ABSTRACT
Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death in women. Early detection of ovarian cancer is essential to decrease mortality. However, the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is difficult due to a lack of clinical symptoms and suitable molecular diagnostic markers. Thus, identification of meaningful tumor biomarkers with potential clinical application is clearly needed. To search for a biomarker for the early detection of ovarian cancer, we identified human anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) from our systematic analysis of paired normal and ovarian tumor tissue cDNA microarray. We noted a marked overexpression of AGR2 mRNA and protein in early stage mucinous ovarian tumors compared to normal ovarian tissues and serous type ovarian tumors by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. To further elucidate the role of AGR2 in ovarian tumorigenesis, stable 2774 human ovarian cancer cell lines overexpressing AGR2 were established. Forced expression of AGR2 in 2774 cells enhanced the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells. AGR2 protein was detected in the serum of mucinous ovarian cancer patients by Western blot and ELISA analysis. Thus, AGR2 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of mucinous ovarian cancer and an ELISA assay may facilitate the early detection of mucinous ovarian cancer using patient serum.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/physiology , Cell Proliferation , Gene Expression Profiling , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , HEK293 Cells , Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics , Proteins/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/bloodABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine differences in the specific collagen types of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and a control group without CTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical specimens from 19 dissected TCLs in patients with idiopathic CTS and 5 controls without CTS were taken (1x1 cm2). We analyzed the manifestations of collagen types I and III by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: We found a homogeneous manifestation of type I and III collagens in the control group. However, in CTS patients, type III collagen was sporadically found around the perivascular and pericellular area, and type I collagen showed no definite differences between the two groups. The cellularity in CTS patients was much lower than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: The TCL in CTS patients shows reduced manifestation of type III collagen and less cellularity. These intrinsic changes may play a role in the different manifestations of collagen types in TCL.
Subject(s)
Humans , Carpal Tunnel Syndrome , Collagen Type I , Collagen Type III , Collagen , LigamentsABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to confirm the effectiveness of stay-suture which is commonly used in the procedure of end to end anastomosis, to find out general biomechanical properties of peripheral nerve with gradual stretching and to evaluate the histological difference after breakage of the nerve. The sciatic nerves of adult rabbits were excised and they were grouped by I and II. Group I was composed of 14 normal sciatic nerves and group II, 14 sciatic nerves sutured with 5-0 nylon after transection. They were stretched on the "Instron" universal testing machine at a constant rate of 200mm/min until breakage took place and the results were compared. The mean maximal tensile strength was 13.6N in group I and 2.1N in group II, representing about one seventh value. The mean ultimate tensile strength was 4.2MPa in group I and 0.9MPa in group II, representing about one fifth value. In load-elongation curve of group I, viscoelastic property was noted as all other biological tissues have. The mean modulus of elasticity was 19 in normal sciatic nerves, which is somewhat lower value than other tissues, indicating superior elastic property of peripheral nerves. Transverse histologic examination showed that epineurium lost its continuity earlier than perineurium, implying perineurium is a more resistant structure than epineurium. However, to confirm this, it is thought to be necessary to examine the nerves serially during distraction at each different status. In conclusion, stay-suture provided about one fifth of ultimate tensile stress, implying its usefullness of resisting excessive tension in end to end anastomosis of peripheral nerves. Normal sciatic nerves showed viscoelastic property with mean modulus of elasticity of 19.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Rabbits , Elastic Modulus , Nylons , Peripheral Nerves , Sciatic Nerve , Tensile StrengthABSTRACT
Segmentalization of spinal fixation enhances correction of the coronal plane deformity and allows preservation of normal sagittal contour offering rigid fixation. Purpose of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of segmental pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. From 1987 to 1991, 78 idiopathic thoracic scoliosis patients were treated with CD instrumentation. Thirty-one were treated with hooks, 23 with pedicle screws inserted in hook pattern and 24 with segmental pedicle screws. In segmental screw group, the screws were inserted for every other on the convex side. After follow up of minimum 2 years(range:24 to 52 months), the results of coronal, sagittal and rotational correction were compared. Major curve correction was 55% with hooks, 66% with hook pattern screws and 72% with segmental screws, with loss of correction of 6%, 2% and 1% respectively. Compensatory curve correction was 57% with hooks, 67% with hook pattern screws and 70% with segmental screws. In patients with hypokyphosis, all groups showed significant improvement, with best restoration in segmental screws. Rotational correction of the apical vertebra was 19% with hooks, 26% with hook pattern screws and 59% with segmental screws. Thirteen(3%) screws were malpositioned but they did not cause neurologic impairment nor adversely affect the results of treatment. This study implies that the segmental pedicle screw fixation is safe and effective method of correcting the triplanar deformity of the thoracic idiopathic scoliolis.