The histologic composition of the breast is reflected mammographically by density and parenchymal pattern. Research suggests that the parenchymal pattern is a result of exposure to past and current hormones as well as reproductive events which influence susceptibility to breast cancer. The variation observed in mammographic density may be a result of the effect of hormones and/or growth factors. One possible hormone is prolactin, which acts directly on mammary epithelium to produce lobuloalveolar development. Prolactin acts as a mitogen and differentiating agent, especially during pregnancy and lactation. The specific objective of this application is to correlate serum prolactin levels and breast density in postmenopausal women using a cross-sectional study design. I also want to examine the genetic variability in the prolactin gene and prolactin gene receptor in order to understand how they may influence breast density. To date, no study has examined the association between prolactin and breast density. Nor has any study examined the association of genetic polymorphisms in the prolactin and its receptor genes and breast density. This training will form the basis of my Ph.D. work in cancer epidemiology and will provide the foundation for my research career.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31CA113286-04
Application #
7337099
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IDM-L (29))
Program Officer
Bini, Alessandra M
Project Start
2005-01-01
Project End
2008-06-30
Budget Start
2008-01-01
Budget End
2008-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$23,436
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213