ABSTRACT
E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent molecule that contributes to intercellular adhesion. Its proper functioning is important in the maintenance of epithelial structure and integrity. E-cadherin serves as a very important tumor suppressor. In this study, we aim to determine the frequency of E-cadherin expression aberrancy and its relationship to the biological behavior of gastric adenocarcinoma. A total of 52 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomies in Imam Khomeini Hospital were investigated in a cross-sectional study. Their tissues were stained by immunohistochemistry methods to investigate the expression of E-cadherin. Patients' information including age, gender, Helicobacter pylori infection, lesion location, adenocarcinoma subtype, metastasis, differentiation and regional lymph node involvement, depth of invasion and staging were collected and compared. Age, gender, Helicobacter pylori infection, lesion location, regional lymph node involvement, metastasis, depth of invasion, differentiation and staging did not have a statistically significant relationship with abnormal E-cadherin expression. Abnormal E-cadherin expression was significantly higher in the diffuse sub-type as compared with the intestinal type [90.9% vs. 48.8%, p = 0.016]. The present study assessed the frequency and relationship between abnormal E-cadherin expression and certain biological variables of tumor behavior in Iranian patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. A significant correlation existed only between diffuse sub-typing and reduced E-cadherin expression
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The etiology of exudative ascites cannot always be diagnosed accurately. Laparoscopy could be used as an appropriate diagnostic modality in these cases
Objective: Evaluate the laparoscopic, biochemical and clinical findings in patients with exudative ascites of unknown etiology
Materials and Methods: In a case-series study, we studied the data of 67 patients with exudative ascites of unknown etiology who under went diagnostic laparoscopy in endoscopy ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital from 2002 to 2005. Demographic data; complaints; clinical, laboratory and laparoscopic findings were evaluated and the accurate etiology of exudative ascites was determined. Man Whitney and Fischer's exact test were used for statistical analysis. P values less than 0.05 was considered significant
Results: The most common cause of exudative ascites was carcinomatous peritonitis then tuberculosis and lymphoma. Tuberculosis peritonitis was the most common etiology of exudative ascites in afghan immigrants. Abdominal masses were only palpated in cases of malignancy. Uniform micronodules and fibrous bands were observed in tuberculous peritonitis. Icter was observed in half of the patients with Budd-chiari Syndrome and lymphoma. Hepatomegaly was mostly seen in Budd-chiari Syndrome and neoplasms
Conclusion: Carcinomatous peritonitis, tuberculosis and lymphoma were the most common causes of exudative ascites of unknown etiology