Abstract

Aim: Mastalgia is a common, predominantly benign breast complaint with a multifactorial etiology, but objective biomarkers reflecting its biological mechanisms remain undefined. The objective of this research was to assess the connection between serum fractalkine (CX3CL1) concentrations and the clinical and demographic features of patients experiencing mastalgia, as well as to explore the clinical, hormonal, and hematological factors linked to this condition.
Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational study conducted at a single center involved female patients experiencing mastalgia. The intensity of their pain was evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Serum fractalkine concentrations were determined through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical, hormonal, and inflammatory parameters were analyzed. The findings from breast ultrasound examinations were assessed using the BI-RADS classification system.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences found between the cyclic and non-cyclic mastalgia groups regarding age, body mass index, pain intensity, or hormonal and hematological parameters, with all p-values exceeding 0.05. Although serum fractalkine levels appeared to be elevated in the group with non-cyclic mastalgia, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.107). There were no notable correlations between serum fractalkine levels and the VAS score, WBC count, NLR, or PLR. However, within the cyclic mastalgia subgroup, serum fractalkine levels were significantly associated with both progesterone and prolactin (p < 0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was also identified between the severity of pain and the WBC count (r = 0.355, p = 0.007).
Conclusion: This research indicates that the intensity of pain in mastalgia might be linked to cellular factors indicative of the body's inflammatory response. While no significant association was identified between serum fractalkine levels and clinical or inflammatory parameters, these findings warrant confirmation in larger, controlled prospective studies.

Key words: Mastalgia, fractalkine, cyclic mastalgia, non-cyclic mastalgia, inflammatory markers