Is There Any Relation Between High-Grade Prostate Cancer and Central Obesity, Hyperinsulinemia and Dyslipidemia?

Background: Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the sixth leading cause of cancer death in men, worldwide. Incidence of prostate cancer in India is on the rise. Most studies suggest that obesity has a positive correlation with a higher risk of developing high-grade PCa and dying of PCa. Central obesity and related biochemical alterations in terms of hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia are associated with severity of prostate cancer in terms of high Gleason score. Materials & Methods: Central obesity was assessed using anthropometric measurements including waist hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI). Serum PSA, testosterone, and insulin levels were estimated. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were also measured. Standard staging procedures were followed and for histopathological evaluation of PCa, Gleason grading was done on core biopsy tissue. Results: In the present population-based study, persons with high Gleason score had significantly higher WHR supporting that central obesity may predispose to high-grade prostate cancer. Study has shown a significant relationship between high Gleason score and cholesterol, TG, VLDL, and low HDL levels; however no significant relation was found with LDL levels. Testosterone is a key prostate growth factor although PCa presents at an age when testosterone levels are declining. Conclusion: In this study, there was no significant difference in testosterone levels in patients with high and low Gleason scores. Keywords: Prostate, Cancer, High grade, Low grade