Power frequency magnetic fields increase cell proliferation in the mammary gland of female Fischer 344 rats but not various other rat strains or substrains

Epidemiological data have raised concerns about the relationship between exposure to power frequency magnetic fields (MFs) and breast cancer. We have shown previously that 50-Hz MFs at microtesla flux densities enhance mammary gland tumor development and growth in the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) model of breast cancer in female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We also demonstrated that MF exposure results in an enhanced proliferative activity of the mammary epithelium of SD rats, which is a likely explanation for the cocarcinogenic or tumor-promoting effects of MF exposure in the DMBA model. Comparison of different SD substrains indicated that the genetic background plays a pivotal role in these effects of MF exposure. This prompted us to compare the effects of MF exposure (100 microT, 2 weeks) on cell proliferation in the mammary gland in eight different strains and substrains of outbred and inbred rats. Proliferation of epithelial cells in the mammary tissue and adjacent skin was examined by labeling proliferating cells with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). In addition to the MF-sensitive SD substrain (SD1) previously used in our experiments, Fischer 344 rats were the only strain in which MF exposure significantly enhanced BrdU labeling in the mammary epithelium, indicating a marked increase in cell proliferation. The MF-induced increase in BrdU labeling in Fischer 344 rats was similar to that seen after DMBA application. Furthermore, whole mount analysis of mammary tissue from Fischer 344 rats demonstrated that MF exposure increased the number of terminal end buds, i.e. the site of origin of mammary carcinomas. By comparison with MF-insensitive inbred rat strains, Fischer 344 rats may serve to evaluate the genetic factors underlying sensitivity to cocarcinogenic or tumor-promoting effects of MF exposure.     

Significant differences in the effects of magnetic field exposure on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary carcinogenesis in two substrains of Sprague-Dawley rats

We have shown previously (S. Thun-Battersby et al., Cancer Res., 59: 3627-3633, 1999) that power-line frequency (50-Hz) magnetic fields (MFs) at micro T-flux densities enhance mammary gland tumor development and growth in the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) model of breast cancer in female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We also demonstrated that MF exposure results in an enhanced proliferative activity of the mammary epithelium of SD rats (M. Fedrowitz et al., Cancer Res., 62: 1356-1363, 2002), which is a likely explanation for the cocarcinogenic or tumor-promoting effects of MF exposure in the DMBA model. However, in contrast with our data, in a similar study conducted by Battelle in the United States, no evidence for a cocarcinogenic or tumor-promoting effect of MF exposure was found in the DMBA model in SD rats (L. E. Anderson et al., Carcinogenesis, 20: 1615-1620, 1999). Probably the most important difference between our and the Battelle studies was the use of different substrains of SD rats; the United States rats were much more susceptible to DMBA than the rats used in our studies. This prompted us to compare different substrains of SD outbred rats in our laboratory in respect to MF effects on cell proliferation in the mammary gland, susceptibility to DMBA-induced mammary cancer, and MF effects on mammary tumor development and growth in the DMBA model. The SD substrain (termed "SD1") used in all of our previous studies was considered MF-sensitive and used for comparison with another substrain ("SD2") obtained from the same breeder. In contrast with SD1 rats, no enhanced cell proliferation was determined after MF exposure in SD2 rats. MF exposure significantly increased mammary tumor development and growth in SD1 but not SD2 rats. These data indicate that the genetic background plays a pivotal role in effects of MF exposure. Different strains or substrains of rats may serve to evaluate the genetic factors underlying sensitivity to cocarcinogenic or tumor-promoting effects of MF exposure.     

Magnetic field exposure increases cell proliferation but does not affect melatonin levels in the mammary gland of female Sprague Dawley rats

In line with the possible relationship between electric power and breast cancer risk as well as the underlying "melatonin hypothesis," we have shown previously (Thun-Battersby et al., Cancer Res., 59: 3627-3633, 1999) that 50-Hz magnetic fields (MFs) of low (100 microTesla) flux density enhance mammary gland tumor development and growth in the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene model of breast cancer in female Sprague Dawley rats. On the basis of the melatonin hypothesis and previous observations of induction of ornithine decarboxylase in response to MF, we proposed that the effect of MF exposure on mammary carcinogenesis is related to enhanced proliferation of the mammary epithelium. The objective of the present study was to directly assess this proposal by the use of proliferation markers. Female Sprague Dawley rats were MF or sham exposed for 2 weeks at a flux density of 100 microTesla. Proliferation of epithelial cells in the mammary tissue and adjacent skin was examined by in vivo labeling of proliferating cells with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) and in situ labeling of the nuclear proliferation-associated Ki-67 protein by the antibody MIB-5. Furthermore, melatonin levels were determined after MF or sham exposure in the pineal gland and directly in the mammary tissue. In additional experiments, the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate was used for comparison with the effects of MF exposure. MF exposure significantly enhanced BrdUrd and Ki-67 labeling in the mammary epithelium, indicating a marked increase in cell proliferation. The most pronounced effect on proliferation was seen in the cranial thoracic (or cervical) mammary complexes, in which we previously had seen the most marked effects of MF exposure on mammary carcinogenesis. In contrast to the melatonin hypothesis, melatonin levels in pineal or mammary glands were not affected by MF exposure. Topical application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate increased BrdUrd and Ki-67 labeling in epithelial cells of the skin, particularly in hair follicles, but not in the mammary tissue. The data demonstrate that MF exposure results in an increased proliferative activity of the mammary epithelium, which is a likely explanation for the cocarcinogenic or tumor promoting effects of MF exposure observed previously by us in the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene model of breast cancer.     

Genetic control of resistance to chemically induced mammary adenocarcinogenesis in the rat

Fifty-day-old female rats of a series of outbred (i.e., SD) and inbred (i.e., NSD, WF, LEW, F344, ACI, and COP) strains were exposed to a single dose of either of two highly effective mammary chemical carcinogens, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) or 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU), to determine the characteristic number of mammary adenocarcinomas induced/rat for each strain. Female rats of the inbred NSD, WF, and LEW strains were found to be as highly susceptible to DMBA exposure as the randomly outbred SD strain (i.e., greater than 2 mammary adenocarcinomas/rat develop). Inbred female F344 and ACI rats were found to be much less susceptible to DMBA induced mammary adenocarcinogenesis (i.e., less than 1.2 mammary adenocarcinomas/rat). In contrast to all the other inbred strains, the female COP rat was unique in that it is essentially completely resistant to all attempts to induce mammary adenocarcinomas by either DMBA or MNU exposure. Genetic breeding analysis demonstrated that the resistance of the mammary epithelium of the female COP rat to DMBA and MNU is due to the mendelian inheritance of a dominant, autosomal genetic allele. The inheritance of a single copy of this resistance allele is able to prevent both the DMBA and MNU induced development of mammary adenocarcinomas in F1 hybrids produced by cross-breeding COP to the highly susceptible NSD animal.     

Exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats to a 50-Hertz, 100-microTesla magnetic field for 27 weeks facilitates mammary tumorigenesis in the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene model of breast cancer.

We have shown previously (W. L?scher et al., Cancer Lett., 71: 75-81, 1993; M. Mevissen et al., Carcinogenesis (Lond.), 17: 903-910, 1996) that 50-Hz magnetic fields (MFs) of low [50 or 100 microTesla (T)] flux density enhance mammary gland tumor development and growth in the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) model of breast cancer in female Sprague Dawley rats. In these previous experiments, groups of rats were given 20 mg of DMBA (four weekly gavage doses of 5 mg each) and were MF- or sham-exposed for 13 weeks. The objective of the present study was to examine whether the use of a lower dose of DMBA (10 instead of 20 mg per rat), MF exposure of the rats before DMBA injection, and the increase of the MF exposure period after DMBA application to 26 weeks enhance the effect of MF on tumor development and growth. A group 99 rats was exposed to a homogeneous, horizontally polarized 100-microT MF of 50-Hz for 24 h/day for 7 days/week; another group of 99 rats was sham-exposed under the same environmental conditions as the MF-exposed rats. The exposure chambers were identical for MF-exposed and sham-exposed animals. The age of the rats was 45-49 days at the onset of exposure; duration of MF or sham exposure was 27 weeks. DMBA was administered p.o. at a dose of 10 mg/rat after 1 week of MF or sham exposure. The animals were palpated once weekly from week 6 onwards to assess the development of mammary tumors. At the end of the exposure period, the animals were killed for the determination of number and volume and histological verification of mammary tumors. All of the recordings were done in a blinded fashion; i.e., the investigators were not aware which animals were MF- or sham-exposed. Mammary tumor development and growth was significantly enhanced by MF exposure, the most marked effect on tumor incidence (190% above sham control) being observed 13 weeks after DMBA administration. At the time of necropsy, i.e., 26 weeks after DMBA administration, the incidence of histologically verified mammary tumors was 50.5% in controls and 64.7% in MF-exposed rats, the difference being statistically significant. More marked intergroup differences were recorded when tumor incidence was separately evaluated for each of the six mammary complexes, the most pronounced MF effect on tumor incidence being seen in the cranial thoracic complex. The data substantiate that, at least under the experimental conditions used in our laboratory, 50-Hz, 100-microT MF exposure significantly facilitates the development and growth of mammary tumors in the DMBA rat model of breast cancer.     

Opposing effects of prepubertal low- and high-fat n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid diets on rat mammary tumorigenesis

To determine whether dietary fat intake during childhood affects the later risk of developing breast cancer, we fed prepubertal rats between post-natal days 5 and 25 a low (16% energy) or high-fat (39% energy) diet composed mainly of n-6 or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) originating either from corn oil or menhaden oil, respectively, in the ratios of 16-17:1 (n-6 PUFA diets) or 2-3:1 (n-3 PUFA diets). We also examined whether changes in risk are associated with perturbations in biological processes previously linked to fatty acid intake and breast cancer. Mammary tumorigenesis was induced by treating 50-day-old rats with the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. When compared with the reference low-fat n-6 PUFA diet, prepubertal exposure to the low-fat n-3 PUFA diet decreased, whereas a high-fat n-3 PUFA diet increased mammary tumor incidence; the high-fat n-6 PUFA diet had no effect. Both the low and high-fat n-3 PUFA diets induced mammary epithelial differentiation by reducing the number of terminal end buds (TEBs) and increasing the presence of lobulo-alveolar structures. They also increased lipid peroxidation and reduced cyclooxygenase-2 activity. Prepubertal exposure to the low-fat n-3 PUFA diet increased apoptosis, determined using TUNEL assay, and reduced cell proliferation, determined using PCNA staining. In marked contrast, prepubertal exposure to the high-fat n-3 PUFA diet induced cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in the TEBs and lobular structures. The latter is consistent with the finding that pAkt, a survival factor that inhibits apoptosis, was elevated in their mammary glands. In summary, although prepubertal exposure to a low-fat n-3 PUFA diet reduced later mammary tumorigenesis in rats, high levels of this fatty acid can have adverse effects on the prepubertal mammary gland and increase subsequent breast cancer risk.     

Mammary glands of sexually immature rats are more susceptible than those of mature rats to the carcinogenic, lethal, and mutagenic effects of N-nitroso-N-methylurea

Knowing that the prepubertal period is a time of enhanced susceptibility for radiation-induced human breast cancer, we used the Fischer 344 rat model to explore the age-differential susceptibility of the mammary gland to the carcinogenic, lethal, and mutagenic effects of two structurally diverse chemical carcinogens, N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU), and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Mammary carcinoma incidences and multiplicities were significantly greater in immature than mature NMU-treated rats while mammary carcinoma incidences and multiplicities were significantly lower in immature than mature DMBA-treated rats. The survival of mammary clonogens of mature NMU-treated rats in limiting dilution transplantation assays was greater than that of the survival of mammary clonogens of immature NMU-treated rats. No differences were found in the survival of mammary cells from immature and mature rats exposed to DMBA. Although there were no mutation spectra differences, mammary epithelial cells of immature NMU-treated rats had greater mutation frequencies than those of mature NMU-treated rats. Together these results support the hypothesis that the mammary gland of immature rats is more susceptible to the carcinogenic, lethal, and mutagenic effects of alkylating agents represented by NMU in a carcinogen-class-specific manner. Further, the results suggest the importance of mechanistic and epidemiological studies of the susceptibility of the prepubertal breast to specific carcinogens such as alkylating agents.     

Prepubertal exposure to zearalenone or genistein reduces mammary tumorigenesis.

Prepubertal exposure to a pharmacological dose (500 mg kg(-1)) of the phyto-oestrogen genistein can reduce the incidence and multiplicity of carcinogen-induced mammary tumours in rats. However, such an exposure also disrupts the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, making it unsuitable for breast cancer prevention. We studied whether prepubertal exposure to genistein at a total body dose broadly comparable to the level typical of Oriental countries, approximately 1 mg kg(-1) body weight, affects mammary tumorigenesis. We also studied whether prepubertal exposure to zearalenone, a major source for phyto-oestrogens in the USA, influences breast cancer risk. Prepubertal rats were treated between postnatal days 7 and 20, with 20 microg (approximately 1 mg kg(-1) body weight) of either genistein or zearalenone. Zearalenone exposure significantly reduced both the incidence and multiplicity of mammary tumours induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Genistein exposure significantly reduced tumour multiplicity, but not tumour incidence, when compared with vehicle-treated animals. Furthermore, 60% of the tumours in the genistein group were not malignant, while all the tumours analysed for histopathology in the vehicle and zearalenone groups were adenocarcinomas. A higher number of differentiated alveolar buds, and lower number of terminal ducts, were present in the DMBA-treated mammary glands of the phyto-oestrogen exposed rats. The concentration of oestrogen receptor (ER) binding sites after the DMBA treatment was low in the mammary glands of all groups but a significantly higher proportion of the glands in the zearalenone exposed rats were ER-positive (i.e. ER levels > or = 5 fmol mg(-1) protein) than the glands of the vehicle controls. Our data suggest that a prepubertal exposure to a low dose of either zearalenone or genistein may protect the mammary gland from carcinogen-induced malignant transformation, possibly by increasing differentiation of the mammary epithelial tree.     

Maternal exposure to genistein during pregnancy increases carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis in female rat offspring.

A high estrogenic environment in utero may increase subsequent breast cancer risk. It was therefore determined whether a maternal exposure during pregnancy to the phytoestrogen genistein or zearalenone, both of which exhibit estrogenic activities in vitro and in vivo, alters breast cancer risk among female offspring. Pregnant rat dams were treated daily with subcutaneous injections of 20, 100 or 300 microgram genistein, 20 microgram zearalenone, or vehicle between days 15 and 20 of gestation. The offspring were given 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) at the age of 2 months to induce mammary tumors. The results indicate that in utero exposure to genistein, but not to zearalenone, dose-dependently increased the incidence of DMBA-induced mammary tumors, when compared with the controls. Tumor growth characteristics were not altered. Prior to the carcinogen administration, the number of estrogen receptor (ER) binding sites, determined using a ligand binding assay, were significantly elevated in the mammary glands of genistein offspring. In contrast, the mammary protein kinase C (PKC) activity was significantly reduced in the genistein offspring. Our results suggest that a maternal exposure to subcutaneous administration of genistein can increase mammary tumorigenesis in the offspring, mimicking the effects of in utero estrogenic exposures. Further, increased ER protein levels and reduced PKC activity in the mammary gland may be involved in increasing susceptibility to carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis in rats exposed to genistein in utero.     

Increased surgery-induced metastasis and suppressed natural killer cell activity during proestrus/estrus in rats

We have previously reported sex- and estrous-related differences in hostresistance to the metastatic development of a mammary adenocarcinoma cellline, MADB106, in the Fischer 344 (F344) rat. In other studies, we foundthat surgery suppressed natural killer (NK) cell activity and increased theNK-sensitive metastatic development of MADB106 tumor cells. The currentstudy was designed to explore whether sex or estrous phase at the time ofsurgery impacts the degree of such deleterious effects of surgery. Suchestrous effects could be related to an ongoing clinical debate regarding theimportance of the timing of breast cancer surgery with the menstrual cyclein premenopausal women. Mature F344 males and cycling females underwenteither experimental laparotomy with halothane anesthesia, halothaneanesthesia alone, or were untreated. Five hours after surgery, animalseither were injected with radiolabeled MADB106 tumor cells and assessed forlung tumor cell retention 12 hours later, or underwent blood withdrawal forin vitro assessment of NK cell activity. MADB106 tumor cells metastasizeonly to the lungs, and lung tumor cell retention is: a) an early indicatorof the number of metastases that would develop weeks later, and b) highlysensitive to in vivo levels of NK activity. This mammary adenocarcinoma cellline is syngeneic to the inbred F344 strain of rats used in our studies,thus constituting a model for breast cancer metastasis. The resultsindicated that sex, estrous phase, and surgery interacted in their effectson NK cell activity and tumor metastasis. MADB106 lung tumor cell retentionwas increased by surgery in both sexes (2- to 3-fold) compared to theanesthesia only and control groups. This increase, however, wassignificantly greater in proestrus/estrus (P/E) females than inmetestrus/diestrus (M/D) females. Among the control animals, females in P/Eexhibited significantly less NK cytotoxic activity compared to the males,and the NK activity exhibited by females in M/D was between these twogroups. Surgery suppressed NK cytotoxic activity to a similar level in allgroups. Possible implications of these findings for the surgical care ofwomen with breast cancer are discussed.     

A histopathological study on alterations in DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats with 50 Hz, 100 {micro}T magnetic field exposure

Several epidemiological studies have indicated that residentialor occupational exposure to 50 or 60 Hz magnetic fields (MF)may increase the risk of breast cancer, possibly by suppressionof pineal production of the oncostatic hormone melatonin. Inview of the methodo logical problems of epidemiological studieson MIF exposure and cancer risk, laboratory studies are neededto determine whether 50/60 Hi exposure can initiate, promoteor co promote mammary cancer. In the present study, 216 femaleSprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Two of thegroups (with 99 animals each) received oral applica tions of7,12-dimethylbenz (DMBA) and were either sham-exposed or exposedin a 50 Hz, 100 µT ME for 24 h/day 7 days/week for a periodof 91 days. The other two groups (nine animals each) were eithershamexposed or MF-exposed without DMBA treatment. The exposurechambers and all other environmental factors were identicalfor ME-exposed and sham-exposed animals. At the end of the 3month period of ME exposure, all rats were used for histopathologicaldiagnosis of lesions. At the time of necropsy, significantlymore MF-exposed DMBA-treated rats exhibited macroscopicallyvisible mammary tumours than DMBA-treated controls. Furthermore,the size of mammary tumours was significantly larger in MF-exposedrats. Histopathological examination of the mammary gland showedthat the number of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions didnot significantly differ between groups, indicating that MEexposure had not altered the incidence of mammary lesions buthad only accelerated tumour growth, consistent with a co-promotingeffect. In the MF-exposed group, significantly more rats exhibitedmalignant mammary tumours than in controls, indicating thatME exposure had affected the progression of DMBA Induced lesions.The number of metastases of mammary tumours or of primary lesionsin other organs in response to DMBA was not affected by ME exposure.In rats without DMBA application, no non-neoplastic or neoplasticlesions were determined. The data demonstrate that long-termexposure of DMBA-treated female rats promotes the growth andprogression of mammary tumours, while tumour incidence is notaffected, at least under the experimental conditions of thepresent study. The data thus add to the accumulating evidencethat MF exposure exerts tumour co-promoting effects.     

Prepubertal exposure to cow's milk reduces susceptibility to carcinogen‐induced mammary tumorigenesis in rats

Cow's milk contains high levels of estrogens, progesterone and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), all of which are associated with breast cancer. We investigated whether prepubertal milk exposure affects mammary gland development and carcinogenesis in rats. Sprague–Dawley rats were given either whole milk or tap water to drink from postnatal day (PND) 14 to PND 35, and thereafter normal tap water. Mammary tumorigenesis was induced by administering 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene on PND 50. Milk exposure increased circulating E2 levels on PND 25 by 10‐fold (p < 0.001) and accelerated vaginal opening, which marks puberty onset, by 2.5 days (p < 0.001). However, rats exposed to milk before puberty exhibited reduced carcinogen‐induced mammary carcinogenesis; that is, their tumor latency was longer (p < 0.03) and incidence was lower (p < 0.05) than in the controls. On PND 25 and 50, mammary glands of the milk‐exposed rats had significantly less terminal end buds (TEBs) than the tap water‐exposed controls (p < 0.019). ER‐α protein levels were elevated in the TEBs and lobules of milk rats, compared to rats given tap water (p < 0.019), but no changes in cyclin D1 expression, cell proliferation or apoptosis were seen. IGF‐1 mRNA levels were reduced on PND 50 in the mammary glands of rats exposed to milk at puberty. Our results suggest that drinking milk before puberty reduces later risk of developing mammary cancer in rats. This might be mediated by a reduction in the number of TEBs and lower expression of IGF‐1 mRNA in the mammary glands of milk‐exposed animals.     

Comparison of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene metabolism and DNA binding in mammary epithelial cells from three rat strains with differing susceptibilities to mammary carcinogenesis

The capacity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene(DMBA) to induce mammary carcinomas has been studied in threerat strains. Wistar/Furth (WF) rats are highly susceptible toDMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis, Copenhagen (Cop) rats arecompletely resistant, and Fischer 344 (F344) rats have an intermediatesusceptibility. We have previously shown that WF rats possess‘enhancer genes’, which enhance susceptibility toinduced mammary cancer. Cop rats, however, possess a single‘suppressor’ gene which confers complete resistanceto mammary cancer. Both gene types are apparently absent inF344 rats. In order to determine possible mechanisms of actionof these enhancer and suppressor genes, we have examined DMBAmetabolism and DNA binding in mammary epithelial cells isolatedfrom each rat strain. Quantitative analyses of both metabolismand DNA binding indicate no significant differences among thestrains. In addition, HPLC analyses of DMBA metabolites andDMBA-DNA adducts were essentially identical. These data suggestthat the genes controlling susceptibility and resistance tomammary carcinogenesis in these rat strains are likely to beactive at later stages of the carcinogenic process.     

Hormone-induced protection against mammary tumorigenesis is conserved in multiple rat strains and identifies a core gene expression signature induced by pregnancy

Women who have their first child early in life have a substantially lower lifetime risk of breast cancer. The mechanism for this is unknown. Similar to humans, rats exhibit parity-induced protection against mammary tumorigenesis. To explore the basis for this phenomenon, we identified persistent pregnancy-induced changes in mammary gene expression that are tightly associated with protection against tumorigenesis in multiple inbred rat strains. Four inbred rat strains that exhibit marked differences in their intrinsic susceptibilities to carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis were each shown to display significant protection against methylnitrosourea-induced mammary tumorigenesis following treatment with pregnancy levels of estradiol and progesterone. Microarray expression profiling of parous and nulliparous mammary tissue from these four strains yielded a common 70-gene signature. Examination of the genes constituting this signature implicated alterations in transforming growth factor-beta signaling, the extracellular matrix, amphiregulin expression, and the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor I axis in pregnancy-induced alterations in breast cancer risk. Notably, related molecular changes have been associated with decreased mammographic density, which itself is strongly associated with decreased breast cancer risk. Our findings show that hormone-induced protection against mammary tumorigenesis is widely conserved among divergent rat strains and define a gene expression signature that is tightly correlated with reduced mammary tumor susceptibility as a consequence of a normal developmental event. Given the conservation of this signature, these pathways may contribute to pregnancy-induced protection against breast cancer.     

Improved retroviral suicide gene transfer in colon cancer cell lines after cell synchronization with methotrexate

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in females, frequently with fatal outcome, so that new strategies for modulating cell proliferation in the mammary tissue are urgently needed. There is some, as yet inconclusive evidence that α-amylase may constitute a novel candidate for affecting cellular growth.

Methods

The present investigation aimed to examine if salivary α-amylase, an enzyme well known for the metabolism of starch and recently introduced as a stress marker, is able to exert antiproliferative effects on the growth of mammary gland epithelial cells. For this purpose, primary epithelial cultures of breast tissue from two different inbred rat strains, Fischer 344 (F344) and Lewis, as well as breast tumor cells of human origin were used. Treatment with human salivary α-amylase was performed once daily for 2 days followed by cell counting (trypan blue assay) to determine alterations in cell numbers. Cell senescence after α-amylase treatment was assessed by β-galactosidase assay. Endogenous α-amylase was detected in cells from F344 and Lewis by immunofluorescence.

Results

Salivary α-amylase treatment in vitro significantly decreased the proliferation of primary cells from F344 and Lewis rats in a concentration-dependent manner. Noticeably, the sensitivity towards α-amylase was significantly higher in Lewis cells with stronger impact on cell growth after 5 and 50 U/ml compared to F344 cells. An antiproliferative effect of α-amylase was also determined in mammary tumor cells of human origin, but this effect varied depending on the donor, age, and type of the cells.

Conclusions

The results presented here indicate for the first time that salivary α-amylase affects cell growth in rat mammary epithelial cells and in breast tumor cells of human origin. Thus, α-amylase may be considered a novel, promising target for balancing cellular growth, which may provide an interesting tool for tumor prophylaxis and treatment.     

Promotion of estrogen-induced mammary gland carcinogenesis by androgen in the male Noble rat: probable mediation by steroid receptors

Both endogenous and exogenous estrogen exposure is associated with an increased breast cancer risk. In some studies, elevated serum testosterone levels have also been linked to an increased breast cancer risk. Estrogen alone or combined with progesterone induces high mammary tumor incidences in various strains of both male and female rats. Mammary gland ductal adenocarcinomas were induced after 17beta- estradiol (E2) and testosterone propionate (TP) treatment in male Noble rats. Tumor incidence was 100% after 8-9 months of treatment. Such neoplasms were not detected after either estrogen or androgen exposure alone within this time period. TP alone caused disruption of mammary gland ducts and proliferation of stromal tissue, while E2 treatment alone induced both ductal epithelial growth and nodular atypical hyperplasia. To study the interaction of these hormones in mammary tumorigenesis, sex hormone receptors were characterized in mammary glands of Noble rats. Estrogen receptor-alpha (ER) was detected in age- matched, untreated mammary gland epithelium; in most early atypical hyperplastic lesions appearing after E2 and E2 + TP treatment and in E2 + TP-induced mammary tumors. Two major ER putative isoforms, 116 and 120 kDa, were detected in E2- and E2 + TP-treated mammary glands, and in the induced tumors. A 54 kDa ER protein was found in untreated and TP-treated mammary glands, and in the induced tumors. Both progesterone receptor-B (PR-B) and PR-A2, as well as androgen receptor-B (AR-B) and AR-A isoforms were markedly elevated in all E2 + TP-induced mammary tumors. However, the levels of both PR and AR were very low in mammary glands of E2- and E2 + TP-treated male rats. Low and moderate levels of AR and PR, respectively, were detected in most atypical hyperplastic lesions induced by E2- and E2 + TP-treated mammary glands. These results suggest that androgens may interact with either AR or PR, and perhaps both receptors, in E2 + TP-induced mammary glands and the induced tumors to effect the reduction in latency period, enhance tumor size, and increase incidence to 100%.      

Exposure of DMBA-treated female rats in a 50-Hz, 50 {micro}Tesla magnetic field: effects on mammary tumor growth, melatonin levels, and T lymphocyte activation

There is growing public concern about the possible health risks,particularly increased cancer risks of exposure to magneticfields (MF) associated with power distribution systems. Recently,we have started a series of animal studies to investigate thisissue, using the DMBA (7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) modelof breast cancer in female rats. In the present study, femalerats were chronically exposed to a 50-Hz, 50 µTesla (µT)MF with or without DMBA treatment Because alterations in circulatinglevels of the pineal hormone melatonin and impaired immune systemfunctions have been involved in breast cancer growth, and bothmelatonin and immune system are thought to be targets for MF-effects,serum melatonin and the proliferative capacity of splenic lymphocyteswere determined in MF-exposed and sham-exposed rats. For thispurpose, 216 female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into fourgroups. Two of the groups (with 99 animals each) received oralapplications of DMBA and were either sham-exposed or exposedin a 50-Hz, 50 µT MF for 24 h/day 7 days/week for a periodof 91 days. The other two groups (9 animals each) were eithersham-exposed or MF-exposed without DMBA treatment The exposurechambers and all other environmental factors were identicalfor MF-exposed and sham-exposed animals. The DMBA-treated animalswere palpated once weekly to assess the development of mammarytumors. At the end of the three-month period of MF exposure,the number and size of mammary tumors was determined by autopsy.In controls, DMBA induced tumors in     

In utero exposure to maternal diets containing soy protein isolate, but not genistein alone, protects young adult rat offspring from NMU-induced mammary tumorigenesis

The linkage of nutrition and cancer prevention is an intriguing concept that is gaining widespread support. Here, we investigated the influence of developmental context on dietary protection against tumorigenesis initiated by the direct-acting carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU), and examined potential mechanisms underlying these effects. Rats were exposed only in utero or for lifetime to American Institute of Nutrition-93G diets made with casein (CAS), soy protein isolate (SPI) or CAS supplemented with genistein (GEN). Mammary glands of post-natal day (PND) 50 rats prior to NMU administration were examined for apoptotic status, pro-apoptotic gene expression and immunoreactive phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) levels, whereas mammary tumor parameters were evaluated 99 days post-NMU. Animals exposed only in utero to SPI had increased tumor latency, decreased tumor multiplicity and lower higher grade tumors, than those fed CAS. In utero exposure to GEN resulted in similar tumor parameters as the CAS group, whereas lifetime SPI exposure decreased tumor incidence that was not mimicked by in utero exposure alone. Mammary glands of PND50 rats fed lifetime SPI had increased terminal end bud apoptotic status and PTEN expression, than the other diet groups. Rats exposed only in utero to SPI or GEN had higher membrane E-cadherin in mammary structures than those lifetime-fed CAS or SPI. Thus, limited exposure during gestation to SPI can positively influence resistance to chemically induced mammary tumorigenesis later in life. Preventative strategies against mammary and other types of cancer might be uncovered by refinement of the developmental window for dietary factor exposure.     

Benzophenone-3 promotion of mammary tumorigenesis is diet-dependent

Benzophenone-3 is a putative endocrine disrupting chemical and common ingredient in sunscreens. The potential of endocrine disrupting chemicals to act as agonists or antagonists in critical hormonally regulated processes, such as mammary gland development and mammary tumorigenesis, demands evaluation of its potential in promoting breast cancer. This study identifies the effects of BP-3 on mammary tumorigenesis with high-fat diet during puberty versus adulthood in Trp53-null transplant BALB/c mice. Benzophenone-3 exposure yielded levels in urine similar to humans subjected to heavy topical sunscreen exposure. Benzophenone-3 was protective for epithelial tumorigenesis in mice fed lifelong low-fat diet, while promotional for epithelial tumorigenesis in mice fed adult high-fat diet. Benzophenone-3 increased tumor cell proliferation, decreased tumor cell apoptosis, and increased tumor vascularity dependent on specific dietary regimen and tumor histopathology. Even in instances of an ostensibly protective effect, other parameters suggest greater risk. Although benzophenone-3 seemed protective on low-fat diet, spindle cell tumors arising in these mice showed increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis. This points to a need for further studies of benzophenone-3 in both animal models and humans as a potential breast cancer risk factor, as well as a more general need to evaluate endocrine disrupting chemicals in varying dietary contexts.     

Inheritance and site of expression of genes controlling susceptibility to mammary cancer in an inbred rat model

An inbred rat model for genetically controlled susceptibility to chemically induced mammary cancer has been established. Wistar-Furth (W/Fu) rats were found to be more susceptible to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors than were Fischer (F344) rats. The susceptibilities of various F1, F2, and backcross generations of these strains were examined for susceptibility to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors. The data suggest that susceptibility is inherited as a dominant trait. Both a single locus autosomal model and an X-linked model have been ruled out. However, the data support the hypothesis that complete susceptibility is controlled by any one of a group of independently segregating genes; i.e., any one gene of this group is both necessary and sufficient to induce maximal susceptibility. It is not known if these genes are identical or different. In order to identify the role of these genes we asked if they were expressed in the mammary epithelial cells themselves or elsewhere in the rat. Chimeric animals were produced by transplanting mammary cells from either W/Fu or F344 rats into the white interscapular fat pad of female W/Fu X F344 F1 rats. One month after transplantation the animals were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and then palpated weekly for tumor development at the graft site. Tumors developed more rapidly and in greater total frequency at sites grafted with W/Fu mammary cells. This result suggests that the genes controlling inherited susceptibility are expressed in the mammary cells. The role of these genes is now under investigation. We have thus far shown that they do not control carcinogen metabolism or activation.