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Chan NC, Lawson JS, Hirsh J. Human papilloma virus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Eur Heart J 2024:ehad829. [PMID: 38321363 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Noel C Chan
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - James S Lawson
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jack Hirsh
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Lawson JS. The rise and fall of tobacco smoking and associated rise and fall of coronary atherosclerosis the lethal role of tobacco. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1267205. [PMID: 37855020 PMCID: PMC10579586 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1267205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review two new hypotheses are explored, one, that the decline in coronary heart disease is mainly due to a dramatic decline in the prevalence of underlying atherosclerosis and two, that tobacco smoking has been a much greater influence on atherosclerosis than previously estimated. The major outcome of coronary atherosclerosis is myocardial infarction. Between 1900 and 1960 the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis dramatically rose in young male soldiers. Between 1960 and 2010 the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis in young US soldiers equally dramatically fell. Understanding the reasons for this rise and fall offers important insights into the causes of atherosclerosis. In 1960 over 50% of US military personnel were tobacco smokers but by 1988 the rate had reduced to 30%. The increased prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis in young soldiers between 1900 and 1960 was mainly due to increased tobacco smoking. An additional influence was an increase in food and sugar consumption. The fall in atherosclerosis between 1960 and 2010 was probably due to a reduction in tobacco smoking and to a lesser extent, control of hypertension and lowering of high serum total cholesterol. In Western populations up to two thirds of the fall in deaths due to myocardial infarction has been shown to be due to declines in the incidence of heart attacks. Based on the data included in this review it is arguable that the main reason for the fall in the incidence of heart attacks is the fall in the prevalence of underlying coronary atherosclerosis. The adverse influences of tobacco have been well documented. However the enormity of these adverse influences has not been recognised. Over 50% of men continue to smoke tobacco in China, Indonesia, Russia and middle eastern countries. Based on the experience of Western countries over half of these men will die of smoking related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lawson JS, Syme HM, Antrobus PR, Karttunen JM, Stewart SE, Karet Frankl FE, Williams TL. Urinary extracellular vesicles as a source of protein-based biomarkers in feline chronic kidney disease and hypertension. J Small Anim Pract 2023; 64:3-11. [PMID: 35799320 PMCID: PMC10084206 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To validate a methodology for isolating feline urinary extracellular vesicles and characterise the urinary extracellular vesicle population and proteome in cats with normal renal function and cats with normotensive or hypertensive chronic kidney disease. METHODS Feline urinary extracellular vesicles were isolated using three different methods (precipitation alone, precipitation followed by size exclusion chromatography and ultrafiltration followed by size exclusion chromatography, which were compared via transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Cats with normal renal function (n=9), normotensive chronic kidney disease (n=10) and hypertensive chronic kidney disease (n=9) were identified and urinary extracellular vesicles isolated from patient urine samples via ultrafiltration followed by size exclusion chromatography. Extracellular vesicle size and concentration were determined using nanoparticle tracking analysis, and subsequently underwent proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to identify differences in protein expression between categories. RESULTS Urinary extracellular vesicle preparations contained particles of the expected size and morphology, and those obtained by ultrafiltration + size exclusion chromatography had a significantly higher purity (highest particle: protein ratio). The urinary extracellular vesicle proteomes contained extracellular vesicle markers and proteins originating from all nephron segments. Urinary extracellular vesicle concentration and size were unaffected by renal disease or hypertension. There were no differentially expressed proteins detected when comparing urinary extracellular vesicles derived from cats in the healthy category with the combined chronic kidney disease category, but five differentially expressed proteins were identified between the normotensive chronic kidney disease and hypertensive chronic kidney disease categories. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Feline urinary extracellular vesicles can be successfully isolated from stored urine samples. Differentially expressed urinary extracellular vesicle proteins were discovered in cats with hypertensive chronic kidney disease, and warrant further investigation into their utility as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - H M Syme
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Keith Peters Building, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - P R Antrobus
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Keith Peters Building, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - J M Karttunen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - S E Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - F E Karet Frankl
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Keith Peters Building, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK.,Department of Medical Genetics and Division of Renal Medicine, University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - T L Williams
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this review is to consider whether multiple pathogens have roles in prostate cancer. METHODS We have reviewed case control studies in which infectious pathogens in prostate cancer were compared to normal and benign prostate tissues. We also reviewed additional evidence from relevant published articles. RESULTS We confirmed that high risk human papilloma viruses are a probable cause of prostate cancer. We judged Escherichia coli, Cutibacterium acnes, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Herpes simplex, Epstein Barr virus and Mycoplasmas as each having possible but unproven roles in chronic prostatic inflammation and prostate cancer. We judged Cytomegalovirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis and the Polyoma viruses as possible but unlikely to have a role in prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS AND ACTIONS The most influential cause of prostate cancer appears to be infection induced chronic inflammation. Given the high prevalence of prostate cancer it is important for action to can be taken without waiting for additional conclusive evidence. These include: 1. Encouragement of all boys (as well as girls) to have HPV vaccines 2. The vigorous use of antibiotics to treat all bacterial pathogens identified in the urogenital tract 3. The use of antiviral medications to control herpes infections 4. Education about safe sexual practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia
| | - Wendy K. Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia
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Abstract
Abstract We have considered viruses and their contribution to breast cancer. Mouse mammary tumour virus The prevalence of mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV) is 15-fold higher in human breast cancer than in normal and benign human breast tissue controls. Saliva is the most plausible means of transmission. MMTV has been identified in dogs, cats, monkeys, mice and rats. The causal mechanisms include insertional oncogenesis and mutations in the protective enzyme ABOBEC3B. Human papilloma virus The prevalence of high risk human papilloma viruses (HPV) is frequently six fold higher in breast cancer than in normal and benign breast tissue controls. Women who develop HPV associated cervical cancer are at higher than normal risk of developing HPV associated breast cancer. Koilocytes have been identified in breast cancers which is an indication of HPV oncogenicity. The causal mechanisms of HPVs in breast cancer appear to differ from cervical cancer. Sexual activity is the most common form of HPV transmission. HPVs are probably transmitted from the cervix to the breast by circulating extra cellular vesicles. Epstein Barr virus The prevalence of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is five fold higher in breast cancer than in normal and benign breast tissue controls. EBV is mostly transmitted from person to person via saliva. EBV infection predisposes breast epithelial cells to malignant transformation through activation of HER2/HER3 signalling cascades. EBV EBNA genes contribute to tumour growth and metastasis and have the ability to affect the mesenchymal transition of cells. Bovine leukemia virus Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infects beef and dairy cattle and leads to various cancers. The prevalence of BLV is double in human breast cancers compared to controls. Breast cancer is more prevalent in red meat eating and cow’s milk consuming populations. BLV may be transmitted to humans from cattle by the consumption of red meat and cow’s milk. Conclusion The evidence that MMTV, high risk HPVs and EBVs have causal roles in human breast cancer is compelling. The evidence with respect to BLV is more limited but it is likely to also have a causal role in human breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13027-021-00366-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Lawson JS, Syme HM, Wheeler-Jones CPD, Elliott J. Investigation of the transforming growth factor-beta 1 signalling pathway as a possible link between hyperphosphataemia and renal fibrosis in feline chronic kidney disease. Vet J 2020; 267:105582. [PMID: 33375963 PMCID: PMC7814380 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with development of hyperphosphataemia. Severity of renal fibrosis has been correlated with degree of hyperphosphataemia. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a major pro-fibrotic mediator in CKD. A phosphate restricted diet did not affect urinary active TGF-β1 excretion in cats. Increased extracellular phosphate had no pro-fibrotic effect on feline renal cells.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in geriatric cats, and is characterised in the majority of cases by tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Hyperphosphataemia is a frequent complication of CKD and is independently associated with severity of renal fibrosis and disease progression. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) signalling is thought to be a convergent pathway which mediates the progression of renal fibrosis in CKD. The aims of this study were to explore the interaction between increased extracellular phosphate and the TGF-β1 signalling pathway by investigating: (a) the effect of a commercially available, phosphate-restricted, diet on urinary TGF-β1 excretion in cats with CKD; and (b) the role of increased extracellular phosphate in regulating proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of genes related to TGF-β1 signalling and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in feline proximal tubular epithelial cells (FPTEC) and cortical fibroblasts from cats with azotaemic CKD (CKD-FCF). The dietary intervention study revealed no effect of dietary phosphate restriction on urinary active TGF-β1 excretion after 4–8 weeks (P = 0.98), despite significantly decreasing serum phosphate (P < 0.001). There was no effect of increased growth media phosphate concentration (from 0.95 mM to 2 mM and 3.5 mM) on proliferation (P = 0.99) and apoptotic activity in FPTEC (P = 0.22), or expression of genes related to ECM production and the TGF-β1 signalling pathway in FPTEC and CKD-FCF (P > 0.05). These findings suggest the beneficial effects of dietary phosphate restriction on progression of feline CKD may not occur through modulation of renal TGF-β1 production, and do not support a direct pro-fibrotic effect of increased extracellular phosphate on feline renal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, UK.
| | - H M Syme
- Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - C P D Wheeler-Jones
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, UK
| | - J Elliott
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, UK
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Lawson JS, Glenn WK. Evidence for a causal role by human papillomaviruses in prostate cancer - a systematic review. Infect Agent Cancer 2020; 15:41. [PMID: 32684946 PMCID: PMC7359253 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-020-00305-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is hypothesised that high risk for cancer human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have a causal role in prostate cancer. In 26 case control studies, high risk HPVs have been identified in benign and prostate cancers. High risk HPVs were identified in 325 (22.6%) of 1284 prostate cancers and in 113 (8.6%) of 1313 normal or benign prostate controls (p = 0.001). High risk HPVs of the same type have been identified in both normal and benign prostate tissues prior to the development of HPV positive prostate cancer. High risk HPVs can be associated with inflammatory prostatitis leading to benign prostate hyperplasia and later prostate cancer. Normal human prostate epithelial cells can be immortalised by experimental exposure to HPVs. HPVs are probably sexually transmitted. The role of HPVs in prostate cancer is complex and differs from HPVs associated cervical cancer. HPV infections may initiate prostate oncogenesis directly and influence oncogenesis indirectly via APOBEC enzymes. HPVs may collaborate with other pathogens in prostate oncogenesis. Although HPVs are only one of many pathogens that have been identified in prostate cancer, they are the only infectious pathogen which can be prevented by vaccination. A causal role for HPVs in prostate cancer is highly likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
We have reviewed the evidence relevant to mouse mammary tumour viruses (MMTV) and human breast cancer. The prevalence of MMTV- like gene sequences is 15-fold higher in human breast cancer than in normal human breast tissue controls and is present in up to 40% of human breast cancers. MMTV-like gene sequences can be identified in benign breast tissues 1–11 years before the development of positive MMTV-like breast cancer in the same women. The prevalence of MMTV antibodies in sera from women with breast cancer is 5-fold higher than in normal women. MMTV can infect human breast epithelial cells and integrate at random into the human genome located in those cells. MMTV-like gene sequences are present in human milk from normal lactating women and with increased prevalence in milk from women at risk of breast cancer. MMTV-like virus associated human breast cancer has strikingly similar features to MMTV-associated mouse mammary tumours. These features include almost identical nucleotide sequences and structure of the MMTV genome, histology, superantigen expression, MMTV infection of B and T lymphocytes and hormone dependence. MMTV-like gene sequences have also been identified in dogs, cats, monkeys, mice and rats. Saliva has been identified as the most plausible means of transmission from human to human and possibly from dogs to humans. The evidence meets the classic causal criteria. A causal role for MMTV-like viruses in human breast cancer is highly likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
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Lawson JS, Syme HM, Wheeler-Jones CPD, Elliott J. Characterisation of Crandell-Rees Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells as mesenchymal in phenotype. Res Vet Sci 2019; 127:99-102. [PMID: 31683198 PMCID: PMC6863388 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Crandell-Rees Feline Kidney Cell (CRFK) is an immortalised cell line derived from the feline kidney that is utilised for the growth of certain vaccinal viruses. Confusion exists as to whether CRFK are epithelial or mesenchymal in phenotype. The aim of this study was to characterise CRFK cells via immunofluorescence, enzyme cytochemistry, western blotting, RT-qPCR for S100A4 and comparison to primary feline proximal tubular epithelial cells (FPTEC) and feline cortical fibroblasts (FCF). CRFK cells were of fusiform morphology and appeared similar to FCF. CRFK expressed the mesenchymal intermediate filament (IF) protein vimentin together with two cell adhesion molecules associated with feline fibroblasts (CD29 and CD44), and lacked expression of the epithelial IF cytokeratin, myogenic IF desmin and endothelial marker von Willebrand factor (vWF). In addition, CRFK did not demonstrate brush border enzyme activity typical of FPTEC. S100A4 gene expression, implicated in both neoplastic transformation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, was highly upregulated in CRFK in comparison to the primary feline renal cells. CRFK appear phenotypically similar to fibroblasts, rather than tubular epithelial cells, and may have undergone neoplastic transformation or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition after extensive passaging. This finding may have potential implications for future research utilising this cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK.
| | - H M Syme
- Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - C P D Wheeler-Jones
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - J Elliott
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK
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Lawson JS, Salmons B, Gunzburg WH. Commentary regarding Gannon et al. “Viral infections and breast cancer – A current perspective”. Cancer Lett 2018; 424:117-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Lawson JS, Mazzanti C, Civita P, Menicagli M, Ngan CC, Whitaker NJ, Hochman J, Braitbard O, Yosufi B, Glenn WK. Association of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus With Human Breast Cancer: Histology, Immunohistochemistry and Polymerase Chain Reaction Analyses. Front Oncol 2018; 8:141. [PMID: 29868468 PMCID: PMC5950654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine whether mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-associated human breast cancer has the same or similar histology to MMTV-associated mouse mammary tumors. Such associations may indicate a role for MMTV in human breast cancer. Methods Immunohistochemical techniques (using antibodies directed against the signal peptide p14 of the envelope precursor protein of MMTV) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were used to identify MMTV proteins and MMTV-like envelope gene sequences in a series of breast cancers from Australian women. The histological characteristics of these human breast cancer specimens were compared with MMTV positive mouse mammary tumors. The same methods were used to study benign breast tissues which 1–11 years later developed into breast cancer. Results MMTV p14 proteins were identified in 27 (54%) of 50 human breast cancers. MMTV env gene sequences were identified by PCR in 12 (27%) of 45 human breast cancers. There was a significant correlation between the presence of MMTV (identified by p14 immunohistochemistry) in human breast cancers and histological characteristics similar to MMTV positive mouse mammary tumors (p = 0.001). There was a non-significant correlation between the presence of MMTV env gene sequences (identified by PCR) in human breast cancers and histological characteristics similar to MMTV positive mouse mammary tumors (p = 0.290). MMTV p14 proteins were identified in 7 (54%) of 13 benign breast specimens that later developed into human breast cancers. MMTV by PCR was identified in two benign specimens one of whom later developed MMTV positive breast cancer. Discussion These observations offer evidence that MMTV may be associated with characteristic human breast cancer histology. p14-based immunohistochemistry appears to be a more reliable technique than PCR for the identification of MMTV in human breast cancer. Identification of MMTV-associated p14 proteins in benign breast tissues confirms prior PCR-based studies that MMTV infection occurs before the development of MMTV positive breast cancer. Conclusion Many MMTV positive human breast cancers have similar histology to MMTV positive mouse mammary tumors. MMTV infection identified in benign breast tissues precedes development of MMTV positive human breast cancer. When considered in the context of prior studies, these observations indicate a likely role for MMTV in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jacob Hochman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ori Braitbard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Benafsha Yosufi
- Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lawson JS, Syme HM, Wheeler-Jones CPD, Elliott J. Characterisation of feline renal cortical fibroblast cultures and their transcriptional response to transforming growth factor β1. BMC Vet Res 2018. [PMID: 29523136 PMCID: PMC5845201 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1387-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in geriatric cats, and the most prevalent pathology is chronic tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. The cell type predominantly responsible for the production of extra-cellular matrix in renal fibrosis is the myofibroblast, and fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation is probably a crucial event. The cytokine TGF-β1 is reportedly the most important regulator of myofibroblastic differentiation in other species. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterise renal fibroblasts from cadaverous kidney tissue of cats with and without CKD, and to investigate the transcriptional response to TGF-β1. Results Cortical fibroblast cultures were successfully established from the kidney tissue of cats with normal kidney function (FCF) and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD-FCF). Both cell types expressed the mesenchymal markers vimentin, CD44 and CD29, and were negative for the epithelial marker cytokeratin, mesangial cell marker desmin and endothelial cell marker vWF. Only CKD-FCF expressed VCAM-1, a cell marker associated with inflammation. Incubation with TGF-β1 (0–10 ng/ml) induced a concentration dependent change in cell morphology, and upregulation of myofibroblast marker gene α-SMA expression alongside collagen 1α1, fibronectin, TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNA. These changes were blocked by the TGF-β1 receptor 1 antagonist SB431542 (5 μM). Conclusions FCF and CKD-FCF can be cultured via a simple method and represent a model for the investigation of the progression of fibrosis in feline CKD. The findings of this study suggest TGF-β1 may be involved in fibroblast-myofibroblast transition in feline CKD, as in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK.
| | - H M Syme
- Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - C P D Wheeler-Jones
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - J Elliott
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK
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Lawson JS, Salmons B, Glenn WK. Oncogenic Viruses and Breast Cancer: Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV), Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Front Oncol 2018; 8:1. [PMID: 29404275 PMCID: PMC5786831 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the risk factors for breast cancer are well established, namely female gender, early menarche and late menopause plus the protective influence of early pregnancy, the underlying causes of breast cancer remain unknown. The development of substantial recent evidence indicates that a handful of viruses may have a role in breast cancer. These viruses are mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), bovine leukemia virus (BLV), human papilloma viruses (HPVs), and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV-also known as human herpes virus type 4). Each of these viruses has documented oncogenic potential. The aim of this review is to inform the scientific and general community about this recent evidence. The evidence MMTV and human breast cancer—the evidence is detailed and comprehensive but cannot be regarded as conclusive. BLV and human breast cancer—the evidence is limited. However, in view of the emerging information about BLV in human breast cancer, it is prudent to encourage the elimination of BLV in cattle, particularly in the dairy industry. HPVs and breast cancer—the evidence is substantial but not conclusive. The availability of effective preventive vaccines is a major advantage and their use should be encouraged. EBV and breast cancer—the evidence is also substantial but not conclusive. Currently, there are no practical means of either prevention or treatment. Although there is evidence of genetic predisposition, and cancer in general is a culmination of events, there is no evidence that inherited genetic traits are causal. Conclusion The influence of oncogenic viruses is currently the major plausible hypothesis for a direct cause of human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lawson JS, Glenn WK. Multiple oncogenic viruses are present in human breast tissues before development of virus associated breast cancer. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:55. [PMID: 29075317 PMCID: PMC5644159 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0165-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple oncogenic viruses including, mouse mammary tumor virus, bovine leukemia virus, human papilloma virus, and Epstein Barr virus, have been identified as separate infectious pathogens in human breast cancer. Here we demonstrate that these four viruses may be present in normal and benign breast tissues 1 to 11 years before the development of same virus breast cancer in the same patients. Methods We combined the data we developed during investigations of the individual four oncogenic viruses and breast cancer. Patients who had benign breast biopsies 1–11 years prior to developing breast cancer were identified by pathology reports from a large Australian pathology service (Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology). Archival formalin fixed specimens from these patients were collected. The same archival specimens were used for (i) investigations of mouse mammary tumour virus (also known as human mammary tumour virus) conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York and at the University of Pisa, Italy, (ii) bovine leukemia virus conducted at the University of California at Berkeley,(iii) human papilloma virus and Epstein Barr virus conducted at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Seventeen normal breast tissues from cosmetic breast surgery conducted on Australian patients were used as controls. These patients were younger than those with benign and later breast cancer. Results Standard and in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods were used to identify the four viruses. The detailed methods are outlined in the separate publications.: mouse mammary tumor virus, human papilloma virus and Epstein Barr virus (Infect Agent Cancer 12:1, 2017, PLoS One 12:e0179367, 2017, Front Oncol 5:277, 2015, PLoS One 7:e48788, 2012). Epstein Barr virus and human papilloma virus were identified in the same breast cancer cells by in situ PCR. Mouse mammary tumour virus was identified in 6 (24%) of 25 benign breast specimens and in 9 (36%) of 25 breast cancer specimens which subsequently developed in the same patients. Bovine leukemia virus was identified in 18 (78%) of 23 benign breast specimens and in 20 (91%) of 22 subsequent breast cancers in the same patients. High risk human papilloma viruses were identified in 13 (72%) of 17 benign breast specimens and in 13 (76%) of 17 subsequent breast cancers in the same patients. Epstein Barr virus was not identified in any benign breast specimens but was identified in 3 (25%) of 12 subsequent breast cancers in the same patients. Mouse mammary tumour virus 3 (18%), bovine leukemia virus 6 (35%), high risk human papilloma virus 3 (18%) and Epstein Barr virus 5 (29%) were identified in 17 normal control breast specimens. Conclusions These findings add to the evidence that multiple oncogenic viruses have potential roles in human breast cancer. This is an important observation because evidence of prior infection before the development of disease is a key criterion when assessing causation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia.,School of BABS, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2110 Australia
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia
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Lawson JS, Ngan CC, Glenn WK, Tran DD. Correction to: mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV) and human breast cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:51. [PMID: 29034001 PMCID: PMC5629764 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0135-8.].
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - C C Ngan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - W K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - D D Tran
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Sydney, Australia
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Glenn WK, Ngan CC, Amos TG, Edwards RJ, Swift J, Lutze-Mann L, Shang F, Whitaker NJ, Lawson JS. High risk human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are present in benign prostate tissues before development of HPV associated prostate cancer. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:46. [PMID: 28811834 PMCID: PMC5553674 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although high risk HPVs are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer it is not known if they have a causal role. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential role of human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in prostate cancer. The aims are (i) to investigate the presence and confirm the identity of high risk HPVs in benign prostate tissues prior to the development of HPV positive prostate cancer in the same patients, and (ii) to determine if HPVs are biologically active. Methods We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify HPVs in specimens from 52 Australian men with benign prostate biopsies who 1 to 10 years later developed prostate cancer. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess the expression of HPV E7 oncoproteins, cytokeratin and prostate specific antigen (PSA). We used RNASeq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify possible HPV RNA sequences in prostate cancer. Results HPV screening using standard PCR was conducted on 28 of the 52 sets of benign and later prostate cancers. HPV L1 genes were identified in 13 (46%) benign and 8 (29%) of 28 later prostate cancers in the same patients. HPV E7 genes were identified in 23 (82%) benign and 19 (68%) of 28 subsequent prostate cancers in the same patients. The same HPV types were present in both the benign and subsequent prostate cancers in 9 sets of specimens. HPV type 16 was identified in 15% of benign and 3% of prostate cancers. HPV type 18 was identified in 26% of benign and 16% of prostate cancers. Small numbers of HPV types 45, 47, 76 and 115 were also identified. High confidence RNA-Seq evidence for high risk HPV types 16 and 18 was identified in 12 (2%) of the 502 TCGA prostate cancer transcriptomes. High risk HPV E7 oncoprotein was positively expressed in 23 (82%) of 28 benign prostate specimens but only in 8 (29%) of 28 of the later prostate cancer specimens. This difference is statistically significant (p = 0.001). Prostate specific antigen (PSA) was more highly expressed in 26 (50%) of 52 prostate cancer specimens as compared to prior benign prostate specimens in the same patients. Conclusions High risk HPVs are present in benign prostate tissues prior to the development of HPV positive prostate cancer. There is a significantly higher expression of HPV E7 oncoproteins in benign prostate tissues as compared to late prostate cancer that subsequently developed in the same patients. This observation suggests that HPV oncogenic activity is an early phenomenon in a majority of prostate oncogenesis. TCGA RNA-Seq data suggests that HPV is biologically active in some prostate tumour samples. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13027-017-0157-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Christopher C Ngan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Timothy G Amos
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Richard J Edwards
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Joshua Swift
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Louise Lutze-Mann
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Fei Shang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Noel J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
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Nartey T, Mazzanti CM, Melana S, Glenn WK, Bevilacqua G, Holland JF, Whitaker NJ, Lawson JS, Pogo BGT. Mouse mammary tumor-like virus (MMTV) is present in human breast tissue before development of virally associated breast cancer. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:1. [PMID: 28053656 PMCID: PMC5209856 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-016-0113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is substantial evidence that a virus homologous to mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) may have a role in human breast cancer. The present study indicates that those who developed breast cancer associated with an MMTV-like virus had this virus in their non-cancerous breast tissues years before the cancer developed. Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques and sequencing were used to identify MMTV-like envelope gene sequences (MMTV-like env sequences) in Australian benign breast biopsy specimens from women who several years later developed breast cancer. Murine contamination was excluded by stringent laboratory procedures, and the absence of intracisternal A particle sequences and mitochondrial cyclooxygenase sequences. Results MMTV-like env sequences (also called HMTV sequences to denote their source) were found in 9 of 25 breast cancer specimens (36%). Among 25 non-cancerous breast biopsies of these same patients taken 1 to 11 years earlier, six contained MMTV-like sequences (24%). Five of the six were among the nine virally-associated breast cancers. In two pairs of specimens, benign and malignant, env sequences were 97% identical. Conclusions The identification of MMTV (MMTV-like) sequences in breast tissues prior to the development of MMTV positive breast cancer fulfills a key criterion for a possible causal role for the MMTV-like virus in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teiko Nartey
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | | | - Stella Melana
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Noel J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
Although deaths due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ACAD) have fallen dramatically during the past 50 years, ACAD remains as the leading cause of death in all continents, except Africa, where deaths due to infections are still dominant. Although food and nutrition have a proven role in atherosclerosis, the underlying causes of ACAD remain unknown. This is despite a century of intensive research dominated by investigations into the saturated fat hypothesis. In this review, it is hypothesized that the rise and fall in ACAD during the past 100 years is primarily due to the parallel rise and fall in the prevalence of coronary atheroma, the underlying disease. It is further hypothesized that infectious pathogens initiate atherosclerosis mainly during infancy and childhood. It is speculated that widespread use of antibiotics and vaccines against bacterial and viral infections may be the reason for the dramatic fall in coronary atheroma and ACAD during the past 50 years. The relevant evidence and a working hypothesis are included in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lawson JS, Syme HM, Wheeler-Jones CPD, Elliott J. Urinary active transforming growth factor β in feline chronic kidney disease. Vet J 2016; 214:1-6. [PMID: 27387717 PMCID: PMC4949776 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Feline urinary active transforming growth factor beta 1 (aTGF-β1) was measured in healthy and azotaemic cats. There was no cross-sectional association between aTGF-β1 and development of chronic kidney disease. Elevations in aTGF-β1 preceded development of azotaemia in a longitudinal study. Urinary aTGF-β1 concentrations reflected severity of renal pathology.
The cytokine transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been widely implicated in the development and progression of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans and in experimental models. The aims of this study were to assess the association between urinary active TGF-β1 and (a) development of CKD in a cross-sectional study, (b) deterioration of renal function over 1 year in a longitudinal study, and (c) renal histopathological parameters in cats. A human active TGF-β1 ELISA was validated for use in feline urine. Cross-sectional analysis revealed no significant difference in urinary active TGF-β1:creatinine ratio (aTGF-β1:UCr) between groups with differing renal function. Longitudinally, non-azotaemic cats that developed CKD demonstrated a significant (P = 0.028) increase in aTGF-β1:UCr approximately 6 months before the development of azotaemia, which remained elevated (P = 0.046) at diagnosis (approximately 12 months prior, 8.4 pg/mg; approximately 6 months prior, 22.2 pg/mg; at CKD diagnosis, 24.6 pg/mg). In the histopathology study, aTGF-β1:UCr was significantly higher in cats with moderate (P = 0.02) and diffuse (P = 0.005) renal fibrosis than in cats without fibrosis. Cats with moderate renal inflammation had significantly higher urinary active aTGF-β1 concentrations than cats with mild (P = 0.035) or no inflammatory change (P = 0.004). The parameter aTGF-β1:UCr was independently associated with Log urine protein:creatinine ratio in a multivariable analysis of clinicopathological parameters and interstitial fibrosis score in a multivariable analysis of histopathological features. These results suggest that urinary aTGF-β1 reflects the severity of renal pathology. Increases in urinary aTGF-β1 followed longitudinally in individual cats may indicate the development of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK.
| | - H M Syme
- Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - C P D Wheeler-Jones
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - J Elliott
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK
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Lawson JS, Glenn WK, Salyakina D, Clay R, Delprado W, Cheerala B, Tran DD, Ngan CC, Miyauchi S, Karim M, Antonsson A, Whitaker NJ. Human Papilloma Virus Identification in Breast Cancer Patients with Previous Cervical Neoplasia. Front Oncol 2016; 5:298. [PMID: 26779441 PMCID: PMC4705232 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Women with human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated cervical neoplasia have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than the general female population. The purpose of this study was to (i) identify high-risk HPVs in cervical neoplasia and subsequent HPV positive breast cancers which developed in the same patients and (ii) determine if these HPVs were biologically active. Methods A range of polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical techniques were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study of cervical precancers and subsequent breast cancers in the same patients. Results The same high-risk HPV types were identified in both the cervical and breast specimens in 13 (46%) of 28 patients. HPV type 18 was the most prevalent. HPVs appeared to be biologically active as demonstrated by the expression of HPV E7 proteins and the presence of HPV-associated koilocytes. The average age of these patients diagnosed with breast cancer following prior cervical precancer was 51 years, as compared to 60 years for all women with breast cancer (p for difference = 0.001). Conclusion These findings indicate that high-risk HPVs can be associated with cervical neoplasia and subsequent young age breast cancer. However, these associations are unusual and are a very small proportion of breast cancers. These outcomes confirm and extend the observations of two similar previous studies and offer one explanation for the increased prevalence of serious invasive breast cancer among young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Daria Salyakina
- Center for Computational Science, University of Miami , Miami, FL , USA
| | - Rosemary Clay
- Douglass Hanly Moir - Pathology , Macquarie Park, NSW , Australia
| | - Warick Delprado
- Douglass Hanly Moir - Pathology , Macquarie Park, NSW , Australia
| | | | - Dinh D Tran
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Christopher C Ngan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Shingo Miyauchi
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Martha Karim
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Annika Antonsson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane, QLD , Australia
| | - Noel J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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Lawson JS, Glenn WK, Salyakina D, Delprado W, Clay R, Antonsson A, Heng B, Miyauchi S, Tran DD, Ngan CC, Lutze-Mann L, Whitaker NJ. Human Papilloma Viruses and Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2015; 5:277. [PMID: 26734565 PMCID: PMC4679879 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Human papillomaviruses (HPV) may have a role in some breast cancers. The purpose of this study is to fill important gaps in the evidence. These gaps are: (i) confirmation of the presence of high risk for cancer HPVs in breast cancers, (ii) evidence of HPV infections in benign breast tissues prior to the development of HPV-positive breast cancer in the same patients, (iii) evidence that HPVs are biologically active and not harmless passengers in breast cancer. METHODS RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to identify HPV RNA sequences in breast cancers. We also conducted a retrospective cohort study based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses to identify HPVs in archival specimens from Australian women with benign breast biopsies who later developed breast cancer. To assess whether HPVs in breast cancer were biologically active, the expression of the oncogenic protein HPV E7 was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS Thirty (3.5%) low-risk and 20 (2.3%) high-risk HPV types were identified in 855 breast cancers from the TCGA database. The high risk types were HPV 18 (48%), HPV 113 (24%), HPV 16 (10%), HPV 52 (10%). Data from the PCR cohort study indicated that HPV type 18 was the most common type identified in breast cancer specimens (55% of 40 breast cancer specimens) followed by HPV 16 (13%). The same HPV type was identified in both the benign and subsequent breast cancer in 15 patients. HPV E7 proteins were identified in 72% of benign breast specimens and 59% of invasive breast cancer specimens. CONCLUSION There were four observations of particular interest: (i) confirmation by both NGS and PCR of the presence of high-risk HPV gene sequences in breast cancers, (ii) a correlation between high-risk HPV in benign breast specimens and subsequent HPV-positive breast cancer in the same patient, (iii) HPVs in breast cancer are likely to be biologically active (as shown by transcription of HPV DNA to RNA plus the expression of HPV E7 proteins), (iv) HPV oncogenic influences may occur early in the development of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Daria Salyakina
- Center for Computational Science, University of Miami , Miami, FL , USA
| | - Warick Delprado
- Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology , Macquarie Park, NSW , Australia
| | - Rosemary Clay
- Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology , Macquarie Park, NSW , Australia
| | - Annika Antonsson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane, QLD , Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Shingo Miyauchi
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Dinh D Tran
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Christopher C Ngan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Louise Lutze-Mann
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Noel J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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Ngan C, Lawson JS, Clay R, Delprado W, Whitaker NJ, Glenn WK. Early Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Oncogenic Influences in Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer (Auckl) 2015; 9:93-7. [PMID: 26691275 PMCID: PMC4676430 DOI: 10.4137/bcbcr.s35692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papilloma viruses (HPVs) may act early in breast oncogenesis (“hit-and-run” phenomena). METHODS The authors used immunohistochemistry for the identification of HPV E7 oncogenic protein expression in 32 sets of benign and subsequent breast cancer specimens from the same Australian patients. RESULTS HPV E7 oncoprotein was clearly expressed in the nuclei of 23 (72%) of the 32 benign specimens and 20 (62.5%) of the subsequent 32 breast cancer specimens in the same patients. There was no HPV E7 protein expression in seven (30%) of the 23 breast cancer specimens that had prior HPV E7 protein-positive benign breast biopsies in the same patients. CONCLUSIONS This observation suggests that HPV oncogenic influences occur early in some breast cancers. This finding confirms the previous observations. This early influence of HPVs may be the reason why there is no increase in the prevalence of HPV-associated breast cancer in immunocompromised patients as compared to HPV-associated cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Ngan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rosemary Clay
- Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Noel J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Lawson JS, Glenn WK, Tran DD, Ngan CC, Duflou JA, Whitaker NJ. Identification of Human Papilloma Viruses in Atheromatous Coronary Artery Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2015; 2:17. [PMID: 26664889 PMCID: PMC4671338 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2015.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify human papilloma viruses (HPV) in atheromatous coronary arteries. Background Atheromatous arterial disease is primarily an initial inflammatory response to unknown stimuli. The crucial question is “what causes the initial inflammation in atheromatous disease?” HPV infections may be relevant as US women with vaginal, high risk for cancer, HPV infections, are at up to threefold increased risk of cardiovascular disease as compared with vaginal HPV-negative women. These studies did not include analyses of HPV in atheromatous coronary arteries. Methods Atheromatous coronary arteries were identified and collected from 20 deceased donors. Polymerase Chain Reaction techniques were used to identify HPV gene sequences. Immunohistochemistry methods were used to identify HPV E7 proteins. Results HPV types 16 and 18 were identified in 11 (55%) of 20 specimens. HPV E7 protein was identified in 10 (50%) of 20 specimens. Positive and negative HPV identification and HPV E7 expression in coronary smooth muscle cells were significantly correlated (cc = 0.503, p = 0.024). The HPV E7 proteins were expressed in smooth muscle cells and plasma cells, foam cells, and macrophages located in the atheromatous plaque. HPV E7 proteins were not expressed in infiltrating lymph cells. Conclusion HPV gene sequences were identified in 55% of atheromatous coronary arteries and may have a role in coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Dinh D Tran
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Christopher C Ngan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Johan A Duflou
- Department of Forensic Medicine, The University of Sydney , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Noel J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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Salmons B, Lawson JS, Günzburg WH. Recent developments linking retroviruses to human breast cancer: infectious agent, enemy within or both? J Gen Virol 2014; 95:2589-2593. [PMID: 25217613 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.070631-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence is accumulating that one or more beta-retrovirus is associated with human breast cancer. Retroviruses can exist as an infectious (exogenous) virus or as a part of the genetic information of cells due to germline integration (endogenous). An exogenous virus with a genome that is highly homologous to mouse mammary tumour virus is gaining acceptance as possibly being associated with human breast cancer, and recently furnished evidence is discussed in this article, as is the evidence for involvement of an endogenous human beta-retrovirus, HERV-K. Modes of interaction are also reviewed and linkages to the APOBEC3 family are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Salmons
- Austrianova, 20 Biopolis Way, 05-518 Centros, Republic of Singapore 138668
| | - James S Lawson
- School of Public Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Walter H Günzburg
- Institute of Virology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Whitaker NJ, Glenn WK, Sahrudin A, Orde MM, Delprado W, Lawson JS. Human papillomavirus and Epstein Barr virus in prostate cancer: Koilocytes indicate potential oncogenic influences of human papillomavirus in prostate cancer. Prostate 2013; 73:236-41. [PMID: 22851253 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study is to determine if high risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) are both present in the same prostate cancer specimens. METHODS We used a range of analytical techniques including in situ polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR) and standard liquid PCR followed by sequencing of the product to seek to identify HPV and EBV in normal, benign, and malignant prostate tissues. RESULTS Both HPV type 18 and EBV gene sequences were identified in a high and approximately equal proportion of normal, benign, and prostate cancer specimens. These sequences were located in the nuclei of prostate epithelial cells. HPV associated koilocytes were identified in 24% of prostate cancer specimens. CONCLUSIONS The presence of both HPV and EBV gene sequences in most of the same normal, benign, and malignant prostate specimens is particularly noteworthy because of recent experimental evidence demonstrating that EBV and HPV can collaborate to increase proliferation of cultured cervical cells. Because the presence of EBV and HPV in normal, benign, and malignant prostate tissues appears to be ubiquitous, it is possible that they are harmless. On the other hand HPV type 18 in particular, has high oncogenic potential and may be associated with some prostate cancers. The identification of HPV associated koilocytes in prostate cancer specimens is an indication of HPV infection and potential oncogenic influences of human papillomavirus in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and mouse mammary tumour virus have been identified in human milk. High risk human papillomavirus (HPV) sequences have been identified in breast cancer. The aim of this study is to determine if viral sequences are present in human milk from normal lactating women. FINDINGS Standard (liquid) and in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to identify HPV and EBV in human milk samples from normal lactating Australian women who had no history of breast cancer.High risk human papillomavirus was identified in milk samples of 6 of 40 (15%) from normal lactating women - sequencing on four samples showed three were HPV 16 and one was HPV 18. Epstein Barr virus was identified in fourteen samples (33%). CONCLUSION The presence of high risk HPV and EBV in human milk suggests the possibility of milk transmission of these viruses. However, given the rarity of viral associated malignancies in young people, it is possible but unlikely, that such transmission is associated with breast or other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy K Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Noel J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Maccrimmon D, Brunet D, Criollo M, Galin H, Lawson JS. Clozapine augments delta, theta, and right frontal EEG alpha power in schizophrenic patients. ISRN Psychiatry 2012; 2012:596486. [PMID: 23738206 PMCID: PMC3658574 DOI: 10.5402/2012/596486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To explore the Quantitative EEG (QEEG) effects of established clozapine therapy regimes compared to those of previous ineffective antipsychotic regimes among 64 chronic (DSM-IV) schizophrenic patients. Methods. Data from 20 EEG channels referenced to linked ears were collected before and during maintenance clozapine therapy (mean duration 1.4 years). Absolute power was calculated in six frequency bands: delta (0.4–3.6 Hz), theta (4.2–7.8 Hz), alpha (8.2–11.8 Hz), beta1 (12.2–15.8 Hz), beta2 (16.2–19.8 Hz), and beta3 (20.2–23.8 Hz). Results. Clozapine augments power globally in the delta and theta bands, but this effect is more pronounced over frontal areas. Beta3 power was reduced. Alpha showed a frontal increase, more pronounced in the right, coupled with a posterior decrease with no net change in overall power. Conclusion. The demonstration of a significant clozapine-induced alpha topographic shift frontally and to the right is a novel discovery that may serve to encourage further investigations of subcortical structures in attempts to better understand the diverse aetiologies and optimal treatments of the schizophrenias.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maccrimmon
- Department of Psychiatry, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4L8 ; St. Joseph's Mountain Healthcare Services, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8N 3K7
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Glenn WK, Heng B, Delprado W, Iacopetta B, Whitaker NJ, Lawson JS. Epstein-Barr virus, human papillomavirus and mouse mammary tumour virus as multiple viruses in breast cancer. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48788. [PMID: 23183846 PMCID: PMC3501510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this investigation is to determine if Epstein Barr virus (EBV), high risk human papillomavirus (HPV), and mouse mammary tumour viruses (MMTV) co-exist in some breast cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS All the specimens were from women residing in Australia. For investigations based on standard PCR, we used fresh frozen DNA extracts from 50 unselected invasive breast cancers. For normal breast specimens, we used DNA extracts from epithelial cells from milk donated by 40 lactating women. For investigations based on in situ PCR we used 27 unselected archival formalin fixed breast cancer specimens and 18 unselected archival formalin fixed normal breast specimens from women who had breast reduction surgery. Thirteen of these fixed breast cancer specimens were ductal carcinoma in situ (dcis) and 14 were predominantly invasive ductal carcinomas (idc). RESULTS EBV sequences were identified in 68%, high risk HPV sequences in 50%, and MMTV sequences in 78% of DNA extracted from 50 invasive breast cancer specimens. These same viruses were identified in selected normal and breast cancer specimens by in situ PCR. Sequences from more than one viral type were identified in 72% of the same breast cancer specimens. Normal controls showed these viruses were also present in epithelial cells in human milk - EBV (35%), HPV, 20%) and MMTV (32%) of 40 milk samples from normal lactating women, with multiple viruses being identified in 13% of the same milk samples. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that (i) EBV, HPV and MMTV gene sequences are present and co-exist in many human breast cancers, (ii) the presence of these viruses in breast cancer is associated with young age of diagnosis and possibly an increased grade of breast cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/virology
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/pathology
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/virology
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Nucleus/virology
- DNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens/metabolism
- Female
- Genome, Viral/genetics
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
- Humans
- Lipopolysaccharide Receptors/metabolism
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/genetics
- Mice
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neoplasm Grading
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Papillomaviridae/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism
- Viral Matrix Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy K. Glenn
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Barry Iacopetta
- University Department of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Noel J. Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - James S. Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Heng B, Glenn WK, Lee JHK, Tan XV, Lawson JS, Whitaker NJ. Reply to Letter to the Editor : Is HPV-18 present in human breast cancer cell lines. Br J Cancer 2010. [PMCID: PMC2869171 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Lawson JS, Glenn WK, Salmons B, Ye Y, Heng B, Moody P, Johal H, Rawlinson WD, Delprado W, Lutze-Mann L, Whitaker NJ. Mouse mammary tumor virus-like sequences in human breast cancer. Cancer Res 2010; 70:3576-85. [PMID: 20388779 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-4160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) sequences have been reported to be present in some human breast cancers, but it is unclear whether they have any causal role. In mice, MMTV promotes tumor formation indirectly by insertional mutagenesis of Wnt oncogenes that lead to their activation. In this study, we investigated the status of Wnt-1 in human breast cancers harboring MMTV-like sequences encoding viral envelope (env) genes. We confirmed the detection of env sequences in the nucleus of human breast cancer specimens that are similar in appearance to mouse mammary tumors expressing MMTV env sequences. MMTV env sequences in human breast cancers were also nearly indistinguishable from env sequences in mouse MMTV isolates. Further, Wnt-1 expression was higher in specimens of env-positive ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma, relative to env-negative specimens. Our findings extend the evidence that MMTV sequences found in naturally occurring mouse mammary tumors can be found in some human breast cancers, prompting further evaluation of causal roles in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- Faculty of Science and School of Medical Sciences, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
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Lawson JS, Glenn WK, Heng B, Ye Y, Tran B, Lutze-Mann L, Whitaker NJ. Koilocytes indicate a role for human papilloma virus in breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2009; 101:1351-6. [PMID: 19773762 PMCID: PMC2768439 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Revised: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-risk human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are candidates as causal viruses in breast cancer. The scientific challenge is to determine whether HPVs are causal and not merely passengers or parasites. Studies of HPV-related koilocytes in breast cancer offer an opportunity to address this crucial issue. Koilocytes are epithelial cells characterised by perinuclear haloes surrounding condensed nuclei and are commonly present in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Koilocytosis is accepted as pathognomonic (characteristic of a particular disease) of HPV infection. The aim of this investigation is to determine whether putative koilocytes in normal and malignant breast tissues are because of HPV infection. METHODS Archival formalin-fixed normal and malignant breast specimens were investigated by histology, in situ PCR with confirmation of the findings by standard PCR and sequencing of the products, plus immunohistochemistry to identify HPV E6 oncoproteins. RESULTS human papilloma virus-associated koilocytes were present in normal breast skin and lobules and in the breast skin and cancer tissue of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs). INTERPRETATION As koilocytes are known to be the precursors of some HPV-associated cervical cancer, it follows that HPVs may be causally associated with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Abstract
As an incidental finding in a general 'life-style' survey, amateur rugby footballers were found to drink prodigious (12-24 schooners per session) quantities of beer. Such drinking was regarded by the players as part of the traditions of mateship associated with the game. The need for intervention is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- School of Health Services Management, University of New South Wales, PO Box 1, Kensington, NSW, 2033, Australia
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Abstract
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) has long been known as a causal agent of breast cancer in mice. To date, varied MMTV-like envelope gene (env) sequences have been identified in up to 74% of human breast cancers. However, the role and origin of these MMTV-like sequences in human breast cancer remain uncertain. Our study was initiated to study the integration of MMTV-like env sequences in human breast cancer. PCR screening has identified 28 (56%) Australian breast cancer specimens and 7 (87.5%) human breast cancer cell lines to be positive for MMTV-like env sequence. In the MCF-7 genome, a fragment containing an MMTV-like env sequence of approximately 1.9 kb plus a downstream rodent-like sequence of approximately 200 bp was found to be integrated into a bacterial-like beta-lactamase sequence by insertional mutagenesis. The identified MMTV-rodent fragment is present in some MCF-7 sublines but absent in the screened specimens and other cell lines. Sporadic mutations found in this fragment indicate it has multiple copies in the MCF-7 genome. Sequence analysis has identified a novel ORF of approximately 1.6 kb which is 94-99% identical to MMTV env genes. RT-PCR was performed on the MCF-7 cDNA but no MMTV-like env transcript was detected. This is the first report to reveal the locus of MMTV-like env sequence in human cells. The MMTV-like env sequence was shown to be distinct from the human endogenous retroviral sequences and is closely related to rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myth T S Mok
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Abstract
Background There is seemingly consistent and compelling evidence that there is no association between breastfeeding and breast cancer. An assumption follows that milk borne viruses cannot be associated with human breast cancer. We challenge this evidence because past breastfeeding studies did not determine "exposure" of newborn infants to colostrum and breast milk. Methods We conducted a prospective review of 100 consecutive births of infants in the same centre to determine the proportion of newborn infants who were "exposed" to colostrum or breast milk, as distinct from being fully breast fed. We also report a review of the breastfeeding practices of mothers of over 87,000 newborn infants in the Australian State of New South Wales. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia). Approval 05063, 29 September 2005. Results Virtually all (97 of 100) newborn infants in this centre were "exposed" to colostrum or breast milk whether or not they were fully breast fed. Between 82.2% to 98.7% of 87,000 newborn infants were "exposed" to colostrum or breast milk. Conclusion In some Western communities there is near universal exposure of new born infants to colostrum and breast milk. Accordingly it is possible for the transmission of human milk borne viruses. This is contrary to the widespread assumption that human milk borne viruses cannot be associated with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, 36 The Point Road, Woolwich, NSW 2110, Australia
- E-mail:
| | - C-Y Kan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, 36 The Point Road, Woolwich, NSW 2110, Australia
| | - B J Iacopetta
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, 36 The Point Road, Woolwich, NSW 2110, Australia
| | - N J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, 36 The Point Road, Woolwich, NSW 2110, Australia
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Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Biomarkers, commonly expressed in breast cancer cells, may be correlated with their expression in breast skin of the same subjects. METHODS The expression of biomarkers in specimens from 33 breast tumours and breast skin from the same subject and from 32 normal controls was studied using immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS (1) In normal women, there are significant correlations between the levels of expression of cyclin D1, bcl-2 and p53 in normal breast epithelial cells and breast skin epithelial cells. (2) These patterns of biomarker expression in normal women are similar in breast cancer and breast skin epithelial cells of women with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), but are at significantly higher levels in both breast cancer cells and skin from the same subjects. (3) In normal women, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is not expressed in either breast epithelial cells or skin epithelial cells. (4) HER-2 is expressed in the breast skin of some subjects with HER-2-positive breast cancer. (5) Positive oestrogen receptor alpha expression occurs significantly more frequently in the breast skin of women with IDC and DCIS than in normal controls. CONCLUSION The influence of localised breast cancer seems to be systemic, and leads to changes in skin and hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Abstract
There are well-established risk factors for breast cancer, most of which relate to estrogens and growth hormones in females. These include early-age menarche, late-age menopause, postmenopausal obesity and use of hormone therapy. However, these factors do not account for the sixfold difference in breast cancer incidence and mortality between countries and the fact that these differences dramatically lessen after migration; nor do they account for male breast cancer. Accordingly, hormone-responsive viruses have become major suspects as etiological agents for human breast cancer. Human papillomaviruses, mouse mammary tumor virus and Epstein-Barr virus are the prime candidate viruses as causes of human breast cancer. Human papillomaviruses and the mouse mammary tumor virus have hormone responsive elements that appear to be associated with enhanced replication of these viruses in the presence of corticosteroid and other hormones. This biological phenomenon is particularly relevant because of the hormone dependence of breast cancer. Viral genetic material for each of these candidate viruses has been identified by polymerase chain reaction in breast tumors but rarely in normal breast tissue controls. Pooled data from controlled studies show substantial odds ratios for the presence of viral genetic material in breast tumors compared with normal controls. These and additional data provide substantial, but not conclusive, evidence that human papillomavirus, the mouse mammary tumor virus and Epstein-Barr virus may have a role in the etiology of human breast cancer. If conclusive evidence for a role of these viruses in breast carcinogenesis can be developed, there is a practical possibility of primary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- School of Public Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Lawson JS, Tran DD, Carpenter E, Ford CE, Rawlinson WD, Whitaker NJ, Delprado W. Presence of mouse mammary tumour-like virus gene sequences may be associated with morphology of specific human breast cancer. J Clin Pathol 2006; 59:1287-92. [PMID: 16698952 PMCID: PMC1860546 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2005.035907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV) has a proven role in breast carcinogenesis in wild mice and genetically susceptible in-bred mice. MMTV-like env gene sequences, which indicate the presence of a replication-competent MMTV-like virus, have been identified in some human breast cancers, but rarely in normal breast tissues. However, no evidence for a causal role of an MMTV-like virus in human breast cancer has emerged, although there are precedents for associations between specific histological characteristics of human cancers and the presence of oncogenic viruses. AIM To investigate the possibility of an association between breast cancer and MMTV-like viruses. METHODS Histological characteristics of invasive ductal human breast cancer specimens were compared with archival MMTV-associated mammary tumours from C3H experimental mice. The presence of MMTV-like env DNA sequences in the human breast cancer specimens was determined by polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by Southern hybridisation. RESULTS MMTV-like env gene sequences were identified in 22 of 59 (37.3%) human breast cancer specimens. Seventeen of 43 (39.5%) invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer specimens and 4 of 16 (25%) ductal carcinoma in situ specimens had some histological characteristics, which were similar to MMTV-associated mouse mammary tumours. However, these similarities were not associated with the presence or absence of MMTV-like gene sequences in the human breast tumour specimens. A significant (p = 0.05) correlation was found between the grade of the human breast cancer and similarity to the mouse mammary tumours. The lower the grade, the greater the similarity. CONCLUSION Some human breast cancer specimens, in which MMTV-like env DNA sequences have been identified, were shown to have histological characteristics (morphology) similar to MMTV-associated mouse mammary tumours. These observations are compatible with, but not conclusive of, an association between the presence of MMTV-like env DNA sequences and some human breast cancers.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/virology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/virology
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/pathology
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/virology
- DNA, Viral/analysis
- Female
- Humans
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/virology
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/genetics
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/isolation & purification
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Retroviridae Infections/complications
- Tumor Virus Infections/complications
- Viral Envelope Proteins/analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Abstract
Human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are accepted as being carcinogenic in human cervical and anogenital cancers. The suspicion that HPVs may also have a role in human breast cancer is based on the identification of HPVs in human breast tumours and the immortalisation of normal human breast cells by HPV types 16 and 18. For this investigation, DNA that had been previously extracted and fresh frozen at −70°C from 50 unselected invasive ductal breast cancer specimens were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HPV type 16, 18 and 33 gene sequences. We show that HPV 18 gene sequences are present in DNA extracted from breast tumours in Australian women. Overall, 24 (48%) of the 50 samples were HPV positive. Overall no correlations with tumour grade, patient survival, steroid receptor status, ERB-2, p53 expression and mutation were observed. Human papilloma viruses may have a role in human breast cancer. We speculate that HPVs may be transmitted by hand from the female perineum to the breast.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-Y Kan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - B J Iacopetta
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - J S Lawson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. E-mail:
| | - N J Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study followed consumers after admission to an assertive community treatment program to determine when the first hospital admission was more likely to occur, which variables predicted community tenure, and, more specifically, whether the availability of within-program hospital beds predicted community tenure. METHODS Data were gathered from three assertive community treatment programs in southeastern Ontario--the psychosocial rehabilitation program, the community integration program, and the assertive community treatment team program. Only the psychosocial rehabilitation program provided within-program beds. Hospital records of consumers who entered a program between July 1, 1990, and December 1, 1999, were examined prospectively until January 1, 2000, in order to record time to the first admission. Survival analysis based on the life-tables method was used to estimate the probability of remaining out of the hospital at 90-day intervals. Factors associated with time to admission were identified by using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS A total of 333 consumers were followed: 117 consumers in the psychosocial rehabilitation program, 105 in the community integration program, and 111 in the assertive community treatment team program. Findings indicated that consumers were most likely to be admitted to a hospital in the nine months after entering an assertive community treatment program. A diagnosis of substance use disorder, higher past hospital use, and the availability of within-program beds were associated with an increased risk of admission. CONCLUSIONS Studies have shown that hospitalization remains a reality for many consumers and therefore warrants further study. The survival model proved advantageous by allowing a more complete and comparable description of consumers' hospitalization patterns that cannot be achieved with previously used methods, and it offered the power of regression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Joannette
- Department of Research, Providence Continuing Care Centre, Kingston, and Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada K7K 7C9.
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Ford CE, Faedo M, Crouch R, Lawson JS, Rawlinson WD. Progression from normal breast pathology to breast cancer is associated with increasing prevalence of mouse mammary tumor virus-like sequences in men and women. Cancer Res 2004; 64:4755-9. [PMID: 15256443 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-03-3804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-like sequences have been found in up to 40% of breast cancer samples but in <2% of normal breast tissue samples from Australian women studied by our group. Screening of a larger and more diverse cohort of female breast cancer samples has now shown a correlation of MMTV-like sequences with the severity (grade) of breast cancer. Thirty-two percent (43 of 136) of female breast cancer samples were positive for MMTV-like sequences when screened using PCR. A significant gradient of MMTV positivity was observed with increasing severity of cancer from 23% of infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) grade I tumors to 34% of IDC grade II tumors (P = 0.00034) and 38% of IDC grade III tumors (P = 0.00002). We also report for the first time the detection of MMTV-like sequences in 62% (8 of 13) of male breast cancer samples and 19% (10 of 52) of male gynecomastia samples screened. MMTV-like sequences were demonstrated in various premalignant breast lesions of females, including fibroadenoma (20%) and fibrocystic disease (28%) samples, at a significantly higher prevalence than that seen in normal breast tissue (1.8%; P = 0.00001). Study of a longitudinal cohort of female breast cancer patients indicated that MMTV was co-incident with tumor but was not present when tumor was absent on histology. These results support the association of MMTV-like sequences with development of breast tumors in men and women and suggest association of MMTV with increasing severity of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Ford
- Virology Division, Department of Microbiology, South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia
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Lawson JS, Tran DD, Ford C, Rawlinson WD. Elevated Expression of the Tumor Suppressing Protein p53 is Associated with the Presence of Mouse Mammary Tumor-Like env Gene Sequences (MMTV-like) in Human Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2004; 87:13-7. [PMID: 15377846 DOI: 10.1023/b:brea.0000041573.09142.00] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) has a proven role in breast carcinogenesis in wild mice and genetically susceptible laboratory inbred mice. The carcinogenic characteristics of this virus are enhanced by estrogen and other steroid hormones. MMTV-like envelope gene sequences, with 95% homology to MMTV have been identified in approximately 40% of breast cancers in US, Australian and Argentinian women. The presence of such sequences indicates the presence of a replication competent MMTV-like virus in human breast tumors. Whether an MMTV-like virus contributes to human breast cancer remains to be demonstrated. Non-statistically significant differences in p53 expression between MMTV-like positive and negative human breast cancers have previously been observed. As high p53 protein expression is associated with aggressive breast carcinogenesis we sought to determine if there were associations between the presence of MMTV-like gene sequences and elevated p53 expression in both invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) and ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS). We also investigated the expression of other biomarkers which are commonly associated with human breast cancer. These included estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Ki67, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and HER-2. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses, MMTV-like envelope gene sequences were detected in 15 (75%) of 20 IDC specimens and 5 (23%) of 22 DCIS specimens. The average percentage of p53 positive cells in MMTV-like positive IDC specimens was 69% as compared to 44% in MMTV-like negative specimens (p for difference = 0.067). The average percentage of p53 positive cells in MMTV-like positive DCIS specimens was 93% as compared to 35% in MMTV-like negative specimens (numbers too few for statistical analysis). There was an increased intensity of p53 expression in IDC and DCIS specimens that were MMTV-like positive compared to those that were MMTV-like negative. There were no statistically significant differences in age, grade, and percentage of average positive cells for ERa, PR, Ki67, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, and HER-2, between MMTV-like positive and negative breast cancer specimens. Although these observations do not provide evidence of causality, they are consistent with a role for MMTV-like viruses in some human breast cancers.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/virology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/virology
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/genetics
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/virology
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Genes, env/genetics
- Humans
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/virology
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/genetics
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/pathogenicity
- Mice
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/biosynthesis
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia.
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Ford CE, Tran D, Deng Y, Ta VT, Rawlinson WD, Lawson JS. Mouse mammary tumor virus-like gene sequences in breast tumors of Australian and Vietnamese women. Clin Cancer Res 2003; 9:1118-20. [PMID: 12631616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is considerable evidence that the presence of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-like gene sequences in human breast cancer is highly associated with human breast carcinoma. Previous studies have found MMTV-like gene sequences in 38% of breast cancer tissue from United States women. The prevalence of these sequences in Australian and Vietnamese women has never been reported. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using PCR and primers that amplify MMTV-like gene sequences, we tested cancerous and benign breast tissue from Caucasian-Australian, Vietnamese-Australian, and Vietnamese women. RESULTS MMTV-like gene sequences were amplified in 19 of 45 (42.2%) archival breast cancer biopsy tissues from Caucasian-Australian women, but only 1 of 120 (0.8%) and 0 of 41 breast cancer biopsy tissues from Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Australian women, respectively. The same sequences were found in only 2 of 111 (1.8%) and 0 of 60 normal (benign) breast tissue samples from Australian and Vietnamese women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS MMTV-like gene sequences are found in only some human populations and are rarely found in normal human breast tissue from all populations, suggesting they are not present in the normal human genome and have been acquired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Ford
- Virology Division, Department of Microbiology, South Eastern Sydney Area Laboratory Services, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
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Abstract
Breast cysts are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Some biomarkers such as estrogen receptor alpha (ERa), progesterone receptor (PR), and cyclin D1, show similar patterns of expression in epithelial cells lining breast cysts as malignant epithelial cells in local and invasive ductal breast cancer. We have attempted to answer two questions: (1) Do epithelial cells lining breast microcysts (cysts which can only be seen with a microscope) express biomarkers in a similar pattern to breast ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma? (2) Are breast microcysts precursors of breast cancer or are they part of normal involution of the breast? Seventy two archival open breast biopsy specimens of ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma and 32 normal breast biopsies from Australian women who had breast reduction surgery were selected from hospital archives. All specimens were analysed by standard immunohistochemistry for ERa, PR, cyclin D1, bcl-2, p53 and erbB-2 expression. In the same specimens, the pattern of high biomarker expression was very similar for all the above biomarkers in epithelial cells lining microcysts and in both ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma c. ErbB-2 was not expressed in normal control specimens. ErbB-2 was expressed in the same specimens in an increasing proportion of normal breast acini, microcysts and cancer cells in 36% of specimens with breast cancer. An apparent progression was observed from normal breast acini, to proliferation of epithelial cells in microcysts, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma in the same specimen. When these findings are considered with other reports we conclude: (1) that epithelial cells lining breast cysts highly express biomarkers in a similar pattern to ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma; (2) that some microcysts are not part of normal involution of the breast and in some women may be part of the transition from normal to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh D Tran
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, St Vincents Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Lawson JS. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures among Australian hospital patients identified as indigenous. Med J Aust 2002; 176:504; author reply 504. [PMID: 12065020 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04531.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2002] [Accepted: 03/25/2002] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Lawson JS, Field AS, Tran DD, Killeen J, Maskarenic G, Ishikura H, Trichopoulos D. Breast cancer incidence and estrogen receptor alpha in normal mammary tissue--an epidemiologic study among Japanese women in Japan and Hawaii. Int J Cancer 2002; 97:685-7. [PMID: 11807798 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We have undertaken a study to examine whether the difference in breast cancer incidence between 2 populations of similar genetic background is reflected in a similar pattern of estrogen receptor alpha expression in normal mammary gland. Study participants were 92 Japanese women from Sapporo, Japan (mean age 48.2 years) and 49 Japanese women from Honolulu, Hawaii (mean age 45.4 years), who underwent biopsy indicating normal breast tissue or benign, nonproliferative breast disease in hospitals in Sapporo, Japan and Honolulu, Hawaii. The breast tissue samples were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded. The estrogen receptor immunohistochemistry assays were conducted using Dako kits. Japanese women in Hawaii, who have a higher incidence of breast cancer compared with Japanese women in Sapporo, also had, as predicted, higher mean percentage of estrogen receptor alpha-positive normal mammary cells (2-tailed test, p approximately 0.09). The results of our study are compatible with the hypothesis that estrogen receptor alpha expression in normal mammary tissue increases breast cancer risk and they also indicate that the expression of these receptors is dependent, at least in part, on nongenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Lawson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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