Emphasizing the critical role of oxidative stress in the etiology of breast cancer, numerous reports have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are capable of oxidizing cell constituents such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, thereby incurring oxidative damage to cell structures. 7,8 Excessive oxidation leads to impairment of cell functions and development of morbid conditions. 9-11 ROS directly attack lipids, which leads to the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Lipid hydroperoxides derived from the PUFA are prominent intermediates of peroxidative reactions. They may undergo reductive degradations, which can either diminish or enhance cytotoxic potentials, depending on the severity of stress. In addition, the lipid hydroperoxides or related intermediates trigger signal transduction pathways calling for either greater cytoprotection (upregulation of detoxifying enzymes) or deliberate termination (apoptotic death).
12B reast cancer is a major contributor to the overall international cancer burden.1 In India, it is the second leading malignancy in women.2 In our institution, breast cancer is a major female malignancy, with an annual incidence rate of 20% of all cancer cases. The etiology of breast cancer is multifactorial.4,5 However, the exact cause of breast cancer is still obscure because the disease presumably represents a complex interplay of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. were analyzed from 70 controls, 30 patients with benign breast disease (BBD), 125 untreated breast cancer patients, and 93 posttreatment follow-up samples. Methods. Samples were analyzed using highly sensitive and specific spectrophotometric methods. Results. Plasma TC, LDL, VLDL, and TG were significantly lower (p = .042, p = .003, p = .024, p = .014, respectively) in patients with BBD compared with controls. Plasma TC and HDL were significantly lower (p = .026, p = .0001, respectively), and VLDL and TG were significantly higher (p = .009, p = .05) in breast cancer patients as compared with controls. Plasma VLDL and TG were significantly higher in breast cancer patients as compared with patients with BBD. The receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that plasma TC, LDL, VLDL, and TG levels could significantly discriminate (p = .001, p = .005, p = .005, p = .005, respectively) between controls and patients with BBD. Plasma levels of TC, HDL, VLDL, and TG could significantly distinguish (p = .01, p = .002, p = .001, p = .002, respectively) between controls and breast cancer patients. Plasma levels of VLDL and TG could significantly discriminate (p = .000, p = .000, respectively) between patients with BBD and breast cancer patients. Odds ratio analysis revealed that higher levels of TC and HDL were significantly associated with a reduction in breast cancer risk (p = .01 and p = .0001, respectively), whereas higher levels of VLDL and TG were significantly associated with increased breast cancer risk (p = .001 and p = .002, respectively). Plasma VLDL and TG levels were significantly lower in compl...