Tumor-infiltration of T-lymphocytes is inversely correlated with clinicopathologic factors in endometrial adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of T-lymphocytes and their relationship with clinicopathologic factors in endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: Samples were collected from 89 patients with endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma treated in Pusan National University Hospital from 2004 to 2011. Normal endometrial tissues were obtained from 30 hysterectomized women with benign adnexal masses and served as controls. Paraffin-embedded sections were immunohistochemically stained for CD8 (cytotoxic) and CD4 (helper) T-lymphocytes. The relationship of these cells with stage, histological grade, myometrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis was analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes in the endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma tissues was 67.4% (60/89) and 44.9% (40/89), respectively, which was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in the control group. The extent of CD8+ lymphocyte expression was negatively correlated with histologic grade, myometrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis. The proportion of infiltration of the CD4+ lymphocytes was negatively correlated with histologic grade and myometrial invasion. CONCLUSION: The high rate of infiltration of T-lymphocytes was negatively correlated with histologic grade, myometrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis. Our findings suggest that tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes may be used as pathologic prognostic factors in endometrial carcinoma.

Prenatally Diagnosed Dural Sinus Thrombosis / 대한주산의학회잡지

Thrombosis of the dural sinus in the fetal period is an extremely rare congenital cerebrovascular condition. The exact etiologies and prognosis of dural sinus thrombosis in the fetal period are still unknown due to the extremely limited clinical information available. Therefore, we present a case of dural sinus thrombosis diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound and fetal magnetic resonance imaging that spontaneously regressed, with a brief review of the relevant literature.

Plasma Androgen and Estrogen Levels in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy in Peeclampsia / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure maternal plasma androgens and estrogen levels and to assess the role of these hormones in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. METHODS: The groups consisted of 28 healthy pregnant women as well as 24 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia. Plasma total testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (ADD) levels were measured. Statistical analysis was achieved with Student's t-test by using SPSS for Windows and the Pearson's coefficient of correlation was calculated. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, gestational age, body mass index, parity, hematocrit and platelet, whereas significant differences were noted regarding systolic and diastolic blood pressure, gestational weeks at delivery, birth weight, serum creatinine, uric acid and urea. In preeclampsia group, serum total testosterone and ADD levels were determined to be higher than the control group (p0.05). Serum testosterone levels were positively correlated with systolic and diastolic pressure and uric acid and negatively correlated with birth weight. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the elevated plasma levels of testosterone could contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Perioperative changes of serum leptin levels in women with uterine leiomyoma / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible relationship between uterine leiomyoma and serum leptin levels, we compared serum leptin levels between women with uterine leiomyoma and women without leiomyoma, and then investigate the effects of hysterectomy on serum leptin levels. METHODS: Serum leptin levels were measured before (day-1) and after (day+5) surgery for 32 women with uterine leiomyoma and were measured when they visit our health promotion center for 32 normal women. We compared serum leptin levels between two groups, and then we analyzed perioperative changes of serum leptin levels in women with uterine leiomyoma. Pearson correlation test was performed between pre-/postoperative leptin ratio and resected uterine weight to investigate whether the changes of serum leptin levels are directly related with resection of leiomyoma. RESULTS: In women with uterine leiomyoma, serum leptin levels were lower compared with normal group (7.41+/-4.31 ng/mL vs. 17.56+/-8.65 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Postoperative serum leptin levels were decresed than preoperative serum leptin levels (6.07+/-2.98 ng/mL vs. 7.41+/-4.31 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Pearson correlation coefficient between pre-/postoperative leptin ratio and resected uterine weight showed no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Serum leptin levels were lower in women with uterine leiomyoma. And serum leptin levels were more decreased after hysterectomy. There were significant postoperative decrease in serum leptin levels but the result between pre-/postoperative leptin ratio and resected uterine weight revealed no direct correlation. It seems that lower serum leptin levels maybe due to postoperative stress and neuroendocrinological response rather than myoma itself. In conclusion, further investigation is needed for clinical use of serum leptin levels as a serum marker after conservative treatment of uterine leiomyoma.