Conclusions
Down regulation of hK7 suggests the possible role of this protein in natural course of breast cancer and benign breast diseases. Study should be extended on large-scale to confirm the potential of hK7 as biomarker of breast cancer.
Methods
In this study a time-resolved immunofluorometric indirect back titration ELISA (bt-ELISA) was employed for the quantification of hK7 in serum of breast cancer patients (n = 47), benign breast disease patients (n = 13) alongwith the gender and age group specific controls (n = 99).
Results
hK7 was significantly down-regulated in the sera of female breast cancer patients (p < 0.0001; Mean 0.704 ± 0.533 μg/L) and benign breast disease patients (p = 0.0008; Mean 0.651 ± 0.584) as compared to normal controls (Mean 1.665 ± 1.174 μg/L). Conclusions: Down regulation of hK7 suggests the possible role of this protein in natural course of breast cancer and benign breast diseases. Study should be extended on large-scale to confirm the potential of hK7 as biomarker of breast cancer.