ParfumGigi@aol.com
29 avril, 2007 16:19
Even moderate alcohol consumption boosts breast cancer risk
Posted on dimanche 29 avril 2007 (EST)
A recent study showed that 60 percent of female breast cancers worldwide were attributable to alcohol consumption.
29 Apr 2007 (Sawf News) - For the first time, scientists have used a laboratory mouse model to mimic the development of human alcohol-induced breast cancer.
Alcohol (EtOH) consumption – even moderate – is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer in women. A recent study showed that 60 percent of female breast cancers worldwide were attributable to alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of alcohol-induced breast cancer are poorly understood.
In the study the six-week-old female mice were fed with moderate EtOH (one percent in drinking water) for four weeks, the equivalent of two drinks per day in humans. The control mice received regular drinking water only.
In the second week of the experiment, mouse breast cancer cells (5x105 E0771) were injected and at the end of the experiment, the tumors were isolated to measure tumor size, examine intratumoral microvessel (IM) density via CD 31 immunohistochemistry staining, and assessing VEGF protein levels via ELISA. These steps were taken to determine the effects of EtOH intake in physiologically relevant doses on tumor growth and angiogenesis in mouse breast cancer.
The researchers found that `moderate alcohol consumption significantly increased the tumor size of breast cancer in mice, which was a 1.96-fold increase in tumor weight vs. control mice. Alcohol intake caused a 1.28-fold increase in tumor microvessel density. A significant increase in tissue protein levels of VEGF were found in the tumors of the mice treated with EtOH vs. control group. EtOH intake did not cause significant changes in the body weight of the mice.
Scientists conclude that even moderate alcohol consumption significantly stimulates tumor growth of breast cancer and that induction of tumor angiogenesis and VEGF expressions are mechanisms which are associated with the progression of this deadly disease.
