The role of Metabolic Syndrome in Cancer development

Authors and Affiliations:

Fernando Miguel Mendonça^a;   Filipa Rodrigues de Sousa^a;  Ana Luísa Barbosa^a;  Sara Costa Martins^a,Raquel Lage Araújo^a;  Raquel Soares^b: Cristina Abreu^a

^a Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200-319 Portugal

^b Department of Biochemistry (U38-FCT), Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200-319 Portugal

Abstract:

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by a group of metabolic disturbances which lead to an enhanced risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. MS constitutes a preoccupant issue with elevated prevalence in the western countries and is often related with cancer development. Elucidating the mechanisms linking these two pathologies is, therefore, essential to identify potential therapeutic molecular targets for cancer treatment in MS patients. The main goals of this review are, to identify the relation between MS and cancer development, handling specifically each one of the main players on this process: insulin and IGF system, estrogen, pro-inflammatory cytokines and others; and, given that colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in MS patients, we intend to particularly highlight the mechanisms that promote colorectal cancer development in MS individuals. Finally, we will also focus on the clinical implications of the presented mechanisms on cancer therapy and care.

Journal: Metabolism

Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0026049514003011