Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acids and Subsequent Breast Cancer: a Prospective Italian Study

Abstract

We have found that monounsaturated fats and SI in erythrocyte membranes are predictors of postmenopausal breast cancer. Both of these variables depend on the activity of the enzyme Delta 9-d. The dietary, metabolic, and hormonal factors acting on Delta 9-d expression and activity and, therefore, on patterns of fatty acid metabolism, should be further investigated as possible determinants of breast cancer.