Matrix Metalloproteinases and Stress Hormones in Lung Cancer Progression

Figure 6

Stress hormones’ levels in plasma from lung cancer patients. (a) Adrenaline levels were significantly enhanced in LAC patients compared to healthy subjects (); however, these differences were only due to the W (), TS (), and TW () groups. Significant differences were also found among the TS and N groups (†). (b) Noradrenaline was increased in the LAC group compared to control subjects (). These differences were due to the W () and N () groups when compared to control subjects. (c) Cortisol concentration was significantly augmented in all cancer patients compared to healthy subjects (). Bars represent mean ± standard error. Abbreviations: C: control group; LAC: lung adenocarcinoma; W: LAC associated with wood smoke exposure; N: LAC patients with no recognizable risk factor; TS: LAC associated with tobacco smoking; PS: LAC associated with passive smoking; TW: LAC associated with tobacco smoking and wood smoke exposure.

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