Obesity is a known cause of cancer, with worldwide research and epidemiological studies supporting the relationship between obesity and cancer. Obesity can lead to a number of cancers, through cellular and metabolic changes in the body. Hyperinsulenimia, low levels of estrogens and Insulin like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGF-BP3) are among the major causes of cancers that result from obesity. In this study we aim at reviewing the metabolic changes that accompany obesity and cancer, the molecular mechanisms associated with obesity and cancer and finally the epidemiological significance of this relationship.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Background
2.1 Obesity
2.1.1 Factors contributing to obesity
2.1.2 Genetics, Obesity and the Environment
2.1.3 Role of Hormones in Obesity
2.1.4 Human Microbiome and Obesity
2.1.5 Metabolism and Obesity
2.2 Epidemiology of Obesity
3. Discussion
3.1 The correlation of obesity and cancer: a metabolic study
3.2 Analytical Epidemiological Studies on Obesity and Cancer
3.3 Intervention Trials on Obesity and Cancer
3.4 Experimental studies on Obesity and Cancer
3.5 Cancer and Obesity in perspective of Epidemiology
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This work aims to examine the complex relationship between obesity and cancer, focusing on the underlying metabolic and molecular mechanisms that link excessive body fat to oncogenesis. The study explores how systemic physiological changes, such as hyperinsulinemia and hormonal imbalances, contribute to cancer risk, while also evaluating epidemiological data to highlight the public health significance of this relationship.
- Metabolic imbalances and biochemical changes driven by obesity.
- Molecular mechanisms involving insulin, IGF-1, and steroid hormones.
- Epidemiological evidence linking obesity to specific cancer types.
- The impact of weight loss and caloric restriction on cancer prevention.
- Genetic, environmental, and microbiome-related factors in obesity.
Excerpt from the Book
The correlation of obesity and cancer: a metabolic study
There has been incresing evidence that the body weight has serious effects on the levels of circulating steroid and peptide hormones. These hormones have the capability to play a major role in cancer. A cross sectional study on obesity shows that there is an increase of insulin and Insulin like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IFGBP-3) in both males and females. Furthermore there is a decrease in IGF-1, human growth hormone and sex hormone binding protein. Also there is an increase of circulating estradiol in males and post-menopausal women under obese conditions (IARC 2011).
Perhaps one of the most noticeable increase is of insulin, in obesity. A linear increase has been observed in circulating levels of insulin which directly correlates with the BMI of the individual. Insulin is a peptide based hormone, which is secreted when blood sugar levels increase and acts to limit and control the uptake of glucose by peripheral tissues. When the body is continually subjected to large meals, over-eating and excessive consumption, the body assumes a state of chronic hyperinsulinemia. Abdominal obesity, in particular arises from hyperinsulinemia and subsequent insulin resistance (Braun 2011).
One of the mitogens that regulate energy dependent growth process are the Insulin like growth factors (IGF’s). The role of IGFs is to stimulate cell growth and proliferation and down regulates apoptosis. Furthermore strong mitogenic effects on cancer cell lines have also been obseved. Pitutary growth hormone (PGH), regulates the synthesis of IGF-1 and IGFBP 3. While circulating in the blood the IGF-1 is bound to IGFBP-3. As a result of obesity, there are increased circulating levels of insulin, decreased expression of IGF binding protein (IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3) and an overall increase of free IGF-1 in peripheral blood.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the connection between obesity and cancer, emphasizing the necessity of understanding the underlying biochemical and physiological changes.
2. Background: Provides a foundation on obesity, discussing its causes, genetic and environmental interactions, the role of hormones, the human microbiome, and metabolic implications.
3. Discussion: Analyzes the metabolic links between obesity and cancer, reviews epidemiological studies and intervention trials, and details specific cancer associations including breast, colorectal, and renal cancers.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes obesity as a major risk factor for various cancers and advocates for urgent public health interventions and monitoring.
Keywords
Obesity, Cancer, Hyperinsulinemia, IGF-1, Metabolic Imbalance, Epidemiology, Estrogen, Body Mass Index, Insulin Resistance, Carcinogenesis, Microbiome, Genetics, Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Weight Loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on identifying the causal link between obesity and cancer, particularly how metabolic and physiological changes contribute to the progression of various cancer types.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
Key themes include the impact of body fat on hormone levels, the role of insulin and IGF-1 in cell proliferation, the significance of epidemiological trends, and the influence of genetics and the microbiome on obesity.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to review the molecular mechanisms that transform obesity into a cancerous state and to assess the epidemiological significance of this relationship in a global context.
Which scientific methods are primarily utilized?
The paper relies on a comprehensive review of existing epidemiological studies, intervention trials, and experimental research involving animal models and human data.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section covers the metabolic basis of obesity, the influence of genetics and environment, the role of hormones, the relationship between gut microbiota and weight, and a detailed look at obesity-related cancers like breast, colorectal, and kidney cancer.
How would you describe the key terminology of this work?
The work is characterized by terms related to metabolic syndrome, endocrinology, and oncology, such as hyperinsulinemia, IGF-1 binding proteins, and the epidemiology of cancer risk factors.
How does the author explain the gender-specific risk in colorectal cancer?
The author discusses theories regarding fat distribution, noting that individuals with central fat deposits, more common in men, are at a higher risk than those with peripheral fat distribution.
What does the paper conclude about weight loss as a preventative measure?
It concludes that while weight loss and caloric restriction in animal models have shown reduced cancer risk through metabolic improvements, human epidemiological evidence for weight loss as a direct cancer-preventive measure remains complex and partially inconclusive.
Why is the diagnosis of breast cancer more challenging in obese women?
The paper highlights that higher BMI can lead to poorer prognosis and makes self-detection of tumors more difficult, while also complicating mammography screening.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Isra Bakawasa (Autor:in), 2014, The Role of Obesity in Cancer, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/287251
