Comparative study of epidermal growth factor, estrogens and progesterone concentration in breast cyst fluid and plasma in women with fibrocystic changes of the breast

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare epidermal growth factor (EGF), and female sexual hormone (estrone, E1; estradiol, E2; progesterone, P) concentration in breast cyst fluids (BCFs) and plasma in women with fibrocystic changes of the breast (FCC).
Material and methods: The study was performed in 45 menstruating women in the age compartments from 42 to 51 years (mean age: 47±2.3) with FCC. The diagnosis was established on the clinical, ultrasonography and mammography examinations. The control group included 45 menstruating, healthy women, without changes in the breast, in the same age compartment as the study group (mean age 44.9±4.4 y.). The concentrations of EGF, estrogens and progesterone in BCF and plasma were determined. The blood and the BCF obtained from cyst aspiration were taken for biochemical examinations in the morning hours under basal conditions. Samples of venous blood were collected from basilic vein. Results: It has been stated that concentrations of EGF in BCFs were significantly higher than in the plasma (p<0.0001) in women with FCC. The concentration of EGF in the BCF varied from the subtype of the changes. The concentration of EGF was significantly higher in the fibrocystic subtype, in comparison with cystic ones (p<0.05). The concentrations of female sexual hormones were also significantly higher in BCFs than in plasma (p<0.001).
Conclusions: 1. Higher concentration of epidermal growth factor in breast cyst fluid, in comparison with plasma, indicates that this factor originates mainly from the local secretion of breast tissues. 2. Significantly higher concentration epidermal growth factor in fibrocystic changes of the breast compared to cystic changes can suggest greater risk neoplasmatic transformation of these changes. 3. Significantly higher concentrations of estrogens and progesterone in breast cyst fluid, in comparison with plasma, suggest their synthesis de novo in the wall and tissues of the breast gland.