Association of lipid profile biomarkers with breast cancer by molecular subtype: analysis of the MEND study
Authors: Gupta Anjali , Saraiya Veeral , Deveaux April , Oyekunle Taofik , Jackson Klarissa D. , Salako Omolola , Daramola Adetola , Hall Allison , Alatise Olusegun , Ogun Gabriel , Adeniyi Adewale , Ayandipo Omobolaji , Olajide Thomas , Olasehinde Olalekan , Arowolo Olukayode , Adisa Adewale , Afuwape Oludolapo , Olusanya Aralola , Adegoke Aderemi , Tollefsbol Trygve O. , Arnett Donna , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Newgard Christopher B. ,   H3 Africa Kidney Research Network, Ajayi Samuel , Raji Yemi , Olanrewaju Timothy , Osafo Charlotte , Ulasi Ifeoma , Asinobi Adanze , Winkler Cheryl A. , Burke David , Arogundade Fatiu , Ekem Ivy , Plange-Rhule Jacob , Mamven Manmak , Mate-kole Michael , Amodu Olukemi , Cooper Richard , Antwi Sampson , Adeyemo Adebowale , Ilori Titilayo , Adabayeri Victoria , Nyarko Alexander , Ghansah Anita , Amos-Abanyie Ernestine Kubi , Akyaw Priscilla Abena , Kimmel Paul L. , Salako Babatunde L. , Parekh Rulan S. , Tayo Bamidele , Gbadegesin Rasheed , Boehnke Michael , Lyons Robert , Brosius Frank , Clauw Daniel , Adindu Chijioke , Bewaji Clement , Tannor Elliot Koranteng , Okyere Perditer , Ijoma Chuba , Tiffin Nicki , Gamiedien Junaid , Hildebrandt Friedhelm , Odenigbo Charles , Jisieike-Onuigbo Nonyelun , Modebe Ifeoma , Abdu Aliyu , Obiagwu Patience , Okoye Ogochukwu , Solarin Adaobi , Amira Toyin , Esezobor Christopher , Makusidi Muhammad , Saraf Santosh , Gordeuk Victor , Ashuntangtang Gloria , Guenkam Georgette , Kazi Folefack , Adedoyin Olanrewaju , McCullough Mignon , Nourse Peter , Okafor Uche , Anigilaje Emmanuel , Ikpebe Patrick , Odetunde Tola , Mbanefo Ngozi , Olowu Wasiu , Tindana Paulina , Awobusuyi Olubenga , Ogedegbe Olugbenga , Olabisi Opeyemi , Skorecki Karl , Adebowale Ademola , Kretzler Matthias , Hodgin Jeffrey , Adu Dwomoa , Ojo Akinlolu , Boima Vincent , Akinyemiju Tomi 
Published: June 2022

There is conflicting evidence on the role of lipid biomarkers in breast cancer (BC), and no study to our knowledge has examined this association among African women. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association of lipid biomarkers—total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides—with odds of BC overall and by subtype (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative or TNBC) for 296 newly diagnosed BC cases and 116 healthy controls in Nigeria. Each unit standard deviation (SD) increase in triglycerides was associated with 39% increased odds of BC in fully adjusted models (aOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.86). Among post-menopausal women, higher total cholesterol (aOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.57), LDL cholesterol (aOR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.41), and triglycerides (aOR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.21, 3.01) were associated with increased odds of BC. Additionally, each unit SD increase in LDL was associated with 64% increased odds of Luminal B BC (aOR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.55). Clinically low HDL was associated with 2.7 times increased odds of TNBC (aOR 2.67; 95% CI: 1.10, 6.49). Among post-menopausal women, higher LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly associated with increased odds of Luminal B BC and HER2 BC, respectively. In conclusion, low HDL and high LDL are associated with increased odds of TN and Luminal B BC, respectively, among African women. Future prospective studies can definitively characterize this association and inform clinical approaches targeting HDL as a BC prevention strategy.