Antioxidants as a Double-Edged Sword: Protective and Paradoxical Roles in Obesity-Associated Carcinogenesis

Antioxidants are central to cellular defense against oxidative stress, a critical driver of obesity-associated carcinogenesis. Excess adiposity generates chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and elevated production of reactive oxygen species, which contribute to DNA damage and tumorigenesis. Antioxidants from dietary and endogenous sources are thought to counteract these effects, offering potential protection against cancer. However, emerging evidence suggests paradoxical roles: under certain conditions, antioxidants may promote tumor progression by enabling cancer cell survival, interfering with apoptosis, or altering redox-sensitive signaling pathways. This duality complicates the therapeutic promise of antioxidants in obesity-driven cancer risk. This review explores the mechanistic basis of antioxidant action in obesity-related carcinogenesis, highlighting protective effects and paradoxical outcomes. It examines evidence from preclinical and clinical studies, discusses the role of dietary, pharmacological, and endogenous antioxidants, and outlines implications for prevention and therapy. Ultimately, antioxidants should be viewed as a double-edged sword, with context-dependent effects that warrant careful evaluation in obesity-associated cancer management. Keywords: antioxidants, obesity, cancer, oxidative stress, redox signaling