Alterations of fatty acid profiles of different lipid classes in breast cancer - evaluation of their role and diagnostic significance

This collection contains the results of studies conducted during realization of the project titled "Alterations of fatty acid profiles of different lipid classes in breast cancer - evaluation of their role and diagnostic significance".Deposited are:results from GC-MS analysis of fatty acids total lipids obtained using the Folch (Folch J. et al., 1957) in serum and tissuesresults from GC-MS analysis of fatty acids in fractions obtained by subjecting tissue lipid extract to SPE with method modified from Bodennec (Bodennec J. et al., 2000)results from GC-MS analysis of fatty acids in fractions obtained by subjecting tissue lipid extract to SPE with method modified from Kaluzny (Kaluzny M. et al., 1985)results from colorimetric assays of oxidative stress parameters - lipid peroxidation with TBARS Assay and protein carbonylation in serum and tissuesresults from quantification of free fatty acids in serum and tissuesBackground and objectives of the studyBreast cancer remains a serious health issue globally. Research over the last few decades highlighted the role of lipids in cancer development and progression, as their metabolism is overhauled to satisfy biosynthetic and bioenergetic needs of cancer cells. Fatty acids (FAs) play a central role in lipid metabolism, as the main structural component of most lipid classes. The composition of FAs has multifaceted effects of cell metabolism, they influence membrane properties, affecting the cell-cell metabolism and cell resistance to stress, or rates of energy production via β-oxidation. Enzymes associated with FAs metabolism have been previously shown to be associated with breast cancer course. Our preliminary study of total lipid extracts of breast cancer patients tissues confirmed that cancer tissues have a higher amount of polyunsaturated FAs (present mainly in membrane lipids) and lowered monounsaturated FAs, which are the main component of triacylglycerols, used for energy storage and production. In serum we found the opposite trends. Still, not enough is known about FAs in specific lipid classes (e.g. sphingolipids, ceramides, neutral lipids). All of these classes have important functions in the organism; hence, their FA composition is significant to their function. The main goal of the proposed project was comprehensive profiling of serum and tissues of breast cancer patients, allowing to gain insight into FA composition of different lipid classes. This analysis included profiling of previously unreported or underreported FA groups such as very long-chained FAs, which have potential diagnostic value, or branched-chain and odd-chain FAs, which are reported to have antitumor properties. Also, factors that can correlate with or affect the FA profiles, such as inflammation or oxidative stress were considered.