Urinary Level of Prostaglandin E2 Metabolite and Risk of Incident Breast Cancer.

摘要

This training grant is a Postdoctoral Fellowship Award in breast cancer research, comprising training in breast cancer research and an independent research project. During the previous year, the PI gained valuable experience in designing and conducting molecular epidemiologic studies and participated in various research projects as a leader or a collaborator. She has also acquired knowledge on breast cancer biology through various venues, incorporating new understanding of breast cancer etiology in the analyses of epidemiologic data. These experiences have helped in preparation for an independent research career. The research component of this grant involves conducting a case-cohort analysis to investigate the major determinants of urinary Inflammation; Prostaglandin; Estrogen (PGE-M) and how the urinary level of PGE-M interacts with estrogen biosynthesis in relation to breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Urinary levels of PGE-M and estrogens (Es)/estrogen metabolites (EMs) are being measured using novel liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry techniques. As of January 2012, quality control experiments have been completed for both PGE-M and Es/EMs, yielding promising data with satisfactory sensitivity and reliability. As for PGE-M, laboratory analysis of all 607 study samples has recently been completed, and preliminary data analysis found significant positive associations with levels of PGE-M for obesity, current smoking, and history of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, after adjustment for other factors. As described in the Request for an Extension without Funds (EWOF), however, estrogen analysis is still in progress, with an expected completion date of the end of April 2012. Upon completion of the laboratory analysis, the PI will conduct a full analysis to investigate the interrelationships between PGE-M, estrogens and postmenopausal breast cancer risk, in accordance with the approved Statement of Work for this grant.