CXCR4 in Breast Cancer: Role of Nitric Oxide and Prognosis
Author Information
Author(s): Yasuoka Hironao, Tsujimoto Masahiko, Yoshidome Katsuhide, Nakahara Masaaki, Kodama Rieko, Sanke Tokio, Nakamura Yasushi
Primary Institution: Wakayama Medical University
Hypothesis
Does nitric oxide induce CXCR4 expression and correlate with lymph node metastasis in breast cancer?
Conclusion
Cytoplasmic CXCR4 expression is significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Cytoplasmic CXCR4 expression was observed in 50% of tumors.
- High nitrotyrosine levels correlated with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001).
- Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated reduced survival associated with cytoplasmic CXCR4 expression.
- Multivariate analysis identified cytoplasmic CXCR4 as an independent predictor for survival.
- NO donor treatment increased CXCR4 expression in breast cancer cell lines.
Takeaway
This study found that a substance called nitric oxide can make a protein called CXCR4 more active in breast cancer cells, which may help the cancer spread and make it harder for patients to survive.
Methodology
CXCR4 expression was analyzed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, with assessments of nitrotyrosine levels and survival analysis conducted.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in immunostaining interpretation as it was performed by pathologists without clinical knowledge of the patients.
Limitations
The study is based on archival specimens and may not account for all variables affecting CXCR4 expression.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 51 years, with 58% younger than 50 and 52% having lymph node metastasis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.0002 for overall survival
Confidence Interval
Not provided
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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