormones and signaling molecules and their action in colon cancer development is described. A thorough integration and understanding of the mechanisms of action these systems exert on colonic epithelia will be important in designing studies and experiments aimed at elucidating disease etiology for prevention and treatment.