Correlation between the Expression Reduction of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein (IGFBP)-3 and PTEN and the Clinicopathological Parameters in Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) are tumor-suppressor genes that may be involved in breast tumorigenesis. However, the roles of these genes in the regulation of breast cancer growth or progress are unclear. In this study, we aimed to find any correlation between the reduction of IGFBP-3 or PTEN protein expression in cancer tissues and the clinicopathological parameters in breast cancer. METHODS: We collected both cancer and adjacent normal tissues from 46 breast cancer patients (from January 1 to December 31, 2006), and checked the IGFBP-3 and PTEN protein levels in cancer and adjacent normal tissues using Western immunoblot. We evaluated the correlation of reduction status of IGFBP-3 and PTEN protein expression with variable clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: The frequency of IGFBP-3 and PTEN protein reduction in cancer tissue, compared to adjacent normal tissue, was 63.0% and 34.8%, respectively. And in 87.5% of patients, who showed significant PTEN reduction, IGFBP-3 protein expression was reduced in cancer tissues. In contrast, IGFBP-3 protein reduced in only 50% of patients who didn't show PTEN reduction. However, we did not find any significant correlation between reduction of IGFBP-3 or PTEN expression in cancer tissue and variable clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSION: The IGFBP-3 and PTEN genes were expressed in all breast cancer tissues. Nonetheless, we did not find any significant relationship between reduction of IGFBP-3 or PTEN expression and the clinicopathological parameters in this study. Therefore, further studies are needed to document the roles of IGFBP-3 and PTEN genes in breast cancer growth or progress.

Joubert syndrome with peripheral dysostosis: A case report of long term follow-up / 소아과

This report describes the long-term follow-up of a 10-year-old female patient with Joubert syndrome with short stature and brachydactyly. She presented with hyperpnea alternated with hypopnea, uncontrolled jerking eye movements, and hypotonia during early infancy. She was diagnosed with Joubert syndrome based on clinical symptoms and typical MRI findings at 5 months of age. Abnormal ventilation and eye movements disappeared at around 4 years of age. Head circumference kept within normal range for her age, but her height and weight growth were markedly retarded. Simple X-ray showed an enlarged skull with increased digital markings, hypoplasia of facial bones, and abnormal enchondral bone formations in hands and feet. This article is the first report of Joubert syndrome with peripheral dysostosis.

A Case of Microscopic Polyangitis Presented as Pulmonary Hemorrhage and Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis

Microscopic polyangitis(MPA) is defined as a systemic necrotizing vasculitis that affects small-sized vessels without granulomata. MPA is associated with focal segmental necrotizing glomerulonephritis. Clinical manifestations are similar to those of polyarteritis nodosa, but are characterized by the presence of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary involvement, including pulmonary hemorrhage. We reported a case of microscopic polyangitis presenting pulmonary hemorrhage and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with a brief review of literatures.