Tamoxifen and Flaxseed Alter Angiogenesis Regulators in Normal Human Breast Tissue In Vivo
2011

Effects of Tamoxifen and Flaxseed on Breast Tissue Angiogenesis

Sample size: 36 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nilsson Åberg Ulrika W., Saarinen Niina, Abrahamsson Annelie, Nurmi Tarja, Engblom Sofia, Dabrosin Charlotta

Primary Institution: Linköping University

Hypothesis

Does tamoxifen or dietary flaxseed affect angiogenesis regulators in normal human breast tissue?

Conclusion

Tamoxifen decreases pro-angiogenic factors and increases the anti-angiogenic factor endostatin in normal breast tissue, while flaxseed has limited effects.

Supporting Evidence

  • Tamoxifen decreased levels of VEGF and angiogenin while increasing endostatin.
  • Flaxseed did not significantly alter VEGF or angiogenin levels but increased endostatin.
  • Estradiol levels correlated positively with VEGF and angiogenin in breast tissue.

Takeaway

This study looked at how tamoxifen and flaxseed affect substances in breast tissue that help control blood vessel growth, finding that tamoxifen works better than flaxseed.

Methodology

Microdialysis was used to sample extracellular proteins in breast tissue before and after treatment with tamoxifen or flaxseed.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the lack of randomization in participant selection.

Limitations

The study was limited to a small sample size and short duration of flaxseed supplementation.

Participant Demographics

36 women, including pre-menopausal and post-menopausal individuals, with a range of ages and body mass indices.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025720

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