Transit mechanism from obesity to cancer

Abstract

According to WHO Cancer and Obesity are increasing in an epidemic way. The question whether the two chronic illnesses are related is important in order to implement strategies to reduce mortality caused from both sides. The aim of this review was to interpret possible mechanisms linking obesity and cancer. Epidemiologic studies which were analyzed suggested that obesity was a risk factor in some cancers such as post-menopausal breast cancer, colon, oesophagus and endometrium. Going deep into the mechanisms bridging obesity and cancer four basic explanations we found: 1) lipids in excess serving as fuel for cancer cells and novo lipid formation acting as signalling of cancer cell growth; 2) met- inflammation of lipid tissue producing cytokines which could promote cancer cell growth and apoptosis block; 3) Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome of overweight persons with insuline like growth factors favouring cancer cell growth; 4) leptin resistance syndrome and adiponectin reductions influencing cancer development including methastasis. In conclusion: (1) the uncovering of four basic mechanisms linking obesity and cancer is an initial step that must be followed by a more intense work searching for the (2) integration of these four basic proposals with other possibilities, among of them: the role in this picture of oxidative stress, emotion and neuroendocrine stress.