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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
09:48
Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance
Published on: February 17, 2023
Insulin Resistance as a Systemic Metabolic Risk State for Cancer: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Prevention
Marijana Matek Sarić1, Nataša Lisica Šikić1, Tamara Sorić2
1Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Splitska 1, 23000 Zadar, Croatia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Insulin resistance (IR) is a systemic metabolic risk state linked to increased cancer risk, particularly in endometrial, liver, and colorectal cancers. Early identification and lifestyle changes are key for prevention and risk stratification.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Health and Oncology
- Systemic Risk Factors in Carcinogenesis
Background:
- Insulin resistance (IR) is traditionally linked to type 2 diabetes but is increasingly recognized as a broader metabolic risk factor.
- Chronic hyperinsulinemia and associated molecular pathways (e.g., IGF-1) promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis.
- IR is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic changes, creating a tumor-promoting microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine insulin resistance (IR) as a systemic metabolic risk state influencing cancer development.
- To integrate molecular, epidemiological, biomarker, and prevention perspectives on IR and cancer.
- To emphasize strategies for earlier risk identification and prevention of IR-associated cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular mechanisms linking IR to carcinogenesis.
- Analysis of epidemiological studies on IR and cancer incidence.
- Evaluation of integrated biomarker approaches for risk assessment.
- Consideration of lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Consistent epidemiological associations between IR and increased risk for endometrial, liver, and colorectal cancers.
- Metabolic dysfunction in IR can occur independently of body mass index (BMI).
- Integrated biomarker panels (e.g., glucose, HOMA-IR, TG/HDL ratio, hs-CRP, IGF-1) aid risk identification.
Conclusions:
- Insulin resistance is a systemic metabolic risk state, not just an isolated factor, impacting cancer development.
- Early risk stratification using biomarkers and lifestyle interventions are crucial for prevention.
- Further research is needed on the long-term cancer impact of emerging therapies like GLP-1 receptor agonists.
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