ABSTRACT
Despite the efforts made, a serum marker reliable for the screening and follow-up of patients with gastric cancer has not yet been identified. The aim of this preliminary study was to test the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1beta, interleukin 8 and tumour necrosis factor alpha in patients with gastric cancer and in control groups. The statistical analysis of cytokines serum levels in the group with gastric cancer versus control groups has shown considerable differences (p < 0.001) in their mean rates. The results indicate that the cytokines interleukin 1beta, interleukin 8 and tumour necrosis factor alpha might perhaps act as diagnostic markers in patients with gastric cancer. Therefore, it is hypothesized that after more extended trials, their use in the screening and prognostic assessment of these patients could be a possibility.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Interleukin-1/blood , Interleukin-8/blood , Stomach Neoplasms/blood , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Taking as their starting point the observation of a patient with blunt trauma of a voluminous inguinoscrotal hernia and with peritonitis due to perforation of the small bowel within the hernia, the Authors illustrate the aetiological, pathogenetic and physiopathological mechanisms of "seat belt syndrome". In the case described, they postulate that the incidental presence of taenia saginata in the small bowel lumen contributed considerably to the rupture. They then go on to focus on the difficult clinical diagnosis of this pathology and analyze its treatment. In view of the direct correlation between the prognosis and the therapeutic interval, they stress that resorting to diagnostic laparotomy in doubtful cases is a rational course of action. Laparoscopy today also constitutes an effective diagnostic and therapeutic option.
