Physical Activity, Metabolic Adaptation, and Risk of Breast Cancer
, by Jennifer K. Loukissas, M.P.P.
In a study of the effect of physical activity on blood metabolites, investigators found that physical activity was associated with levels of 164 circulating metabolites, some of which were correlated with lower risk of breast cancer, providing clues to the mechanisms behind the protective effect of exercise. The findings were published November 7, 2024, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Being more physically active is linked to a lower risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast cancer. However, researchers are still working to understand fully the mechanisms through which physical activity influences metabolic processes to help protect against cancer.
In a study led by Eleanor L. Watts, D.Phil., M.P.H., postdoctoral fellow in the Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, typical physical activity was measured in 700 participants in the Interactive Diet and Activity Tracking in AARP (IDATA) Study using three methods: doubly labeled water, accelerometers, and questionnaire data. Data were collected up to six times over a one-year period and blood was drawn for testing twice, six months apart.
The metabolites affected by activity levels are involved in a wide range of metabolic processes, including glucose regulation, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism. The results reinforce evidence that physical activity may lower breast cancer risk through changes in hormone metabolism. Additionally, they identified less-well-known fatty acid metabolism pathways.
The investigators compared the relationships of circulating metabolites and physical activity with the metabolic profiles of breast cancer cases and controls in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Screening Study Cohort and identified specific physical activity related metabolites that were associated with lower risk of breast cancer.
The authors called for additional research to investigate the role of different intensities and types of activity on the body, and their implications for disease prevention.
Reference
Watts EL et al. Physical activity, metabolites, and breast cancer associations. JNCI. 2024.