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Weight control, endocrine hormones and cancer prevention
Brenee King1, Yu Jiang, Xiaoyu Su
1Department of Human Nutrition, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood, N.J.)
|July 17, 2013
Summary
Losing weight through diet and exercise can help prevent cancer by altering key hormones. This review explores how changes in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leptin, adiponectin, and glucocorticoids impact cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Rising global obesity rates are linked to increased cancer incidence.
- Weight management strategies show promise in cancer prevention, but mechanisms are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between weight loss and endocrine hormone alterations.
- To discuss the role of these hormonal changes in cancer prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on weight loss and endocrine hormones.
- Focus on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leptin, adiponectin, and glucocorticoids.
- Discussion of molecular targets within hormone-dependent signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Weight loss is associated with reduced levels of mitogenic IGF-1 and leptin.
- Weight loss corresponds to increased levels of adiponectin and glucocorticoids.
- These hormonal shifts are implicated in anti-cancer mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between body weight, hormones, and cancer risk is crucial.
- Hormonal alterations resulting from weight loss offer potential for novel cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
Endocrine Signaling
Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
Endocrine Signaling
Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is an extensive network of glands – organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions, that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that play essential roles in regulating various bodily functions. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They require specific receptors to convey signals to cells possessing these corresponding receptors. This complex signaling mechanism ensures that every...
