Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) - soluble form (sRAGE) and gene polymorphisms in patients with breast cancer

21113 Background: Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) may be involved in the pathogenesis of the cancer progression and metastasis. Pathological effects mediated via RAGE are physiologically inhibited by soluble RAGE (sRAGE), so the higher sRAGE levels may confer the patients with cancer with better outcome.. Our aim was to study sRAGE and RAGE gene polymorphisms in patients with breast cancer. Methods: We studied sRAGE and RAGE polymorphisms in 120 patients with breast cancer (subdivided based on the clinical stage, histologic grading, expression of hormonal and C-erb B2 receptors) and in 92 healthy controls. Results: Despite higher serum concentrations of AGEs, serum concentrations of sRAGE were lower in patients with breast cancer compared to healthy controls (1581 ± 777 vs. 1803 ± 632 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Serum levels of sRAGE were higher in patients with advanced breast cancer (stage III), lower grade and positive estrogen receptors and intermediate positivity of C-erb B2 (Her-neu) receptors and were also influenced genetically (G82S and 2184 AG polymorphisms of the RAGE gene). Conclusions: Decreased sRAGE levels in patients with breast cancer may contribute to the progression of the disease. Patients with better outcome (with low grade and positive estrogen receptors) have higher sRAGE levels. Progression of the disease, may, however, increase sRAGE levels, possibly as a compensatory mechanism to counteract further progression. No significant financial relationships to disclose.