Increased visceral adipose tissue in male patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background: Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, mainly visceral, can determine adipocyte- and adipose tissue-related disorder. Visceral adipocytes secrete mediators associated with carcinogenesis. Several studies have shown a correlation between blood levels of these mediators and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Indeed, specific biomarkers, including adipokines, have been considered as a possible link between obesity and RCC. Objective: The objective of the study is to test the hypothesis that there is an increase of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in male patients with ccRCC. Methods: In this retrospective study, two groups were included: A group of patients with ccRCC and a control group without a history of malignancies. Total adipose tissue (TAT) area, VAT area, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) area were measured in both groups. VAT/SAT ratio was subsequently calculated. Results: Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in VAT area (P = 0.01) and VAT/SAT ratio (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was found in TAT area and SAT area. Conclusions: This study shows an increased VAT in male patients with ccRCC.