The association of breast mitogens with mammographic densities

• Published in: British journal of cancer Vol. 87; no. 8; pp. 876 - 882
• Main Authors: BOYD, N. F, STONE, J, MARTIN, L. J, JONG, R, FISHELL, E, YAFFE, M, HAMMOND, G, MINKIN, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basingstoke Nature Publishing Group 07.10.2002
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers, Tumor - blood; Breast - pathology; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - blood; Breast Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Cancer research; Cross-Sectional Studies; Estradiol - blood; Female; Growth hormones; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Hormone replacement therapy; Humans; Hysterectomy; Insulin; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 - blood; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I - metabolism; Insulin-like growth factors; Mammary gland diseases; Mammography; Medical research; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Mitogens - metabolism; Molecular and Cellular Pathology; Postmenopause; Premenopause; Progesterone - blood; Prolactin - blood; Proteins; Risk Factors; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin - metabolism; Tumors; Womens health; Canada; North America; America; Toronto Ontario Canada; British Isles; hormones; Free form; Estrogen; Sex hormone binding protein; Density; Epidemiology; Estradiol; Protein hormone; mammographic density; Prolactin; Postmenopause; Mammary gland; Public health; Human; Radiodiagnosis; Premenopause; growth factors; Mammography; Malignant tumor; Insulin like growth factor 1; Ovarian hormone; Mammary gland diseases; Adenohypophyseal hormone; Polypeptide; Risk factor; Mitogen; Sex steroid hormone; Growth factor
• DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6600537
• ISSN: 0007-0920

Radiologically dense breast tissue (mammographic density) is strongly associated with risk of breast cancer, but the biological basis for this association is unknown. In this study we have examined the association of circulating levels of hormones and growth factors with mammographic density. A total of 382 subjects, 193 premenopausal and 189 postmenopausal, without previous breast cancer or current hormone use, were selected in each of five categories of breast density from mammography units. Risk factor information, anthropometric measures, and blood samples were obtained, and oestradiol, progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I and its principal binding protein, and prolactin measured. Mammograms were digitised and measured using a computer-assisted method. After adjustment for other risk factors, we found in premenopausal women that serum insulin-like growth factor-I levels, and in postmenopausal women, serum levels of prolactin, were both significantly and positively associated with per cent density. Total oestradiol and progesterone levels were unrelated to per cent density in both groups. In postmenopausal women, free oestradiol (negatively), and sex hormone binding globulin (positively), were significantly related to per cent density. These data show an association between blood levels of breast mitogens and mammographic density, and suggest a biological basis for the associated risk of breast cancer.