The Importance of Metabolic Factors in Endometrial Cancer: Evaluating the Utility of the Triglyceride-to-Glycemia Index and Triglyceride-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio As Biomarkers

Abstract

Introduction Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries worldwide. Its incidence is rising, making it a significant public health concern. The relationship between lipids, hyperglycemia, and anthropometric risk factors in the development of EC has gained increasing attention in recent years. Understanding the role of dyslipidemia as a part of metabolic syndrome is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for EC. We investigate the association between dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and EC. This study aims to elucidate the potential contribution of altered lipid profiles and chronic hyperglycemia to endometrial carcinogenesis. By analyzing patients with benign and malignant endometrial pathologies, we seek to identify novel biomarkers and unravel the underlying mechanisms by which these metabolic factors influence the risk of developing EC. Material and methods Our retrospective unicentric study included 390 patients (192 diagnosed with EC and 198 with endometrial hyperplasia), in which we compared the clinical and biochemical characteristics, with a particular focus on lipid profiles and glycemic indices sampled 24-48 hours before surgery. The data obtained from the medical records were analyzed using statistical methods to compare selected metabolic factors between EC and endometrial hyperplasia. Results Our analysis revealed statistically significant differences in metabolic health and lipid profiles between patients diagnosed with EC and those with endometrial hyperplasia. The EC group exhibits trends towards higher levels of triglycerides (TG) and glycated hemoglobin, alongside a higher BMI. Notably, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in the EC group. Conclusion Although the triglycerides-to-fasting blood glucose index and the triglycerides-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio did not demonstrate sufficient discriminatory power for predicting myometrial invasion depth in this study, further exploration of cost-effective emerging biomarkers warrants investigation in future studies.