Norepinephrine increases risk of breast cancer in depressed women / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To explore the effects of depression on tumors, as well as its molecular mechanisms. Methods The chronic unpredictable mild stress model (CUMS) was constructed. Tumor was inoculated after behavioral test, and the differences in serum norepinephrine and tumor volume between groups were detected. Breast cancer cells were stimulated by administration and invasion, migration, proliferation and cell cycle distribution were detected. Western blot and immunofluorescence were utilized to detect cell surface receptors and intracellular signaling pathways. Results Depression up-regulated the level of norepinephrine (N E) and increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, resulting in increased malignancy of breast cancer cells. Conclusions Depression may increase the malignancy of breast cancer through norepinephrine-induced p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thus increasing the malignant degree of breast cancer.