[1014] Homocysteine and breast cancer. Germano PBMR, Silva AG, Madeira M, Mattar A, Joo YK, Souza FG, Stávale JN, D'Almeida V, Shinjo SMO, Gebrim LH, Correa M, Jasiulionis MG. UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil Background: Alterations in DNA methylation profile, an important epigenetic mechanism regulating gene expression, are associated with a variety of neoplasias, including breast cancer. Recent studies in humans, including our previous research, indicates that plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels, a component of the methionine cycle responsible for methylation reactions, may reflect a methylation imbalance. Others have suggested that plasma Hcy concentrations may be used as prognostic markers and because its levels decline in response to tumor cell death, as a predictive factor. Polymorphisms in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme of the methyonine cycle, can interfere in Hcy concentration and have been associated with some forms of cancer. Materials and Methods: Plasma Hcy levels were determined by HPLC in blood samples from 67 breast cancer patients. Clinical data was obtained from patients charts. Pearson's correlation test, unimodal ANOVA and t tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results: Plasma Hcy concentrations was directly correlated with tumor size (p=0.0021), histological grade (p=0.029) and age (p=0.039). No significant statistical correlation was observed between plasma Hcy levels and axillary status, family history, estrogen and progesterone receptors status, c-erb-B2 expression pattern or MTHFR polymorphisms. Discussion: In the present study Hcy blood levels showed an important correlation with prognostic factors associated with a poor outcome in breast cancer, such as tumor size and histological grade, corroborating the evidence that Hcy levels may be used as a prognostic marker in patients with breast cancer. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, 12/06 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.