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Background: The role of fatty acids (FAs) on mammographic density (MD) is unclear, and available studies are based on self-reported dietary intake.Objectives: This study assessed the association between specific serum phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and MD in premenopausal women.Methods: The cross-sectional study DDM-Madrid recruited 1392 Spanish premenopausal women, aged 39-50 y, who attended a screening in a breast radiodiagnosis unit of Madrid City Council. Women completed lifestyle questionnaires and FFQs. Percentage MD was estimated using a validated computer tool (DM-Scan), and serum PLFA percentages were measured by GC-MS. Multivariable linear regression models were used to quantify the association of FA tertiles with MD. Models were adjusted for age, education, BMI, waist circumference, parity, oral contraceptive use, previous breast biopsies, and energy intake, and they were corrected for multiple testing.Results: Women in the third tertile of SFAs showed significantly higher MD compared with those in the first tertile (βT3vsT1 = 7.53; 95% CI: 5.44, 9.61). Elevated relative concentrations of palmitoleic (βT3vsT1 = 3.12; 95% CI: 0.99, 5.25) and gondoic (βT3vsT1 = 2.67; 95% CI: 0.57, 4.77) MUFAs, as well as high relative concentrations of palmitelaidic (βT3vsT1 = 5.22; 95% CI: 3.15, 7.29) and elaidic (βT3vsT1 = 2.69; 95% CI: 0.59, 4.79) trans FAs, were also associated with higher MD. On the contrary, women with elevated relative concentrations of n-6 (ω-6) linoleic (βT3vsT1 = -5.49; 95% CI; -7.62, -3.35) and arachidonic (βT3vsT1 = -4.68; 95% CI: -6.79, -2.58) PUFAs showed lower MD. Regarding desaturation indices, an elevated palmitoleic to palmitic ratio and a low ratio of oleic to steric and arachidonic to dihomo-γ-linolenic acids were associated with higher MD.Conclusions: Spanish premenopausal women with high relative concentrations of most SFAs and some MUFAs and trans FAs showed an increased MD, whereas those with high relative concentrations of some n-6 PUFAs presented lower density. These results, which should be confirmed in further studies, underscore the importance of analyzing serum FAs individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammographic density (MD), the proportion of radiologically dense breast tissue, is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Our objective is to investigate the influence of occupations and occupational exposure to physical, chemical, and microbiological agents on MD in Spanish premenopausal women. This is a cross-sectional study based on 1362 premenopausal workers, aged 39–50, who attended a gynecological screening in a breast radiodiagnosis unit of Madrid City Council. The work history was compiled through a personal interview. Exposure to occupational agents was evaluated using the Spanish job-exposure matrix MatEmESp. MD percentage was assessed using the validated semi-automated computer tool DM-Scan. The association between occupation, occupational exposures, and MD was quantified using multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, educational level, body mass index, parity, previous breast biopsies, family history of breast cancer, energy intake, use of oral contraceptives, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Although no occupation was statistically significantly associated with MD, a borderline significant inverse association was mainly observed in orchard, greenhouse, nursery, and garden workers (β = −6.60; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = -14.27; 1.07) and information and communication technology technicians (β = −7.27; 95%CI = −15.37; 0.84). On the contrary, a positive association was found among technicians in art galleries, museums, and libraries (β = 8.47; 95%CI = −0.65; 17.60). Women occupationally exposed to fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides tended to have lower MD. The percentage of density decreased by almost 2% for every 5 years spent in occupations exposed to the mentioned agents. Although our findings point to a lack of association with the occupations and exposures analyzed, this study supports a deeper exploration of the role of certain occupational agents in MD, such as pesticides. • Influence of occupations/occupational exposures on mammographic density was studied. • We used multiple linear regression models in a cross-sectional study. • In general, no association was observed with the occupations and exposures studied. • Women involved in agricultural sector showed lower mammographic density. • Mammographic density decreased by 2% for every 5 years of exposure to pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]