Genetic Polymorphisms, Estrogens, and Breast Density
Abstract
Mammographic density appears to be a strong predictor of breast cancer risk. Endogenous steroid hormones have been shown to be important in the development and progression of breast cancer. Because some metabolites of endogenous estrogens may have more estrogenic effects than others, genetically determined differences in biosynthesis and metabolic pathways of estrogens may affect breast cancer risk. This study will address the following specific aims: 1. To examine the relation between the urinary ratio of 16alpha- hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHEl) and 2-hydroxyestrone (OHEl) and polymorphisms in the genes coding for some hormone metabolizing enzymes. 2.To investigate differences in urinary excretion of estrone3-glucuronide, a marker of endogenous estradiol, between women with variant alleles for polymorphisms in genes coding for hormone producing (CYP17) and metabolizing enzymes (COMT, CYP1Al, CYPlA2, and CYP1B1) and women with the wildtype genotype. 3. To analyze the relation of mammographic density patterns with the urinary excretion of estrone-3 glucuronide, the urinary ratio of 16alpha-OHEl: 2%O-OHEl, and the presence of variant alleles for hormone producing and metabolizing enzymes. During the last year, we have completed the recruitment of 316 study subjects (218 pre- and 98 postruenopausal women). The subjects represent the population of Hawaii with large proportions of women from different ethnic groups. The majority of mammograms has undergone quantitative mammographic density assessment. Blood for the DNA analysis and urine samples for the premenopausal women were collected on cycle day 19. Blood or mouthwash and urine samples were collected for all women, coded, processed, and frozen. The genotyping for 7 polymorphisms using published PCR/RFLP methods has just been completed, 2 more are under way. The urinary analysis will be finished within the next 2 months.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA418782
Entities
People
- Gertraud Maskarinec
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi System