Molecular Markers of Carotenoid and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake and Breast Cancer Risk in a Heterogeneous Population
Abstract
The primary objective of the ongoing project is to explore relationships between breast cancer and tissue levels of specific fatty acids and carotenoids. Research during the past year focused on four broad areas. First, adipose tissue and plasma-based micronutrient measures were compared. Repeat measures data were employed to compensate for measurement error in these comparisons. Variability between measures was ,substantial and dependent upon other factors, particularly gender. Second, the relationship between the essential omega-3 and -6 fatty acids as well as monounsaturates fatty acids with breast cancer was examined. The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturates showed a protective association with breast cancer. Monounsaturates (particularly oleic acid) appeared powerfully protective in one center, but this association was not consistent across centers. Third, the relationship between adipose tissue carotenoids and breast cancer was investigated. Much weaker associations were observed for these micronutrients than those noted for the fatty acids above or for trans fatty acids in last year's analyses. This led to adoption of a strategy focusing on potential effects of micronutrient levels on the associations between fatty acids and breast cancer, rather than vice-versa, in our ongoing research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADB216054
Entities
People
- Lenore Kohlmeier
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill