An association between a common variant (G972R) in the IRS-1 gene and sex hormone levels in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors

A cluster randomized controlled trial to increase breast cancer screening among African American women: the black cosmetologists promoting health program

BACKGROUND

African American women have disproportionately higher rates of breast cancer mortality than all other ethnic groups, thus highlighting the importance of promoting early detection.

METHODS

African American women (N = 984) from San Diego, California, participated in a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of breast cancer education sessions offered in beauty salons. Cosmetologists received ongoing support, training, and additional culturally aligned educational materials to help them engage their clients in dialogues about the importance of breast cancer early detection. Posters and literature about breast cancer early detection were displayed throughout the salons and cosmetologists used synthetic breast models to show their clients how breast cancer lumps might feel. Participants in the control group received a comparable diabetes education program. Baseline and 6-month follow-up surveys were administered to evaluate changes in women's breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening behaviors.

RESULTS

This intervention was well received by the participants and their cosmetologists and did not interfere with or prolong the client's salon visit. Women in the intervention group reported significantly higher rates of mammography compared to women in the control group. Training a single educator proved sufficient to permeate the entire salon with the health message, and salon clients agreed that cosmetologists could become effective health educators.

CONCLUSIONS

Cosmetologists are in an ideal position to increase African American women's breast cancer knowledge and adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines.

Variants in the HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) gene influence component phenotypes in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of genetic variation in the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (HMGCR) gene in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

Women with and without PCOS were genotyped for seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HMGCR. The SNPs and haplotypes were determined and tested for association with PCOS and its component traits.

SETTING

Subjects were recruited from the reproductive endocrinology clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; control subjects were recruited from the surrounding community. Genotyping took place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 287 white PCOS women and 187 control subjects were studied.

INTERVENTION(S)

Phenotypic and genotypic assessment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

HMGCR genotype, PCOS diagnosis, androgen levels, metabolic traits.

RESULT(S)

No association with PCOS was observed. SNP rs4629571 was associated with increased insulin resistance. Haplotype 3 was associated with increased insulin resistance. Haplotype 5 was associated with higher SHBG and lower free T.

CONCLUSION(S)

Variation in the HMGCR gene may influence component features of PCOS, including insulin resistance, SHBG, and free T. HMGCR may thus act as a modifier gene in PCOS.

Insulin receptor substrates (IRSs) and breast tumorigenesis

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and IRS-2 are adaptor proteins in the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)/IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) pathway that mediate cell proliferation, migration, and survival. In addition to their role as scaffolding proteins in the cytoplasm, they are able to translocate into the nucleus and regulate gene transcription. IRS levels are developmentally and hormonally regulated in the normal mammary gland and both are essential for normal mammary gland bud formation and lactation. Both IRS-1 and IRS-2 are transforming oncogenes, and induce transformation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In breast cancer IRSs have unique functions, with IRS-1 being mainly involved in cell proliferation and survival, whereas IRS-2 has clear roles in cell migration and metastasis. In this review we will discuss the roles of IRSs in mammary gland development and breast cancer.