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Updated: May 21, 2026
Spectrophotometric Screening for Potential Inhibitors of Cytosolic Glutathione S-Transferases
Published on: October 10, 2020
Glutathione S-transferase Pi expression in invasive breast cancer and its relation with the clinical outcome
R L Franco1, N G M Schenka, A A A Schenka
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. laier.franco@gmail.com
Purpose:
Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a cytosolic enzymatic system involved in cellular detoxifying process. In vitro studies have shown that the presence of this enzymatic system in breast carcinoma cells can accelerate the elimination of drugs commonly used in chemotherapy, thereby decreasing its efficacy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between GST Pi expression by breast carcinoma cells and disease-free and overall survival.
Methods:
Ninety-five female patients with invasive breast carcinoma submitted to surgical treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy from January, 1995 to June, 1997 and followed until August, 2006 were evaluated. The expression of GST Pi in breast carcinoma cells, determined by immunohistochemistry, was correlated with several clinical and pathological parameters of prognostic significance.
Results:
There were 36 (37.9%) GST Pi-positive cases. GST Pi immunoexpression was not significantly correlated with patient's age, histological tumor type, clinical stage, hormone receptor status and survival. On the other hand, GST Pi positivity showed a significant correlation with a lower histological grade/C-erb-B2 negative breast carcinoma phenotype.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that GST Pi expression does not constitute a satisfactory prognostic factor in breast cancer.
Insights
Glutathione S-transferase Pi (GST Pi) expression in breast cancer cells did not predict patient survival. While GST Pi was associated with a less aggressive tumor phenotype, it did not impact overall or disease-free survival outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a key enzyme system in cellular detoxification.
- In vitro studies suggest GST presence in breast cancer cells may reduce chemotherapy efficacy by accelerating drug elimination.
- Understanding GST Pi's role in breast cancer is crucial for treatment optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Glutathione S-transferase Pi (GST Pi) expression in breast carcinoma cells and patient survival.
- To determine if GST Pi immunoexpression serves as a prognostic marker in breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 95 female patients with invasive breast carcinoma undergoing surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.
- Assessed GST Pi expression using immunohistochemistry.
- Correlated GST Pi expression with clinical and pathological prognostic parameters.
Main Results:
- 37.9% of cases were positive for GST Pi.
- GST Pi expression showed no significant correlation with patient age, tumor type, clinical stage, hormone receptor status, or survival.
- GST Pi positivity was significantly correlated with lower histological grade and C-erb-B2 negative breast carcinoma phenotype.
Conclusions:
- GST Pi expression in breast carcinoma cells is not a reliable prognostic factor for patient survival.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the role of GST Pi in breast cancer progression and treatment response.
