Obesity is associated with inflammation and elevated aromatase expression in the mouse mammary gland.

ABSTRACT: Elevated circulating estrogen levels are associated with increased risk of breast cancer in obese postmenopausal women. Following menopause, the biosynthesis of estrogens through CYP19 (aromatase)-mediated metabolism of androgen precursors occurs primarily in adipose tissue, and the resulting estrogens are then secreted into the systemic circulation. The potential links between obesity, inflammation, and aromatase expression are unknown. In both dietary and genetic models of obesity, we observed necrotic adipocytes surrounded by macrophages forming crown-like structures (CLS) in the mammary glands and visceral fat. The presence of CLS was associated with activation of NF-κB and increased levels of proinflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, Cox-2), which were paralleled by elevated levels of

SUBMITTER: Subbaramaiah K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3071249 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature