Investigation of chromosomal aberrations in Egyptian hepatocellular carcinoma patients by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common and highly malignant tumor, associated mainly with chronic viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of any cause, aflatoxin exposure and ethanol consumption. Cytogenetic analysis on HCC has been limited because of poor hepatocyte growth in vitro. Conventional cytogenetic studies have demonstrated frequent abnormalities of specific chromosomes in HCC. Molecular cytogenetic approaches have been applied only rarely in the characterization of HCC. The main aim of this study was to evaluate genetic aberrations of different chromosomes in HCC. The study included 35 patients with HCC, who have been diagnosed and treated at National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt. The clinico-pathologic features of the studied patient were collected from patient’s files. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interphase cytogenetics by fluorescence in situ hybridization with the use of a panel of centromere-associated DNA probes for chromosomes 1, 4, 8, 9, 13, 17, 20 and Y were performed on paraffin-embedded HCC specimens. RESULTS: The most common chromosomal aberrations detected were gain of chromosomes 8 in 12 cases (34.28%), 17 in 6 cases (17.14%). Loss of chromosome Y was detected in 6 of male cases (30%). Monosomy 4 was also detected in 5 cases (14.28%). Negative correlation could be detected only between chromosome 4 and 8. (r = -0.381, P < 0.05). Correlations between gain or loss of chromosomes and the different clinicopathologic parameters in the patients investigated, indicated negative correlation between: chromosome Y and age and chromosome 1 and cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: Gains and losses of DNA found in this study probably involve oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that play a role in the puzzle of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Laparoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. an initial experience in Zagazig and Minia University Hospitals

To study the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease [GORD], fourteen cases were admitted to the department of surgery of Zagazig and Minia University Hospitals. All patients were selected after failure of medical treatment, full investigations especially motility studies were done. All cases were examined endoscopicaly and for 24 hours pH-monitoring. All cases were operated by the same team of authors. Nissen fundoplication was done. The mean operative time was 120 +/- 12 minutes. There was no mortality recorded in our study. There was marked reduction in the postoperative complications in comparison to the open surgery, and there was significant improvement in the reflux problem. In conclusion laparoscopic fundoplication is a well promising technique that can effectively relieve symptoms of GORD with minimal morbidity and mortality as well as the mild postoperative pain. Short hospital stay and other benefits of laparoscopic surgery. However long term follow up is needed for proper evaluation