CCH has been reported to increase the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) 17,21-26, and promote cortical microbleeds, which are structural lesions in the brain that compromise cerebrovascular integrity and perfusion 27. This evidence concerns the gene IL1B and columnar cell hyperplasia of the breast.