Alterations in C5a and CXCL12 Levels: Implications for Breast Cancer Pathophysiology | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology | ||
| Volume 35, Issue 2, April 2026 | ||
| Document Type: New and original researches in the field of Microbiology. | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejmm.2025.409762.1817 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Zamin A. Al-Sarray* 1; Izzat A. Al-Rayahi2; Hiba M. Naser3 | ||
| 1Ministry of Health and Environment, Iraq, Imamein Kadhimen, Medical City | ||
| 2Middle Technical University, College of Health and Medical Technology, Baghdad, Iraq; Middle Technical University, Medical Technical Institute Al-Mansour, Baghdad, Iraq | ||
| 3Middle Technical University, College of Health and Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Technique Department, Baghdad, Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Among women, breast cancer (BC) is still one of the most prevalent and fatal malignancies, characterised by uncontrolled cell proliferation and spread. While complement system activation can enhance anti-tumour immune responses, components such as C5a may paradoxically promote tumour growth through inflammation. Similar to this, the chemokine CXCL12, which is well-known for its function in immune cell trafficking, has been linked to promoting BC cell survival, migration, and metastasis, and patient outcomes are correlated with its expression levels. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the anaphylatoxins C5a and CXCL12 level alteration and the stages in Iraqi women with breast cancer. Methods: Sixty Iraqi women with breast tumours (thirty with primary breast cancer and thirty with benign breast tumours) had their C5a levels assessed using the ELISA technique prior to surgery and therapy. In addition, thirty age-matched healthy individuals were used as controls. In addition, CXCL12 expression was measured by Real-Time PCR. Results: Anaphylatoxin C5a was found to be significantly higher in patients with primary breast cancer (P<0.001) compared to those with benign breast tumours and healthy control women. Additionally, patients with initial breast cancer had considerably higher CXCL12 expression (P<0.001) than those with benign breast tumours. Conclusion: Both C5a and CXCL12 showed a progressive increase in levels corresponding to the advancement of cancer stages, with the highest concentrations observed in Stage 3 patients. These patterns point to a significant positive relationship between the development of breast cancer and the CXCL12 expression and C5a. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Breast cancer; benign tumour; C5a; CXCL12; cancer stages | ||
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