Current evidences suggest that expression of Ki67,
cyclooxygenase (COX),
aromatase,
adipokines,
prostaglandins,
free radicals, β-
catenin and α-SMA might be involved in
breast cancer pathogenesis. The main objective of this study was to compare expression/localization of these potential compounds in
breast cancer tissues with tissues collected adjacent to the
tumor using immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinical pathology. The
breast cancer specimens were collected from 30 women aged between 49 and 89 years who underwent breast surgery following
cancer diagnosis. Expression levels of molecules by different stainings were graded as a score on a scale based upon staining intensity and proportion of positive cells/area or individually. AdipoR1,
adiponectin, Ob-R,
leptin, COX-1, COX-2,
aromatase, PGF2α,
F2-isoprostanes and α-SMA were localised on higher levels in the breast tissues adjacent to the
tumor compared to
tumor specimens when considering either score or staining area whereas COX-2 and AdipoR2 were found to be higher considering staining intensity and Ki67 on score level in the
tumor tissue. There was no significant difference observed on β-
catenin either on score nor on staining area and intensity between tissues adjacent to the
tumor and
tumor tissues. A positive correlation was found between COX-1 and COX-2 in the
tumor tissues. In conclusion, these suggest that Ki67, COXs,
aromatase,
prostaglandin,
free radicals,
adipokines, β-
catenin and α-SMA are involved in
breast cancer. These further focus the need of examination of tissues adjacent to
tumor,
tumor itself and compare them with normal or benign breast tissues for a better understanding of
breast cancer pathology and future evaluation of therapeutic benefit.