People who are obese are at a higher risk of developing monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a non-cancerous blood condition commonly preceding multiple myeloma, as per recent findings published in the journal Blood Advances.
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer affecting plasma cells, a specific type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies to combat infections.
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), characterised by an abnormal protein produced by plasma cells, is recognised as a precursor to multiple myeloma.
Despite most individuals with MGUS displaying minimal symptoms and not experiencing immediate health issues, the presence of MGUS acts as a cautionary signal to monitor for potential progression into more severe conditions, such as multiple myeloma.
In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 42% of the US population falls under obesity, described by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. However, limited research exists to illuminate the potential impact of obesity on cancer outcomes, leaving questions about its influence on the development and progression of conditions like multiple myeloma.
How was the study conducted?
Researchers enrolled 2,628 individuals across the United States, identified as having an elevated risk of developing multiple myeloma based on self-reported race and family history of hematologic malignancies during the period from February 2019 to March 2022.
These participants underwent screening for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), defined by the presence of monoclonal proteins at serum concentrations of 0.2g/L or higher. The team utilised mass spectrometry, a modern and susceptible method for identifying and quantifying monoclonal proteins in the blood, to measure MGUS.
Even after adjusting for age, gender, race, education, and income, the research team discovered that individuals with obesity exhibited a 73% higher risk of having MGUS compared to those with normal weights.
This correlation persisted regardless of physical activity levels.
However, individuals engaged in high levels of physical activity, equivalent to running or jogging for 45-60 minutes daily or more, were less likely to have MGUS, even after accounting for BMI classification. Conversely, those who reported heavy smoking and shorter sleep durations were more likely to have detectable levels of MGUS.
Did the study have any limitations?
It’s important to note that this study had limitations as it was a cross-sectional investigation, offering a snapshot of how certain variables or characteristics may be related at a specific point in time.
While the researchers identified a robust correlation between monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), obesity, and lifestyle factors, the study lacks sufficient evidence to establish causation.
Moreover, the American Medical Association recently took a notable step by adopting a new policy. This policy no longer relies solely on Body Mass Index (BMI) to evaluate whether an individual is within a healthy weight range. This decision stems from previous research suggesting that BMI alone is ineffective in distinguishing between fat and lean mass and fails to consider how fat is distributed throughout the body.
Additionally, the BMI formula was developed based on data from non-Hispanic white populations, implying that its implications may not be accurately generalised across Black, Asian, and Hispanic groups.
Looking Forward
In the future, researchers plan to validate these discoveries in diverse study cohorts, including longitudinally tracked individuals. This approach aims to delve deeper into the mechanisms by which obesity and other modifiable risk factors might impact the initiation and progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
“These results guide our future research in understanding the influence of modifiable risk factors, such as weight, exercise, and smoking, on cancer risk,” explained Dr Lee, one of the study’s authors. “Before we can develop effective preventative health strategies to lower the risk of serious diseases like multiple myeloma, we first need to understand better the relationship between MGUS and potentially modifiable risk factors like obesity.”
Comments 1