The influence of DDE residue level in human blood serum and some other environmental factors on the occurence of breast cancer at Port Said (Egypt)‎

Abstract EN

Background : and purpose: The present study was conducted to ascertain the relationship between DDE (Dichloro Diphenyl Ethan) residue level in blood serum and the occurrence of breast cancer.

The influence of some other blood constituents, such as chole.siernl.

triglycerides mi the uccu nencc of the disease was also looked at.

The implication of some relevant risk factors such as smoking, stress and some other environmental factors in the occurrence of the disease was also investigated.

Methods : The study was performed on a group of 430 local women from Port Said city, North of Egypt, mainly married with an average age of 45 years.

The study group included 210 cancer patients, 110 benign breast disease patients (BBD) and a group of 110 normal women.

Blood samples were collecliil trom fasting women, and serum was separated within an hour by centrifugation.

Lipid profile analysis was performed immediately after separation on one portion of the separated scrum.

Residues of DDE were separated from the other remaining portion of serum and detected using an ECD-gas chromatograph.

A questionnaire was designed to ascertain the'influcnce of some risk factors on the occurrence of the disease.

Results : Residue level of DDE detected in breast cancer patients, BBD patients and normal women had an average of 0.052 mg / litre, 0.062 mg / litre and 0.025mg / litre, respectively.

Triglyceride level in breast cancer patients, BBD patients and noimal women had an average of 171.

156.

and 81 mg respectively.

Some of the risk factors studied have shown direct link with the occurrence of the disease, e.g.

previous BBD, smoking and frequent use of insecticides.

Conclusions : The present results revealed some statistically significant differences in the levels of DDE in serum samples of the three tested groups of women, indicating a likely involvement of DDE in the occurrence of breast cancer.

Also the role of smoking, stress and other environmental risk factors is evident in Port Said city.

A countrywise plan has to be conducted in order to face this major health prohlcm.