Overexpression of ALDH1 and EMT marker profile are linked with unfavorable outcome in head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to assess the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and to correlate them with the clinical and histopathological parameters of a patient cohort with follow-up over an 8-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this, seventeen HNSCC and non-neoplastic adjacent epithelium (AE) samples were subjected to laser microdissection and real-time PCR to evaluate the mRNA expression of ALDH1, E-cadherin (E-CAD), N-cadherin (N-CAD), and vimentin (VIM). Also, immunohistochemistry was performed for ALDH1, E-CAD, N-CAD, and VIM in the tumor center (TC), invasion front (IF), and AE of the seventeen samples. Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests were used to correlate the mRNA and immunohistochemical expression with different variables, considering p<0.05. Kaplan-Meier curves were produced for local recurrence, regional metastasis and treatment. RESULTS: A mRNA overexpression of ALDH1 in primary tumors was associated with regional metastasis and a high ALDH1 immunostaining was related to metastasis and a worse patient outcome. Additionally, a favorable outcome was associated with the transition phase and an unfavorable outcome was associated with EMT event. An overall 26.9 months was observed with longer survival associated with surgery and radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: However, due to the intense variability inherent to the indicator proteins in the EMT process, the complete profile markers related to this biological process should be continuous investigated.

[Arterial hypertension in Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: II. Prevalence]. / Hipertensão arterial na Ilha do Governador, Brasil: II. Prevalência.

The aim of this paper (the second of two) is to present the basic results of a cross-sectional study on arterial hypertension in adults in Ilha do Governador (a district of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), with a representative sample of the population, stratified by the census tracts' mean household income (low, median, and high). Overall, prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension in Ilha do Governador was 16.1% (C.I. of 95%: 13.4 to 18.9%), and with the inclusion of controlled hypertensive individuals this figure rose to 24.9% (C I. of 95%: 21.7 to 28.7%). Under both criteria (whether including controlled hypertensive individuals or not), higher prevalences were from low-income strata, while lower ones were from the high-income strata. However, it was only possible to reject the hypothesis of strata homogeneity of prevalences (including controlled hypertensives), and even then at a 10% level of significance, when the confounding effect of age was adjusted. Proportionally, women with hypertension appear to control their blood pressure levels better than men in all age brackets.

[Arterial hypertension in Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: I. Methodology]. / Hipertensão arterial na Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: I. Metodologia.

The aim of this paper (first of a series of two) is to present the main methodological aspects used in a cross-sectional study whose proposals were to establish the prevalence of arterial hypertension in adults in Ilha do Governador (a district of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and to examine its relationship to other risk factors, including those for cardiovascular diseases, so as to establish its control status. Sampling design (of clusters in strata, according to mean household income) is described in detail, in addition to measurement methods, and training of observers. Indicators of performance in field work and quality control are also presented as results of the application of the metodology of study.

[Arterial hypertension and obesity in Ilha do Governador-Rio de Janeiro]. / Hipertensão arterial e obesidade na Ilha do Governador-Rio de Janeiro.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between hypertension and obesity and also their prevalence in the adult population from Ilha do Governador-Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: It is a domiciliar inquiry, with a probalistic cluster sample in two stages. We interviewed 1272 adult residents in the selected households. Social-demographic information, anthropometric measures, habits related to smoking, physical activities and blood pressure were registered. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension-systolic pressure > or = 160mmHg or diastolic pressure > or = 95mmHg or anti-hypertensive treatment at the moment of the interview, was 24.9% whereas the prevalence of obesity-body mass index (BMI) > or = 27kg/m2 was 28.4%. The prevalence of hypertension increased 2.4 fold from the lowest (< 25kg/m2) to the highest (> or = 30kg/m2) band of BMI. It was observed an association between hypertension and obesity that persisted after adjusting for sex, age, skin color, smoking, physical activity and level of education. Interaction of obesity with sex, age and skin color was found. The association between hypertension and obesity was stronger for men, for the youngest and also for the white people. CONCLUSION: The results point out the necessary of actions to prevent and control the occurrence of both hypertension and obesity, mainly at younger ages, to decrease the rates of cardiovascular diseases.