Total testosterone in young men is more closely associated than free testosterone with prostate cancer disparities

Introduction: Early adulthood has been suggested as the most relevant time to determine the influence of testosterone on prostate carcinogenesis. For a more detailed assessment of this hypothesis, the present study examined whether serum total or free testosterone in young men was more closely associated with prostate cancer disparities

Effect of transforming growth factor ß(2) on oestrogen metabolism in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line

Transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) is a multifunctional regulator of cellular growth and differentiation in many cell types and has a growth inhibitory effect on mammary epithelial cells. The TGF-ß(2) isoform has been shown to be present in high concentrations in breast cyst fluid and might have a protective role in breast cancer. In addition, oestrogens play an important role in breast cancer development, and oestrone sulphate (E(1)S) might be the main source of active oestrogens in the breast. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of TGF-ß(2) on oestrogen synthesis in an attempt to understand the mechanism by which TGF-ß(2) may exert a protective effect in breast cancer. In this study, higher concentrations of TGF-ß(2) significantly inhibited the conversion of E(1)S to oestrone (E(1)) and the conversion of E(1) to the potent oestrogen, oestradiol (E(2)). TGF-ß(2) did not have any effect on MCF-7 cell growth or on E(2) to E(1) conversion. In conclusion, TGF-ß(2) might exert a protective role in breast cancer by reducing the amount of active oestrogens present in the breast. Key Words: transforming growth factor ß(2) • oestrone sulphatase • oestradiol-17ß hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase • breast cance

Cross-Classification Analysis Using Prediction Logic Versus Theory-Testing Logic: Comments on the Use of the DEL-Technique

cross-classification analysis, DEL-technique, PRE-measures, theory-testing, prediction, logic, proportionate reduction in error, evaluation of theory,