Distribution of HLA antigens in breast cancer.

Investigation of various tumor-specific markers has a critical role in early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The aim of the this study is to investigate the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles, the molecules that play an important role in immunity and tumor response of the body, and its relationship with breast cancer. In this prospective clinical study, after obtaining approval from the ethics committee of Istanbul University Experimental Medical Research Institute, 22 female patients who have been hospitalized in Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine the Department of General Surgery with a diagnosis of breast cancer were selected. In the control group, there were 22 healthy women who had no relationship and were donor candidates for renal transplantation. After collecting blood in 5 ml tubes with EDTA, HLA A, B and DR groups were measured with SSP method using the GenoVision Olerup SSP (Olerup SSP, Stockholm, Sweden) kit in Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine Blood Center Tissue Type Determination Laboratory. In patient and control group, totally 53 alleles; 17 alleles of HLA-A gene, 22 alleles of B gene, 14 alleles of DR gene were detected. A statistically significant relationship was determined between HLA-B55:01 and HLA-DRb1*18:01 alleles and the development of breast cancer (p<0.05). HLA-B13:01 antigen is determined only in the control group. It was concluded that HLA-B13:01 antigen, determined only in the control group, may be protective for breast cancer and HLA-B55:01 and HLA-DRb1*18:01 antigens, determined only in the patient group, may be a risk factor for breast cancer (Tab. 5, Ref. 22).

Influence of pentoxifylline and interferon-alpha on prevention of stricture due to corrosive esophagitis. An experimental study in the rat.

The effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) and interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) in the prevention of strictures due to corrosive esophagitis in rats were investigated. Forty rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Corrosive esophagitis was induced in all groups by application of 37.5% NaOH to the distal esophagus for a period of 90 s followed by saline rinse. Histopathologic damage was significantly lower in the PTX and IFN-alpha-treated groups than in the untreated group. During the study period, PTX and INF-alpha-treated animals showed a significant increase in body weight when compared to controls. However, PTX provided more significant prevention of stricture formation than IFN-alpha. In the PTX-treated group, the wall thickness and quantity of hydroxyprolin were significantly lower than in the untreated and IFN-alpha-treated groups. Stenosis index in the PTX group was significantly reduced compared to the control group. PTX prevents the stricture formation due to corrosive esophagitis in this experimental model. IFN-alpha was also shown to prevent stricture formation when considering amelioration of histopathologic damage and increase in body weight.

Laparoscopy in Turkish bariatric surgery: initial experience.

BACKGROUND: The recent application of the laparoscopic method combines minimal invasiveness with reversibility, adjustability and shorter hospital stay. The first laparoscopic bariatric operation in Turkey was performed by us in 1998. METHODS: We report the results in 50 consecutive patients who underwent the laparoscopic application of SAGB between April 1998 and April 1999. The operation setting was the same as for the laparoscopic antireflux procedure. After a closed CO2 pneumoperitoneum (16-18 mmHg), in the first 20 cases five and in the remaining 30 cases four trocars were inserted. A 30 degrees laparoscope was placed on the line between the umbilicus and the xiphoid through a 10 mm trocar. We followed and respected the main steps of the operation as well. Pre and postoperative body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI) and percent excess weight (%EW) values were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Our early results were quite satisfactory and promising. After an average follow-up period of 1 year (range 6-18 months), the 50 patients of our laparoscopic series showed a BW of 74 kg (range 56-112), a BMI of 29 (range 21-40), and an EW of 62% (range 22-86). CONCLUSION: With its lower morbidity rate, shorter hospital stay and better cosmetic results, the laparoscopic approach may be considered the first choice in bariatric surgery.

Stoma adjustable silicone gastric banding versus vertical banded gastroplasty for the treatment of morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Among gastric restrictive operations, the procedure of choice is still controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the results of two different gastric restrictive procedures: vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and stoma adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB). METHODS: Between 1991 and 1996, 51 patients were treated surgically for morbid obesity: 27 underwent VBG and 24 underwent ASGB. Preoperative body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI) and percentage of ideal body weight (% IBW) were (mean+/-SD): 145.7+/-45.3 kg; 53.9+/-15.9 kg/m2; 249.1+/-73.5% respectively in the VBG group. Corresponding figures for the ASBG group were 132.5+/-22.7 kg; 46.9 7.8 kg/m2 and 207.2+/-35.0%. RESULTS: In the VBG group, the median follow-up period was 26 months (range: 7-47). Eighteen months after the operation BW, BMI, % IBW and percentage of excess weight loss (% EWL) were 85.5+/-26.8 kg, 31.9+/-9.8 kg/m2, 145.4+/-43.9% and 74+/-1% respectively. Complications included incisional hernia (n=1), and bowel obstruction (n=1). One patient died of acute myocardial infarction on the third postoperative day. In the ASGB group, median follow-up time was 19.7 months (range: 18-26). At 18 months postoperation BW, BMI, % IBW and % EWL values were 86.6+/-20.6 kg 30.6+/-6.6 kg/m2 140.6+/-29.3% and 64+/-1% respectively. Gastric wall erosion occurred in two patients and the bands had to be removed. These patients underwent VBG 6 months later. Complications encountered in this group were incisional hernia (n=1), outlet stenosis and reflux esophagitis (n=1), reservoir leakage (n=1) and gastrointestinal bleeding (n=1). Two patients died of pulmonary embolism and acute gastrointestinal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Weight reduction was not statistically significant between the two groups. ASGB was easier to perform and less invasive than VBG.