The distribution of extracellular matrix in the human uterus

Several lines of evidence suggest that there may be a distinction between the inner and outer myometrium. Magnetic resonance imaging has shown that the uterus of women of reproductive age consists of three layers, in addition, transvaginal ultrasound has revealed that peristaltic waves, during the course of the normal menstrual cycle, emanate only from the inner myometrial muscle. Finally histological findings have suggested that there is a three-fold increase in the nuclear density of the inner compared to the outer myometrium, hi addition, trophoblast invasion is restricted to the inner third of the myometrium. Based on these lines of evidence it was postulated that there could be a difference in extracellular matrix between inner and outer myometrial smooth muscle. To test this hypothesis, the distribution of different laminin chains, collagen IV and elastin were examined in the human uterus, hi addition observations were made to determine whether there was tissue specificity of laminin type expression. Forty-four hysterectomy specimens were collected, from women undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions, representing all phases of the menstrual cycle. These also included specimens from patients who had been treated with intrauterine levonorgestrel (MirenaRTM). Cryo- and paraffin embedded sections were prepared. Immunocytochemistry was carried out using monoclonal antibodies directed to the alpha2, beta1, beta2, and gamma1 laminin chains, collagen IV, elastin, CD31 and the 68kD neurofilament protein. Digital imaging, by microscopy and scanning, was undertaken and novel image analysis methods were developed to examine the myometrial distribution of extracellular matrix proteins. Elastin detection was confirmed by orcein staining. As predicted collagen IV and the gamma1 laminin chain were present in the basement membranes of the vascular smooth muscle, myometrial smooth muscle, vascular-endothelium and endometrial epithelium. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.)

Fish Consumption Moderates Depressive Symptomatology in Elderly Men and Women from the IKARIA Study

Background. The aim was to examine the association of depressive symptoms with fish eating habits, in elderly individuals. Methods. From June to October of 2009, we studied 330 men and 343 women, aged 65 to 100 years, permanent inhabitants of Ikaria Island. Among several characteristics, depression was assessed with the Geriatric Depression scale (GDS range 0–15), while dietary habits through a valid semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results. Women had significantly higher values of the GDS compared to men (4.8 ± 3.5 versus 3.3 ± 3.1, P = .001). Participants in the upper tertile of depression scale ate less frequent fish and consumed higher quantities of alcohol, compared to those in the lowest tertile (all P < .05). Regarding fish consumption, 50% of the individuals reported consuming 1-2 times weekly, 32% 3 to 5 times weekly, 11% 2-3 times monthly, while the rest reported rare (4.5%) and everyday (1.2%) consumption. Logistic regression showed that increased fish consumption (>3 times/week versus never/rare) was inversely associated with the odds of having GDS greater the median value (i.e., 4) (odds  ratio = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.61), after controlling for several cofounders. Conclusion. Frequent fish consumption in elderly seems to moderate depression mood

Mutation analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in Turkish patients with breast cancer.

Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Clinical-Oncology (ASCO) / Clinical Science Symposium on Predicting and Improving Adverse Outcomes in Older Adults with Cancer -- MAY 29-JUN 02, 2015 -- Chicago, ILWOS: 000358036902345Amer Soc Clin Onco