Relationship Between Metabolic Disorders and Breast Cancer Incidence and Outcomes. Is There a Preventive and Therapeutic Role for Berberine?

The association between obesity/overweight and carcinogenesis is a recognized highly complex and still partially unknown process. Nevertheless, these conditions are frequently related with several pathological states such as chronic inflammation, presence of dyslipidemia and insulin-resistance (metabolic disorders) which are now accepted features contributing to the increased hormonal-dependent cancer risk. Breast cancer incidence and outcome is strictly related to metabolic disorders. Thus, managing these emerging risk factors, should be a new and optimal strategy in breast cancer prevention and therapy. Unfortunately, the agents able to interfere with metabolic disorders, produce often light or serious side-effects and consequently their compliance and efficacy are weak. Some nutraceutical compounds seem to be an ideal option with the same activity and effectiveness to ordinary agents but with minor side effects. Berberine, an extraordinary medicinal herb, has been proven to have many clinical pharmacological effects, including lowering of blood glucose, increasing insulin sensitivity, and correcting lipid metabolism disorders. It has a comparable therapeutic effect to common drugs. It acts contemporarily on hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance without their related side effects and could be a real alternative in healthy high risk or affected breast cancer patients with metabolic disorders. This commentary examines the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders and its relationship to breast cancer. Moreover, it evaluates the possible role of berberine in the clinical practice. Copyright