L‘excess weight is an established risk factor for breast cancer. Now a group of researchers coordinated by Stefania Catalanoprofessor of the Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutrition Sciences of the University of Calabria in Rende, identified a potential biomarkerassociated with the development and progression of breast cancer in obese people, which could facilitate early detection of the disease and improve the effectiveness of treatment.
Breast cancer and obesity
It is a miRNA, a type of gene whose “expression” (action) in the cell can be inhibited by the development of a tumor. In the study, supported by AIRC Foundationpublished in 2023 on Journal of Translational Medicineresearchers compared the expression levels of miRNAs contained in the extracellular vesicles of patients with normal weight, overweight or obese.
And they discovered that in obese and overweight patients only, the Let-7a miRNA is significantly reduced. By consulting multiple databases that collect clinical information, the researchers verified that, in breast cancer patients, low levels of this miRNA are associated with an advanced stage of the tumor and lower survival.
Catalano says: «Further studies on a larger population could clarify the role of Let7a in this group of patients. If the results are positive, Let-7a could be a way to monitor the evolution of the neoplasm in an early and easier to treat phase.”
iO Donna © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED