Expression of Nrf2 and NF-κB transcription factors in breast cancer and breast fibroadenoma: Insights for a new therapeutic approach

Abstract

Background: Cancer and fibroadenoma are the most common breast tumors in women of reproductive age. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) transcription factor play an important role in the inflammatory process and in cell proliferation. However, few studies have analyzed these markers in breast cancer and fibroadenoma in women of reproductive age.Results: Light microscopy showed a higher concentration of anti-Nrf2 and anti-NF-κB-stained nuclei in breast cancer than in fibroadenoma. The mean percentage of stained nuclei for Nrf2 was 7.12 ± 5.2 and 43.21 ± 19.83 in the control and study groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean percentage of anti-NF-κB was 10.75 ± 7.09 and 56.14 ± 21.19 (mean ± standard deviation) in the control and study groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Histological grade 3 tumors showed a significantly higher expression of Nrf2 and NF-κB than grade 1 tumors (p < 0.05).Material and methods: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Federal University of Piaui and all patients assigned an inform consent term prior to the study initiation. Nrf2 and NF-κB expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 66 patients, divided into two groups, control (fibroadenoma, n = 36) and study (cancer, n = 30). The data were analyzed using ANOVA test and the statistical significance was established at p < 0.05.Conclusion: Nrf2 and NF-κB expression was significantly higher in breast cancer than in fibroadenoma, in addition to having a greater association with more aggressive tumors.

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“…Histologic grade 3 tumors showed higher NRF2 expression than histologic grade 1–2 tumors. This result is consistent with previous data on both ER-positive and ER-negative tumors [ 33 ].…”

Study of the Possible Alleviated Role of Atorvastatin on Irinotecan‐Induced Lingual Mucosal Damage: Histological and Molecular Study

“…NF-κB is a main facilitator of proinflammatory gene initiation and functions [37], and it is also considered the main regulator in cellular proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis [38]. The NF-κB signalling pathway includes a family of transcription factors that plays a role in immunity and inflammation [39]. NF-κB is expressed in cells in response to various stressors, such as chemotherapy, to enhance cell survival.…”

Luteolin Inhibits Breast Cancer Stemness and Enhances Chemosensitivity through the Nrf2-Mediated Pathway

“…Moreover, Nrf2 is overexpressed in breast CSCs and is involved in CSCs' survival as well as resistance to chemotherapy-or radiotherapy-induced oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment [8,9]. Strategies targeting Nrf2 constitute promising candidates in cancers treatment [10,11]. Cancer cells contain higher levels of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) than normal cells [12].…”