Insulin resistance, insulin-like growth factor I and breast cancer: a hypothesis.
Consideration of existing data regarding clinical and biochemical risk factors for the development of breast cancer leads to the hypothesis that enhanced insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) activity plays a significant role in the development of this disease. Abnormal IGF-I activity may be related to events occurring prenatally, during puberty, or during adult life. Insulin resistance, a common feature in populations characterized by high caloric intake, may result in the amplification of IGF-I action at the tissue level by altering serum concentrations of IGF-I binding proteins. Several approaches toward testing the hypothesis are proposed, and potential opportunities for clinical application are described.
Kazer
R R
RR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004967:Estrogens / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D008572:Menarche; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood; D017697:Premenopause / Q000097:blood; D012106:Research; D012307:Risk Factors
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D004967:Estrogens; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I