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Melanoma and Leptin

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Bioactive Dietary Factors and Plant Extracts in Dermatology

Part of the book series: Nutrition and Health ((NH))

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Abstract

Epidemiological studies suggest that obesity increases the risk of developing several cancers, including melanoma. Obesity increases the expression of angiogenic factors, such as leptin, that may contribute to tumor growth. However, a direct cause and effect relationship between obesity and tumor growth has not been clearly established and the role of leptin in accelerating tumor growth is unclear. The role of diet in melanoma has been explored in several studies but the findings have been inconsistent. Specifically, high intake of specific agents, such as antioxidants and retinoid-rich food, has been linked to a protective effect against melanoma development. Similar associations have been found with higher blood levels of a-tocopherol, b-carotene, and retinol, as well as with greater dietary intakes of vitamin E and b-carotene in several case–control studies [1–3]. Anthropometrical measures, such as height, weight, and body mass index, have been associated with an increased risk of several malignancies, including melanoma [4–6]. Leptin, a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, controls food intake and energy balance by providing signals to the hypothalamus [7]. Serum levels of leptin are positively related with body composition and insulin levels, female sex, and alcohol consumption and inversely related to cigarette smoking [8–10].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, 3993 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA

    Arash Sabetisoofyani M.D.

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  1. Arash Sabetisoofyani M.D.
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Correspondence to Arash Sabetisoofyani M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Arizona Mel and, Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Division of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Arizona School of Medicine, Tuscon, 85724, Arizona, USA

    Ronald Ross Watson

  2. Division of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, Tucson, 85724, Arizona, USA

    Sherma Zibadi

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Sabetisoofyani, A. (2013). Melanoma and Leptin. In: Watson, R., Zibadi, S. (eds) Bioactive Dietary Factors and Plant Extracts in Dermatology. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-167-7_35

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-167-7_35

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-166-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-167-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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