The correlation between obesity and the occurrence and development of breast cancer

Abstract

This study reviews the mechanisms by which obesity affects the development and progression of breast cancer (BC). The association between obesity and BC is mainly due to three aspects: disruption of glycolipid metabolism, abnormal cell function and imbalance of adipokine levels. The dysregulation of glycolipid metabolism caused by obesity, including the accumulation of cholesterol and fatty acids and the reprogramming of glucose metabolism, promotes the growth and invasion of tumour cells. Obesity triggers multiple cellular abnormalities, particularly in lipid-associated macrophages and cancer-associated adipocytes, which promote tumour progression and immunosuppression by secreting inflammatory factors and various fatty acids into the tumour microenvironment. Obesity leads to an imbalance in the expression of several adipokines. Leptin upregulation is closely associated with BC metastasis and resistance to endocrine therapy, while reduced adiponectin levels attenuate the protective effect. At the same time, chronic inflammation and insulin resistance not only further increase the risk of BC, but also exacerbate tumour resistance. In terms of treatment, weight-loss drugs and metformin can improve the efficacy of obesity-related BC treatment to some extent. Intervention strategies targeting adipose tissue remodelling, lipid metabolism and leptin regulation also show potential clinical value, but more research is needed to clarify their safety and efficacy. This review provides systematic ideas and references for research into the mechanisms and clinical management of obesity-related BC.

Keywords: Adipocyte; Adipokine; Breast cancer; Inflammatory; Metabolic disorders; Obesity; Tumour microenvironment.

Fig. 1

Obesity-induced-metabolic disorders and breast cancer

Fig. 2

Role of FASN in breast cancer cells

Fig. 3

Detailed explanation of specific mechanisms in TAME