Correlation Between Toxin-Antitoxin Systems and Persistence States in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates

Introduction: Levels of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene are low in normal breast tissue, but half of the patients with breast cancer exhibit higher levels of this receptor. The differential expression of the HER2 gene in normal and malignant cells makes it an excellent biomarker for therapeutic purposes. In this study, we evaluated the degree of HER2 overexpression in patients and its relationship with age and the occurrence of metastases. Materials Methods: In this retrospective, registry-based, two-center cohort study, information on 1500 breast cancer patients recruited from Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam Province was collected from 2020 to 2023. Results:  The likelihood of metastasis in cancer patients with HER2 gene expression was three times higher (adjusted OR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.79–3.29; P=0.001). Additionally, the involvement of lymph nodes (adjusted OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 0.87–3.79; P=0.03) was significantly associated with increased metastasis. Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that HER2 gene expression and the number of involved lymph nodes are significant prognostic factors that increase the risk of metastasis. Therefore, implementing comprehensive breast cancer screenings can play an important role in the treatment and prevention of metastasis in breast cancer patients.