Role of MicroRNA Regulation in Obesity-Associated Breast Cancer: Nutritional Perspectives.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed in women, and the incidence of breast cancer is increasing every year. Obesity has
been identified as one of the major risk factors for breast cancer progression. The mechanisms by which obesity contributes to breast cancer
development is not yet understood; however, there are a few mechanisms counted as potential producers of breast cancer in obesity, including
insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and sex hormones. Recent emerging evidence suggests that
alterations in microRNA (miRNA) expressions are found in several diseases, including breast cancer and obesity; however, miRNA roles in obesitylinked
breast cancer are beginning to unravel. miRNAs are thought to be potential noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer
patients with comorbid conditions of obesity as well as therapeutic targets. Recent studies have evidenced that nutrients and other dietary
factors protect against cancer and obesity through modulation of miRNA expressions. Herein, we summarize a comprehensive overview of
up-to-date information related to miRNAs and their molecular targets involved in obesity-associated breast cancer. We also address the
mechanisms by which dietary factors modulate miRNA expression and its protective roles in obesity-associated breast cancer. It is hoped that this
review would provide new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of obesity-associated breast cancer to reduce the burden of breast cancer