Evaluation of human LOX-12 as a serum marker for breast cancer.

The high concentration of prostaglandins has been associated with chronic inflammatory diseases and several types of human cancers. This is due to the over expression of inflammatory enzymes like Cyclooxygenase (COX), Lipoxygenase (LOX) etc. The aim of this study was to quantify the LOX-12 with clinicopathological parameter of breast cancer patients and its response after chemotherapy to establish serum LOX-12 as a prognostic marker. This case-controlled study was performed on 86 biopsy proven breast cancer patients. Blood and tissue samples were collected from the patients. Serum LOX-12 of the study group was quantified by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and ELISA techniques by antibody-antigen interaction strategy. A significant increase in LOX-12 levels was observed in breast cancer patients (Mean ± SD=40.54±13.61 ng/ml) as compared to healthy controls (Mean ± SD=13.42±2.4 ng/ml) (p<0.0001). Serum LOX-12 levels were significantly higher (p<0.002) in patients with lymph node involvement. More than 75% patients had shown significant (p<0.0001) reduction of LOX-12 levels after chemotherapy. This was also confirmed by ELISA. This study for the first time had co-related the quantity of serum LOX-12 with breast cancer and also with the effect of chemotherapy.