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Related Concept Videos

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The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
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Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose01:16

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Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
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Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

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Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
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The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
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Rethinking the Relationship between Insulin and Cancer.

R Vigneri1, L Sciacca1, P Vigneri2

  • 1Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Catania, Italy.

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|July 1, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Insulin, a metabolic hormone, also acts as a growth factor. Elevated insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) linked to metabolic diseases may increase cancer risk and mortality, warranting further research.

Keywords:
carcinogenesisdiabetes and cancerhyperinsulinemiainsulininsulin-dependent cancerobesity and cancer

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Insulin functions as both a metabolic hormone and a growth factor.
  • Malignant cells often exhibit overexpression of the insulin receptor, enhancing insulin's mitogenic effects.
  • Metabolic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome are associated with hyperinsulinemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical relevance of the relationship between insulin and cancer.
  • To address the lack of clarity in clinical studies regarding hyperinsulinemia's influence on cancer occurrence and prognosis.
  • To advocate for improved scientific approaches focusing on hyperinsulinemia and carcinogenesis mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing clinical studies on hyperinsulinemia and cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of insulin as a growth factor in cell proliferation.
  • Examination of the association between metabolic diseases, hyperinsulinemia, and cancer incidence/mortality.

Main Results:

  • Hyperinsulinemia, common in metabolic diseases, is linked to increased cancer incidence and mortality.
  • Insulin's mitogenic effect is more pronounced in malignant cells, often due to insulin receptor overexpression.
  • The precise impact of hyperinsulinemia on cancer development and patient outcomes remains unclear.

Conclusions:

  • The growing prevalence of metabolic diseases and insulin use highlights the clinical significance of the insulin-cancer link.
  • Further research with refined scientific methodologies is needed to elucidate the mechanisms connecting hyperinsulinemia and carcinogenesis.
  • Understanding this relationship is crucial for managing cancer risk in patients with metabolic disorders.