Ferritin and transferrin levels in human breast cyst fluids: relationship with intracystic electrolyte concentrations.

Abstract

The concentrations of sodium and potassium and the content of ferritin and transferrin, proteins considered as potential markers for identifying cells undergoing divisional activity, were measured in fluid from 30 human breast cysts. On the basis of the relative electrolyte concentrations, two main classes of cysts were defined. When the cyst fluids were subdivided according to their Na+/K+ ratio, a significant difference was found between menstruating vs. menopausal patients. The relationship between the two major iron-binding proteins and the Na+/K+ ratio may indicate the expression of a local higher biosynthetic activity in apocrine cysts associated with higher cancer risk.

• Authors: R Troccoli, F Stella, S Biagioni, S Battistelli, L Cerroni, F Marcheggiani, M Artico, C Terzano, F Mannello
• Journal: Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry (Clin Chim Acta) Vol. 192 Issue 1 Pg. 1-7 (Nov 15 1990) ISSN: 0009-8981 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 2124527 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Electrolytes
• Transferrin
• Ferritins

Topics

• Body Fluids (chemistry)
• Electrolytes (analysis)
• Female
• Ferritins (analysis)
• Fibrocystic Breast Disease (metabolism)
• Humans
• Immunodiffusion
• Menopause
• Menstruation
• Transferrin (analysis)