Obesity and breast cancer: A clinical biochemistry perspective

• Published in: Clinical biochemistry 2012-02, Vol.45 (3), p.189-197
• Main Authors: Ray, Amitabha, Cleary, Margot P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adiposity; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical Research; Breast Neoplasms - complications; Breast Neoplasms - metabolism; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins - metabolism; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Lab-diagnosis; Leptin; Leptin - metabolism; Lipids; Mammary gland diseases; Medical sciences; Metabolic diseases; Neoplasia; Obesity; Obesity - complications; Obesity - metabolism; Postmenopause; Tumors
• ISSN: 0009-9120; 1873-2933
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.11.016

To evaluate the laboratory diagnosis aspects of obesity-related health problems with special reference to postmenopausal breast cancer. We conducted a systemic search of the literature primarily from the PubMed to obtain the relevant data. Obesity is associated with the dysregulations of a number of body components such as blood constituents, extracellular matrix, and hormones/growth factors axes, which could be utilized for early diagnosis. Obesity-related disorders including breast cancer have emerged as major health problems in almost all the nations. There is a need to elucidate different biochemical markers that are being used in the clinics or have the potential for such use. A precise understanding of the complex pathologies related with obesity is useful in prevention, early diagnosis and overall clinical management.