P53 alterations in a group of Egyptian colorectal cancer patients

The p53 gene is located on human chromosome 17p13.1 and consists of 11 exons. Deficiencies in the p.53 gene can cause the cancerous cells to spread to distant organs. The most common p53 abnormalities that can lead to metastasis of colorectal tumours are mutation and deregulation of the gene. Aim of the study in the present study, we assessed the presence of P53 gene mutations and p53 protein expression and their prognostic significance in 43 patients with colorectal cancer. Histopathological examination of colonoscopic biopsies specimens, chest and abdomen CT were done for all patients. Genomic DNA was extracted, and exons 4-8 of the p53 gene were amplified, and analyzed for mutations by single strand conformation polymorphism [SSCP] and direct sequencing. The production of p53 proteins was studied by immunohistochemistry [IHC]. Results P53 mutations were found in 27/43 [63%] cases. A total of 11 types of p53 gene mutations were found by direct sequencing. More than half of these mutations appear in three hot spot codons: 175, 248 and 273. The SSCP analysis demonstrate that most common p53 gene alterations were found in exon 5 [35%]. IHC detected 34 tumors [79%] with protein overexpressior [when a cut point of 20% positive cells] and 25 tumours [58%] [When a cut point of >/= 50% positive cells were used]. it was found that p53 mutation analysis corresponds well with p53 immunohistochemistry [p < 0.001]. The majority of gene mutations were found in tumours from the rectum and distal colon. No statistical signitficant relation was found between P53 gene mutations and Duke's staging [P > 0.05]. However, a significant statistical relation was found between P53 gene mutations and prognosis in the studied colorectal cancer patients [p < 0.05]. Molecular and cellular evaluation. of p53 is clinically important, and there are strong indications, especially in colorectal cancer, that mutational status and mutational position in the P53 gene have a prognostic value. However the study of other genes involved in colorectal cancer is necessary

diagnostic value of Von Willibrand factor and circulating adhesion molecules in arteriopathic vascular patients: Relationship to lipid profile and risk factors

The present study was conducted on a group of seldom arteriopathic hyperlipidemic patients to investigate the availability of adhesion molecules measurement [ICAM-1, E-selectin] as well as vWF as markers of endothelial dysfunction, assisting in diagnosis or as indicators of disease progression. This study included 73 hyperlipidemic patients [43 males and 30 females] suffering from arterial occlusive disease. They were subdivided into group I [25 patients with mild hypercholesterolemia, group II [28 patients with severe hypercholesterolemia and group III [20 patients with hypercholesterolemia]. Control group consisted of 20 apparently healthy normolipidemic subjects, age and gender matching. Both patients and controls were subjected to the laboratory investigations [total cholesterol [TC], LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1], soluble endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule [sELAMs-sE-selectin] and von Willebrand factor [vWF]]. The level of sICAM-1, E-selectin and vWF were significantly higher in group with mild or severe hypercholesterolemia while the increase was nonsignificant in hypertriglyceridemia as regards ICAM-1 and E-selectin compared with the control group. The correlation between vWF and TC, LDL-C, sICAM or sE-selectin were significant, while sICAM showed significant correlation with only LDL-C. sE-selectin had no correlation with the lipid profile parameter. These results support the suggestion that vWF could serve as a marker of diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of disease severity, while E-selectin is an indicator of early endothelial cell disturbance. sICAM could be also taken as an evidence of the atherosclerotic process. Hypertriglyceridemia seemed to be noninjurious to the endothelial wall

randomized controlled study of the immunosuppressive versus of whole blood transfusion versus packed red blood cells transfusion in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery

In a randomized study, the effect of whole blood transfusion versus packed RBCs transfusion on CD4+:CD8+ ratio, the levels of soluble interleukin 2 receptor [sIL-2R] and interleukin IL-6 as well as on the development of the postoperative wound infection and intra-abdominal abscess, was assessed in 45 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The patients were subdivided into three groups: Group A included 13 patients who were randomly selected received whole blood transfusion when blood transfusion was indicated, group B included 13 patients who were randomly selected received packed RBCs when blood transfusion was indicated and group C included 19 patients who did not receive any blood transfusion. The samples were obtained prior operation and 3, 7 and 30 days postoperatively. The study demonstrated that transfusion with whole blood in elective colorectal surgery was followed by a significant depression in immunocompetence and this depression is attenuated by the use of packed RBCs transfusion

Prognostic value of protein C concentrations in septic patients in ICU

Sepsis is characterized by abnormalities in coagulation, fibrinolysis associated with consumption of protein C, protein C is natural anticogulant vit. K dependant protein which is synthesized in the liver and has anticoagulant anti inflammatory and fibrinolytic properties. The current study was conducted on 20 septic neonates, 10 healthy neonates as control all patients showed low protein C level concentration as compared to controls. Non shocked septic neonates showed significantly higher levels of protein C concentration than neonates with septic shock. Septic shock is associated with increased protein C consumption as indicated by low protein C level in shocked neonates. Low protein C concentration [if detected early] in septic neonates may therefore predict serious complications such as septic shock