Figure 3.

Schematic representation of obesity-related factors inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, and OS in the initiation and progression of PCa. In individuals with obesity, lower levels of testosterone are observed, with the chronic state of inflammation contributing to this phenomenon. In fact, higher levels of TNF-α can inhibit steroidogenesis. Concurrently, lower levels of testosterone are needed for the initiation and progression of PCa, along with upregulation of AR expression. Moreover, in individuals with obesity, lower levels of adiponectin are observed, as well as higher levels of insulin and leptin. This hormonal dysregulation results in the development of PCa, with leptin participating in the increase in cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis. In turn, obesity and prostatic inflammation promote OS, leading to PCa progression, as well as cellular and genomic damage, while increasing cellular turnover. Overall, all these obesity-related factors result in the initiation and progression of PCa. (↓) downregulation; (↑) upregulation.