Association between ESR1, ESR2, HER2, UGT1A4, and UGT2B7 polymorphisms and breast Cancer in Jordan: a case-control study

Pesticide exposure and oxidative stress generation are linked to poor prognosis outcomes in breast cancer women carrying the allelic variant rs7438135 in the UGT2B7 gene

Pesticide exposure is a risk factor for the development of several diseases, including breast cancer (BC). The enzyme UGT2B7 participate in detoxification of pesticides and the presence rs7438135 (G > A) variant in your gene increases its glucuronidation potential, contributing to oxidative stress metabolites neutralization. Here we investigated the impact of occupational pesticide exposure on the systemic oxidative stress generation from 228 women with BC depending on their UGT2B7 rs7438135 (G > A) status. q-PCR investigated the presence of the rs7438135 variant, and oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation levels, total antioxidant capacity-TRAP, and nitric oxide metabolites-NOx) were measured in plasma. Pesticide exposure induced significant augment in the systemic lipid peroxidation in the presence of the variant for several clinicopathological conditions, including tumors with high proliferation index (ki67) and with high aggressiveness. NOx was augmented in high ki67, positive progesterone receptors, high-grade and triple-negative/Luminal B tumors, and low-risk stratified patients. TRAP was depleted in young patients at menopause and those with triple-negative/Luminal B tumors, as well as those stratified as at low risk for death and recurrence. These findings showed that the presence of the variant was not able to protect from pesticide-induced oxidative stress generation in BC patients.

Drug Metabolizing Enzymes: An Exclusive Guide into Latest Research in Pharmaco-genetic Dynamics in Arab Countries

Drug metabolizing enzymes play a crucial role in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic drugs, influencing their efficacy and safety. This review explores the impact of genetic polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing genes on drug response within Arab populations. We examine the genetic diversity specific to Arab countries, focusing on the variations in key drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP450, GST, and UGT families. The review highlights recent research on polymorphisms in these genes and their implications for drug metabolism, including variations in allele frequencies and their effects on therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the paper discusses how these genetic variations contribute to the variability in drug response and adverse drug reactions among individuals in Arab populations. By synthesizing current findings, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacogenetic landscape in Arab countries and offer insights into personalized medicine approaches tailored to genetic profiles. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating pharmacogenetic data into clinical practice to enhance drug efficacy and minimize adverse effects, ultimately paving the way for more effective and individualized treatment strategies in the region.

ESR2 gene variants (rs1256049, rs4986938, and rs1256030) and their association with breast cancer risk

Background

Variants of the estrogen receptor b (ESR2) gene have been associated with different types of cancer. However, these associations have been inconsistent. We genotyped the ESR2 variants (rs1256049, rs4986938, and rs1256030) in breast cancer (BC) patients and in healthy women.

Results

The variants rs1256049 and rs4986938 in the ESR2 gene were not associated with risk susceptibility in BC patients. However, the rs1256030 variant had an association as a risk factor for BC patients when compared with controls and BC patients for the TT genotype (odds ratio (OR) 1.86, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [1.05-3.28], p = 0.042). In addition, differences were observed in patients and controls carrying the TT genotype under 50 years of age (OR 1.85, 95% CI [1.05-3.27], p = 0.043). Thus, evident differences showed the rs1256030 variant in patients with TT, TC, and TC+TT genotypes with: (1) Stage IV (OR 1.60, 95% CI [1.06-2.54], p = 0.033), and (2) Luminal A (OR 1.60, 95% CI [0.47-0.21], p = 0.041), as well as in BC carriers of the TT genotype with indices of cellular proliferative (Ki-67) elevated (>20%) and overweight (OR 1.67, 95% CI [0.85-3.28], p = 0.041), respectively. In BC HER2 with lymph node metastasis, the TT genotype was a protective factor (OR 0.38, 95% CI [0.18-0.78], p = 0.005). The identification of haplotypes included two common GAT as risk factors (OR 3.1, 95% CI [1.31-7.72], p = 0.011) and GGC as a protective factor (OR 0.7, 95% CI [0.60-0.97], p = 0.034). The haplogenotype GGGATC was a risk factor (OR 2.5, 95% CI [1.28-5.0], p = 0.008).

Conclusion

The variant rs1256030 (TT) of the ESR2 gene and haplotype GAT were associated with susceptibility to BC as risk factors in this sample from the Mexican population.

Diethylhexyl Phthalate and Bisphenol A Promote Vincristine and Tamoxifen Resistance in Vitro

Environmental estrogen active compounds are strong determinants of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers, and increased evidence indicates their contribution to chemotherapy resistance. In the current study, the efficacy of vincristine and tamoxifen, with the presence of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA) and the possible involvement of estrogen and estrogen receptor-related mechanisms, was evaluated in an ER+ mammary tumor cancer cell line, MCF-7. Chemotherapeutics tamoxifen as an estrogen receptor modulator and vincristine as an antimitotic compound were selected for evaluation against the presence of common endocrine disrupters. BPA and DEHP preincubation at their proliferative concentrations for 4 h was found to decrease the cytotoxicity of vincristine. mRNA and protein expression of ESR1 and ESR 2 were decreased by vincristine, while this decrease was reversed by DEHP and BPA. Both BPA and DEHP were able to interfere with the cytotoxic activity of vincristine against MCF-7 cells through ESR1 and ESR2. This study provides in vitro toxicological evidence for vincristine resistance and its relation to estrogen active environmental pollutants in ER+ breast cancer cells.

Value of UGT2B7-161 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Predicting the Risk of Cardiotoxicity in HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer Patients Who Underwent Pertuzumab Combined with Trastuzumab Therapy by PSL

Objective

To explore the value of uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7)-161 single nucleotide polymorphism in predicting the occurrence of cardiotoxicity in Chinese human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER-2) positive breast cancer patients who underwent pertuzumab combined with trastuzumab Therapy.

Methods

Fifty patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer who planned to receive trastuzumab and pertuzumab therapy for more than four cycles were enrolled in this study, and blood samples were collected. Thirty healthy volunteers of matching ages were selected as the control group. Myocardial parameters such as global work index, global effective work, and global wasted work were measured before treatment (M0) and at the end of four cycles of treatment month three (M3). Blood samples were collected from patients at the M0 stage, and polymorphisms of the UGT2B7-161 gene were detected to evaluate the predictive ability of different gene phenotypes on the myocardial drug toxicity injury.

Results

There were 35 myocardial work decreased events among 50 patients. There were 24 (47.3%), 15 (40.8%), and 11 (11.8%) patients carrying UGT2B7-161 CC, CT, and TT genotypes, respectively. The occurrence of myocardial work decreased was decreased in UGT2B7-161 TT and CT genotypes (12.5%) compared with CC genotype (41.7%) with statistical significance (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression model analysis exhibited that UGT2B7-161 genotypes, body mass index, and cardiac troponin I were independent factors influencing the risk of cardiotoxicity.

Conclusion

UGT2B7-161 single nucleotide polymorphism is a potential predictive factor for cardiotoxicity in HER-2 positive breast cancer patients receiving trastuzumab and pertuzumab dual-targeted drug therapy.

Arrabidaea chica chloroform extract modulates estrogen and androgen receptors on luminal breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide and, although 70% of patients are responsive to selective Estrogen Receptor (ER) modulators such as Tamoxifen (Tam), patients' survival is comprised by resistance to endocrine therapy. Brazilian flora, especially the Amazon biome, is one of the richest global sources of native species with potentially bioactive compounds. Arrabidaea chica is a plant native to the Amazon that has been used in the treatment of different diseases. However, its action on BC remains unclear.

METHODS

Herein the biological effects of the chloroform extract of A. chica (CEAC) were evaluated on BC cells and in in vivo model. After confirmation of CEAC antioxidant capacity, cells were treated with CEAC and Tam, alone and with CEAC+Tam. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT and hormone receptor transcripts levels were assessed (ESR1, ESR2 and AR). Finally, anticarcinogenicity of CEAC was recorded in Drosophila melanogaster through Epithelial Tumor Test (ETT).

RESULTS

The study confirmed the antioxidant activity of CEAC. CEAC was selective for MCF-7, downregulating ESR2 and AR transcripts and upregulating ESR2 expression. The modulatory effects of CEAC on ERs did not differ between cells treated with Tam and with CEAC+Tam. Interestingly, previous treatment with CEAC, followed by treatment with Tam promoted a significant decrease in cell viability. The extract also presented anticarcinogenic effect in in vivo assay.

CONCLUSION

The bioassays on breast tumor cells demonstrated the antiproliferative activity of the extract, which modulated the expression of hormone receptors and sensitized luminal tumor cells to Tam. These results suggest that CEAC could be a complementary treatment for BC.

Single-Institute Review of HER-2/Neu-Positive Invasive Lobular Breast Carcinoma in an Arab Population

BACKGROUND Invasive lobular carcinoma is special subtype of breast cancer that has clinical behavior and morphology distinct from other breast cancer subtypes. It accounts for 5-15% of breast cancer. Overall, HER-2 gene amplification occurs at a significantly lower rate in ILC, but also has been linked to adverse outcomes. Most cases of ILCs with HER-2 overexpression and or amplification generally have the pleomorphic variant. We report the first series of cases from Saudi Arabia for this rare cancer in an Arab population. CASE REPORT Nine patients retrospectively were evaluated with HER-2/neu-positive ILC of the breast that were diagnosed and managed from 2003 to 2020. Four patients were diagnosed as early breast cancer, 3 had metastatic disease and 2 were locally advanced at their initial presentation. The mean age was 58 years; 30% were classic ILC and another 60% were of mixed non-classic variants (histologic pattern represented by nuclear pleomorphism). Management of patients with HER-2-positive ILC was performed according to standard multimodality breast cancer guidelines, consisting of surgery, chemotherapy with anti-HER-2/neu blockade, radiation, and endocrine therapy, based on stage and hormone status. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, HER-2-positive invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast is uncommon in the Arab population, which has not been previously reported in the literature. Further studies are warranted to explore the biology, molecular characteristics, and clinical course in this group of patients.

ESR1 gene variants, haplotypes and diplotypes may influence the risk of breast cancer and mammographic density

Breast cancer as the most common cancer worldwide is influenced by genetic and physiological factors. Based on some evidence indicating the role of estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) in breast cancer development, in this study, the association of three common variations in ESR1 gene with breast cancer and density in an Iranian population was evaluated. In a case-control study, 400 blood samples were collected for DNA extraction and genotyping. Breast density was assessed using mammography. ESR1 rs6915267 (G/A), rs2077647 (C/T) and rs1801132 (C/G) were genotyped using ARMS-PCR method. PHASE program was used to estimate the haplotypes frequencies. Our data analysis showed rs6915267 GA genotype in the heterozygous (GA) as well as co-dominant models was associated with lower mammographic density. None of the three variations were associated with the breast cancer risk. Haplotype analysis indicated G-T-C haplotype of rs6915267, rs2077647 and rs1801132 [OR = 0.54, 95% CI (0.31-0.92), p = 0.025] and G-T/G-T diplotype of rs6915267-rs2077647 [OR = 0.38, 95% CI (0.17-0.86), p = 0.019] were associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. ESR1 may affect density of the breast and its haplotypes may modulate breast cancer risk.

The Associations of Common Genetic Susceptibility Variants with Breast Cancer in Jordanian Arabs: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

In Jordan, breast cancer (BC) affects a substantial proportion of Jordanian women, highlighting the need for studies to be carried out regarding the genetic component of the disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between BC risk and prognosis and polymorphisms in genes (ATM, CASP8, FGFR2, FN1, IGF1, LSP1, MAP3K, MMP7, and RHOC) that were chosen for this study previously reported as having a role in the disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 242 BC patients and 231 disease-free volunteers recruited from the Jordanian population. DNA was extracted from blood and each sample was sent to the Australian Genome Research Facility for genotyping.

RESULTS

The rs1219648 SNP of the FGFR2 gene was the only investigated variant to show any direct association with BC in Jordanian women (p-value = 0.04). However, the CASP8rs6760993 SNP was found to be significantly associated with BC (p-value = 0.04) when using the dominant model. Other gene polymorphisms showed varying levels of association between some investigated SNPs and different BC risk and prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Despite reports to the contrary in other populations, most of the investigated genes and their respective SNPs did not show any significant association with BC in Jordanian women. Our results underline the need for independent BC research to be carried out in the Jordanian population to decipher the genetic basis of the disease.
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The Association of IL-1 and HRAS Gene Polymorphisms with Breast Cancer Susceptibility in a Jordanian Population of Arab Descent: A Genotype-Phenotype Study

Breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis is poorly understood and not yet completely determined. BC susceptibility genes are responsible for 20% to 25% of breast cancer risk. The main objective of this study is to identify the genetic polymorphisms within the Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (HRAS1) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-Ra) genes in Jordanian BC female patients and to investigate the genetic association of these polymorphisms with BC. Samples were collected from 150 Jordanian BC patients and 187 healthy age-matched controls. PCR and PCR-RFLP techniques were used to identify genetic polymorphisms within these candidate genes. The single nucleotide polymorphism single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association web tool SNPStats (v. 3.6) was used to investigate the allelic and genotypic association with BC. Different statistical analyses were used to study the correlation between the investigated genetic variants and several prognosis factors of BC. A genetic association between BC susceptibility and Il-1β rs1143634 was found specifically at the allelic level of E1 as a risk allele (72% in the cases vs. 64.2% in the controls). Another genetic association was found in the IL-Ra gene (86-VNTR (variable number tandem repeat)), which presented one repeat allele (24.1% in cases vs. 15.59% in controls) and could be considered as a risk allele in Jordanian women. In contrast, this study found that there is no genetic association between Il-1β SNP rs16944 and BC. In addition, a significant association was found between the allelic level of the HRAS1 gene and BC susceptibility. Since this study is the first to be conducted on the genetic susceptibility of these genes to BC in the Jordanian population, more investigations on the link between BC and these variants are recommended to determine the impact of these polymorphisms on other ethnic groups.