Modern view of the problem: the influence of obesity as a key component of metabolic syndrome on the development and progression of endometrial cancer

Unlike many other malignancies, the incidence and mortality of endometrial cancer continues to rise. This unfortunate trend is in no small part the result of the worldwide obesity epidemic, which is caused by reduced physical activity, poor diet and chronic stress. Currently, more than 50 % of endometrial cancer cases are associated with obesity, which is recognized as an independent risk factor for the development of this disease. Adipose tissue is not only the main place of storage of excess energy, but also a full-fledged endocrine organ that affects the metabolism, immune response and production of biologically active substances involved in cell growth and differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and carcinogenesis. In this review, we assess the impact of obesity as a key component of metabolic syndrome on the development and progression of endometrial cancer. There are several mechanisms by which obesity enlarges the risk of endometrial cancer, including increased endogenous sex steroid hormones, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, adipokine secretion, and chronic inflammation. The purpose of this review is to analyze publications, reflecting the already known aspects of the biological effect of obesity, as well as new data from recent years.