FIGURE 2.

Adipose tissue inflammation and the tumor microenvironment. In the presence of the tumor microenvironment, the obesity-induced altered adipose tissue state becomes a source of energy substrates and structural support for the growing tumor. Tumor tissue induce a transformation from adipocytes to CAAs where resources are shuttled to the tumor. Various mechanisms support tumor sustenance and metastasis, including increased adipocyte lipolysis, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and metabolic reprogramming. The inflamed adipose tissue creates a pro-tumor environment where the tumor can adopt a more aggressive and invasive phenotype. AT, adipose tissue; CAA, cancer-associated adipocyte.