Calcineurin Level and Activity in Breast Cancer: Relation to Apoptosis

Background: Calcineurin (CN) is a Ca 2+ /calmodulin- dependent phosphatase and has been implicated in both transcription-dependent and transcription-independent apoptosis. Objectives: We aim to interpret the correlation between CN and apoptosis in relation to pathogenesis of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Both CN level and activity, as well as caspase-3 activity, were evaluated in tissue homogenate of 50 breast cancer patients, 20 patients with fibroadenoma and 15 healthy women. Results: CN activity was significantly decreased in malignant breast tissues compared with fibroadenoma and normal breast tissue (P 0.05). While caspase-3 showed a significant higher activity in a malignant group compared with other groups (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between CN activity with grade, stage (P < 0.001) and a significant positive correlation with its level (P = 0.039). Conclusion: CN activity, but not its level might have a role in breast neoplasia; restoration of its normal activity may act as an adjuvant factor to control breast cancer pathogenesis.