Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Higher steroid hormones linked to growth factor in dog mammary cancer
By Queiroga, Felisbina L et al.·Published in The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology·2009·Department of Veterinary Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Positive correlation of steroid hormones and EGF in canine mammary cancer.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that dogs with malignant mammary tumors had higher levels of a protein called EGF (epidermal growth factor) compared to those with benign tumors or normal mammary glands. This suggests that EGF might play a role in the development of mammary cancer in dogs. Additionally, levels of steroid hormones were also higher in malignant tumors, indicating a possible link between these hormones and tumor growth. While this research highlights important connections, more studies are needed to fully understand how EGF and steroid hormones interact in canine mammary cancer.
People also search for: dog mammary tumor symptoms · EGF in dog cancer · canine mammary cancer treatment options
Abstract
There are no published studies focused on the potential crosstalk between steroid hormones and EGF in canine mammary tumourigenesis. The objective was to investigate the role of EGF in canine mammary tumours (CMT) and the relationship with steroid hormones. Sixty-three CMT (39 malignant including 10 inflammatory mammary carcinomas (IMC); 19 benign and 5 dysplasias), and 13 normal mammary glands from dogs without history of neoplastic disease were analysed. Levels of EGF and steroid hormones [progesterone (P4); 17beta-estradiol (E2); androstenedione (A4) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)], were analysed by EIA in CMT homogenates. Levels of EGF were significantly higher in malignant compared with benign tumours, dysplasias and normal mammary glands (p<0.001). IMC presented the highest EGF levels, with statistical significant difference between IMC and non-IMC cases (p<0.05). Steroid hormone levels were also significantly higher in malignant tumours compared with benign tumours, dysplasias and normal mammary glands (p<0.001). In malignant tumours (non-IMC and IMC), a strong correlation was observed between EGF and: P4 (r=0.452; p=0.003); E2 (r=0.624; p=0.023); A4 (r=0.496; p=0.038); DHEA (r=0.431; p=0.005). These results suggest that EGF is implicated in canine mammary tumourigenesis. The positive correlation observed, opens an interesting perspective of interaction that should be further investigated.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19429455/