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Obesity and Cancer: 27-Hydroxycholesterol, the Missing Link
Arvand Asghari1, Michihisa Umetani1,2
1Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5056, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 12, 2020
Summary
Obesity is a major health concern linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study investigates if 27-hydroxycholesterol, a cholesterol metabolite, acts as a link between obesity and cancer due to its estrogenic effects.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disorders
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Obesity affects over 40% of Americans, increasing risks for cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Establishing a direct link between obesity and cancer is challenging due to multifactorial causes.
- Hypercholesterolemia, a common obesity comorbidity, is also associated with various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the effects of 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC) on obesity and cancer.
- To investigate the potential role of 27HC as a link between obesity and cancer.
- To focus on the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) capacity of 27HC.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the biological effects of 27HC.
- Focused on the SERM properties of 27HC.
- Explored the connection between 27HC, obesity, and cancer development.
Main Results:
- 27HC was identified as an endogenous SERM.
- This finding suggests 27HC may bridge the link between obesity and cancer.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- 27HC's SERM activity presents a novel pathway for understanding obesity-related cancers.
- This metabolite could be a key factor in the complex relationship between obesity and cancer.
- Future studies should validate these findings and explore therapeutic strategies targeting 27HC.
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