The Role of "Metabolic Instability" as a New Risk Criterion in the Pathogenesis of Endometrial Cancer

Background: Metabolic instability, encompassing fluctuations in body weight, glucose, insulin, and sex hormones, may create a pro-inflammatory and proliferative endometrial microenvironment even in women with normal BMI. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, including studies assessing the relationship between metabolic, endocrine, and inflammatory factors and the risk of endometrial cancer in non-obese women. Results: Variability in body weight and hormonal parameters was associated with chronic subclinical inflammation, altered leptin/adiponectin secretion, decreased sex hormone-binding globulin, and increased estrogen bioavailability. These changes disrupt the homeostatic rhythm of endometrial cell regeneration and increase the likelihood of neoplastic transformation. Conclusions: Metabolic instability represents a novel integrated risk factor for endometrial cancer among women without obesity and should be incorporated into future risk stratification and prevention models.