| Background: Breast cancer is caused by breast tissue malignant cells and it has become one of the main medical
concerns with a socio-economic significance especially for women. Among the multiple factors involved in the
initiation, progression, and invasion of breast cancer, oxidative stress plays an important role. Antioxidant status,
lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were determined to find a defined
pattern of oxidative stress in these patients. Methods: The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (as an indicator of lipid
peroxidation), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of newly diagnosed breast
cancer patients (n=38) and controls (n=38) were assessed using blood samples. Results: MDA level and SOD activity
were significantly higher in the breast cancer patients compared to the healthy subjects group (p<0.05). Compared to the
healthy group, GPX activity decreased significantly in patients group (p<0.05). Conclusions: High lipid peroxidation
is an important risk factor for breast cancer and the increased levels of superoxide anion in breast cancer cells may be
a reason for the induction of SOD activity. Nevertheless, oxidative stress is an important factor in development and
progression of breast cancer. Further studies on it can lead to a more helpful approach to management of breast cancer. |