The mechanisms linking obesity to colon cancer: An overview

Obes Res Clin Pract. 2018 May-Jun;12(3):251-259. doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2018.01.005. Epub 2018 Feb 7.

Abstract

Obesity, characterised as a chronic low-grade inflammation is a crucial risk factor for colon cancer. The expansion of the adipose tissue is related to elevated triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and hyperinsulinemia, which all are presumed mediators of the tumour development. Obesity is also believed to support carcinogenesis by activating the insulin/IGF-1 pathway. Moreover, obesity increases the level of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6) and has a significant impact on selected adipokines. This paper briefly outlines the latest evidence of the linkage between the obesity and colon cancer and discusses its possible implication for the improvement of anticancer prevention and treatment strategies connected with nutrition.

Keywords: Adipose tissue; Colon cancer; Obesity; Proinflammatory cytokines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipokines / physiology*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / etiology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hyperinsulinism / physiopathology
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / physiopathology*
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / immunology
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Signal Transduction / immunology

Substances

  • Adipokines
  • Inflammation Mediators