Oxidative stress in relation to lipid profiles in different stages of breast cancer.

The changes in the levels of MDA, nitrite, vit. E, lipids (total cholesterol and triglycerides) and lipoproteins (HDL and LDL cholesterol) were estimated among breast cancer patients, in relation to different clinical stages (stage I to IV). MDA and nitrite levels were increased in breast cancer patients, irrespective of clinical stage, as compared to controls (p < 0.01). Their levels were also significantly elevated from stage III to stage IV (p < 0.05). In contrast, vit. E levels were decreased in all stages, as compared to control group (p < 0.05), the decrease was more pronounced in stage II and IV. Compared to controls, serum triglycerides were elevated in all patient groups (p < 0.05); the maximum increase was in stage IV. HDL-cholesterol decreased in all stages, when compared with control group (p < 0.05). These findings support the hypothesis that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are increased in breast cancer, especially metastases and may cause consumption of vit. E.