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Annals of Surgical Oncology
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology 3/2013

01-12-2013 | Translational Research and Biomarkers

Peritumoral Expression of Adipokines and Fatty Acids in Breast Cancer

Authors: Jennifer L. Gnerlich, MD, Katharine A. Yao, MD, Philip S. Fitchev, MD, Robert A. Goldschmidt, MD, Michael C. Bond, MA, Mona Cornwell, BS, Susan E. Crawford, DO

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Special Issue 3/2013

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Abstract

Background

Adipokines in the tumor microenvironment may contribute to cancer growth. We hypothesized that peritumoral fat can be a source of lipid-derived energy for tumors by increasing adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)-mediated lipolysis and down-regulating a negative regulator of adipogenesis, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF).

Methods

In a pilot study, tissue from mastectomies (n = 19) was collected from sites both adjacent (peritumoral) and distant to the tumor for comparison of ATGL, PEDF, and leptin expression levels using immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed by Student’s t test to determine significance.

Results

Mean tumor size was 2.4 cm, and 10 (59 %) patients had tumor-positive nodes. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.1 kg/m2. ATGL expression was significantly increased in obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) compared with the nonobese group (P < 0.04). Leptin expression was increased in the peritumoral stroma of obese patients compared with distant sites (P = 0.03). Peritumoral PEDF and the leptin/PEDF ratio were significantly affected by tumor size and node status. Tumors ≥2 cm had lower peritumoral stromal expression of PEDF than tumors <2 cm (P = 0.01). In node-positive cases, expression of PEDF was significantly decreased in the peritumoral stroma compared with node-negative cases (1.22 vs. 1.80, P < 0.04). The leptin/PEDF ratio was markedly elevated in the peritumoral region of node-positive cases versus node-negative cases (2.17 vs. 1.18, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Peritumoral expression of adipokines was altered in both obesity and more advanced breast tumors, suggesting a role for adipokines in enhancing tumor growth. Future studies should focus on the use of adipokines as biomarkers.
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Metadata
Title
Peritumoral Expression of Adipokines and Fatty Acids in Breast Cancer
Authors
Jennifer L. Gnerlich, MD
Katharine A. Yao, MD
Philip S. Fitchev, MD
Robert A. Goldschmidt, MD
Michael C. Bond, MA
Mona Cornwell, BS
Susan E. Crawford, DO
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue Special Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-013-3274-1

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