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
Hepatitis B is still a major health problem in many parts of the world. In some developing countries the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis is hepatitis B virus [HBV]. The progression of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] include such viral factors as genotype C and high levels of serum HBV DNA in addition to host factors such as older age, male gender, obesity and diabetes. Other factors that influence progression to cirrhosis and HCC are simultaneous alcohol use, and co-infections with HIV, HDV and HCV. The present study aims to determine the correlations between serum HBV DNA viral load and related factors. In this study, new HBV DNA and ALT levels that enable better separation between different stages of this disease are presented. Materials and Chronic hepatitis B patients who presented to the Liver Clinic at Imam Khomeini Hospital in 1388 who were HBsAg positive for more than six months were enrolled in this study. Patients who had previously been treated or those with concurrent HIV, HCV and HDV infections as well as those with autoimmune hepatitis and fatty liver were excluded. Patients' data, HbeAg state, demographics, liver enzymes, HBV DNA level, smoking history, cirrhosis and disease stage were recorded. In order to better differentiation between non-replicative and reactive chronic hepatitis B patients, statistical analysis was done to distinguish between their HBV DNA levels. Evaluation of the relationships between HBV DNA level and the above mentioned variables was performed. High Levels of HBV DNA correlated with HBeAg positive state, smoking [p=0.005] and elevated liver enzymes [p=0.002]. The cut-off value for ALT level that separated HbeAg-positive group [immunoclearance and immunotolerance phases] was set at 42 U/l on the roc curve[r=0.889 area under curve] with 100% sensitivity and 67.7% specificity. The cut-off value for serum HBV DNA levels that differentiated between the Hbe Ag-negative group [non-replicative and reactive phases] was set at 3000 IU/ml on the roc curve [r=0.987 area under curve] with 97% sensitivity and 92% specificity. The present study determined that serum HBV DNA at a level of 3000 IU/ml was a better level for classification of HBeAg-negative patients into the non-replicative and reactive groups
ABSTRACT
The effect of IL 28 B polymorphism on sustained virology response [SVR] in patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 varies among races. Multiple studies have shown that the SVR is two or three times higher in patients with CC genotype compared to those with TT genotype. This study aims to assess the relationship between IL 28 B polymorphism and SVR in Iranian patients. Materials and In a cross-sectional study, 48 patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1 who underwent PCR testing six months following treatment were divided into two groups, SVR positive and negative in order to compare IL 28 B polymorphism. The SVR rate was higher in patients who presented with high baseline ALT levels, independent of IL 28 B genotype [p=0.023]. Logistic regression analysis showed a higher SVR rate in patients with CC genotype compared to TT genotype [p=0.007, OR=29.333, CI=2.558-336.387], however no significant difference was noted between TC and TT genotypes [p=0.177, OR=2.887, CI=0.618-13.496]. Additionally, there was a significant difference between CC and non-CC groups [TC, TT] in SVR rate [p=0.017, OR=13.750, CI=1.602- 118.061]. A high SVR rate was seen in the C group [CC, TC] when compared with the TT genotype [p=0.036, OR=4.923, CI=1.111-21.816]. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the IL 28 B genotype in predicting SVR was 88.8%, 38%, 64.8% and 72.8%, respectively. In addition; although the CC genotype was positive, the sensitivity and NPV were increased to 91.6% and 95.2% respectively. This study confirms the relationship between IL 28 B genotype and SVR rate in the patients with Hepatitis C genotype 1. It seems; IL 28 B genotype could be the reasonable Lab. test for treatment plan of the problematic cases of the patients with Chronic Hepatitis C