Obesity-associated inflammation and cancer: molecular mechanisms, evidence gaps, and therapeutic opportunities

Abstract

Obesity, recognized as a significant global public health issue, has garnered widespread attention. The chronic systemic inflammatory state characteristic of obesity may act as a key pathophysiological factor in the development of obesity-related cancers. Based on a structured literature search of peer-reviewed databases, this review summarizes the features of the inflammatory microenvironment within adipose tissue in obesity, encompassing adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, hypoxia, and endoplasmic reticulum stress; activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways; and the polarization of immune cells towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype. We emphasize the molecular mechanisms that link inflammation to carcinogenesis and explore targeted therapeutic strategies against inflammation, such as cytokine and receptor blockade, immune cell reprogramming, natural anti-inflammatory agents, and nanoparticle drug delivery systems. This review highlights the mechanistic link between obesity, inflammation, and cancer, providing insights for the development of precise preventive and therapeutic approaches for obesity-associated inflammation and tumorigenesis.