The relationship between insulin resistance and cancer involves multiple pathways:
Insulin and IGF-1 Signaling: Both insulin and IGF-1 activate pathways like the PI3K/AKT pathway and the MAPK pathway, which promote cell survival and proliferation. These pathways are often dysregulated in cancer. Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation, often seen in insulin resistance, can lead to a pro-tumorigenic environment. Cytokines and inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6 can promote cancer cell survival and growth. Oxidative Stress: Insulin resistance can increase oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage and mutations that drive cancer development.
