Biomarker assays in nipple aspirate fluid

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Genetics

Background:

• Breast cancer risk assessment currently lacks noninvasive biomarker sources.
• Nipple aspiration offers a potential avenue for obtaining breast fluid for analysis.
• Evaluating the feasibility of molecular and biochemical assays on nipple aspirate is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nipple aspiration as a noninvasive method for breast cancer risk biomarker discovery.
• To explore the utility of nipple aspirate fluid for mutagenesis assays, DNA amplification, and protein electrophoresis.
• To develop and utilize a tool for measuring procedural discomfort.

Main Methods:

• Nipple aspiration was performed on 25 healthy women (premenopausal and postmenopausal) using a modified breast pump.
• Collected fluid underwent mutagenesis assays (Salmonella/Ames), DNA amplification (PCR), and protein quantification/electrophoresis.
• A discomfort assessment tool was employed during the procedure.

Main Results:

• Fluid was successfully obtained from 80% of participants with minimal discomfort.
• Mutagenicity was observed in one acid-hydrolyzed sample; non-hydrolyzed samples were non-mutagenic.
• DNA amplification success rates varied (34%-96%), and average protein concentration was 71 microg/mL; 2D electrophoresis was successful in two subjects.

Conclusions:

• Nipple aspiration is a simple, well-tolerated technique yielding valuable reagent for biomarker research.
• This method shows promise for identifying breast cancer risk biomarkers and informing chemopreventive strategies.
• Further research can leverage nipple aspirate for advancing breast cancer early detection and prevention.