The Significance of Erythroblast Transformation Specific (Ets) Transcription Factors in Breast Cancer Progression: A Meta-Analysis
The Significance of Erythroblast Transformation Specific (Ets) Transcription Factors in Breast Cancer Progression: A Meta-Analysis
Sidra Mumtaz1, Sidra Arshad1, Rizwan Ullah Khan1, Muhammad Usman Rashid2 and Naila Malkani1*
ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have identified members of the erythroblast transformation specific (Ets) transcription factors family showing aberrant expression in various stages of tumor formation in breast tissue. However, their use as a prognostic factor is not very clear. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to analyze their aberrant expression in breast tumorigenesis. A thorough literature search was performed and 73 relevant studies were identified which were further scrutinized and finally 26 studies covering 4553 subjects were included for analysis. A random effect model was applied and correlation was calculated using odds ratios (OR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI). Combined OR calculated showed a significant relation between Ets factor expression and breast cancer risk (OR=3.185, 95% CI=2.161–4.69, p<0.001). In subgroup analysis, Ets-1 overexpression was found highly associated (OR=2.149, 95% CI=1.141–4.048, p= 0.018) with breast cancer as compared to other Ets factors. Funnel plots confirmed no publication bias. Our study suggested Ets overexpression (especially Ets-1) might indicate an increased progression rate of breast cancer. However, to make a conclusive statement further in vitro and in vivo investigations and clinical trials are needed.
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