How obesity causes cancer

A new study from Michigan State University has found new evidence showing that a protein that is released from fat in the body can cause a non-cancerous cell to become a cancerous cell. In other words, obesity can be a cause of cancer.

Fat layers

The research also found that a lower layer of abdominal fat, compared to the fat just under the skin, is primarily responsible. Since it releases even more of this protein and promotes tumor growth. There are two layers of fat in the belly. The top layer, known as subcutaneous fat, is located just under the skin. The layer beneath it, called visceral fat, is the one found to cause the most damage. Today it is estimated that more than a third of the population has an obesity problem. Obesity has been linked to several types of cancers. Including breast, colon, prostate, uterus and kidney. But researchers indicate that being overweight alone is not necessarily the best way to determine risk. The study consisted of observing mice that were fed a high-fat diet. The highest risk layer was found to produce greater amounts of fibroblastic-2, or FGF2, the aforementioned protein. They found that FGF2 stimulated certain cells that were already vulnerable to the protein and caused them to grow into tumors. “This would indicate that fat from mice and humans can cause a non-tumorigenic cell to malignantly transform into a tumorigenic cell,” Jamie said.

Estrogen

Bernard, lead author and assistant professor of pharmacology and toxicology.  He added that there are other factors released from fat, including estrogen, that could influence the ambivalent risk of cancer. But many of these studies have only shown an association and not a direct cause. He also said that genetics play an important role. According to researchers, a better diet and lifestyle habits in general are always the best way to reduce the risk factor and improve our chances. Original article here: http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2017/this-is-how-belly-fat-could-increase-your-cancer-risk/