The interconnection of high-fat diets, oxidative stress, the heart, and carcinogenesis

Abstract Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing noncommunicable diseases. High caloric intake, from fat, carbohydrates, or both, promotes the production of reactive oxygen species. This accumulation leads to redox imbalances and oxidative stress. Increased release of proinflammatory cytokines from hypertrophic adipocytes induces systemic inflammation and contributes to oxidative stress. Growing evidence shows that oxidative stress underlies the development of numerous human pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Oxidative stress may be alleviated by various antioxidants, but the ideal dose and combination remains to be established. The role of the fat in the etiology of heart disease and cancer depends on its type. Controversies remain with regard to optimal fat intake and dietary fat composition. This chapter briefly discusses the interconnections between oxidative stress and inflammation, relates them to cardiovascular diseases and cancer and summarizes recent knowledge on the impact of different fat types on heart diseases and cancer risk.