Figure 2.

An illustrative schematic describes the diverse components of the tumor microenvironment, consisting of cellular and non-cellular parts. The interaction between adipokines and the tumor microenvironment disrupts normal extracellular matrix (ECM) and endothelial cell functions. As a result, these interactions activate the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is crucial for tumor malignancy and metastasis. High leptin and visfatin levels but low adiponectin levels promote these actions.