TNF-α in obesity-associated colon cancer

Obesity is leading to an unparalleled increase in the incidence of metabolic diseases and cancers, including colon cancer. Research over the last few decades revealed obesity as a low-grade chronic inflammatory state, which has recently been implicated in colon carcinogenesis. Understanding the molecular links of obesity-associated inflammation with colon carcinogenesis is therefore more critical than ever. In this review we discuss the central role of TNF-α, the prototypical pro-inflammatory cytokine, in the pathophysiology of obesity-associated colon carcinogenesis.