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Abrahamsson A, Boroojeni FR, Naeimipour S, Reustle N, Selegård R, Aili D, Dabrosin C. Increased matrix stiffness enhances pro-tumorigenic traits in a physiologically relevant breast tissue- monocyte 3D model. Acta Biomater 2024; 178:160-169. [PMID: 38382828 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
High mammographic density, associated with increased tissue stiffness, is a strong risk factor for breast cancer per se. In postmenopausal women there is no differences in the occurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) depending on breast density. Preliminary data suggest that dense breast tissue is associated with a pro-inflammatory microenvironment including infiltrating monocytes. However, the underlying mechanism(s) remains largely unknown. A major roadblock to understanding this risk factor is the lack of relevant in vitro models. A biologically relevant 3D model with tunable stiffness was developed by cross-linking hyaluronic acid. Breast cancer cells were cultured with and without freshly isolated human monocytes. In a unique clinical setting, extracellular proteins were sampled using microdialysis in situ from women with various breast densities. We show that tissue stiffness resembling high mammographic density increases the attachment of monocytes to the cancer cells, increase the expression of adhesion molecules and epithelia-mesenchymal-transition proteins in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. Increased tissue stiffness results in increased secretion of similar pro-tumorigenic proteins as those found in human dense breast tissue including inflammatory cytokines, proteases, and growth factors. ER negative breast cancer cells were mostly unaffected suggesting that diverse cancer cell phenotypes may respond differently to tissue stiffness. We introduce a biological relevant model with tunable stiffness that resembles the densities found in normal breast tissue in women. The model will be key for further mechanistic studies. Additionally, our data revealed several pro-tumorigenic pathways that may be exploited for prevention and therapy against breast cancer. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Women with mammographic high-density breasts have a 4-6-fold higher risk of breast cancer than low-density breasts. Biological mechanisms behind this increase are not fully understood and no preventive therapeutics are available. One major reason being a lack of suitable experimental models. Having such models available would greatly enhance the discovery of relevant targets for breast cancer prevention. We present a biologically relevant 3D-model for studies of human dense breasts, providing a platform for investigating both biophysical and biochemical properties that may affect cancer progression. This model will have a major scientific impact on studies for identification of novel targets for breast cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Fatemeh Rasti Boroojeni
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sajjad Naeimipour
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nina Reustle
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Selegård
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Daniel Aili
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials, Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Lundberg P, Abrahamsson A, Kihlberg J, Tellman J, Tomkeviciene I, Karlsson A, Kristoffersen Wiberg M, Warntjes M, Dabrosin C. Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid reduces local inflammation and tissue perfusion in dense breast tissue in postmenopausal women. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:22. [PMID: 38317255 PMCID: PMC10845760 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01780-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE One major risk factor for breast cancer is high mammographic density. It has been estimated that dense breast tissue contributes to ~ 30% of all breast cancer. Prevention targeting dense breast tissue has the potential to improve breast cancer mortality and morbidity. Anti-estrogens, which may be associated with severe side-effects, can be used for prevention of breast cancer in women with high risk of the disease per se. However, no preventive therapy targeting dense breasts is currently available. Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer. Although the biological mechanisms involved in the increased risk of cancer in dense breasts is not yet fully understood, high mammographic density has been associated with increased inflammation. We investigated whether low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) affects local breast tissue inflammation and/or structural and dynamic changes in dense breasts. METHODS Postmenopausal women with mammographic dense breasts on their regular mammography screen were identified. A total of 53 women were randomized to receive ASA 160 mg/day or no treatment for 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before and after 6 months for a sophisticated and continuous measure breast density by calculating lean tissue fraction (LTF). Additionally, dynamic quantifications including tissue perfusion were performed. Microdialysis for sampling of proteins in vivo from breasts and abdominal subcutaneous fat, as a measure of systemic effects, before and after 6 months were performed. A panel of 92 inflammatory proteins were quantified in the microdialysates using proximity extension assay. RESULTS After correction for false discovery rate, 20 of the 92 inflammatory proteins were significantly decreased in breast tissue after ASA treatment, whereas no systemic effects were detected. In the no-treatment group, protein levels were unaffected. Breast density, measured by LTF on MRI, were unaffected in both groups. ASA significantly decreased the perfusion rate. The perfusion rate correlated positively with local breast tissue concentration of VEGF. CONCLUSIONS ASA may shape the local breast tissue microenvironment into an anti-tumorigenic state. Trials investigating the effects of low-dose ASA and risk of primary breast cancer among postmenopausal women with maintained high mammographic density are warranted. Trial registration EudraCT: 2017-000317-22.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lundberg
- Department of Radiation Physics and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Kihlberg
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Radiology and Department Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jens Tellman
- Department of Radiation Physics and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ieva Tomkeviciene
- Department of Radiology and Department Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anette Karlsson
- Department of Radiation Physics and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria Kristoffersen Wiberg
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Radiology and Department Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marcel Warntjes
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 85, Linköping, Sweden.
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Zdanowski A, Sartor H, Feldt M, Skarping I. Mammographic density in relation to breast cancer recurrence and survival in women receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1177310. [PMID: 37388229 PMCID: PMC10304818 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1177310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The association between mammographic density (MD) and breast cancer (BC) recurrence and survival remains unclear. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) are in a vulnerable situation with the tumor within the breast during treatment. This study evaluated the association between MD and recurrence/survival in BC patients treated with NACT. Methods Patients with BC treated with NACT in Sweden (2005-2016) were retrospectively included (N=302). Associations between MD (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 5th Edition) and recurrence-free/BC-specific survival at follow-up (Q1 2022) were addressed. Hazard ratios (HRs) for recurrence/BC-specific survival (BI-RADS a/b/c vs. d) were estimated using Cox regression analysis and adjusted for age, estrogen receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status, axillary lymph node status, tumor size, and complete pathological response. Results A total of 86 recurrences and 64 deaths were recorded. The adjusted models showed that patients with BI-RADS d vs. BI-RADS a/b/c had an increased risk of recurrence (HR 1.96 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98-3.92)) and an increased risk of BC-specific death (HR 2.94 (95% CI 1.43-6.06)). Conclusion These findings raise questions regarding personalized follow-up for BC patients with extremely dense breasts (BI-RADS d) pre-NACT. More extensive studies are required to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanna Sartor
- Department of Translational Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund/Malmö, Sweden
| | - Maria Feldt
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ida Skarping
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Ekstrand J, Abrahamsson A, Lundberg P, Dabrosin C. Breast density and estradiol are associated with distinct different expression patterns of metabolic proteins in normal human breast tissue in vivo. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1128318. [PMID: 37064098 PMCID: PMC10090464 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1128318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundBreast density and exposure to sex steroids are major risk factors for breast cancer. The local microenvironment plays an essential role in progression of breast cancer. Metabolic adaption is a major hallmark of cancer. Whether proteins from the extracellular space regulating metabolism are affected in breast cancer, dense breasts or by estrogen exposure are not yet fully elucidated.MethodsWomen with breast cancer, postmenopausal women with normal breast tissue with varying breast density or premenopausal women with breasts exposed to high levels of estradiol were included in the study. Microdialysis was used to collect proteins from the extracellular space in vivo in 73 women; 12 with breast cancer, 42 healthy postmenopausal women with different breast densities, and 19 healthy premenopausal women. Breast density was determined as lean tissue fraction (LTF) using magnetic resonance imaging. Data were evaluated in a murine breast cancer model. We quantified a panel of 92 key proteins regulating metabolism using proximity extension assay.ResultsWe report that 29 proteins were upregulated in human breast cancer. In dense breasts 37 proteins were upregulated and 17 of these were similarly regulated as in breast cancer. 32 proteins correlated with LTF. In premenopausal breasts 19 proteins were up-regulated and 9 down-regulated. Of these, 27 correlated to estradiol, a result that was confirmed for most proteins in experimental breast cancer. Only two proteins, pro-cathepsin H and galanin peptide, were similarly regulated in breast cancer, dense- and estrogen exposed breasts.ConclusionsMetabolic proteins may be targetable for breast cancer prevention. Depending on risk factor, this may, however, require different approaches as breast density and estradiol induce distinct different expression patterns in the breast. Additionally, metabolic proteins from the extracellular space may indeed be further explored as therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Ekstrand
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Lundberg
- Department of Radiation Physics and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Charlotta Dabrosin,
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Breast density is strongly associated with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers and pro-tumorigenic proteins in situ. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:2025-2033. [PMID: 36138072 PMCID: PMC9681775 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01976-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High mammographic density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer by poorly understood molecular mechanisms. Women with dense breasts often undergo conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) despite its limited specificity, which may be increased by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and contrast. How these modalities are affected by breast density per se and their association with the local microenvironment are undetermined. METHODS Healthy postmenopausal women attending mammography screen with extremely dense or entirely fatty breasts underwent multiparametric MRI for analyses of lean tissue fraction (LTF), ADC and perfusion dynamics. Microdialysis was used for extracellular proteomics in situ. RESULTS Significantly increased LTF and ADC and delayed perfusion were detected in dense breasts. In total, 270 proteins were quantified, whereof 124 related to inflammation, angiogenesis, and cellular growth were significantly upregulated in dense breasts. Most of these correlated significantly with LTF, ADC and the perfusion data. CONCLUSIONS ADC and perfusion characteristics depend on breast density, which should be considered during the implementation of thresholds for malignant lesions. Dense and nondense breasts are two essentially different biological entities, with a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment in dense breasts. Our data reveal several novel pathways that may be explored for breast cancer prevention strategies.
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Santamaría G, Naude N, Watson J, Irvine J, Lloyd T, Bennett I, Galloway G, Malycha P, Mountford C. Breast Tissue Chemistry Measured In Vivo In Healthy Women Correlate with Breast Density and Breast Cancer Risk. J Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 56:1355-1369. [PMID: 35319148 PMCID: PMC9790468 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship of tissue chemistry to breast density and cancer risk has not been documented despite breast density being a known risk factor. PURPOSE To investigate whether distinct chemical profiles associated with breast density and cancer risk are identified in healthy breast tissue using in vivo two-dimensional correlated spectroscopy (2D COSY). STUDY TYPE Prospective. POPULATION One-hundred-seven participants including 55 at low risk and 52 at high risk of developing breast cancer. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3 T/ axial/ T1, T2, 2D COSY. ASSESSMENT Two radiologists defined breast density on T2. Interobserver variability assessed. Peak volumes normalized to methylene at (1.30, 1.30) ppm as internal shift reference. STATISTICAL TESTS Chi-squared/Mann-Whitney/Kappa statistics/Kruskal Wallis/pairwise analyses. Significance level 0.05. RESULTS Ten percentage were fatty breasts, 39% scattered fibroglandular, 35% heterogeneously dense, and 16% extremely dense. Interobserver variability was excellent (kappa = 0.817). Sixty percentage (64/107) were premenopausal. Four distinct tissue chemistry categories were identified: low-density (LD)/premenopausal, high-density (HD)/premenopausal, LD/postmenopausal, and HD/postmenopausal. Compared to LD, HD breast chemistry showed significant increases of cholesterol (235%) and lipid unsaturation (33%). In the low-risk category, postmenopausal women with dense breasts recorded the largest significant changes including cholesterol methyl 540%, lipid unsaturation 207%, glutamine/glutamate 900%, and choline/phosphocholine 800%. In the high-risk cohort, premenopausal women with HD recorded a more active chemical profile with significant increases in choline/phosphocholine 1100%, taurine/glucose 550% and cholesterol sterol 250%. DATA CONCLUSION Four distinct chemical profiles were identified in healthy breast tissue based on breast density and menopausal status in participants at low and high risk. Gradual increase in neutral lipid content and metabolites was noted in both risk groups across categories in different order. In low risk, the HD postmenopausal category exhibited the highest metabolic activity, while women at high risk exhibited the highest lipid content and metabolic activity in the HD premenopausal category. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorane Santamaría
- Diagnostic ImagingTranslational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Department of RadiologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Department of RadiologyHospital Clínic de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain,Faculty of Health, Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Natali Naude
- Diagnostic ImagingTranslational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Department of RadiologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of Health, Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Julia Watson
- Diagnostic ImagingTranslational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Department of RadiologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of Health, Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - John Irvine
- Faculty of Health, Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Thomas Lloyd
- Department of RadiologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of Health, Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Ian Bennett
- Department of RadiologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Graham Galloway
- Diagnostic ImagingTranslational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Department of RadiologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of Health, Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Peter Malycha
- Diagnostic ImagingTranslational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Department of RadiologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of Health, Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Jones and Partners RadiologySt Andrew's HospitalAdelaideAustralia
| | - Carolyn Mountford
- Diagnostic ImagingTranslational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Department of RadiologyPrincess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of Health, Biomedical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Ekstrand J, Zemmler M, Abrahamsson A, Lundberg P, Forsgren M, Dabrosin C. Breast Density and Estradiol Are Major Determinants for Soluble TNF-TNF-R Proteins in vivo in Human Breast Tissue. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850240. [PMID: 35432372 PMCID: PMC9005790 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
High mammographic density and exposure to sex steroids are independent risk factors for breast cancer by yet unknown mechanisms. Inflammation is one hallmark of cancer and the tumor necrosis factor family of proteins (TNFSFs) and receptors (TNFRSFs) are key determinants of tissue inflammation. The relationship between TNFSFs/TNFRSFs and breast tissue density or local breast estradiol levels is unknown. We investigated whether TNFSFs and soluble TNFRSFs (sTNFRSFs) are dysregulated in vivo in human breast cancer and dense breast tissue of postmenopausal women. We explored TNFSF/TNFRSF correlations with breast density and estradiol, both locally in the breast and in abdominal subcutaneous (s.c.) fat as a measure of systemic effects. Microdialysis was used for local sampling of in vivo proteins and estradiol in a total of 73 women; 12 with breast cancer, 42 healthy postmenopausal women with different breast densities, and 19 healthy premenopausal women. Breast density was determined as lean tissue fraction (LTF) using magnetic resonance imaging. Microdialysis was also performed in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer in mice treated with the pure anti-estrogen fulvestrant and tumor tissue was subjected to immunohistochemistry. 23 members of the TNFSF/sTNFRSF families were quantified using proximity extension assay.Our data revealed upregulation of TNFSF10, 13 and 13B, TNFRSF6, 6B, 9, 11A, 11B, 13B, 14, and 19, and TNFR-1 and -2 in ER+ breast cancer in women. In dense breast tissue TNFSF10, 13, and 14, TNFRSF3, 6, 9, 10B, 13B, 14, 19, and TNFR-1 and -2 were upregulated. Certain TNFSFs/TNFRSFs were increased in premenopausal breasts relative to postmenopausal breasts. Furthermore, estradiol correlated with most of the TNFSF/sTNFRSF members, though LTF only correlated with some of the proteins. Several of these associations were breast tissue-specific, as very few correlated with estradiol in abdominal s.c. fat. Estrogen dependent regulations of TNFSF2 (TNF-α) and TNF-R2 were corroborated in ER+ breast cancer in mice. Taken together, our data indicate TNFSFs/sTNFRSFs may represent potential targetable pathways for treatment of breast cancer patients and in prevention of breast cancer development in women with dense breasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Ekstrand
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maja Zemmler
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Lundberg
- Department of Radiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mikael Forsgren
- Department of Radiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Mijic S, Dabrosin C. Platelet Activation In Situ in Breasts at High Risk of Cancer: Relationship with Mammographic Density and Estradiol. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:485-500. [PMID: 33180937 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT High mammographic density in postmenopausal women is an independent risk factor for breast cancer by undetermined mechanisms. No preventive therapy for this risk group is available. Activated platelets release growth factors that modulate the microenvironment into a protumorigenic state. Estrogens may affect the risk of breast cancer and platelet function. Whether platelets are activated in situ in breast cancer or in normal breast tissue at high risk of breast cancer and the association to estradiol remains elusive. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether platelets are activated in situ in breast cancers and in dense breast tissue of postmenopausal women and explore correlations between estradiol, released platelet factors, and inflammatory proteins. SETTING AND DESIGN Sampling of in vivo proteins was performed using microdialysis in a total of 71 women: 10 with breast cancer, 42 healthy postmenopausal women with different breast densities, and 19 premenopausal women. RESULTS Our data demonstrate increased levels of coagulation factors in dense breast tissue similar to that found in breast cancers, indicating excessive platelet activation. Premenopausal breasts exhibited similar levels of coagulation factors as postmenopausal dense breasts. Out of 13 coagulations factors that were upregulated in dense breasts, 5 exhibited significant correlations with estradiol, both locally in the breast and systemically. In breast tissue, positive correlations between coagulation factors and key inflammatory proteins and matrix metalloproteinases were detected. CONCLUSIONS Breast density, not estradiol, is the major determinant of local platelet activation. Inactivation of platelets may be a therapeutic strategy for cancer prevention in postmenopausal women with dense breasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofija Mijic
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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9
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Yaghjyan L, Wijayabahu A, Eliassen AH, Colditz G, Rosner B, Tamimi RM. Associations of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications with mammographic breast density and breast cancer risk. Cancer Causes Control 2020; 31:827-837. [PMID: 32476101 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-020-01321-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the associations of aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs with mammographic breast density (MBD) and their interactions in relation to breast cancer risk. METHODS This study included 3,675 cancer-free women within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII) cohorts. Percent breast density (PD), absolute dense area (DA), and non-dense area (NDA) were measured from digitized film mammograms using a computer-assisted thresholding technique; all measures were square root-transformed. Information on medication use was collected in 1980 (NHS) and 1989 (NHSII) and updated biennially. Medication use was defined as none, past or current; average cumulative dose and frequency were calculated for all past or current users from all bi-annual questionnaires preceding the mammogram date. We used generalized linear regression to quantify associations of medications with MBD. Two-way interactions were examined in logistic regression models. RESULTS In multivariate analysis, none of the anti-inflammatory medications were associated with PD, DA, and NDA. We found no interactions of any of the medications with PD with respect to breast cancer risk (all p-interactions > 0.05). However, some of the aspirin variables appeared to have positive associations with breast cancer risk limited only to women with PD 10-24% (past aspirin OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.03-2.35; current aspirin with < 5 years of use OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.01-3.28; current aspirin with ≥ 5 years of use OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.26-2.82). CONCLUSIONS Aspirin and NSAIDs are not associated with breast density measures. We found no interactions of aspirin with MBD in relation to breast cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lusine Yaghjyan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Akemi Wijayabahu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - A Heather Eliassen
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Graham Colditz
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Institute for Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bernard Rosner
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rulla M Tamimi
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Dabrosin N, Dabrosin C. Postmenopausal Dense Breasts Maintain Premenopausal Levels of GH and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins in Vivo. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5695904. [PMID: 31900484 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Dense breast tissue is associated with 4 to 6 times higher risk of breast cancer by poorly understood mechanisms. No preventive therapy for this high-risk group is available. After menopause, breast density decreases due to involution of the mammary gland. In dense breast tissue, this process is haltered by undetermined biological actions. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like binding proteins (IGFBPs) play major roles in normal mammary gland development, but their roles in maintaining breast density are unknown. OBJECTIVE To reveal in vivo levels of GH, IGFBPs, and other pro-tumorigenic proteins in the extracellular microenvironment in breast cancer, in normal breast tissue with various breast density in postmenopausal women, and premenopausal breasts. We also sought to determine possible correlations between these determinants. SETTING AND DESIGN Microdialysis was used to collect extracellular in vivo proteins intratumorally from breast cancers before surgery and from normal human breast tissue from premenopausal women and postmenopausal women with mammographic dense or nondense breasts. RESULTS Estrogen receptor positive breast cancers exhibited increased extracellular GH (P < .01). Dense breasts of postmenopausal women exhibited similar levels of GH as premenopausal breasts and significantly higher levels than in nondense breasts (P < .001). Similar results were found for IGFBP-1, -2, -3, and -7 (P < .01) and for IGFBP-6 (P <.05). Strong positive correlations were revealed between GH and IGFBPs and pro-tumorigenic matrix metalloproteinases, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, Interleukin 6, Interleukin 8, and vascular endothelial growth factor in normal breast tissue. CONCLUSIONS GH pathways may be targetable for cancer prevention therapeutics in postmenopausal women with dense breast tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Dabrosin
- Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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11
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Sun YW, Xu H, Benitez G, Chen KM, Stanley A, Stanley B, Zhu J, Thompson H, Manni A, El-Bayoumy K. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Responsive Proteins and Reduction in Breast Density in Obese Postmenopausal Women. J Proteome Res 2019; 18:3461-3469. [PMID: 31369706 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We reported that breast density (BD) was inversely correlated with the plasma level of DHA in postmenopausal obese, but not in nonobese, women given Lovaza (n-3FA). To identify protein biomarkers for the possible differential effect of n-3FA on BD between obese and nonobese women, an iTRAQ method was performed to analyze plasma from obese and lean women at each time point (baseline, 12 and 24-months, n = 10 per group); 173 proteins with >95% confidence (Unuses Score >1.3 and local false discovery rate estimation <5%) were identified. Comparative analysis between various groups identified several differentially expressed proteins (hemopexin precursor, vitamin D binding protein isoform 1 precursor [VDBP], fibronectin isoform 10 precursor [FN], and α-2 macroglobulin precursor [A2M]). Western blot analysis was performed to verify the differential expression of proteins in the iTRAQ study, and those found to be altered in a tumor protective fashion by an n-3FA rich diet in our previous preclinical study; gelsolin, VDBP, and FN were altered by n-3FA in a manner consistent with reduction in inflammation in obese women. To test the impact of our findings on breast cancer risk reduction by n-3FA, a posthoc analysis revealed that n-3FA administration reduced BD selectively in obese postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Manni
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine , Pennsylvania State University , Hershey , Pennsylvania 17033 , United States
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12
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Lindahl G, Abrahamsson A, Dabrosin C. Dietary flaxseed and tamoxifen affect the inflammatory microenvironment in vivo in normal human breast tissue of postmenopausal women. Eur J Clin Nutr 2019; 73:1250-1259. [DOI: 10.1038/s41430-019-0396-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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13
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Abrahamsson A, Rzepecka A, Dabrosin C. Equal Pro-inflammatory Profiles of CCLs, CXCLs, and Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Extracellular Microenvironment In Vivo in Human Dense Breast Tissue and Breast Cancer. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1994. [PMID: 29387062 PMCID: PMC5776019 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory microenvironment affects breast cancer progression. Proteins that govern the inflammatory response are secreted into the extracellular space, but this compartment still needs to be characterized in human breast tissues in vivo. Dense breast tissue is a major risk factor for breast cancer by yet unknown mechanisms and no non-toxic prevention for these patients exists. Here, we used the minimal invasive technique of microdialysis for sampling of extracellular proteins in live tissues in situ in breast cancers of women before surgery and in healthy women having dense or non-dense breast tissue on mammography. Proteins were profiled using a proximity extension assay. Out of the 32 proteins assessed, 26 exhibited similar profiles in breast cancers and dense breast tissues; CCL-4, -7, -8, -11, -15, -16, -22, -23, and -25, CXCL-5, -8, -9, -16 as well as sIL-6R, IL-18, vascular endothelial growth factor, TGF-α, fibroblast growth factor 19, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, -3, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator were all increased, whereas CCL-3, CX3CL1, hepatocyte growth factor, and MMP-9 were unaltered in the two tissues. CCL-19 and -24, CXCL-1 and -10, and IL-6 were increased in dense breast tissue only, whereas IL-18BP was increased in breast cancer only. Our results provide novel insights in the inflammatory microenvironment in human breast cancer in situ and define potential novel therapeutic targets. Additionally, we show previously unrecognized similarities of the pro-inflammatory microenvironment in dense breast tissue and breast cancer in vivo suggesting that anti-inflammatory breast cancer prevention trials for women with dense breast tissue may be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Rzepecka
- Department of Radiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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14
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Vega S, Basurto L, Saucedo R, Barrera S, Reyes-Maldonado E, Garcia-Latorre EA, Zarate A. Similar to Adiponectin, Serum Levels of Osteocalcin are Associated with Mammographic Breast Density in Postmenopausal Women. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2017; 40:186-192. [PMID: 28927816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2017.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canadian women and worldwide. Mammographic density is a well-established breast cancer risk. Recent evidence suggested inverse correlations among adiponectin, osteocalcin, and the risk developing breast cancer. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between breast density and adiponectin and osteocalcin concentrations. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in 239 women, age range 40 to 60. Mammographic density, serum adiponectin, and osteocalcin levels were measured. According to the Wolfe method, participants were divided into those with low-risk and high-risk pattern mammograms. RESULTS The study population included 107 premenopausal and 132 postmenopausal women. Parameters were no different between women with low-risk and high-risk patterns. In obese postmenopausal women, the high-risk pattern mammogram group had significantly higher values of adiponectin and osteocalcin compared with the low-risk pattern group. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that adiponectin and osteocalcin levels were associated with high-risk pattern mammograms. CONCLUSION Adiponectin and osteocalcin levels were directly associated with high-risk pattern mammograms in obese postmenopausal women. These results do not support the use of adipokines as biomarkers; nevertheless, the most important factor is to assess the risk through breast density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vega
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Endocrinas, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Centro Médico Nacional, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Basurto
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Endocrinas, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Centro Médico Nacional, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Renata Saucedo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Endocrinas, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Centro Médico Nacional, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Susana Barrera
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Endocrinas, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Centro Médico Nacional, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elba Reyes-Maldonado
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ethel A Garcia-Latorre
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Zarate
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Endocrinas, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Centro Médico Nacional, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
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15
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Abrahamsson A, Capodanno A, Rzepecka A, Dabrosin C. Downregulation of tumor suppressive microRNAs in vivo in dense breast tissue of postmenopausal women. Oncotarget 2017; 8:92134-92142. [PMID: 29190903 PMCID: PMC5696169 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with dense breast tissue on mammography are at higher risk of developing breast cancer but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. De-regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been associated with the onset of breast cancer. miRNAs in the extracellular space participate in the regulation of the local tissue microenvironment. Here, we recruited 39 healthy postmenopausal women attending their mammography-screen that were assessed having extreme dense or entirely fatty breasts (nondense). Microdialysis was performed in breast tissue and a reference catheter was inserted in abdominal subcutaneous fat for local sampling of extracellular compounds. Three miRNAs, associated with tumor suppression, miR-193b, miR-365a, and miR-452 were significantly down-regulated in dense breast tissue compared with nondense breast tissue. In addition, miR-452 exhibited significant negative correlations with several pro-inflammatory cytokines in vivo, which was confirmed in vitro by overexpression of miR-452 in breast cancer cells. No differences were found of miR-21, -29a, -30c, 146a, -148a, -203, or -451 in breast tissue and no miRs were different in plasma. Extracellular miRNAs may be among factors that should be included in studies of novel prevention strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Capodanno
- Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Rzepecka
- Department of Radiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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16
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Petridou E, Kibiro M, Gladwell C, Malcolm P, Toms A, Juette A, Borga M, Dahlqvist Leinhard O, Romu T, Kasmai B, Denton E. Breast fat volume measurement using wide-bore 3 T MRI: comparison of traditional mammographic density evaluation with MRI density measurements using automatic segmentation. Clin Radiol 2017; 72:565-572. [PMID: 28363661 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2017.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived breast density measurements using automatic segmentation algorithms with radiologist estimations using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS) density classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty women undergoing mammography and dynamic breast MRI as part of their clinical management were recruited. Fat-water separated MRI images derived from a two-point Dixon technique, phase-sensitive reconstruction, and atlas-based segmentation were obtained before and after intravenous contrast medium administration. Breast density was assessed using software from Advanced MR Analytics (AMRA), Linköping, Sweden, with results compared to the widely used four-quartile quantitative BI-RADS scale. RESULTS The proportion of glandular tissue in the breast on MRI was derived from the AMRA sequence. The mean unenhanced breast density was 0.31±0.22 (mean±SD; left) and 0.29±0.21 (right). Mean breast density on post-contrast images was 0.32±0.19 (left) and 0.32±0.2 (right). There was "almost perfect" correlation between pre- and post-contrast breast density quantification: Spearman's correlation rho=0.98 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.97-0.99; left) and rho=0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-0.99; right). The 95% limits of agreement were -0.11-0.08 (left) and -0.08-0.03 (right). Interobserver reliability for BI-RADS was "substantial": weighted Kappa k=0.8 (95% CI: 0.74-0.87). The Spearman correlation coefficient between BI-RADS and MRI breast density was rho=0.73 (95% CI: 0.60-0.82; left) and rho=0.75 (95% CI: 0.63-0.83; right) which was also "substantial". CONCLUSION The AMRA sequence provides a fully automated, reproducible, objective assessment of fibroglandular breast tissue proportion that correlates well with mammographic assessment of breast density with the added advantage of avoidance of ionising radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Petridou
- Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
| | - M Kibiro
- Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
| | - C Gladwell
- Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
| | - P Malcolm
- Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK.
| | - A Toms
- Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
| | - A Juette
- Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
| | - M Borga
- Centre for Medical Image Science and Visualisation, Linköping University, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Linköping University, Sweden; Advanced MR Analytics AB, Teknikringen 7, Linköping, Sweden
| | - O Dahlqvist Leinhard
- Centre for Medical Image Science and Visualisation, Linköping University, Sweden; Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden; Advanced MR Analytics AB, Teknikringen 7, Linköping, Sweden
| | - T Romu
- Centre for Medical Image Science and Visualisation, Linköping University, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - B Kasmai
- Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
| | - E Denton
- Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
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17
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Abrahamsson A, Rzepecka A, Dabrosin C. Increased nutrient availability in dense breast tissue of postmenopausal women in vivo. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42733. [PMID: 28198437 PMCID: PMC5309876 DOI: 10.1038/srep42733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer. Nutrient availability in the tissue microenvironment determines cellular events and may play a role in breast carcinogenesis. High mammographic density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Whether nutrient availability differs in normal breast tissues with various densities is unknown. Therefore we investigated whether breast tissues with various densities exhibited differences in nutrient availability. Healthy postmenopausal women from the regular mammographic screening program who had either predominantly fatty breast tissue (nondense), n = 18, or extremely dense breast tissue (dense), n = 20, were included. Microdialysis was performed for the in vivo sampling of amino acids (AAs), analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy, glucose, lactate and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in breast tissues and, as a control, in abdominal subcutaneous (s.c.) fat. We found that dense breast tissue exhibited significantly increased levels of 20 proteinogenic AAs and that 18 of these AAs correlated significantly with VEGF. No differences were found in the s.c. fat, except for one AA, suggesting tissue-specific alterations in the breast. Glucose and lactate were unaltered. Our findings provide novel insights into the biology of dense breast tissue that may be explored for breast cancer prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Abrahamsson
- Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Rzepecka
- Department of Radiology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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