Abstract

EVALUATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN PATIENTS WITH BENIGN AND MALIGNANT BREAST DISEASE

Dr. Reshama V. Morje and Dr. Chitra Y. Dhume*

Abstract

Increased formation of reactive oxygen species and decreased antioxidant defense can be defined as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and benign breast disease by inducing oxidative damage to DNA leading to mutagenesis. Hormones like Estradiol, Prolactin have been implicated in the development of breast cancer and benign breast disease respectively, as they play central role in breast development and differentiation. The present study comprised of 70 patients, 40 patients of benign breast disease, 30 untreated breast cancer patients and 40 healthy age and sex matched subjects served as controls. The subjects present in the study and control group were aged between 20 – 60 years. This study was undertaken to evaluate the oxidative stress and role of hormones in the pathogenesis of benign breast disease and breast cancer patients. The biochemical parameters evaluated were plasma levels of Vitamin C, serum Vitamin E, β carotene, Blood Glutathione, serum Malondialdehyde (MDA), serum Estradiol, Progesterone, Prolactin, Testosterone and Follicle stimulating hormone. It was found that MDA levels were significantly higher in breast cancer patients as compared to controls and levels of vitamin C, E, β carotene and glutathione were significantly low in breast cancer and benign breast disease patients as compared to controls. Serum estradiol was found to be increased in breast cancer patients and serum prolactin levels was found to be increased in benign breast disease patients as compared to controls respectively. This study was undertaken to evaluate the oxidative stress and the role of hormones in the etiology of benign and malignant breast disease patients.

Keywords: Breast cancer, MDA, Estradiol, Antioxidants.