Metabolic Syndrome and Breast Cancer: Prevalence, Treatment Response, and Prognosis

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a type of multifactorial metabolic disease with the presence of at least three factors: obesity, diabetes mellitus, low high-density lipoprotein, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. Recent studies have shown that metabolic syndrome and its related components exert a significant impact on the initiation, progression, treatment response, and prognosis of breast cancer. Metabolic abnormalities not only increase the disease risk and aggravate tumor progression but also lead to unfavorable treatment responses and more treatment side effects. Moreover, biochemical reactions caused by the imbalance of these metabolic components affect both the host general state and organ-specific tumor microenvironment, resulting in increased rates of recurrence and mortality. Therefore, this review discusses the recent advances in the association of metabolic syndrome and breast cancer, providing potential novel therapeutic targets and intervention strategies to improve breast cancer outcome.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori-Related Metabolic Syndrome Parameters on Arterial Hypertension

“…Interestingly, recent data indicate that MetS-related sarcopenia, H. pylori infection, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet (salty and/or spicy diets) are associated with precancerous gastric mucosa lesions, including gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia [140]. In this regard, MetS is associated with malignances, including H. pylori-related upper and lower gastrointestinal tract cancers, and besides other MetS-related parameters, arterial hypertension could be a key parameter [46,141,142]. Biochemical reactions induced by dysregulated MetS parameters, including arterial hypertension, affect the host's general condition and organ-specific microenvironment, leading to increased cancer recurrence and mortality [141].…”

“…In this regard, MetS is associated with malignances, including H. pylori-related upper and lower gastrointestinal tract cancers, and besides other MetS-related parameters, arterial hypertension could be a key parameter [46,141,142]. Biochemical reactions induced by dysregulated MetS parameters, including arterial hypertension, affect the host's general condition and organ-specific microenvironment, leading to increased cancer recurrence and mortality [141]. Patients with arterial hypertension show a two-fold increased risk for gastric cancer (GC) development.…”

Nuclear Receptor-Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming and the Impact on HR+ Breast Cancer

“…We will note that limited data have identified direct links between hormone receptor activity and regulation of downstream targets of neutral lipid metabolism in HR+ breast cancer. However, given the link between BMI and obesity with increased breast cancer risk and poor clinical outcome, this is a complex issue that clearly warrants further investigation [ 156 , 157 ].…”

Relationship of Inflammatory Markers and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women

“…Besides, modifications in the homeostasis regarding insulinotropic and anti-inflammatory cytokines due to an increase in the deposition of visceral fat can result in insulin resistance, which is one of the components of the definition of MS. Moreover, several studies have found that postmenopausal women are more vulnerable to present MS [11][12][13][14].…”