Lipid Peroxidation Serum Levels in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

This prevalence study was conducted to compare lipid peroxide serum levels of breast cancer patients to a control group. Sixteen cases and 12 controls were interviewed for socio-demographic characteristics, medical, cancer and lifestyle history anthropometrical measurements and dietary assessment. A blood sample was collected for quantitative determination of serum lipid peroxides using a colorimetric endpoint assay. The prevalence odds ratio showed a strong and statistically significant inverse association (OR= 6.60; p= 0.02) between breast cancer and lipid peroxide levels. Lipid peroxide levels in serum were different between cases and controls although a level of statistical significance was not attained. The confounding effect of vitamin C, total fat intake, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid intake was evaluated using a stratified analysis. It revealed that the association between breast cancer and lower lipid peroxidation levels remained strong even after controlling for the variables. Vitamin supplementation and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake appear to modify the levels of serum lipid peroxides. These findings are consistent with previous studies that showed possible inhibitory role of lipid peroxidation products on breast cancer growth.