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Energy imbalance and cancer: Cause or consequence?
Xiaohui Wang1, Wei Liu2, Xiangyang Xie3
1Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China.
IUBMB Life
|September 1, 2017
Summary
Obesity epidemic links to increased cancer risk, with molecular mechanisms under investigation. This review also explores cancer-induced weight loss via anorexia and cachexia.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Oncology
- Metabolic Disease Research
Background:
- Obesity is a global epidemic associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and numerous cancers.
- While links between obesity and cardiovascular disease/diabetes are established, the connection between obesity and cancer development is gaining attention.
- Epidemiological data suggest a strong association between increased adiposity and cancer incidence, yet underlying molecular mechanisms require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent advancements in understanding the link between obesity and cancer development.
- To focus on the molecular mechanisms driving the increased cancer incidence observed in obese individuals.
- To discuss cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia as causes of weight loss in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific advances.
- Focus on molecular mechanisms connecting obesity and cancer.
- Discussion of cancer-related weight loss mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for various cancers, with increasing evidence linking adiposity to tumorigenesis.
- Molecular pathways mediating obesity-driven cancer development are complex and being actively researched.
- Cancer progression often leads to significant weight loss through anorexia and cachexia.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the molecular links between obesity and cancer is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
- Further research into obesity-related tumorigenesis and cancer-induced weight loss is warranted.
- This review highlights key findings and ongoing research areas in the field of obesity and cancer.
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