Developmental and Lactational Exposure to Dieldrin Alters Mammary Tumorigenesis in Her2/neu Transgenic Mice
2009

Dieldrin Increases Tumors in Mice

Sample size: 271 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cameron Heather L., Foster Warren G.

Primary Institution: McMaster University

Hypothesis

Dieldrin modulates breast cancer pathogenesis by altering expression of novel growth factors thought to be involved in cancer progression.

Conclusion

Developmental exposure to dieldrin causes increased tumor burden in genetically predisposed mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • Dieldrin treatment significantly increased the total tumor burden in mice.
  • The highest dose of dieldrin led to increased expression of BDNF and TrkB in tumors.
  • Pregnancy rates were significantly reduced in the highest dieldrin treatment group.

Takeaway

This study found that a pesticide called dieldrin can make mice more likely to develop breast tumors, especially when they are exposed to it before birth and while nursing.

Methodology

Female mice were treated with dieldrin or vehicle during pregnancy and lactation, and tumor development was assessed at 22 weeks.

Limitations

The study primarily used a mouse model, which may not fully replicate human breast cancer development.

Participant Demographics

FVB/N-TgMMTV-neu transgenic mice.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.17–3.57

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004303

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