Male origin microchimerism and ovarian cancer.
Int J Epidemiol
; 50(1): 87-94, 2021 03 03.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32065627
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Reduced risk of ovarian cancer is commonly ascribed to reduced exposure to endogenous hormones during pregnancy, using oral contraceptives or not using hormone replacement therapy. However, exposure to hormones alone account for less than half of all cases. Many women carry small amounts of male cells-known as male origin microchimerism-in their circulation and remarkable impacts of these cells on women's health are being published. Here, we pursue the possibility that male origin microchimerism has a role in reducing ovarian cancer risk.METHODS:
We conducted a prospective case-cohort study using blood samples and questionnaire data from 700 women participating in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort. Blood samples were analysed for Y chromosome presence as a marker of male microchimerism. We evaluated the association between male microchimerism and ovarian cancer, using weighted Cox regression models reporting hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).RESULTS:
Male microchimerism was detected in 46% of cases and 65.9% of controls. Women testing positive for male microchimerism had a reduced hazard rate of ovarian cancer compared with women testing negative (HR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.29-0.68). We found no evidence of interaction with measures of hormonal exposures (P = 0.50).CONCLUSIONS:
For the first time we report that women who test positive for male microchimerism in their circulation have reduced rates of ovarian cancer compared with women who test negative. Although the underlying mechanisms are presently unknown, we believe male microchimerism is potent in preventing ovarian cancer.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Neoplasias Ovarianas
/
Quimerismo
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
/
Incidence_studies
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Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Female
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Humans
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Male
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Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Epidemiol
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Dinamarca