The human prolactin in breast cancer – a boon or a bane?
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Abstract
The role of prolactin (PRL) in breast carcinogenesis remains unsettled controversy to be explored and remains an important area in research. PRL is responsible for the proliferation and maintenance of ductal cells within the human breast by activating the expression of genes necessary for proliferation. Hankinson’s demonstrated the raised levels of PRL and subsequent raise of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Clevenger and his colleagues confirmed the synthesis of PRL within the breast tissue through autocrine/paracrine stimulating loop mechanism. Probably this local secretion of PRL plays an important role in the growth of breast carcinoma by altering expression of PRL or its receptors.
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References
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