Serum Proteomic Signatures of Pregnancy-associated Breast Cancer

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed pregnancy-related malignancies, characterized by a notably rising incidence. Data remain scarce in the literature regarding the molecular nature and pathophysiology of PABC. Proteomic analyses are known to reflect cellular functions more accurately when compared to genomic or transcriptomic studies.

In the present study, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry were employed to identify differentially expressed serum proteins among five patients with PABC, five matched (according to age, histological type and stage) non-pregnant patients diagnosed with BC, and five healthy pregnant controls.

A panel of 53 differentially expressed (>1.5-fold) proteins with diverse biological roles and various functional interactions was identified among the three groups examined in our study. Of the 53 differentially expressed proteins, 23 proteins were identified in the PABC group, 8 proteins in the non-PABC group, and 22 proteins in healthy pregnant controls. Many of the proteins differentially expressed in patients with PABC were involved in biological processes known to be deregulated in carcinogenesis, such as metabolism (e.g., apolipoprotein-E, and apolipoprotein-A1) and immune system regulation (e.g., complement factor B, and defensin-5).

Differential proteomic expression was detected in PABC-derived serum samples, implying distinct PABC molecular features that require further investigation. The identification of PABC proteomic signatures provides significant insight into PABC pathophysiology and offers novel targets for early diagnosis and optimal treatment.