Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, although the complete relationship between MS and cancer remains a problem far from being resolved. Hormonal and inflammatory changes in adipose tissue were reported to be associated with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To study the probability of cancer development in patients with MS.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
An observational retrospective study including 994 patients (289 males and 705 females) was carried out at the outpatient center of Moscow (Diagnostic Center No. 5 of the Moscow Healthcare Department). The mean age of study patients was 62.48±13.49 years (20 to 87 years). The incidence of cancer and oncogenesis factors in patients with MS over 10 years and the association between its components (abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia) were analyzed. Odds ratios of carcinogenesis and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the cross tables method.
RESULTS
Cancer onset was observed in every fifth patient with an MS duration of 13.5±2.41 years. Abdominal obesity was associated with an increased risk of various cancers. The most significant risk was associated with grade I obesity, metabolic disorders, and the age of patients. In addition, a retrospective analysis of data from MS patients revealed a protective effect of oral antidiabetic and hypolipidemic agents on cancer risk and mortality, although the mechanisms are not fully understood.
CONCLUSIONS
Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Cardiovascular diseases, particularly arterial hypertension, increase the risk of cancer several-fold. Hyperglycemia also increases the risk of malignant neoplasms. Dyslipidemia has no effect on cancer development; however, more detailed studies with a larger sample are needed.