Serum YKL-40 as a Biomarker in Egyptian Breast Cancer Females

Background: YKL-40 is a secreted glycoprotein and a member of the mammalian chitinase-like proteins. It is ex-pressed and secreted by several types of solid tumors including breast cancer. Aim of Work: The present study aimed to detect YKL-40 expression in breast cancer patients (both metastatic and non-metastatic) and to compare the results with fibroadenoma patients and normal females. Methodology: The study included 113 female patients divided into; 20 patients with fibroadenoma, 73 non-metastatic 20 metastatic breast cancer patients. Twenty healthy females were also included and served as control. YKL-40 level was detected in serum of studied groups using ELISA kit provided from Quantikine R D systems, Minneapolis, USA. Results: There was significant difference regarding YKL-40 level between the control group versus both non-metastatic and metastatic breast cancer groups, and between fibroadenoma group and non-metastatic as well as metastatic breast cancer group (p .001 each). There also was high statistical difference between N1, N2 and N3 in non-metastatic group as well as between N2 and N3 in metastatic group (p-value=0.001) each. Conclusion: YKL-40 expression may be useful as a potential biomarker in Egyptian breast carcinoma female patients.