Combined Training-Induced Changes in Steroid Hormones Levels in Blood, Breast Tumor and Breast Tissue

• Grant number: 24/17288-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Ugrinowitsch
• Grantee: Felipe Cassaro Vechin
• Supervisor: Nima Sharifi
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte (EEFE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Miami, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/08589-7 - COMBINED TRAINING-INDUCED INTRACRINE CHANGES IN THE BREAST'S TUMOR AND TUMOR-ADJACENT TISSUE, BP.PD

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among women worldwide. Current treatments, though effective, often lead to muscle mass reduction, decreased cardiorespiratory capacity, and overall diminished quality of life. Systematic physical exercise, particularly combined training (CT), which includes both strength and aerobic training, has been shown to counteract these adverse effects by improving muscle mass, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. CT-induced adaptations may also modulate immune/inflammatory responses, metabolism, and hormone levels, potentially influencing tumor microenvironments and adjacent tissues. Objective: This study aims to standardize protocols for measuring steroid levels in plasma, breast tumors, and healthy breast tissue using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Additionally, the research will investigate whether CT impacts intracrine regulation by altering steroid hormone levels in tumors and adjacent parenchymal tissues. Methods: Steroid levels will be measured in blood, tumor, and healthy breast tissue samples using LC-MS. Samples will be collected, stored, and processed with specific protocols to ensure accurate steroid profiling. The analytical process will involve homogenization, centrifugation, solid-phase extraction, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry, with calibration performed using standard steroid solutions. Justification for Choosing the Research Team and Institution: Dr. Schiffer and Dr. Sharifi's expertise in steroidogenesis and their advanced laboratory facilities at the University of Miami make them ideal collaborators for this project. Their experience and resources significantly increase the likelihood of successful analysis and valuable findings. This collaboration will also enhance the research capabilities of the São Paulo research group and institutions. Expected Academic Gains: The internship will provide comprehensive training in advanced methods for steroid profiling, significantly enhancing the researcher's expertise and research group's capabilities. This knowledge transfer will benefit the fields of exercise science and oncology in São Paulo and Brazil, fostering future collaborations and advancing research methodologies. Plan for Disseminating and Transferring Knowledge: Upon return, the acquired knowledge will be disseminated through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects. Research findings will be published in academic journals, and training sessions will be conducted to integrate new protocols into ongoing and future research efforts.