Transcriptional profiling of uterine leiomyoma rats treated by a traditional herb pair, Curcumae rhizoma and Sparganii rhizoma

The aim of this study was to elucidate the concise effects of a traditional herb pair, Curcumae rhizoma-Sparganii rhizoma (CRSR), on uterine leiomyoma (UL) by analyzing transcriptional profiling. The UL rat model was made by intramuscular injection of progesterone and gavage administration of diethylstilbestrol. From 11 weeks of the establishment of the model, rats of the UL+CRSR group were gavaged daily with CRSR (6.67 g/kg). The serum concentrations of progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) were determined by radioimmunoassay, the uterine index was measured by caliper measurement, and the pathological status was observed by hematoxylin and eosin stain. Gene expression profiling was checked by NimbleGen Rat Gene Expression Microarrays. The results indicated that the uterine mass of UL+CRSR rats was significantly shrunk and serum P and E2 levels significantly reduced compared to UL animals and nearly to the level of normal rats. Results of microarrays displayed the extensive inhibition of CRSR upon the expression of proliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, and significantly regulated a wide range of metabolism disorders. Furthermore, CRSR extensively regulated key pathways of the UL process, such as MAPK, PPAR, Notch, and TGF-β/Smad. Regulation of the crucial pathways for the UL process and ECM metabolism may be the underlying mechanisms of CRSR treatment. Further studies will provide clear clues for effectively treating UL with CRSR.

Differential expression, diagnostic and prognostic significance of stathmin-1 and CD147 in various uterine smooth muscle tumors / Expresión diferencial, diagnóstico y significado de pronóstico de stathmin-1 y CD147 en diferentes tumores del músculo liso uterino

SUMMARY: Uterine smooth muscle tumors (USMT) are common, behavior-distinct gynecological tumors; including: leiomyoma (ULM), leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), and smooth muscle tumors of undetermined malignant potential (STUMP). Pre-operative distinction is difficult, thus diagnosis relies on histopathology. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) had been used to help in distinction. We studied two markers (stathmin-1 and CD147) to demonstrate whether they have diagnostic/ prognostic assist. Sixty seven USMT are studied. Age, follow up, and recurrence/metastasis data were collected. Representative slides were stained and Histologic score (HS) calculated as stain intensity (SI) X percentage of positive tumor cells (PP). Results were grouped as low expression (LE) and high expression (HE); then correlated to tumor types, and risk of recurrence/ metastasis. Statistical analysis (P < 0.05); Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and confidence intervals in diagnosing ULMS were calculated. Stathmin-1 HS (p= 0.000) and HE (p=0.002) were different among groups. Same as for CD147 HS and HE (both p=0.000), with a gradient increase from LM to STUMP to ULMS. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and confidence intervals in diagnosing ULMS were as following: For stathmin-1 HS: 92 %; 20 %; 42 %; and 80 % (CI= 44-96 %). For Stathmin-1 HE: 80 %; 66 %; 60 %; and 84 % (CI=66-94 %). For CD147 HS: 85 %; 22 %; 41 %; and 69 %. For CD147 HE: 58 %; 49 %; 42 %; and 65 % (CI= 45-80 %), respectively. Recurrence / metastasis were documented in 6 cases (4 ULMS; 2 STUMP) with follow up ranging from 6 months to 102 months. 5 tumors had stathmin-1 HE (p=0.099); 2 had CD147 HE (p=0.393) in the primary tumors. STMN1 and CD147 are helpful diagnostic tests for USMT sub-typing, especially for ULMS. Gradient increase of expression from LM, to STUMP, to ULMS may indicate a role in malignant transformation in USMT, and in increased risk of recurrences/metastasis.

RESUMEN: Los tumores del músculo liso uterino (USMT, por sus siglas en inglés) son tumores ginecológicos comunes y de comportamiento distinto; incluyendo: leiomioma (ULM), leiomiosarcoma (ULMS) y tumores de músculo liso de potencial maligno indeterminado (STUMP). La distinción preoperatoria es difícil, por lo que el diagnóstico se basa en la histopatología. La inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) se había utilizado para ayudar en la distinción. Estudiamos dos marcadores (stathmin-1 y CD147) para demostrar si había efecto diagnóstico / pronóstico. Se estudiaron 67 USMT. Se recopilaron los datos de edad, seguimiento y recurrencia / metástasis. Las muestras representativas se tiñeron y la puntuación histológica (HS) se calculó como la intensidad de la tinción (IS) x porcentaje de células tumorales positivas (PP). Los resultados se agruparon como expresión baja (EB) y expresión alta (EA); luego se correlacionaeon con los tipos de tumores y el riesgo de recurrencia / metástasis. Análisis estadístico (P <0,05); se calcularon la sensibilidad, la especificidad, los valores predictivos positivos y negativos y los intervalos de confianza en el diagnóstico de ULMS. Stathmin-1 HS (p = 0,000) y HE (p = 0,002) fueron diferentes entre los grupos. Igual que para CD147 HS y HE (ambos p = 0,000), con un aumento de gradiente de LM a STUMP a ULMS. La sensibilidad, la especificidad, los valores predictivos positivos y negativos y los intervalos de confianza en el diagnóstico de ULMS fueron los siguientes: Para stathmin-1 HS: 92 %; 20 %; 42 %; y 80 % (IC = 44-96 %). Para Stathmin-1 HE: 80 %; 66 %; 60 %; y 84 % (IC = 66-94 %). Para CD147 HS: 85 %; 22 %; 41 %; y el 69 %. Para CD147 HE: 58 %; 49 %; 42 %; y 65 % (IC = 45-80 %), respectivamente. La recurrencia / metástasis se documentaron en 6 casos (4 ULMS; 2 STUMP) con un seguimiento que osciló entre 6 meses y 102 meses. Cinco tumores tenían stathmin-1 HE (p = 0,099); dos tenían CD147 HE (p = 0,393) en los tumores primarios. STMN1 y CD147 son pruebas de diagnóstico útiles para la subclasificación de USMT, especialmente para ULMS. El aumento en el gradiente de la expresión de LM, a STUMP, a ULMS puede indicar un papel en la transformación maligna en USMT y en un mayor riesgo de recurrencias / metástasis.

Overview of hospitalizations by ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the municipality of Cotia, Brazil / Panorama de las hospitalizaciones por condiciones sensibles de la atención primaria en la ciudad de cotia / Panorama das Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária no município de Cotia

Objective To describe the profile of Hospitalizations by Amulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (HACSC), in the Municipality of Cotia, from 2008 to 2012. Method ecological, exploratory, longitudinal study with a quantitative approach. Data on HACSC, by age group and sex, were obtained from the Department of the Unified Health System. For data analysis descriptive statistics were used. Results During the period, there were 46,676 admissions, excluding deliveries, 7,753 (16.61%) by HACSC. The main causes were cerebrovascular diseases, 16.96%, heart failure, 15.50%, hypertension, 10.80% and infection of the kidney and urinary tract, 10.51%. Regarding gender, HACSC occurred predominantly in males. There was a greater number of HACSC at extreme age ranges, especially in the elderly. Conclusion Chronic diseases predominate among the leading causes of HACSC and there was no significant difference between sex.



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Objetivo Describir el perfil de las Hospitalizaciones por Condiciones Sensibles de la Atención Primaria (HCSAP), en el municipio de Cotia, entre 2008 y 2012. Método Estudio ecológico, exploratorio, longitudinal con un enfoque cuantitativo. Los datos sobre HCSAP, por grupo de edad y sexo, se obtuvieron del Departamento del Sistema Único de Salud. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados Durante el período, hubo 46.676 admisiones, excluyendo entregas, 7.753 (16,61%) por HCSAP. Las principales causas fueron las enfermedades cerebrovascular, 16,96%, insuficiencia cardíaca, 15,50%, hipertensión arterial 10,80% y infección del riñón y las vías urinarias, el 10,51%. Cuanto al género, HCSAP ocurrió mayormente en los hombres. Un mayor número de HCSAP en grupos de edades extremas, especialmente en los ancianos. Conclusión Las enfermedades crónicas predominan entre las principales causas de HCSAP y no hubo diferencia significativa entre los sexo.
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Objetivo Descrever o perfil das Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária (ICSAP), no Município de Cotia, entre 2008 e 2012. Método Estudo ecológico, exploratório, longitudinal, de abordagem quantitativa. Dados sobre as ICSAP, segundo a faixa etária e sexo, foram obtidos no Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizada a estatística descritiva. Resultados No período, houve 46.676 internações, excluindo os partos, sendo 7.753 (16,61%) por ICSAP. As principais causas foram: doenças cerebrovasculares, 16,96%; insuficiência cardíaca, 15,50%; hipertensão, 10,80%; e infecção do rim e trato urinário, 10,51%. Quanto ao sexo, as ICSAP ocorreram predominantemente nos homens. Houve maior número de ICSAP nos extremos das faixas etárias, especialmente nos idosos. Conclusão As doenças crônicas predominaram entre as principais causas de ICSAP e não houve diferença importante entre os sexos. .

A high concentration of genistein down-regulates activin A, Smad3 and other TGF-beta pathway genes in human uterine leiomyoma cells

Previously, we found that high doses of genistein show an inhibitory effect on uterine leiomyoma (UtLM) cell proliferation. In this study, using microarray analysis and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis(TM), we identified genes (up- or down-regulated, > or = 1.5 fold, P < or = 0.001), functions and signaling pathways that were altered following treatment with an inhibitory concentration of genistein (50 microg/ml) in UtLM cells. Downregulation of TGF-beta signaling pathway genes, activin A, activin B, Smad3, TGF-beta2 and genes related to cell cycle regulation, with the exception of the upregulation of the CDK inhibitor P15, were identified and validated by real-time RT-PCR studies. Western blot analysis further demonstrated decreased protein expression of activin A and Smad3 in genistein-treated UtLM cells. Moreover, we found that activin A stimulated the growth of UtLM cells, and the inhibitory effect of genistein was partially abrogated in the presence of activin A. Overexpression of activin A and Smad3 were found in tissue samples of leiomyoma compared to matched myometrium, supporting the contribution of activin A and Smad3 in promoting the growth of UtLM cells. Taken together, these results suggest that down-regulation of activin A and Smad3, both members of the TGF-beta pathway, may offer a mechanistic explanation for the inhibitory effect of a high-dose of genistein on UtLM cells, and might be potential therapeutic targets for treatment of clinical cases of uterine leiomyomas.

Endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma: a case report and brief review.

This case report describes the precursor lesion of uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC). A 65-year-old post-menopausal female presented with prolapse and vaginal discharge and underwent a hysterectomy revealing an atrophic endometrium, highly atypical endometrial glands, the lining cells of which showed pseudostratification, hobnailing, a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, and prominent nucleoli. A p53 immunoreactivity score of 8 and a MIB-1 index of 80% was obtained leading to a diagnosis of endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma (EIC). Since serous EIC is commonly associated with extra-uterine serous carcinoma, it is a uniquely aggressive precursor lesion. Molecular studies support the hypothesis that EIC is a precursor of both uterine and extra-uterine invasive serous carcinomas. This is why the treatment protocol for EIC cases is total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), accompanied by a staging procedure. In our patient, EIC was limited to the endometrium; associated with an excellent clinical outcome.

Distribution of prognostically unfavourable product of c-erbB-2 oncogene and EGF-R in carcinomas of the breast and uterine cervix.

A comparative study was undertaken between cancer of the uterine cervix (n = 50) and female breast cancer (n = 50) with reference to the expression of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein (HER-2/neu) and that of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), both being highly homologous structurally. Expressions of EGF-R and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein were viewed in breast and cervical cancer tissues by immunochemical staining. Cervical cancer cases showed much higher expression of EGF-R which also revealed significant association with the expression of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein and tumour grading. Among breast cancer cases, over-expression of EGF-R correlated significantly with metastasis of lymph node; and expression of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein showed a significant relationship with histological grading of the tumour. Moreover, an association was noticed between the tumour grade and the concomitant immuno positive expression of EGF-R and c-erbB-2. Our study revealed an existence of a conflicting pattern in the expression of EGF-R and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein between carcinomas of the breast and uterine cervix.

The correlation of beta-subunit human chorionic gonadotropin level in the serum and first morning urine of patients with gestational trophoblastic disease.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the correlation of beta subunit human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) level in the serum and first morning urine samples of patients with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). A total of 81 paired serum and first morning urine samples from 24 patients diagnosed with GTD, who had their follow-up at the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. The paired serum and first morning urine samples were measured for beta-hCG level, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After logarithmic transformation, serum beta-hCG level was strongly and significantly correlated to those of first morning urine samples, with the correlation coefficient of 0.97 (p < 0.01). Among the disease-remission group (serum beta-hCG of less than 5 mIU/ml), the correlation coefficient was 0.52 (p < 0.01), which was still statistically significant. Stronger statistical significance was found in the disease-active group (serum beta-hCG of 5 mIU/ml or higher), with the correlation coefficient of 0.95 (p < 0.01). We concluded that the level of serum beta-hCG was strongly and significantly correlated with those of first morning urine samples, especially in patients with active disease. Determination of beta-hCG level using first morning urine samples can be used as an effective mean in the follow-up of patients with GTD.

Galactosaminoglycans from normal myometrium and leiomyoma

In many tumors, the amount of chondroitin sulfate in the extracellular matrix has been shown to be elevated when compared to the corresponding normal tissue. Nevertheless, the degree of chondroitin sulfate increase varies widely. In order to investigate a possible correlation between the amount of chondroitin sulfate and tumor size, several individual specimens of human leiomyoma, a benign uterine tumor, were analyzed. The glycosaminoglycans from eight tumors were extracted and compared with those from the respective adjacent normal myometrium. The main glycosaminoglycan found in normal myometrium was dermatan sulfate, with small amounts of chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate. In leiomyoma, both dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate were detected and the total amounts of the two galactosaminoglycans was increased in all tumors when compared to normal tissue. In contrast, the heparan sulfate concentration decreased in the tumor. To assess the disaccharide composition of galactosaminoglycans, these compounds were incubated with bacterial chondroitinases AC and ABC. The amounts of L-iduronic acid-containing disaccharides remained constant, whereas the concentration of D-glucuronic acid-containing disaccharides increased from 2 to 10 times in the tumor, indicating that D-glucuronic acid-containing disaccharides are responsible for the elevation in galactosaminoglycan concentration. This increase is positively correlated with tumor size

Altered lipid peroxidation and antioxidant potential in human uterine tumors.

A comparative study of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant potential has been made in human uterus and uterine tumor. Two types of uterine tumor used are: tumor (I), a fibroid which is the commonest benign solid tumor in uterus and tumor (II), an adenomyoma. Tumor microsomes are less susceptible to lipid peroxidation induced by both enzymic (NADPH-ADP-Fe3+ and xanthine-xanthine-oxidase) and non-enzymic (ascorbate-Fe2+) systems except in the case of tumor (II) microsomes when induced with xanthine-xanthine oxidase. Resistance of tumor microsomes to lipid peroxidation is associated with the low content of substrates in the form of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), higher level of alpha-tocopherol, reduced glutathione and protein thiols and altered enzymic antioxidant potential (catalase and superoxide dismutase).