Why Overweight Can Lead to Cancerous Colon Diseases

New risk factor for decoded tumor growth

In Germany, colon cancer is the second most common tumor disease in women and the third most common tumor disease in humans. If we compare the number of new cases in Germany with other countries, the international comparison shows that we occupy one of the first places in this country. Researchers in Cologne have been able to attribute nutritional and life habits to a fundamental role in the development of colorectal cancer. According to the results of the study, there is an obvious correlation between obesity and tumor growth.

Obese people have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. This was determined by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Cologne as part of a student research project. The researchers found detailed relationships between the presence of overweight and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. These bases can serve as potential targets for new therapies. The results of the study were recently published in the famous journal "Nature Communications".

How is it that the connection is established?

"If the body has to store more and more fat, a stress reaction develops in the adipose tissue," says the doctor. Thomas Wunderlich in a press release on the results of the study. This stress response alerts the body's immune system, which in turn can trigger inflammation in adipose tissue.

Obesity puts the body constantly under tension

As reported by the expert, persistent overweight and obesity put the body in a state of constant stress. The resulting inflammation could spread through the blood throughout the body. In the end, this leads to changes in the immune system. "The cancer cells are no longer combated, but promote their survival and therefore tumor growth," summarizes Wunderlich.

The fact that someone is fat does not automatically make you sick

"Just because you are fat does not make you sick for a long time," says the first author of the study. Claudia Wunderlich. However, when degenerated cells form in the body due to being overweight, this promotes tumor growth.

New Therapeutic Targets

In addition to the identified relationships, the results also provide new approaches for future therapies. "Using mouse models, we were able to define specific points of attack for possible therapeutic approaches in humans," sums up the expert. Researchers have already succeeded in reducing the risk of disease in overweight mice.

Already tested in obese mice

The research team eliminated a specific population of immune cells in experiments on genetically modified mice. In addition, the modified genetics of animals has prevented that changes in the immune system occur in high fat diets. Both methods led to a decrease in inflammation and increased control of degenerated cells, which ultimately reduced the development of colon cancer. (Vb)