Prolactin: The Third Hormone in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Prolactin coordinates with the ovarian steroids to orchestrate mammary development and lactation, culminating in nourishment and an increasingly appreciated array of other benefits for neonates. Its central activities in mammary epithelial growth and differentiation suggest that it plays a role(s) in breast cancer, but it has been challenging to identify its contributions, essential for incorporation into prevention and treatment approaches. Large prospective epidemiologic studies have linked higher prolactin exposure to increased risk, particularly for ER+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women. However, it has been more difficult to determine its actions and clinical consequences in established tumors. Here we review experimental data implicating multiple mechanisms by which prolactin may increase the risk of breast cancer. We then consider the evidence for role(s) of prolactin and its downstream signaling cascades in disease progression and treatment responses, and discuss how new approaches are beginning to illuminate the biology behind the seemingly conflicting epidemiologic and experimental studies of prolactin actions across diverse breast cancers.

Prolactin levels and breast cancer risk by tumor expression of prolactin-related markers

“…NF1-C2 has been shown to activate the TP53 tumor suppressor gene and prolactin may mediate this relationship [ 29 ]. In addition to NF1-C2, the prolactin can activate other pathways such as SRC family kinases, AKT, and MAP kinases [ 31 ]. The multiple pathways downstream of JAK2 and the fact that other growth factors and hormones can activate this pathway may explain why we did not observe a specific association by pJAK2 tumor expression.…”

“…We observed some differences in tumor characteristics (i.e., ductal/lobular, lymph node involvement, tumor grade, and tumor size) by PRLR, pSTAT5 and pJAK2 expression and menopausal status. The role of PRLR and pSTAT5 in tumors after development remains unclear, and more work is needed to understand the biological importance of these markers and their clinical relevance [ 31 ].…”

Body Composition, Gynecologic-Obstetric Variables, and Prolactin Levels in Patients with Breast Cancer

“…Early age at menarche, late age at menopause, and a history of nulliparity are factors that exemplify the influence of endogenous sex hormones on mammary gland tumorigenesis [23]. Although, in this investigation, a measurement of sex hormones in the tissue of the mammary gland was not carried out; the serum profile of sexual hormones guides the knowledge of hormonal alterations in patients with BC [24].…”

Contribuição Do Diagnóstico Por Imagem Para a Ciência Forense

“…This literature review was performed to show the effect of the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), COX-2 inhibitors, in the breast cancer treatment. The COX-2 expression supported by the ÍNDICE REMISSIVO T TAPP 77,81,82,84,85,91,92,93,94 TEP 77,81,82,83,84,85,91,93 Transtorno Depressivo Maior 64,65,68,70,71,72,75 Transtorno Mental 121 Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento 41,42,43,45,48 Tuberculose 29,30,54,56,112,146,147,148,149,150,151,152,153,154,155,156,157,158 Tumores 159,160,161,162,163,164,165,166,167,…”