Editorial
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World J Exp Med. Aug 20, 2013; 3(3): 34-42
Published online Aug 20, 2013. doi: 10.5493/wjem.v3.i3.34
Obesity, insulin resistance, adipocytokines and breast cancer: New biomarkers and attractive therapeutic targets
Maria Dalamaga
Maria Dalamaga, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Athens, “Attikon” General University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
Author contributions: Dalamaga M solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Maria Dalamaga, MD, PhD, MS, MPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Athens, “Attikon” General University Hospital, 1 Rimini Street, Chaidari, 12462 Athens, Greece. madalamaga@med.uoa.gr
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Received: May 26, 2013
Revised: July 8, 2013
Accepted: August 16, 2013
Published online: August 20, 2013
Processing time: 111 Days and 10.6 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Recent evidence has shown that the constellation of obesity, insulin resistance and adipokines is associated with the risk and prognosis of postmenopausal breast cancer (BC). Direct evidence is growing rapidly supporting the stimulating and/or inhibiting role of adipokines in the process of development and progression of BC. Recent studies support a role of adipokines as novel risk factors and potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in BC. This editorial aims at providing important insight into the potential pathophysiological mechanisms linking adipokines to the etiopathogenesis of BC in the context of a dysfunctional adipose tissue and insulin resistance in obesity. Understanding of these mechanisms may be important for the development of attractive preventive and therapeutic strategies against obesity-related breast malignancy.