Leptin Interferes with the Effects of the Antiestrogen ICI 182,780 in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract
Purpose: Obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer development in postmenopausal women and correlates with shorter disease-free and overall survival in breast cancer patients, regardless of menopausal status. Adipose tissue is a major source of leptin, a cytokine regulating energy balance and controlling different processes in peripheral tissues, including breast cancer cell growth. Here, we investigated whether leptin can counteract antitumorigenic activities of the antiestrogen ICI 182,780 in breast cancer cells.