Guidelines For Basic Research
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World J Diabetes. Jul 15, 2011; 2(7): 108-113
Published online Jul 15, 2011. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v2.i7.108
Diabetes and cancer: Looking at the multiligand/RAGE axis
Armando Rojas, Ileana González, Erik Morales, Ramón Pérez-Castro, Jacqueline Romero, Héctor Figueroa
Armando Rojas, Ileana González, Erik Morales, Ramón Pérez-Castro, Jacqueline Romero, Héctor Figueroa, Biomedical Research Labs., Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca, POB 617, Chile
Author contributions: Rojas A contributed to the original idea, literature search, manuscript writing and final revision of the article; Gonzalez I, Morales E, Pérez-Castro R, Romero J and Figueroa H contributed to literature search, the manuscript writing and the final revision of the article. All authors approved the final manuscript
Supported by the Fondecyt Grant 1090340
Correspondence to: Armando Rojas, PhD, Associate Professor and Head, Biomedical Research Labs., Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca, POB 617, Chile. arojasr@ucm.cl
Telephone: +56-71-203134 Fax: +56-71-413657
Received: May 5, 2011
Revised: June 21, 2011
Accepted: June 28, 2011
Published online: July 15, 2011
Abstract

The association between diabetes and hyperglycemia and the associated increased risk of several solid and hematologic malignancies has been the subject of investigation for many years. Although the association is not fully understood, current knowledge clearly indicates that diabetes may influence malignant cell transformation by several mechanisms, including hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and chronic inflammation. In this context, the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) has emerged as a focal point in its contribution to malignant transformation and tumor growth. We highlight how RAGE, once activated, as it manifests itself in conditions such as diabetes or hyperglycemia, is able to continuously bring about an inflammatory milieu, thus supporting the contribution of chronic inflammation to the development of malignancies.

Keywords: Diabetes; Cancer; Inflammation; Receptor for advanced glycation end-products; Malignant transformation