Assessment of YKL-40, lipid profile, antioxidant status, and some trace elements in benign and malignant breast proliferation

Breast cancer is mainly the common form of cancer in women and is a leading cause of death worldwide associated with cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the possible association of lipid profiles (total cholesterol TC, low-density lipoprotein LDL, very-low-density lipoprotein VLDL, high-density lipoprotein HDL, non-HDL and triglyceride TG), Chitinase-3-Like Protein1 (YKL-40) and changes in the levels of certain trace elements (Cu, Mg, Fe, and Zn), antioxidant status (TAC) and nitric oxide (NO) in benign and breast cancer in Egyptian females population. For 56 females with a benign breast tumor, 58 females with breast cancer, besides 52 healthy controls, Serum lipid profile, YKL-40, TAC, NO, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mg have been determined. Our results showed a significant difference in lipid profile and a significant increase in, YKL-40, NO, and iron in breast benign tumor and cancer patients compared to control one. Besides, there is a significant reduction in serum magnesium and TAC levels in the patients’ group compared to the healthy group. There is also a significant correlation between serum YKL-40 level and TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, non-HDL-C, and TG in the breast cancer group; although only YKL-40 and VLDL-C showed a significant positive correlation in benign tumor patients. It is recommended that non-HDL-cholesterol, TAC, and Mg be used as biomarkers for breast cancer and its progression.