title: Life-style and metformin for the prevention of endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women.
abstract: In western women, the endometrium is frequently exposed, even after menopause, to the endogenous hormonal stimulation. Such a stimulation increases the risk of pathologic conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia and type I (endometrioid) endometrial adenocarcinoma. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance and type II diabetes promote the endometrial stimulation, and are recognized risk factors for endometrial cancer. Furthermore, chronic hyperinsulinemia linked both to obesity and metabolic syndrome influences endometrial proliferation through direct and indirect actions. Intentional weight loss, calorie restriction and physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of the endometrial pathology. Biological mechanisms include reduction in insulin and sex steroid hormone levels. In addition to life-style modifications, the antidiabetic metformin may be proposed as preventive agent. Metformin reduces the metabolic syndrome, lowers insulin and testosterone levels in postmenopausal women, and it is a potent inhibitor of endometrial cancer cell proliferation.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Endocrinological Gynecology, Ospedale Ginecologico Sant' Anna, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Campagnoli
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Abbà
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ambroggio
authors.forename: Tiziana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brucato
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pasanisi
mesh_terms: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018269:Carcinoma, Endometrioid / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D008019:Life Style; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017698:Postmenopause; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D020011:Protective Agents; D008687:Metformin