Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic disturbances, including
high body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, high blood pressure, rise in
triglycerides, increased plasma glucose, and reduction in high-density lipoprotein
(HDL) cholesterol, leading to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality along
with an increased predisposition to other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes
and certain cancers. Its incidence is on the rise in Western countries and is a risk factor
for several common cancers. Although the individual components of metabolic
syndrome are linked to cancer, studies showing a direct link between metabolic
syndrome and cancer are limited. This review addresses the need to summarise the
associated factors and mechanisms linking these two pathologies and to identify
potential targets in therapy in patients with cancer and metabolic syndrome.
Understanding this link would provide insight into the process of oncogenesis in
patients with MetS. This chapter focuses on the biological and physiological alterations
and specific factors associated with this process, including the insulin-like growth
factor (IGF-1) pathway, estrogen signaling, visceral adiposity, hyperinsulinemia,
hyperglycemia, aromatase activity, adipokinase production, angiogenesis, oxidative
stress, DNA damage, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in these patients and their
clinical implications in cancer therapy. New research is warranted in this area and
should be systemically analyzed in all cancer types. A better understanding of this link
will provide greater insight into the management of cancer patients by preventing
metabolic syndrome and related alterations.
Keywords: Cancer, Metabolic syndrome.
