Adipokines in oral squamous cell carcinoma—a narrative overview

Objectives: To identify and summarize the types of adipokines associated with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) pathogenesis and prognosis. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was done involving Scopus, PubMed, and Embase. Studies involving adipokines in OSCC conducted in humans were included. Results: Adipokines have diverse and stage-dependent effects on OSCC, including regulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, hypoxia, and tumour progression. Adipokines such as chemerin, resistin, leptin, and apelin contribute to tumour progression. Zinc alpha-2-glycoprotein and adiponectin were found to be antitumourigenic in OSCC. Methodological heterogeneity and a lack of standardized outcome measures limit comparability across studies to establish the definitive role of adipokines in OSCC. Conclusion: Adipokines shape OSCC biology through diverse, stage-specific mechanisms, making them potential biomarkers of disease progression. The adipokines reported in OSCC require validation through long-term prospective studies and addressing methodological heterogeneity to serve as prognostic markers.