The Impact of Hormonal Imbalances Associated with Obesity on the Incidence of Endometrial Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Obesity has long been associated with endometrial cancer amongst postmenopausal women; in fact, obese women are more than twice as likely to develop endometrial cancer as women of normal weight. The risk of developing this type of cancer increases with weight gains in adulthood, especially among women who did not use hormonal therapy for menopause. Thus, with an association between menopause, obesity, and endometrial cancer established, it prompts the following question: what specific factors could cause higher risk levels for endometrial cancer in this cohort of women? In this paper, the factor of hormonal changes and imbalances associated with both obesity and menopause will be examined. The hormones that will be discussed are insulin and insulin-like factors, estrogen, and adipokines (specifically adiponectin, visfatin, and leptin).

Expression Pattern of Leptin and Its Receptors in Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer

“…The relationship between obesity and cancer development is an important topic, as better understanding of the mechanisms contributing to cancer progression can help in the discovery of new methods of early diagnosis and effective treatment, with minimal risk [24]. Adipose tissue is very endocrine active and the increase in visceral fat affects its functions [25]. Moreover, large amounts of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and leptin are produced [5], which can promote the recruitment of macrophages and impair the function of adipocytes, which ultimately induces chronic inflammation [26].…”

Insulin Resistance and Endometrial Cancer: Emerging Role for microRNA

“…A relationship between serum leptin and insulin concentrations has been confirmed, regardless of body fatness [117][118][119]. Since obesity and adipokines are independent risk factors for EC, this notion supports the roles of two distinct mechanisms involved in endometrial carcinogenesis: excess estrogen and IR [120,121]. Resistance to leptin is considered a hallmark of obesity and has been shown to lead to hepatic IR [122].…”

The Role of Selected Adipocytokines in Ovarian Cancer and Endometrial Cancer

“…Available data indicate that in the course of endometrial cancer, its average concentration is significantly higher than in healthy women [ 169 , 170 , 171 , 172 ]. Ilhan et al [ 173 ] report that the average serum concentration of visfatin in patients with endometrial cancer was 14.9 ng/mL compared to the control group, where the average visfatin concentration was 8.1 ng/mL.…”