| Title | Differential expression of cancer-related proteins in paired breast milk samples from women with breast cancer. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2012 |
| Authors | Arcaro, KF, Browne, EP, Qin, W, Zhang, K, Anderton, DL, Sauter, ER |
| Journal | Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pagination | 543-6 |
| Date Published | 2012 Nov |
| Abstract | Background: Breast cancer risk increases during pregnancy and remains elevated for a number of years thereafter. Cancer-associated proteins that are secreted into breast milk may provide a means to detect cancer in the lactating breast or to assess future breast cancer risk. Objective: To determine whether proteins linked to breast cancer would be differentially expressed in matched (both breasts from each participant) human milk samples collected from women with unilateral breast cancer. Methods: Five cancer-associated proteins (basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], YKL-40, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and transforming growth factor β1 and β2) were analyzed in milk provided by 5 lactating women, 4 of whom were known to have cancer in 1 breast (and the opposite breast clinically disease free) at the time of milk collection and 1 who developed breast cancer 2 years after milk collection. Results: Expression was significantly higher for TGFβ2 (P = .03) and bFGF (P =.03) in the breasts with cancer. Conclusion: These proteins may play a role in assessing a woman's risk of pregnancy-associated breast cancer. Because of variable protein concentration among patients and the limited sample size, the results are considered preliminary. |
| Alternate Journal | J Hum Lact |
Veterinary and Animal Sciences