17 beta-estradiol stimulates generation of reactive species oxygen and nitric oxide in ovarian adenocarcinoma cells [OVCAR 3]

Experimental and epidemiological evidence supports a role for steroid hormones in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. Among steroid hormones, 17 beta -estradiol [E2] has the most potent effect on proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of E2 on production of ROS and NO in ovarian cancer cells. Ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line [OVCAR-3] was cultured and treated with various concentrations of E2, antioxidants [N-acetyle cysteine and Ebselen] and ICI182780 as an estrogen receptor antagonist. MTT test was performed to evaluate cell viability. NO and ROS levels were measured by Griess and DCFH-DA methods, respectively. ROS levels as well as NO levels were increased in OVCAR-3 cells treated with E2. The increase in ROS production was in parallel with increased cell viability which indicates that estrogen-induced ROS can participate in cancer progression. ICI182780 abolished E2-induced ROS production. Progesterone was also effective in reducing ROS and NO generation. NO and ROS are important molecules in signaling networks in cell. These molecules can be used as therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of ovary cancer and other estrogen-induced malignancies

Saliva or serum, which is better for the diagnosis of gastric Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori is known as an agent which may involve in the occurrence of peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and also other known and unknown diseases. Treatment of the infection with antibiotics eradicates the disease and prevents its pathologic effects. A noninvasive and inexpensive method for detection of the infection is needed. In this study the diagnostic values of serum and saliva anti H. pylori IgG was evaluated. The saliva and blood samples were collected from 11.4 patients who underwent upper GI endoscopy and gastric biopsy. Tissue samples were examined by rapid urease test and microscopic study. Saliva and serum samples were tested by ELISA-based test for anti H. pylori IgG, using a commercial kit. From 114 cases, 61[53.5%] patients were positive for H. pylori in rapid urease test and microscopic study and 53[46.5%] were negative in both tests. Rates of positive result for H. pylori in patients with and without peptic ulcer were almost similar. Mean values of anti H. pylori IgG in saliva and serum of H. pylori positive patients were higher than H. pylori negative patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of tests in saliva were 83.6%, 71.7%, 77.3%, 79.1%, 78.1% and in serum were 90.2%, 86.8%, 88.7%, 88.4% and 88.6% respectively. It was concluded that ELISA-based anti H. pylori IgG test in saliva could be used as an alternative diagnostic test in the absence of other invasive procedures