Obesity Alters Breast Tissue And Promotes Breast Cancer
A study[1] published on August 19, 2015 in Science Translational Medicine sites the structural differences excess fat causes in breast tissue increases the risk of breast cancer.
The study used mouse models to identify if obesity increased the myofibroblast cells in mammary adipose tissue, cells that are in between a fibroblast and a smooth muscle cell, and caused structural changes that promoted tumor development by increasing extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness.
ECM is a collection of extracellular molecules secreted by cells that provide structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells. Obese mammary fat in these models did increase myofibroblasts in breast tissue and produced denser and more rigid ECM.
“Accordingly, decellularized matrices from obese ASCs stimulated mechanosignaling and thereby the malignant potential of breast cancer cells.”
The study showed promise in translating its finding from mouse models to human patients because similar stiff ECM was also found in the mammary tissue of obese breast cancer patients. The researchers also observed that restricting the caloric intake of mouse models reduced myofibroblast content in their mammary fat.
The study provided insight into the connection between obesity induced stiffness in the extracellular matrix and tumor development in breast tissue. It pointed to the importance of consuming diets that reduced the risk of obesity and therefore breast cancer risk.
A whole food plant-based diet, or a diet high in fruits and vegetables has been shown to be an excellent way to control obesity and to support health and vitality.
Tags: breast cancer, cancer awareness
