Parity-Induced Protection Against Breast Cancer
Abstract
A woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is significantly reduced by an early first full-term pregnancy. Thus, an early first childbirth is one of the most effective naturally occurring protective events that can diminish a woman's risk of breast cancer and is a candidate for targeted chemopreventive strategies. Although there is extensive epidemiological evidence in support of parity-induced protection against breast cancer, very little is known about the molecules and pathways responsible for this protective effect. Rodent carcinogenesis models mimic the epidemiology of early parity and provide a valuable system for examining the mechanism of parity-induced protection. As a means of addressing the molecular and cellular basis of parity-induced protection, we have conducted a broad-based gene expression analysis of nulliparous and parous murine mammary glands. As a result of this analysis, we have generated a panel of genes that molecularly define the protected parous mammary gland, including differentiation markers, immune-related genes, growth factors and TGF-Beta 3. To date, these findings represent the most comprehensive analysis of molecular differences induced in the mammary gland as a result of parity. Together, differential expression of distinct functional classes of molecules suggests novel mechanisms to explain parity-induced protection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADB282185
Entities
People
- Celina M. D'cruz
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania