Abstract
ContextAdipose tissue is an important site for extragonadal steroid hormone biosynthesis through the expression and activity of P450 aromatase, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) 1, and 17β-HSDs. The contribution of steroid hormones produced by adjacent adipose tissue for the progression and survival of breast tumors is unknown.ObjectiveTo quantify estrogens (estradiol, estrone) and glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone) in breast adipose tissue from both healthy and diseased women and their relationships with adiposity indices and breast cancer prognostic markers.Design and settingBreast adipose tissue was collected at time of surgery.PatientsPre- and postmenopausal women undergoing partial mastectomy for treatment of breast cancer (n = 17) or reduction mammoplasty (n = 6) were studied.InterventionsRelative estrogen and glucocorticoid amounts were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsThe targeted steroids were reliably detected and quantified in mammary adipose tissues. Women with ER+/PR+ tumor had higher relative estradiol amount than women with ER–/PR– tumor (P < .05). The ratio of estradiol-to-estrone was higher in lean women than in women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 (P < .05). Mixed-model analyses showed that estradiol, cortisone, and cortisol were negatively associated with tumor size (P < .05). Relationships between glucocorticoids and tumor size remained significant after adjustment for BMI. The cortisol-to-cortisone ratio was negatively associated with tumor stage (P < .05) independently of BMI.ConclusionsWe reliably quantified estrogens and glucocorticoids in breast adipose tissue from healthy women and women suffering from breast cancer. Our findings suggest that smaller breast tumors are associated with higher relative amounts of estradiol and cortisol in adipose tissue.
Highlights
ObjectiveTo quantify estrogens (estradiol, estrone) and glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone) in breast adipose tissue from both healthy and diseased women and their relationships with adiposity indices and breast cancer prognostic markers
Being overweight or obese is a well-known risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer 1,2
Our results are consistent with another study where the authors found a ip positive correlation between E1/E2 ratio from visceral fat and body mass index (BMI) in postmenopausal women 51. r Contrary to Savolainen-Peltonen, we found that 17β-HSD type 12 mRNA expression is higher in adipose tissue from cancer patients compared to controls 43
Summary
To quantify estrogens (estradiol, estrone) and glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone) in breast adipose tissue from both healthy and diseased women and their relationships with adiposity indices and breast cancer prognostic markers. N Ratio of estradiol-to-estrone was higher in lean women compared to women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 a (P < 0.05). Mixed-model analyses showed that estradiol, cortisone and cortisol were negatively associated with tumor size (P < 0.05). D Conclusions: We reliably quantified estrogens and glucocorticoids in breast adipose tissue from healthy women and women suffering from breast cancer. Our findings suggest that smaller breast te tumors are associated with higher levels of estradiol and cortisol in adipose tissue. P Keywords: estradiol, estrone, cortisol, cortisone, breast cancer, adiposity Acce PRÉCIS. Tumor size was negatively associated with estradiol and glucocorticoid levels
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
