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Presence of immunoassayable transforming growth factor‐β1 (tgf‐β1) in breast cyst fluid (BCF): Relationship with the intracystic electrolyte and epidermal‐growth‐factor (EGF) content
Author(s) -
Zanard S.,
Pensa F.,
Torrisi R.,
De Franchis V.,
Barreca A.,
Minuto F.,
Boccardo F.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.2910590602
Subject(s) - epidermal growth factor , transforming growth factor , endocrinology , medicine , growth factor , radioimmunoassay , cyst , tgf alpha , biology , chemistry , pathology , receptor
Abstract We evaluated the presence and distribution of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in breast cyst fluid (BCF), and its relationship with intracystic epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF and TGF‐β1 were determined by radioimmunoassay on 47 BCFs (27 of the Na + /K + <3 type and 20 of the Na + /K + >3 type). As expected, EGF levels were inversely correlated with the Na + /K + ratio, and were consequently higher in Na + /K + <3 cysts as compared with Na + /K + >3 cysts, (p < 0.005). By contrast, TGF‐β1 levels were directly correlated with the Na + /K + ratio (p < 0.01), being higher in Na + /K + >3 cysts, though not significantly (p = 0.057). A significant negative relationship was found between EGF and TGF‐β1 concentration. When the analysis was performed separately in the 2 cyst sub‐populations, EGF and TGF‐β1 were found to be negatively and significantly correlated in Na + /K + <3 cysts only (p < 0.01). Our results demonstrate that Na + /K + <3 cysts contain high levels of EGF, a growth‐stimulating factor, and very low levels of TGF‐β1, a growth‐inhibiting factor. This may provide an explanation for the higher risk of breast cancer observed in women with Na + /K + <3 cysts. Our results also suggest that EGF accumulation in this type of cysts might be regulated by TGF‐β1.