Molecular markers (c-erbB-2, p53) in breast cancer.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between clinical characteristics, histopatologic features and c-erbB-2 as well as p53 expression in cancer tissues. Breast cancer tissue was obtained from 184 female subjects with primary breast cancer. According to hormonal status patients were divided into two groups - 64 belonged to the premenopausal group and 120 to postmenopausal group. Each patient underwent mammectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy. c-erbB-2 protooncogene was detected in 54% cases, and was correlated with infiltrating type of cancer growth, as well as larger tumor size. The presence of p53 antioncogene was observed only in 33% of cases, mainly in infiltrating duct carcinomas. The incidence of c-erbB-2 and p53 positive cases was higher among subjects, whose ultrasound and mammography revealed malignancy. There was no correlation found between of c-erbB-2 expression and axillary lymph nodes involvement It seems probable, that c-erbB-2 and p53 status of cancer tissue may prove to be useful in assessment of the level of biological aggressiveness in breast carcinomas and hence can be used as a prognostic factor

Control of active B and L cathepsins in tissues of colorectal cancer using cystatins isolated from chicken egg proteins: in vitro studies

The activity of cysteine peptidases (cathepsins B and L) was estimated in homogenates of tissues sampled during surgery from 60 patients operated due to colorectal tumors. The results were compared to those obtained using tissues in which histopathology disclosed no tumorous cells, obtained from 20 patients of the same group, treated as a control. Activity of the enzymes was inhibited using cysteine peptidase inhibitors isolated from chicken egg proteins. Application of the inhibitors was found to inhibit activity of the enzymes which play a key role in tumor development. It is suggested that in future the inhibitors may provide a component of new generation drugs in the so-called inhibitor therapy. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 670–676

Cysteine peptidases and their inhibitors in breast and genital cancer.

Cysteine proteinases and their inhibitors probably play the main role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. The metastasis process need external proteolytic activities that pass several barriers which are membranous structures of the connective tissue which includes, the basement membrane of blood vessels. Activities of the proteinases are regulated by endogenous inhibitors and activators. The imbalance between cysteine proteinases and cystatins seems to be associated with an increase in metastatic potential in some tumors. It has also been reported that proteinase inhibitors, specific antibodies for these enzymes and inhibition of the urokinase receptor may prevent cancer cell invasion. Some proteinase inhibitor could serve as agents for cancer treatment

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy and anastomosis dehiscence after total mesorectal excision for stage II and III rectal cancer

BackgroundAnterior resection is nowadays the preferred option of surgical treatment for rectal cancer without sphincter involvement. However, this operation is associated with the risk of anastomosis dehiscence (AD).AimThe aim of this study was to estimate the influence of neoadjuvant radiotherapy and other factors on the risk of anastomosis dehiscence after total mesorectal excision for stage II and III rectal cancer.Materials/MethodsOne hundred and thirty consecutive patients operated on due to histologically confirmed rectal carcinoma were studied with prospective data collection. Elective surgery with curative intent was administered. All patients underwent sphincter-sparing anterior resection with total mesorectal excision. End-to-end anastomosis with double stapled technique was performed. Impact of patient-, tumour- and treatment-related variables on anastomosis dehiscence rate was evaluated in univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsIncidence of AD was 10.6%. There was no leakage-related mortality. Univariate analysis showed that patient's age and gender, presence of lymph node metastases and irradiation setting (pre- vs post-operative) did not significantly influence dehiscence rate (P>0.05). Tumour level at or below 7cm from the anal verge was related to increased AD risk with statistical importance (P=0.0438). Neither pelvic drainage nor omentoplasty effectively protected the anastomosis. Proximal diversion with protective stoma resulted in significantly decreasing AD risk (P=0.0012). In multivariate analysis the presence of transversostomy was found as the most important factor independently associated with significantly lower incidence of AD.ConclusionsNeoadjuvant radiotherapy does not seem to be a significant risk factor for anastomosis dehiscence, even after resection of low-sited tumours, but proximal diversion with temporary stoma needs to be considered

Surgical site infection– the authors’ own prospective research

Surgical site infection is a common complication in surgery, which increases treatment cost, extends hospitalization time and can lead to septic complications. The aim of the study was analysis of postoperative infections in own material and finding significant risk factors with preserving the obligatory procedures in the clinic. Material and methods. Prospective analysis of 270 consecutively operated patients aged from 18 to 101 was performed with observation of early infection until 7th day postoperatively. Factors judged included: age, sex, BMI, operation type: elective or urgent, physical preparation for surgery, antibiotic prophylaxis, length and type of surgery. Wound observation card was used. Data were analysed statistically (t-Student’s test, chi2 test, U Mann Whitney test and logistic regression analysis). Results. Wound infection was observed in 33 patients (12.22% of the entire group). In 24 (8.88%) it was a superficial infection and in 9 (3.33%) deep infection. Statistically significant risk factors were age, presence of diabetes, operation time and operations on large bowel. The average age of patients with present infection was 61.2. In the group without infection there were 6,3% patients with diabetes and 20.8% in the group with infection. In our study diabetes increased the risk of infection four times. The longer the operation time the higher was the risk of deep infection (without complications 76.2 minutes, superficial 94.9 minutes, deep 148.9 minutes). Operations on large bowel were performed in 11.9%of all study patients. In the group of 33 patients with surgical wound infection, 39.4% had colon surgery, 39.4% of all deep infections and 29.2% of all superficial infections. Conclusions. In own study material significant risk factors of surgical wound infection were: age, presence of diabetes, length of operation, large bowel surgery. In preoperative course risk factors should be identified to perform certain prophylactic procedures to lower the risk of infectious complications

Resistin as a Prooxidant Factor and Predictor of Endothelium Damage in Patients with Mild Acute Pancreatitis Exposed to Tobacco Smoke Xenobiotics

Objectives. The study was aimed to assess the influence of tobacco smoke exposure on the intensity of inflammation measured by IL-6, α1-antitripsin (AAT) and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations, and Cd level and oxidative stress intensity measured by advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) concentration in the blood of healthy subjects and AP patients during hospitalization. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and resistin concentrations, markers of endothelium injury, were determined. Results. An increased IL-6 concentration in healthy smokers compared to nonsmokers and AP patients compared to controls was shown. An increased AAT and AGP concentrations during hospitalization of AP patients were noted, in both smokers (AAT, AGP) and nonsmokers (AAT). In comparison to control groups, in AP patients, a 2-fold increased resistin concentration correlating with ET-1 concentration and decreased albumin concentration accompanied by increased AOPP concentration were demonstrated. AOPP concentration was higher in smokers with AP compared to nonsmokers and gradually enhanced during their hospitalization. Conclusions. Tobacco smoke exposure can have a proinflammatory effect in both healthy subjects and AP patients. Increased resistin concentration in AP patients negatively correlating with albumin concentration has prooxidative effect on this protein resulting in enhanced AOPP level. Increased resistin concentration can intensify AAT and AGP production during AP