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Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System
Published on: April 23, 2021
Obesity, chronic breast inflammation and carcinogenesis: Molecular pathways and clinical implications (Review)
1First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Obesity is a global epidemic strongly associated with increased breast cancer (BC) risk and mortality, particularly in postmenopausal women. Obesity‑induced chronic breast inflammation drives carcinogenesis via dysregulated adipokine signaling (leptin and adiponectin), insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and pro‑inflammatory cytokines (TNF‑α and IL‑6). These factors activate oncogenic pathways (NF‑κB and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways), which promote DNA damage, cell proliferation and immunosuppression. Clinically, obesity is associated with advanced tumor presentation, reduced treatment efficacy and poorer survival compared with those of normal‑weight patients with BC. Despite progress, the molecular interactions between obesity‑related inflammation and BC remain incompletely understood, and diagnostic/prognostic tools for obese patients require refinement. The present review synthesizes current evidence on obesity‑BC mechanisms and their clinical translation to inform prevention and precision oncology strategies.
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