Profile of Expression of Genes Encoding Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), Matrix Metallopeptidase 28 (MMP28) and TIMP Metallopeptidase Inhibitor 1 (TIMP1) in Colorectal Cancer: Assessment of the Role in Diagnosis and Prognostication.

BACKGROUND Studies on the pathomechanism of colorectal cancer (CRC) expansion indicate a significant role of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the extracellular matrix. The results of the analysis of a profile of transcriptional activity of genes encoding metalloproteinases were the basis of the hypothesis indicating changes in the expression of genes encoding MMP9, MMP28, and TIMP1 as an additional diagnostic and prognostic marker of CRC. MATERIAL AND METHODS The material consisted of samples obtained from resected tumors and healthy tissue samples from 15 CRC patients (aged 46-72 years) at clinical stages (CSs) I and II-IV. Gene expression analysis was done using microarrays. Microarray data analysis was done using the GeneSpring 11.5 platform. The results were validated using the qRT-PCR technique. RESULTS We found high levels of expression of MMP9 at each CS, as well as in the tissues at the early stage of CRC. Additionally, we observed high levels of expression of TIMP1 and low levels of MMP28 genes in CS II-IV. No statistically significant differences based on the stage of CRC were observed. CONCLUSIONS MMP9 gene profile may be a complementary diagnostic marker in CRC. The results suggest a crucial role of MMP9 at the early stage of carcinogenesis in the large intestine. The increase in MMP9 and TIMP1 mRNA concentration and the decrease in MMP28 in the large intestinal tissue may be a confirmation of cancer, but it may not indicate the advance of CRC.

Surgical Correction of a Webbed-Neck Deformity in Turner'S Syndrome.

Turner's syndrome occurs in approximately 1 out of every 2,000 to 2,500 live-born girls. This genetically determined pathology is characterised by multiple congenital anomalies. A typical form of this syndrome is associated with a lack of one of the sex chromosomes (karyotype 45, X). From the point of view of plastic surgery, one of the most important elements of the therapy is correction of the webbed neck deformity. The aim of the study was to present the possibilities of surgical treatment of a webbed neck of patients with Turner's syndrome and the evaluation of treatment results. In the years 2000-2012, six children with Turner's syndrome were treated because of the webbed neck deformity. The age of patients ranged from 9 to 17 years. In the case of all patients, the aim was to distribute the neck skin folds by using Z-plasty in conjunction with a shift to the back of glabrous skin flaps mobilised from the anterolateral surface of the neck. In the case of four operated patients, the folds were completely removed and a correct symmetrical outline of the neck was obtained. One patient was found to have unilateral moderate webbed neck recurrence after about 2 years of treatment. In one case, the correction was insufficient. The performed surgical procedures enabled correction of low hairline only in the lateral parts of the neck. The lower line of the scalp in the central part of the neck has remained unchanged. The lateral approach with a shift of glabrous skin flap to the back, which we performed, allows for effective reduction of the webbed neck, excision of bands of the connective tissue and correction of the low hairline on the side of the neck. Z-plasty enables an adequate extension of scars and improves the contour of the neck.

Why women who have mastectomy decide not to have breast reconstruction?

UNLABELLED: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy occurring in women. The treatment of breast cancer is a complex, multistep process involving surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and very often rehabilitation. After the treatment of the underlying disease, or still in its course, there remains a problem of deformation of the chest. Although the number of women opting for breast reconstructive surgery increases every year, the number of such procedures in Poland is low. The aim of the study was to investigate the reasons why women after amputation of the breast due to cancer are not likely to undergo breast reconstructive surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 73 women, residents of the province of Silesia, aged between 37 and 79 years, who had undergone mastectomy for malignancy in the years 1987-2013. RESULTS: From all of the reasons given by women for refraining from breast reconstruction, the most frequently pointed was the fear of being subjected to further surgery (38.3%). 23 women (31.5%) admitted that they were also afraid of postoperative pain. Similarly, a common response (35.6%) was that it is not essential for their mental state, and 30% of respondents fully accepted their appearance after mastectomy. Concern about the effect of failed reconstruction was reported by 24.6% of the women, and the fear that the surgery could negatively affect the process of cancer treatment by 27.4% of respondents. Lack of information about the capabilities and knowledge of breast reconstruction methods was not an important factor in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the surveyed women who abandon breast reconstruction surgery, make this decision on the basis of more than one reasons. Fear of undergoing a second surgical procedure and pain related to it were the most important reasons for the refusal of breast reconstruction. An important factor in the decision to desist from breast reconstruction is the age of the patients.