In a significant scientific advancement, researchers at King Saud University have identified key proteomic differences in endometrial cancer tissues between obese and non-obese patients, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and potential pathways for improved diagnosis and treatment.
The study, conducted by the University Obesity Research Center in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the College of Medicine, highlights molecular mechanisms that may explain how obesity influences tumor behavior and progression. The findings were published in an international scientific journal under the title:
“Proteomic profiling of endometrial cancer tissues reveals differential expression of proteomes in obese versus non-obese patients.”
The research team, led by Dr. Asim Al-Fadda and involving multidisciplinary collaborators, utilized advanced proteomic techniques, including mass spectrometry, to analyze tumor tissue samples obtained from patients who underwent surgical procedures. The samples were categorized based on body mass index (BMI).
The results revealed the identification of over 6,300 proteins within tumor tissues, with 456 proteins showing significant differential expression between the two groups. These findings indicate that obesity not only increases the risk of developing endometrial cancer but also alters its biological characteristics and disease pathways. The study further identified changes in immune and metabolic pathways, along with activation of molecular pathways known to promote tumor growth and progression.
Additionally, the researchers identified several candidate proteins as promising biomarkers that could improve molecular classification and support more precise clinical decision-making.
Dr. Asim Al-Fadda emphasized that these findings represent an important step toward a deeper understanding of the link between obesity and endometrial cancer, highlighting the need for further large-scale studies to validate these proteins as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets.
The study was supported by the National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to advance healthcare and scientific research.