New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Causal mechanism of link between cancer and obesity

Date:
May 27, 2021
Source:
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Summary:
A review study advances knowledge about the connection between obesity-associated inflammation and cancer. The researchers suggest that inflammatory cells with immunosuppressive properties may act as a critical biological link between obesity and cancer risk, progression, and metastasis.
Share:
FULL STORY

A review study led by Maria D. Sanchez-Pino, PhD, an assistant research professor in the departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics at LSU Health New Orleans' School of Medicine and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, advances knowledge about the connection between obesity-associated inflammation and cancer. The researchers suggest that inflammatory cells with immunosuppressive properties may act as a critical biological link between obesity and cancer risk, progression, and metastasis. The paper is published in the June 2021 issue of Obesity, available here.

Despite evidence showing that obesity increases the risk of cancer progression, efforts are needed to identify the causal relationship between immunosuppressive cells and the response of immunotherapy in patients with obesity.

The function of myeloid cells is shaped by the metabolic microenvironment. Along with macrophages, myeloid cells with immunosuppressive properties called Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are generated in obesity. One of the major factors associated with the metabolic inflammation of obesity is the expansion of MDSCs. In cancer patients, MDSCs are associated with poor survival and resistance to immunotherapy.

Although there is tremendous cross-talk between inflammation and metabolic/endocrine disturbances that promote tumor growth in obesity, the biological and molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. The researchers reviewed the literature and explain that altered metabolic factors such as lipids, insulin, and leptin in obesity contribute to the activation of immunosuppressive and cancer developing capabilities of myeloid cells.

"Deciphering the molecular mechanisms by which obesity-associated metabolic factors activate or enhance the function of Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells and immunosuppressive macrophages will allow us to identify biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic responses," notes Dr. Sanchez-Pino. "It will also lead to the discovery of potential targets for pharmacological therapies that may disrupt the pathophysiologic inflammatory link between obesity and cancer."


Story Source:

Materials provided by Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Maria Dulfary Sanchez‐Pino, Linda Anne Gilmore, Augusto C. Ochoa, Justin C. Brown. Obesity‐Associated Myeloid Immunosuppressive Cells, Key Players in Cancer Risk and Response to Immunotherapy. Obesity, 2021; 29 (6): 944 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23108

Cite This Page:

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. "Causal mechanism of link between cancer and obesity." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 May 2021. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210527112433.htm>.
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. (2021, May 27). Causal mechanism of link between cancer and obesity. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 31, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210527112433.htm
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. "Causal mechanism of link between cancer and obesity." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210527112433.htm (accessed October 31, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES