Energy balance
Adipocyte-derived fatty acids, released via lipolysis (ATGL/HSL), are taken up by breast cancer cells and drive proliferation and migration through increased fatty acid oxidation (CPT1A) and electron transport chain activity.
This research suggests that in obesity, fat cells release fatty acids that fuel breast cancer growth. While this is an in vitro finding, it implies that metabolic factors linked to obesity (like high fatty acid availability) may promote cancer progression. It does not currently translate to a specific dietary intervention for patients, but highlights the importance of metabolic health in cancer risk.
Adipocyte-derived free fatty acids were transferred to breast cancer cells, driving fatty acid metabolism via increased CPT1A and electron transport chain complex protein levels, resulting in increased proliferation and migration.
Why this rating
Strong in vitro mechanistic evidence with human primary cells and multiple cell lines, but lacks in vivo or clinical trial data.
Source
Adipocyte lipolysis links obesity to breast cancer growth: adipocyte-derived fatty acids drive breast cancer cell proliferation and migration
Seher Balaban et al. · Cancer & Metabolism · 2017
DOI 10.1186/s40170-016-0163-7
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