Lymphotoxin alpha gene expression in Iraqi breast cancer women

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Women's breast cancer is the number one cancer documented in Iraq, with cumulative evidence suggesting cytokines, including tumor necrosis factors probably contributing to the development of the disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the contribution of Lymphotoxin alpha gene to breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this study, 100 women were enrolled; 50 breast cancer patients (25 women diagnosed with breast cancer but without treatment and 25 women who underwent surgery and different treatments); 25 women with benign tumours, and 25 apparently healthy women. Each participant's blood sample (2 ml) was collected in a triazole-containing tube and stored at – 20°C until use. For the detection of Lymphotoxin alpha gene expression, RNA was extracted from blood and subjected to qPCR. Results: The study showed that 52% of breast cancer patients were over 50 years old among which 73% had attained menopause. The expression of the LTA gene was increased in breast cancer patients before treatment and in those with benign tumours (BT), which suggests that LTA might enhance the development of tumour cell breast cancer. Conclusion: LTA expression may be associated to the development of breast cancer in women.