COX2 Effects on endometrial carcinomas progression.

Uterine corpus cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecologic malignancies, among which endometrial cancers (EC) represent about 90 %. Despite the proven predictive value of several immunohistochemical markers, there remains a need to identify new indicators of EC progression and exploit them for therapeutic purposes. Potential candidates with diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy include cyclooxygenases (COXs). We studied 50 EC cases: 30 endometrioid (EEC), 10 serous (SEC), 10 clear-cell endometrial carcinomas (CCEC) and 10 cases of normal endometrial tissues. We investigated the expression of COX2, ER, PR, Ki-67, EGFR, p53, Bcl-2, VEGF, MMP1, CD31, and CD163 immunohistochemically. COX2 levels in EC tissue are elevated compared to the normal endometrium and depend on tumour histological features and differentiation. Elevated COX2 leads to increased tumour cell proliferation, apoptosis inhibition, increased VEGF expression, microvessel density, and M2 macrophage infiltration, and inhibition of PR expression. ER, EGFR, and MMP1 levels are unaffected by COX2, whose levels are independent of patient age and FIGO stage.

Hepatitis B virus infection: Epidemiology and seroprevalence rate amongst Negrito tribe in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among the non-indigenous people in Malaysia has been well established and range between 3% and 5%. However, data from the indigenous (Orang Asli) people is still lacking. The Negrito population is the most remotely located Orang Asli tribe with limited access to health care facilities. This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology and seroprevalence of HBV infection among the Negrito. METHODS: Surveys were conducted in five Negrito settlements in Kelantan and Perak states in Malaysia. A total of 150 participants were recruited. Clinical history was taken and physical examination was performed. Five millilitres of whole blood were collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: Participants were mainly from the Bateq (49.3%) and Mendriq (29.4%) sub-tribes. Overall, 13 subjects (8.7 %); nine males and four females were HBsAg positive. Nine of the HBsAg positive subjects were ≥35 years old. All of them had history of home deliver without evidence of antenatal record. Six (46%) of the HBsAg positive subjects had tattoo and body piercing in the past. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HBV infection rate amongst the Negrito tribe is almost three-fold compared to the national rates. The reason for this finding remains unclear. Tattooing, body piercing and vertical transmission could be the main possible routes of transmission of HBV among the Negrito population in Malaysia.

Effects of prolonged isolation in a confined space on status of oxidative stress and prothrombogenesis: In preparation for possible future manned space expedition to Mars.

INTRODUCTION: Apart from inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, other key components in the development of atherogenesis include prothrombogenesis and oxidative stress. The effects of long-term confinement and isolation, exposure to radiation and different gravity forces during space travel could potentially increase the long-term risk of atherosclerosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study determining the status of prothrombogenesis and oxidative stress in six cosmonauts subjected to the longest duration of confined isolation period of 520 days in preparation for prospective undetermined manned space travel to Mars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This collaborative research between the National Space Agency (ANGKASA), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia and Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP), Russia was conducted at the Russian Academy of Sciences IBMP, Moscow, Russia. Six multi-national cosmonauts were assigned to live in a ground-based confined module for 520 days. Standard exercise and diet regime were instituted throughout the isolation phase. Six age, ethnic and gender-matched healthy, free-living ground controls were recruited in parallel. Serial serum and whole blood were analysed for biomarkers of prothrombogenesis [plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and homocysteine] and oxidative stress [oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA)]. RESULTS: There were significantly lower concentrations of PAI-1 and homocysteine in cosmonauts during confinement compared to the controls. There were no significant differences seen in the concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress during confinement but there was a significant percentage change increment for serum MDA in cosmonauts. CONCLUSION: Long-term confinement decreased the risk of prothrombogenesis and this could be attributed to the exercise and diet regime which includes omega-3 fatty acids supplementation given to the crew members during their confinement period. However, oxidative damage could not be excluded and may be attributed to the influence of psychological stress during this prolonged confinement.