Evaluation serum level of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal as biomarkers of oxidative stress in breast cancer patients

Breast cancer is a highly variable type of cancer and it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females around the world. Another important fact to note is that it is expected that there will be about 3.2 million incidences of breast cancer by the year 2050. This study will be an extensive examination of different aspects of breast cancer. It will particularly focus on the oxidative stress biomarkers in breast cancer. Most importantly, these biomarkers can tell us about the development of the disease according to the study. Breasts are made up of both lobular and ductal glands. It is further surrounded by supportive stromal tissue. It undergoes hormonal change and development in a woman's life. Breast cancer is caused by a combination of factors. These include BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, and hormones. Other causes are reproductive history, obesity, alcohol and smoking. Breast density and age are also causes. Various types of breast cancer include DCIS, IDC, lobular carcinoma, IBC and MBC and stage according to size of tumor, lymph node involvement and spread. Self-exams, mammography, ultrasound, MRI and biopsy are used for diagnosis. There are many options available for treating cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. The formation of reactive oxygen species may cause cancer by damaging the DNA, causing mutation and inflammation. A total of 90 women within the age group of 20 to 65 years of both breast cancer and case control have taken part. Case control involved 50 breast cancer women and 40 healthy women. Sample collection was conducted at Hiwa Cancer Hospital, and examined through ELISA Lac at Malikat Al Rahma Laboratory. The study highlighted the measurement of two biomarkers of oxidative stress; MDA and 4 HNE. Levels of MDA and 4-HNE were significantly higher in breast cancer patients than in controls (p<0.0001), corroborating lipid peroxidation. Patients had a higher average BMI and were older as well. These oxidative stress results showing raised levels of MDA and 4-HNE may play an important role in breast cancer development. Based on the research, MDA and HNE could be possible diagnostic/prognostic markers of breast cancer along with age and BMI, as they are oxidative stress markers.