Breast Cancer Prevention Research Articles

Unleashing the potential of Genistein and its derivatives as effective therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Genistein (Gen), a phytoestrogen soy isoflavone, has emerged as a promising agent in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer due to its ability to function as a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). This review explores the multifaceted mechanisms through which Gen and its derivatives exert their anticancer effects, including modulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, regulation of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and impacts on DNA methylation and enzyme functions. We discuss the dual roles of Gen in both enhancing and inhibiting estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent pathways., highlighting its complex interactions with ERα and ERβ. Furthermore, the review examines the synergistic effect of combining Gen with conventional chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, and selenium, as well as other natural compounds like lycopene. Clinical studies suggest that while isoflavones may not significantly influence breast cancer progression in general, the high consumption of soy isoflavones is associated with reduced recurrence rates in breast cancer survivors. Importantly, Gen's ability to modulate key signaling pathways and enhance the efficacy of existing treatments improves its potential as a valuable adjunct in breast cancer therapy. In conclusion, Gen and its derivatives offer a novel and promising approach for treatment of breast cancer. Continued research into their mechanisms of action and clinical applications will be essential in optimizing their therapeutic potential and translating these findings into effective clinical interventions.

Biomaterials’ enhancement of immunotherapy for breast cancer by targeting functional cells in the tumor micro-environment

Immunotherapy for breast cancer is now being considered clinically, and more recently, the number of investigations aimed specifically at nano-biomaterials-assisted immunotherapy for breast cancer treatment is growing. Alterations of the breast cancer micro-environment can play a critical role in anti-tumor immunity and cancer development, progression and metastasis. The improvement and rearrangement of tumor micro-environment (TME) may enhance the permeability of anti-tumor drugs. Therefore, targeting the TME is also an ideal and promising option during the selection of effective nano-biomaterial-based immuno-therapeutic strategies excepted for targeting intrinsic resistant mechanisms of the breast tumor. Although nano-biomaterials designed to specifically release loaded anti-tumor drugs in response to tumor hypoxia and low pH conditions have shown promises and the diversity of the TME components also supports a broad targeting potential for anti-tumor drug designs, yet the applications of nano-biomaterials for targeting immunosuppressive cells/immune cells in the TME for improving the breast cancer treating outcomes, have scarcely been addressed in a scientific review. This review provides a thorough discussion for the application of the different forms of nano-biomaterials, as carrier vehicles for breast cancer immunotherapy, targeting specific types of immune cells in the breast tumor microenvironment. In parallel, the paper provides a critical analysis of current advances/challenges with leading nano-biomaterial-mediated breast cancer immunotherapeutic strategies. The current review is timely and important to the cancer research field and will provide a critical tool for nano-biomaterial design and research groups pushing the clinical translation of new nano-biomaterial-based immuno-strategies targeting breast cancer TME, to further open new avenues for the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, as well as other cancer types.

NSDHL contributes to breast cancer stem-like cell maintenance and tumor-initiating capacity through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in MCF-7 tumor spheroid

BackgroundNAD(P)-dependent steroid dehydrogenase-like protein (NSDHL), which is involved in breast tumor growth and metastasis, has been implicated in the maintenance of cancer stem cells. However, its role in regulating breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) remains unclear. We have previously reported the clinical significance of NSDHL in patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER +) breast cancer. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which NSDHL regulates the capacity of BCSCs in the ER + human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7.MethodsNSDHL knockdown suppressed tumor spheroid formation in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells grown on ultralow-attachment plates. RNA sequencing revealed that NSDHL knockdown induced widespread transcriptional changes in the MCF-7 spheroids. TGF-β signaling pathway was the most significantly enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway (fold change ≥ 2, P ≤ 0.05) identified in NSDHL-knockdown MCF-7 spheroids compared with the control. In orthotopic tumor models injected with NSDHL-knockdown MCF-7 spheroids, tumor initiation and growth were strongly suppressed compared with those in the control.ResultsBCSC populations with CD44+/CD24- and CD49f+/EpCAM + phenotypes and high ALDH activity were decreased in NSDHL-knockdown MCF-7 spheroids and xenograft tumors relative to controls, along with decreased secretion of TGF-β1 and 3, phosphorylation of Smad2/3, and expression of SOX2. In RNA-sequencing data from The (TCGA) database, a positive correlation between the expression of NSDHL and SOX2 was found in luminal-type breast cancer specimens (n = 998). Our findings revealed that NSDHL plays an important role in maintaining the BCSC population and tumor-initiating capacity of ER-positive MCF-7 spheroids, suggesting that NSDHL is an attractive therapeutic target for eliminating BCSCs, thus preventing breast cancer initiation and progression.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that NSDHL regulates the BCSC/tumor-initiating cell population in MCF-7 spheroids and xenograft tumors.

Long-term trends in the burden of breast cancer in China over three decades: a joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort analysis based on Global Burden of Disease 2021.

We analyzed the trends in breast cancer (BC) morbidity, prevalence, and mortality among Chinese residents from 1990 to 2021. We then used joinpoint regression to further assess BC morbidity and mortality. We screened the morbidity, mortality, and prevalence of BC in Chinese residents (1990-2021) from the Global Burden of Disease. We used age-period-cohort (APC) modeling to assess the effects of age, period, and cohort on BC morbidity and mortality separately. We also used the joinpoint model to characterize trends in BC morbidity and mortality in China. From 1990 to 2021, age-standardized rates of morbidity have risen significantly, whereas mortality has declined. We discovered that the risk of morbidity and death rose with age by using the APC model. We also found that mortality and morbidity roughly continued to increase over time, and finally, we found that the later the birth cohort, the lower the mortality and the higher the morbidity. From 1990 to 2021, the burden of BC disease in China will continue to rise, and the situation of BC prevention and control will remain severe. Therefore, regular imaging and palpation examinations should be performed in the regular population over 40 years of age. When treating patients with BC, healthcare workers should develop individualized treatment plans to further reduce mortality.

Statin prescription disparities in patients with breast cancer and diabetes for primary cardiovascular disease prevention

BackgroundThis brief report examines statin prescription trends for primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in breast cancer (BC) survivors with diabetes, a large population at particularly high CVD risk.MethodsA population-based, retrospective cohort study was conducted using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry data linked to Medicare claims. We identified women with preexisting diabetes who were diagnosed with stage 0–III primary BC between 2008 and 2017 without preexisting CVD. We assessed statin prescription rates over time and also examined differences in statin prescription rates according to patient sociodemographic characteristics. Using a multivariate logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical variables, independent predictors of statin prescription were identified.ResultsOf 8,423 BC patients with diabetes without preexisting CVD, 5,698 (68%) had a statin prescription. Statin prescriptions increased over time (BC diagnosis year 2008–2009: 65%, 2010–2011: 67%, 2012–2013: 66%, 2014–2015: 69%, 2016–2017: 70%; p = 0.01) and differed by age (66–69: 66%, 70–74: 70%, 75–79: 69%, ≥80: 65%; p < 0.01) and race (White: 68%, Black: 62%, Latina: 66%, Other: 72%; p < 0.01). In a multivariate analysis, race (Black vs. White: OR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68–0.95) remained a predictor of statin prescription.ConclusionIn older early-stage BC survivors, statin prescriptions increased over time and varied by age, race, and BC stage. These findings can potentially inform strategies to improve guideline-concordant statin prescriptions in a group at high risk for CVD and reduce disparities.

Breast cancer in women with previous gestational diabetes: a nationwide register-based cohort study

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by insulin resistance. A link has been suggested between insulin resistance and breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women. Hence, women with previous GDM may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer, yet, the existing evidence is conflicting. This study explored the association between GDM and incident breast cancer, including age at cancer diagnosis. Additionally, we investigated the potential impact of severity of insulin resistance during pregnancy and of subsequent diabetes development on the breast cancer risk.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide, register-based cohort study including all women giving birth in Denmark from 1997 to 2018. We defined GDM and breast cancer based on ICD-10 codes. Premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer was pragmatically defined as age at outcome < 50 years and ≥ 50 years, respectively. A proxy for severity of insulin resistance during pregnancy was based on insulin treatment; subsequent diabetes was defined as presence of ICD-10 codes and/or antidiabetic medication after pregnancy. The statistical analyses included Cox regression, logistic regression and t-test.ResultsOf 708,121 women, 3.4% had GDM. The median follow-up period was 11.9 years (range 0-21.9). The overall breast cancer risk was comparable in women with and without previous GDM (adjusted hazard ratio 0.96 [95% CI 0.83–1.12]). Premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer risk also did not differ; however, women with previous GDM had a breast cancer diagnosis at younger age (42.6 vs. 43.5 years, p-value 0.01). All-cause mortality was similar regardless of GDM history. Severity of insulin resistance during pregnancy and subsequent diabetes did not affect breast cancer risk.ConclusionsThis large, population-based cohort study showed no higher risk of incident breast cancer in women with previous GDM compared to women without previous GDM after a median of almost 12 years of follow-up. This was evident irrespective of menopausal state. The breast cancer risk was not influenced by the severity of insulin resistance during pregnancy and by subsequent diabetes development. Regardless of GDM history, attention towards prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer should be prioritized.

Improving communication to increase uptake of high-risk breast cancer prevention appointments: Building a better letter

ObjectiveMailed letters to women identified as being at high-risk for developing breast cancer were not having the desired effect for encouraging appointments with prevention-focused providers at a large Midwest healthcare system. A partnership with communication scholars sought to revise the letter to increase awareness, intentions, and appointments. MethodsGuided by the Extended Parallel Process Model, survey responses were collected from letter recipients over the course of two years, both pre and post letter revision. Appointments attributed to letters were also tracked. ResultsRecipients of the revised letter had increased knowledge regarding the length of prevention appointments and indicated greater self-efficacy and intentions to make and attend appointments compared to those who received the non-revised letter. A greater percentage who received the revised letter also made appointments. ConclusionPartnering with communication scholars helped with improving a letter mailed to thousands of patients each year. Finding ways to increase response-efficacy of breast cancer prevention activities within communications may assist in increasing appointments. InnovationCross-disciplinary partnerships across the medical and social sciences – while not quick or simple - are essential for finding ways to improve patient wellbeing and hopefully reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases in the future.

A Study of the Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Capabilities, Antibacterial Effectiveness, and Cytotoxic Effects on Breast Cancer Cell Lines Using an Ethanolic Extract from the Aerial Parts of the Indigenous Plant Anabasis aretioïdes Coss. &amp; Moq.

Anabasis aretioïdes contain numerous bioactive compounds that provide several advantages, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic characteristics. This study aimed to make a hydroethanolic extract from the aerial part of the plant, analyze its biochemical compounds, and test its biological activities. From HPLC-DAD analysis, cinnamic acid, sinapic acid, and vanillin bioactives were found to be the main compounds in the extract. The spectrometric tests revealed that the extract was rich in flavonoids (8.52 ± 0.32 mg RE/100 g DW), polyphenols (159.32 ± 0.63 mg GAE/100 g DW), and condensed tannins (8.73 ± 0.23 mg CE/100 g DW). The extract showed significant antioxidant activity. There were strong correlations between the amount of flavonoid or polyphenol and the antioxidant assays, including ABTS, DPPH, β-carotene, and TAC. The extract also showed highly effective results against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis as well as against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and showed promising cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The in silico modeling of the bioactive compounds contained in the extract illustrated their interaction mode with the active sites of particular target proteins, and it showed that rutin had the strongest effect on stopping NADPH oxidase enzyme, with a glide score of −6.889 Kcal/mol. Sinapic acid inhibited E. coli beta-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase (−7.517 kcal/mol), and apigenin showed high binding affinity to S. aureus nucleoside di-phosphate kinase, with −8.656 kcal/mol. Succinic acid has the strongest anticancer effect for caspase-3, with a glide score of −8.102 kcal/mol. These bioactive components may be beneficial as antioxidant and antibacterial applications in medicine, foods, natural cosmetics, and breast cancer prevention in the future. As a result, the use of this indigenous plant must be considered to maximize its value and preservation.

Willingness of Women at Increased Risk of Breast Cancer to Participate in Prevention Trials.

The factors affecting women's willingness to participate (WTP) in breast cancer (BC) prevention trials are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of interventions associated with a higher WTP among high BC risk women. Women who self-identified as being at an increased risk of BC were recruited to a cross-sectional study of WTP in BC prevention trials. Responses were dichotomized into more willing (a lot and moderately) and less willing (some, a little, and not at all), and responses were compared by patient characteristics and intervention type. Of 143 participants, 81.2% (116) completed ≥30% of a Likert-type scale questionnaire on WTP in various intervention types for BC prevention. Overall, WTP in BC prevention studies was high, with 82.7% more willing, including 69.0% and 70.7%, respectively, for unspecified physical activity and dietary interventions. WTP differed significantly by the duration of diet-based and physical activity behavior change interventions: decreasing with 12- versus 3-month diet-based interventions (P < .0001) and decreasing for 1 hour versus 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise/day (P < .0001). For interventions involving medication, only 18.1% expressed being more willing to participate, and WTP decreased significantly when side effects were presented. WTP was influenced by BC risk gene mutation status, with WTP among gene carriers higher compared with nongene carriers (52.6% v 30.2%, P = .018). WTP in BC prevention trials was the highest for women with known genetic risk and for interventions involving a behavior change. Medications with side effects had the lowest WTP. For behavior change, WTP was negatively influenced by intervention duration beyond a few months, indicating that individual perception of BC risk and inconvenience strongly influence WTP.

PENGETAHUAN REMAJA PUTRI TENTANG KANKER PAYUDARA

The most common cancer case in Indonesia is breast cancer, with 58,256 cases or 16.7% of the total 348,809 cancer cases. Lack of education about breast cancer since adolescence to prevent breast cancer is one of the factors causing the high incidence of breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the knowledge of teenage girls about breast cancer at SMP Negeri 02 Mandor. This research employs a descriptive-quantitative design. The sample is determined using the stratified random sampling method followed by a simple random sampling method with a total of 116 respondents. Data collection was conducted by a questionnaire divided into respondent characteristics and knowledge about breast cancer. The data analysis technique involves frequency distribution and percentage. The univariate analysis results indicated that the majority of respondents were 13 years old, numbering 52 individuals (44,8%), there were 59 individuals (50,9%) in grade 8,63 individuals (54,3%) had never received information about breast cancer, and 116 individuals (100%) had no family history of breast cancer. There were 65 individuals (56,0%) with a poor knowledge category.

Implementation of polygenic risk scores in secondary prevention of (breast) cancer

Abstract Utilizing polygenic risk scores to inform secondary prevention of breast cancer via population screening programs is one of the pioneering applications of genomics in public health applications. Over the last decade, polygenic risk scores for breast cancer have been developed and validated in various European populations (AUC ± 0.63, OR per Z unit ± 1.6, depending on the population). In some countries, the polygenic risk score has been integrated with decision modeling tools, such as CanRisk in the Netherlands, and low-level implementation into health and care systems has started. Implementation strategies vary, but generally consider initial implementation into high-risk populations, such as breast cancer families, in specialized clinical setting, such as academic medical centres, or specialized cancer clinics, referring relatives of patients to population screening based on comprehensive risk modelling, including polygenic risk scores. This route may be followed by other disease fields as well. The presentations outlines the current evidence and considerations on breast cancer genetic risk modelling, clinical pilot studies and the outline of step-wise implementation of such models to benefit secondary prevention programs. We start from the perspective of a single hospital, to the needed steps to upscale to national populations, both in diversity of these populations, as the throughput of genetic testing and counselling, until the harmonization and recalibration of various European healthcare models. We draw from examples of the Genotyping on all patients (GOALL), building cancer health platforms (CanHeal) and Genome of Europe (GoE) consortia.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT IN THE SADARI PROGRAM (BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION)

Background: Cancer is currently one of the leading causes of death worldwide. One of the most common cancers and with the highest incidence is breast cancer. There are still many PKK Mojosongo Jebres Surakarta mothers who are not aware of the importance of early breast examination. This Breast Self-Examination (BSE) has been proven to be culturally acceptable, religiously friendly, and inexpensive. BSE is one way of action to find early symptoms of breast cancer that can be detected by mothers themselves, does not require experts to find breast cancer early, and is part of prevention efforts. Objective: This community service is to improve BSE knowledge and skills through community empowerment which will have an impact on increasing awareness and efforts to prevent breast cancer in Mojosongo. Methods: This activity begins with a regional visit to find out the existing problems, and a meeting with the PKK Chairperson to coordinate the implementation, the sampling technique uses a total sampling of all PKK mothers totaling 50 people who are given education and practice on how to do self-examination at home. Results: Community service can improve the ability of PKK mothers to do BSE independently. Conclusion: SADARI Education and Training improves the ability of knowledge and skills independently and has a positive impact on maternal health. The Recommendations, need to encourage and follow up on education and training on SADARI examinations by adding periodic follow-up sessions, this is done so that knowledge and practice of SADARI continue to be implemented.

Knowledge and Misinformation About Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Prevention Among Healthy and Affected Women: A Study on 2375 Italian Participants.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and remains the leading cause of death among Italian women. Despite increased breast cancer awareness and improved diagnostic techniques, mortality rates remain high globally. In Italy, despite the availability of screening programs by the National Health System (NHS) for all Italian women aged 50-69 every two years, the participation rate remains relatively low. The low uptake of screening may be attributed to a lack of general cancer knowledge among women, including awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and prevention measures. This study investigates the knowledge and misinformation in a population of Italian women regarding breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and prevention. From March 2021 to January 2022, we conducted a survey targeting the female population in Italy, with a total of 2375 participants willingly participating in the study. To investigate factors linked to variations in attitudes toward breast cancer, the participants were categorized into two groups: the general population (Group A, n = 2235) and women who have had or currently have breast cancer (Group B, n = 140). Statistically significant differences were identified between these two groups. The findings revealed considerable confusion regarding both the symptoms and causes associated with cancer, as well as prevention measures. This confusion was particularly prominent among women in the general population and those with lower levels of education. Given these insights, it remains crucial to promote accurate health information concerning risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies related to this devastating disease, emphasizing the ongoing importance of disseminating correct health information.

How social class shapes breast cancer risk perspectives and prevention practices of Australian midlife women: a qualitative study using the concept of ‘breast cancer candidacy’

BackgroundThe increasing incidence of breast cancer and disease burden is a significant public health concern. While 30% of breast cancers could be prevented through addressing modifiable risk factors, misconceptions among women about breast cancer risks hamper primary prevention. In the absence of primary prevention, secondary prevention such as mammography increases the early detection of breast cancer and improves health outcomes. However, current population-level screening rates indicate secondary prevention is suboptimal. More effective public health efforts to improve breast cancer prevention are required. Given breast cancer is socially patterned, this work explores how social class impacts women’s breast cancer prevention practices. This study uses the concepts of lay epidemiology and candidacy as a mechanism to understand women’s breast cancer risk perspectives. It engages Bourdieu’s relational social class theory to unpack how women’s social, cultural, and structured life contexts shape these perspectives and their considerations regarding primary and secondary prevention.MethodsIn this qualitative study 43 Australian midlife women (aged 45–64 years), were interviewed to explore their understandings of breast cancer risks, how they perceived their own risk, and how this shaped their prevention behaviours. A theory-informed thematic analysis applying Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, capital, and fields to understand how women’s social class positions shapes risk perspectives and prevention practices was conducted.ResultsThis social class analysis showed differences in how women engage in breast cancer discourse, consider risks, and participate in breast cancer prevention. Middle-class women prioritise health promoting practices and were more likely than working-class and affluent women to attend mammography screening. Working-class women experience structural factors, like low income, stress and difficult life circumstances, which hamper primary prevention practices and for some screening is not considered or prioritised, and their decisions not to screen are less active. Affluent women often do not consider themselves at-risk due to their healthier ‘lifestyles. ’They suggest that this, and their knowledge of screening benefits and harms allows them to make informed decisions not to screen.ConclusionsWomen interpret and understand breast cancer risks differently and enact prevention practices within the parameters afforded by their social class positions. These findings are useful to inform improved public health approaches regarding both modifiable breast cancer risks and increasing mammography screening. To improve equity in breast cancer prevention efforts, such approaches must respond to limitations based on social class and address structural factors that impact prevention practices.

Anticancer potentiality of Hottentotta saulcyi scorpion curd venom against breast cancer: an in vitro and in vivo study.

Scorpion venom may include pharmacological substances that have the potential to provide benefits. Multiple scientific investigations have shown that particular scorpion venoms induce apoptosis and inhibit the development of cancerous cells. The present study investigated the potential anticancer properties of the crude venom derived from Hottentotta saulcyi (H. saulcyi) on both in vivo mice models and in vitro breast carcinoma cells. The venom of scorpions belonging to the species H. saulcyi was obtained with the application of electrical stimulation at voltages of 8 and 10V. The determination of the Average Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) was conducted. The present work assessed the in vitro cytotoxicity and morphological characteristics of H. saulcyi venom using fluorescence microscopy, MTT assay, and flow cytometry assessment. Additionally, research was performed to assess the cytotoxic effects in vivo on a mouse model with breast cancer. The examination of MCF-7 cells treated with scorpion venom at a microscopic level revealed the existence of cells undergoing apoptosis. The venom of H. saulcyi has anticancer properties, as shown by the observation that MCF-7 cells had a 62.12% apoptotic rate when exposed to a dose of 1.47mg/L. Based on the results obtained, it can be shown that the viability of MCF-7 cells has exhibited a substantial reduction (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the findings indicated that the venom of H. saulcyi resulted in a significant increase in the synthesis of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, and caspase (P < 0.05). The treatment groups administered with H. saulcyi venom exhibited a significant augmentation in the expression of proapoptotic genes compared to the control group of healthy individuals. The transcription of the BCL2 gene exhibited a statistically significant increase in the healthy control group compared to both the healthy venom-treated group (P < 0.05) and the malignant venom-treated group (P < 0.01). The crude venom of H. saulcyi has considerable promise in demonstrating anticancer properties. Further investigation may be warranted to explore the potential of using H. saulcyi crude venom as a medicinal platform for the prevention of breast cancer.

Integrated analysis of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood for breast cancer.

Gut microbiota and associated metabolites have been linked to breast carcinogenesis. Evidences demonstrate blood microbiota primarily originates from the gut and may act as a biomarker for breast cancer. We aimed to characterize the microbiota-gut microbial metabolites cross-talk in blood and develop a composite diagnostic panel for breast cancer. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics profiling on blood samples from 107 breast cancer cases and 107 age-paired controls. We found that the alpha diversity of the blood microbiota was decreased in breast cancer compared to controls. There were significantly different profiles of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood between these two groups, with nine bacterial genera and four gut microbial metabolites increased in patients, while thirty-nine bacterial genera and two gut microbial metabolites increased in controls. Some breast cancer-associated gut microbial metabolites were linked to differential blood microbiota, and a composite microbiota-metabolite diagnostic panel was further developed with an area under the curve of 0.963 for breast cancer. This study underscored the pivotal role of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood and their interactions for breast carcinogenesis, as well as the potential of a composite diagnostic panel as a non-invasive biomarker for breast cancer.IMPORTANCEOur integrated analysis demonstrated altered profiles of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood for breast cancer patients. The extensive correlation between microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood assisted the understanding of the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The good performance of a composite microbiota-gut microbial metabolites panel in blood suggested a non-invasive approach for breast cancer detection and a novel strategy for better diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer in the future.

The p53/miRNA Axis in Breast Cancer.

One of the main health issues in the modern world is cancer, with breast cancer (BC) as one of the most common types of malignancies. Different environmental and genetic risk factors are involved in the development of BC. One of the primary genes implicated in cancer development is the p53 gene, which is also known as the "gatekeeper" gene. p53 is involved in cancer development by interacting with numerous pathways and signaling factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated region of target mRNAs, resulting in their translational inhibition or degradation. If the p53 gene is mutated or degraded, it can contribute to the risk of BC by disrupting the expression of miRNAs. Similarly, the disruption of miRNAs causes the negative regulation of p53. Therefore, the p53/miRNA axis is a crucial pathway in the progression or prevention of BC, and understanding the regulation and function of this pathway may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies to help treat BC.

Bridging the knowledge gap: educational needs of Iranian women for virtual breast cancer prevention: a qualitative study

BackgroundBreast cancer prevention is a globally significant and cost-effective public health priority, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Empowering women through improved health literacy is a key strategy for reducing the disease burden. However, effective educational programs must be tailored to the specific cultural context and needs of the target community. This study explored the educational needs of Iranian women for a virtual breast cancer prevention program.MethodsA descriptive qualitative design was used from January to July 2022. Purposive sampling with maximum variation was utilized to recruit a sample of 28 participants. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews. Following the method outlined by Graneheim and Lundman, qualitative content analysis was employed to analyze the interview data. MAXQDA 2020 software was used for data analysis. Components of trustworthiness, including credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability, were considered.ResultsOur findings identified three primary categories: “developing women’s scientific, practical, and attitudinal capabilities”; “features of program content”; and “principles of electronic content design”. These results offer valuable insights into the educational needs of Iranian women for virtual breast cancer prevention programs.ConclusionsTo design an effective virtual program, it is crucial to address all three domains: cognitive, emotional, and psychomotor. Program content should be organized and presented using methods that sensitize women to the importance of breast cancer prevention and motivate them to participate. Furthermore, the program’s design should be grounded in evidence-based practices and principles of electronic content design, ensuring cultural sensitivity to the needs of Iranian women.

Unraveling the metastasis-preventing effect of miR-200c in vitro and in vivo.

Advanced breast cancer, as well as ineffective treatments leading to surviving cancer cells, can result in the dissemination of these malignant cells from the primary tumor to distant organs. Recent research has shown that microRNA 200c (miR-200c) can hamper certain steps of the invasion-metastasis cascade. However, it is still unclear whether miR-200c expression alone is sufficient to prevent breast cancer cells from metastasis formation. Hence, we performed a xenograft mouse experiment with inducible miR-200c expression in MDA-MB 231 cells. The ex vivo analysis of metastatic sites in a multitude of organs, including lung, liver, brain, and spleen, revealed a dramatically reduced metastatic burden in mice with miR-200c-expressing tumors. A fundamental prerequisite for metastasis formation is the motility of cancer cells and, therefore, their migration. Consequently, we analyzed the effect of miR-200c on collective- and single-cell migration in vitro, utilizing MDA-MB 231 and MCF7 cell systems with genetically modified miR-200c expression. Analysis of collective-cell migration revealed confluence-dependent motility of cells with altered miR-200c expression. Additionally, scratch assays showed an enhanced predisposition of miR-200c-negative cells to leave cell clusters. The in-between stage of collective- and single-cell migration was validated using transwell assays, which showed reduced migration of miR-200c-positive cells. Finally, to measure migration at the single-cell level, a novel assay on dumbbell-shaped micropatterns was performed, which revealed that miR-200c critically determines confined cell motility. All of these results demonstrate that sole expression of miR-200c impedes metastasis formation in vivo and migration in vitro and highlights miR-200c as a metastasis suppressor in breast cancer.

The Influence of Microbiota on Breast Cancer: A Review

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, and recent research highlights its growing connection to alterations in the microbiota. This review delves into the intricate relationship between microbiotas and breast cancer, exploring its presence in healthy breast tissue, its changes during cancer progression, and its considerable impact on both the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). We extensively analyze how the microbiota influences cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, resistance to drugs, and the evasion of the immune system, with a special focus on its effects on the TIME. Furthermore, we investigate distinct microbial profiles associated with the four primary molecular subtypes of breast cancer, examining how the microbiota in tumor tissues compares with that in adjacent normal tissues. Emerging studies suggest that microbiotas could serve as valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as targets for therapy. This review emphasizes the urgent need for further research to improve strategies for breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By offering a detailed examination of the microbiota’s critical role in breast cancer, this review aims to foster the development of novel microbiota-based approaches for managing the disease.