Figure 1.

Potential mechanism of obesity-induced dysfunction of adipose tissue on tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence. Excess fat accumulation results in dysfunction of adipose tissue that causes increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, sex hormones, and lipid metabolites, along with impaired adipocyte-derived cytokines or adipokines profiles and insulin resistance. The altered adipose tissue is a source of ECM remodeling, fibrosis, cancer-associated adipocytes, impaired microbial metabolism, adipocyte progenitors, inflammation, and altered micro-environment. These factors contribute to tumor initiation, growth, and recurrence.