Results
Title

Role of bone marrow adipocytes in leukemia and chemotherapy challenges.

Authors

Samimi, Azin; Ghanavat, Majid; Shahrabi, Saeid; Azizidoost, Shirin; Saki, Najmaldin

Abstract

Adipose tissue (AT) is an extramedullary reservoir of normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Adipocytes prevent the production of normal HSCs via secretion of inflammatory factors, and adipocyte-derived free fatty acids may contribute to the development and progression of leukemia via providing energy for leukemic cells. In addition, adipocytes are able to metabolize and inactivate therapeutic agents, reducing the concentrations of active drugs in adipocyte-rich microenvironments. The aim of this study was to detect the role of adipocytes in the progression and treatment of leukemia. Relevant literature was identified through a PubMed search (2000–2018) of English-language papers using the following terms: leukemia, adipocyte, leukemic stem cell, chemotherapy, and bone marrow. Findings suggest the striking interplay between leukemic cells and adipocytes to create a unique microenvironment supporting the metabolic demands and survival of leukemic cells. Based on these findings, targeting lipid metabolism of leukemic cells and adipocytes in combination with standard therapeutic agents might present novel treatment options.

Subjects

ADIPOSE tissue physiology; BONE marrow; FAT cells; CANCER chemotherapy; HEMATOPOIETIC stem cells; FREE fatty acids; LEUKEMIA; STEM cells

Publication

Cellular & Molecular Life Sciences, 2019, Vol 76, Issue 13, p2489

ISSN

1420-682X

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1007/s00018-019-03031-6