Relationships Between Serum Expression of IGF-1 and Metabolic Syndrome Metrics in Syrian Women with Breast Cancer

Background and aims : Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGF-1) plays as mediator between metabolic syndrome (MetS), oxidative stress and breast cancer (BrCa) progression. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between IGF-1 serum levels and metabolic profile biomarkers in a population group of BrCa patients. Material and methods : 126 Syrian women with breast lesions were assigned in 3 study groups: I. Malignant breast tumor group, II. Benign breast tumor group and a Normal (control) group. The following biochemical parameters were measured: IGF-1, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and glucose. Results : The mean levels of serum IGF- 1 in patients with breast cancer was significantly higher than those with benign tumors but we did not find any correlation between IGF-1 serum levels and tumor stage or lymph nodes metastases. Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels, along with TG were significantly higher in patients with BrCa versus benign and normal subjects. Conclusion : Results support the link of metabolic dysregulation and oxidative stress in BrCa progression as elevation of serum IGF-1 levels in BrCa patients are associated with metabolic syndrome markers which eventually adds more risk in cancer progression.