Relationship between plasma progesterone, estradiol and prolactin concentrations and breast cancer in pre and postmenopausal women

Abstract

74Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women after skin cancer and is the second most common cause of death among women after lung cancer. The causes of breast cancer are very complicated. Although about 7% of breast cancers are of genetical background, the rest are due to environmental causes [1]. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and prolactin are implicated in a number of ways as possible causes of breast cancer. Throughout women life cycle, breast development and function depend on complex critical interplay of these hormones [2]. Many breast cancers are hormone dependent, meaning hormones turn on breast cancer cell growth.Estradiol is considered the most significant breast cancer risk factor because of its direct role in stimulation breast cell division or via its effects on other hormones and due its support of the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors [2]. Although, no study has clearly demonstrated a relationship between breast cancer and estrogen levels in premenopausal women [3]. Women with high estrogen levels were more likely to go on to develop breast cancer [4]. Postmenopausal women with high plasma estrogen levels have twice the risk of developing breast cancer as women with low levels [5].Prolactin hormone is essential for breast development and lactation [6][7][8]. High plasma prolactin levels were associated with a modestly increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer [7,8]. About 95% of breast cancers expressed receptors for prolactin, meaning that they would be responsive to the stimulatory effect of prolactin [9][10][11]. However, in a study by Tworoger et al [12], a non significant positive relationship between prolactin levels and postmenopausal breast cancer was observed. Progesterone stimulates breast development during pregnancy [13]. About 65% of estrogen positive breast Received March 31, 2009Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and prolactin are implicated in a number of ways as possible causes of breast cancer. Throughout women life cycle, breast development and function depend on complex critical interplay of these hormones. The acknowledged gaps in our understanding concerning progesterone, estrogen and prolactin hormones involvement in human breast cancer has exposed the need to conduct this study for better understanding of the role played by these hormones in breast cancer during pre and post menopause status in order to influence prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Ninety women were enrolled, (80%) of them were breast cancer patients and the other (20%) were breast benign lesion patients. At attending King Hussein Medical Center, blood samples were collected and analyzed for plasma estradiol, prolactin and progesterone. Of the 72 breast cancer patients (66.6% and 33.4%), and of the 18 breast benign patients (27.8% and 72.2%) were in menopause and premenopausal, respectively. Of the breast cancer and benign patients groups, 55.6% of each had an association with either high plasma estradiol, prolactin or progesterone concentrations. Of the brea...

Hormonal and Biochemical Factors in Serum of Pre- and Post-menopausal Iraqi Women with Breast Cancer.

“…PRL levels, increase at, menarche and, decrease after, menopause as, estrogen levels do (16) . In this study, high circulating levels of estrogen also been associated with an increased risk in pre-and post-menopausal BC women, these findings were in agreement with other studies (41)(42)(43)(44) . In pre-menopausal women, estrogens are synthesized from androgens by the granulose cells in the ovaries.…”

Linkage Between Obesity Leptin and Breast Cancer

“…7 Breast cancer makes up 25% of all new cancer diagnoses in women globally. 8 Although age, genetics, family history, 9,10 and reproductive factors are considered as well-known risk factors for breast cancer incidence, 11,12 alcohol drinking, smoking, excess body weight, vitamin D, 13-15 and physical inactivity may be considered as modifiable risk factors (represent 20% of breast cancers risk factors). However, to reduce breast cancer incidence, many lifestyle changes are necessary.…”