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Fig. 1 | Genes & Nutrition

Fig. 1

From: Nutrients and nipple aspirate fluid composition: the breast microenvironment regulates protein expression and cancer aetiology

Fig. 1

Schematic representation of terminal ductal–lobular unit of human breast gland in non-lactating women. The ductal system of the breasts of non-pregnant women produces proteinaceous secretions—containing chemicals of endogenous and exogenous origin as well as epithelial cells—which can be sampled and utilized for breast cancer aetiology research and breast biomonitoring through non-invasive fluid collection technique (HALO™ NAF Collection System, NeoMatrix, CA). Because BC develops from ductal and lobular epithelium, the analysis of NAF has attracted considerable interest as a non-invasive method to assess the metabolic pathways occurring within the mammary gland; this secretion represents a useful tool to clarify the biological, cellular and molecular mechanisms taking place during breast physiology and pathology, directly shedding light on the effects of exogenous and endogenous biocompounds (such as nutrients, dietary components, drugs) on the breast tissue and its modifications proning to breast cancer

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