ESTIMATION OF SERUM FERROPORTIN AND LIVER ENZYMES IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Breast cancer (BC) is a significant global health concern, particularly for women.
• Understanding biomarkers associated with BC is crucial for diagnosis and management.
• Ferroportin (FPN) plays a role in iron metabolism, which may be linked to cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the plasma concentration of ferroportin (FPN) in patients with breast cancer.
• To compare FPN levels and liver function markers (AST, ALT, TSB) between breast cancer patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 90 participants (60 with BC, 30 healthy controls).
• Blood samples were analyzed for total serum bilirubin (TSB), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and ferroportin (FPN).

Main Results:

• AST and ALT levels were significantly higher in the BC group compared to controls (p<0.001 and p<0.004, respectively).
• Ferroportin (FPN) levels were significantly lower in the BC group compared to controls (p<0.002).
• No significant difference in total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels was observed between the groups (p<0.852).

Conclusions:

• Breast cancer is associated with elevated AST and ALT levels, indicating potential liver involvement or inflammation.
• Reduced plasma ferroportin (FPN) concentration is linked to breast cancer.
• TSB levels do not appear to be significantly altered in breast cancer patients in this study.