U.S. researchers identify tissue changes linked to aggressive breast cancer risk
Los Angeles, May 15 (UNI) Researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified structural changes in breast connective tissue that are linked to a higher risk of developing aggressive breast cancer, according to a new study published on Wednesday.
The findings, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggest that these changes, referred to as stromal disruption, could serve as a potential biomarker to identify women at greater risk, even before cancer develops.
The research also found that stromal disruption is associated with poorer survival outcomes among women already diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
The team used machine learning to analyze over 9,000 breast tissue samples, including healthy breast tissues, benign breast disease biopsies, and cancerous tissues. They discovered that stromal disruption was more common in women with risk factors for aggressive breast cancer, such as obesity, Black race, early age, multiple childbirths, and a family history of the disease.
In women with benign breast disease, substantial stromal disruption was linked to a significantly higher likelihood of developing breast cancer and a faster disease onset. Among breast cancer patients, those with greater stromal disruption were more likely to have aggressive cancer subtypes and lower survival rates, especially in estrogen receptor-positive cases.
Such insights could help inform the development of cancer prevention and treatment strategies that target the stromal microenvironment. In addition, stromal disruption is inexpensive to assess and could be widely adopted, particularly in low-resource settings where molecular analysis is impractical or very expensive, according to the study.
UNI XINHUA ARN
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
United News of India
8 hours ago
- United News of India
Ocean biodiversity under threat, says MSC survey
Kochi, June 7 (UNI) Ocean biodiversity is under threat but there is still reason for optimism if we act now to save it for the future, according to a new survey carried out by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ahead of World Oceans Day and the United Nations Ocean Conference from June 9 to 13. The findings analysed by global insights and advisory consultancy GlobeScan showed over two-thirds of the almost 60 leading ocean experts consulted thought climate change was the greatest threat to ocean health and biodiversity, but overfishing and changes to habitats also ranked high in terms of the impact they are having. Despite worries about threats facing the ocean, almost half (45%) were optimistic, pointing to advances in science and policy as reasons to be hopeful for positive progress in protecting the oceans – a sentiment shared in the recently released documentary 'Ocean' with David Attenborough. Scientists based in countries from the Solomon Islands to Costa Rica and Finland to Japan said international policies, treaties, and governance frameworks needed to go faster and further in their efforts to maintain a healthy ocean for future generations and highlighted regional approaches to sustainable fisheries management that were already having a positive impact in turning the tide. Following the survey and ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, the Marine Stewardship Council is emphasising support for states to sign up to the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (also known as the BBNJ or High Seas Treaty). At least 60 states must sign the treaty, which aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, before it enters into force. Dr Beth Polidoro, Research Director at the Marine Stewardship Council said, 'There is a consensus from scientists across the world that our oceans are under threat from human impact whether that is through overfishing or the ongoing threat of climate change." 'What is positive is that we are still in a place to change the trajectory, halt these negative impacts and ensure healthy oceans full of life for future generations." 'Fisheries already demonstrating this commitment must be supported, and governments need to provide an enabling environment so that positive progress can be accelerated globally.' The Marine Stewardship Council has also released Preserving ocean life: How sustainable fishing supports biodiversity, a report showcasing a selection of positive case studies where fishers are using technology, tools and different techniques to minimise their impact on ocean biodiversity and protect marine life for future generations. Peter Thomson, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean, author of the foreword of the report, said 'We know that sustainable fisheries operates best when we synergise the positive actions of governments, industries, local communities, and international organisations." 'These inspiring stories show that biodiversity protection and sustainable seafood production are two sides of the same coin.' Featuring fisheries across the globe, the report spotlights positive innovative changes they have made to protect endangered and threatened species, including pelicans in the Gulf of California, turtles in the Indian Ocean, sharks in the Eastern Pacific and porpoise in the Celtic Sea. UNI DS PRS
United News of India
10 hours ago
- United News of India
India's active Covid cases rise to 5,758; 4 deaths reported in 24 hours
New Delhi, June 7 (UNI) India is witnessing a fresh increase in Covid-19 cases, with active infections climbing to 5, 758, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's update as of 8 am on Saturday. A total 391 new cases and four deaths were registered in the past 24 hours. One fatality each was from Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra, as per the ministry's Covid dashboard. While overall hospitalisations remain low, health authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation, especially with the emergence of new subvariants. Kerala is currently leading the spike, having reported 127 new infections, pushing its active caseload to 1,806 — nearly half of the country's total active cases. Other states contributing to the recent surge include West Bengal, which recorded 26 new cases (active cases now at 622), and Delhi, which added 73 infections (active tally at 655). Maharashtra, which experienced major outbreaks in previous waves, reported 29 new cases, bringing its cumulative case count to 577, as per the Central government data. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) May 2025 classification, two new subvariants — LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 — have been labeled as Variants Under Monitoring. These variants are not yet considered Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest, but they are suspected to be contributing to rising infection numbers not only in India but also in China and other parts of Asia. Meanwhile, the JN.1 strain remains the most dominant variant in the country, accounting for 53% of all positive cases, based on genomic data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). Although there is currently no significant increase in hospital admissions, health experts warn that public complacency could reverse recent progress. The virus continues to evolve, with symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, and gastrointestinal discomfort becoming more common with newer strains. The Ministry of Health urges the public to continue following basic preventive measures, including regular hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and getting tested at the first sign of symptoms. Those who test positive are strongly advised to isolate immediately to prevent further spread. UNI AJ PRS
United News of India
13 hours ago
- United News of India
Expert sheds light on vitamin B12 deficiency and treatment
New Delhi, June 6 (UNI) Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a vital water-soluble nutrient essential for a range of important bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, nerve function, and energy metabolism, said Dr Sanjay Agrawal, Scientific Advisor of ALKOMEX GBN PHARMA GROUP, U.S.A. Highlighting its importance, Dr Agrawal noted that vitamin B12 occurs in several forms—cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin—and is available in various supplement formats including oral tablets, sublingual tablets, nasal sprays, and injectables. 'Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining overall health, supporting the nervous system, and ensuring healthy cell growth. However, our bodies cannot produce it, and it is primarily obtained through animal-based foods like liver, meat, eggs, and dairy products,' he said. Dr Agrawal added that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adolescents and adults is 2.4 micrograms daily, increasing slightly for pregnant (2.6 mcg) and breastfeeding women (2.8 mcg). 'An estimated 75 per cent of India's population is deficient in vitamin B12,' he said, identifying vegetarians, elderly individuals, pregnant and lactating women, chronic alcohol users, and those with gut disorders as especially vulnerable. Common signs of deficiency include generalised fatigue, pale skin, loss of appetite, numbness in limbs, mood changes, memory loss, and walking difficulties. To confirm deficiency, several blood tests such as serum B12 levels, methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocysteine, and holotranscobalamin (HoloTC) are used. 'Vitamin B12 deficiency is typically diagnosed when serum levels fall below 150 pg/ml. If diagnosed, it can be effectively managed through dietary changes and supplementation—either via oral tablets or intramuscular injections, depending on severity,' Dr Agrawal advised. He added that vitamin B12 supplements are considered safe, even at doses 1,000 times higher than the recommended intake. However, in rare cases, injections might cause mild side effects such as dizziness, itching, or nausea. 'There is no known toxicity associated with high intakes of vitamin B12 from food or supplements. Since it is a water-soluble vitamin, any excess is usually excreted in urine. Still, individuals with kidney issues should avoid high-dose cyanocobalamin and opt for methylcobalamin,' he cautioned. Before starting any vitamin supplement, Dr Agrawal advised the public to consult a medical professional, disclose ongoing health conditions and medications, and follow prescribed dosage and duration. 'Unsupervised use can lead to unwanted effects, even for essential vitamins like B12,' he added. More information is available on his official website: UNI XC GNK
