Plasma Concentrations of C-19 Steroids, Estrogens, FSH, LH and Prolactin in Post-Menopausal Women with and without Breast Cancer

Abstract

The plasma levels of 5α-dihydrotestosterone, testosterone, ▵⁵-androstene-3β,17β-diol, ▵⁴-andros-tenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, estrone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin were measured in normal post-menopausal women and in post-menopausal women with proven breast cancer. The mean prolactin level was significantly higher (p < 0.01) and the mean 5α-dihydrotestosterone level lower (p < 0.05) for the women with breast cancer. There were no significant differences for any of the other hormones. As well, there were no significant differences for the extent of binding of testosterone and ▵⁵-androstene-3β,17β-diol to plasma proteins between the two groups of subjects.

Circulating levels of testosterone, 17 β-oestradiol, luteinising hormone and prolactin in postmenopausal breast cancer patients

“…Our patients were rigidly selected according to predetermined criteria. In the control group, testosterone values were in agreement with E normal values in most other reports (Adami et al, 1979;Bird et al, 1981;Malarkey et al, 1977;Vermeulen, 1976).…”

“…These findings are in agreement with most data from the literature for oestradiol (Bird et al, 1981;Borkowski et al, 1977;England et al, 1977;Jones et al, 1977;Malarkey et al, 1977;McFadyen et al, 1976), LH (Bird et al, 1981;Malarkey et al, 1977;McFadyen et al, 1977) and prolactin levels (Franks et al, 1974;Jones et al, 1977;Kwa et al, 1974;Mittra et al, 1974;Sheth et al, 1975).…”

“…Reports of blood testosterone levels in these patients are few and conflicting (Adami et al, 1979;Bird et al, 1981;Borkowski et al, 1977;Horn & Gordan, 1974;Malarkey et al, 1977;McFadyen et al, 1976). In his review of plasma hormone concentration in human breast cancer, Zumoff (1978) pointed out that "in most studies the groups were heterogeneous, complicated by other diseases and/or medications, and poorly or not at all characterized."…”

“…Most of the studies have found no significant increase in the circulating levels of oestrogens and prolactin (Nagasawa, 1979;Nisker & Siiteri, 1981;Zumoff, 1981) in breast cancer patients, and the few reports of testosterone levels are conflicting, normal values having been found by some authors (Bird et al, 1981;Borkowski et al, 1977;Horn & Gordan, 1974) and increased levels by others (Adami et al, 1979;McFadyen et al, 1976). Malarkey et al (1977) reported increased testosterone levels in premenopausal and normal testosterone levels in postmenopausal patients.…”

Effect of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on the Circulating Levels of Pituitary Hormones in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients

“…5 Mammary tissue is the target for a number of hormones, including gonadotropins and sex steroids, which makes it relevant to understand the relationship of hormonal changes associated with the development and/or treatment of breast carcinoma. Conflicting data have appeared in the literature regarding the circulating levels of pituitary gonadotropins (LH, FSH) and prolactin (PRL) in breast cancer patients.…”