Blood biomarkers reflect the effects of obesity and inflammation on the human breast transcriptome Journal Article


Authors: Cho, B. A.; Iyengar, N. M.; Zhou, X. K.; Morrow, M.; Giri, D. D.; Verma, A.; Elemento, O.; Pollak, M.; Dannenberg, A. J.
Article Title: Blood biomarkers reflect the effects of obesity and inflammation on the human breast transcriptome
Abstract: Obesity is a risk factor for the development of post-menopausal breast cancer. Breast white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation, which is commonly found in women with excess body fat, is also associated with increased breast cancer risk. Both local and systemic effects are probably important for explaining the link between excess body fat, adipose inflammation and breast cancer. The first goal of this cross-sectional study of 196 women was to carry out transcriptome profiling to define the molecular changes that occur in the breast related to excess body fat and WAT inflammation. A second objective was to determine if commonly measured blood biomarkers of risk and prognosis reflect molecular changes in the breast. Breast WAT inflammation was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Bulk RNA-sequencing was carried out to assess gene expression in non-tumorous breast. Obesity and WAT inflammation were associated with a large number of differentially expressed genes and changes in multiple pathways linked to the development and progression of breast cancer. Altered pathways included inflammatory response, complement, KRAS signaling, tumor necrosis factor α signaling via NFkB, interleukin (IL)6-JAK-STAT3 signaling, epithelial mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, interferon γresponse and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling. Increased expression of several drug targets such as aromatase, TGF-β1, IDO-1 and PD-1 were observed. Levels of various blood biomarkers including high sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL6, leptin, adiponectin, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin were altered and correlated with molecular changes in the breast. Collectively, this study helps to explain both the link between obesity and breast cancer and the utility of blood biomarkers for determining risk and prognosis. © 2021 The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
Journal Title: Carcinogenesis
Volume: 42
Issue: 10
ISSN: 0143-3334
Publisher: Oxford University Press  
Date Published: 2021-10-01
Start Page: 1281
End Page: 1292
Language: English
DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab066
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC8546933
PUBMED: 34314488
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 December 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Monica Morrow
    772 Morrow
  2. Dilip D Giri
    184 Giri
  3. Neil Mukund Iyengar
    150 Iyengar