Obesity and breast cancer: a clinical biochemistry perspective

Clin Biochem. 2012 Feb;45(3):189-97. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.11.016. Epub 2011 Dec 8.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the laboratory diagnosis aspects of obesity-related health problems with special reference to postmenopausal breast cancer.

Design and methods: We conducted a systemic search of the literature primarily from the PubMed to obtain the relevant data.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Leptin / metabolism
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Postmenopause

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Leptin