Comparative topoisomerase IIa and ki 67 protein expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma based on tissue microarrays and image analysis.

PURPOSE: Topoisomerase II alpha (Topo IIa gene location 17q21) is a nucleic enzyme involved in the DNA replication, transcription and chromosome topological formation. Topo IIa inhibition strategies include specific chemotherapeutic agents such as anthracyclines. Our aim was to investigate potential protein alterations of the enzyme comparing them to ki 67 proliferation marker expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using tissue microarray (TMA) technology, 50 specimens consisting of histologically confirmed PTCs (n=20), multi-nodular goiters (n=20) and also normal thyroid epithelia (n=10) were cored and re-embedded in the final paraffin block. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using monoclonal anti-Topo IIa and anti-ki 67 (MIB-1) antibodies. Digital image analysis assay was also applied for the evaluation of the protein expression results (Nuclear Labeling Index-NLI). RESULTS: Topo IIa and ki 67 proteins were overexpressed in 4/20 (20%) and 14/20 (70%) cases, respectively. Concerning multi-nodular goiters, overexpression was observed in 2/20 and 4/20 specimens, respectively. Statistical association was assessed correlating ki 67 expression to pathology type, capsular invasion and also to vascular infiltration (p=0.001, p=0.008, and p=0.012, respectively). Topo IIa protein expression was strongly correlated only to capsular invasion (p=0.004). Overall expression of the examined markers demonstrated a medium concordance (kappa=0.27), but a strong association (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Topo IIa and also ki 67 overexpression are correlated to an aggressive phenotype in PTC. Topo IIa overexpression maybe is a reliable marker for a rational application of targeted chemotherapeutic strategies in some subgroups of patients.

[Enelbin rheumatism ointment in rheumatic diseases. Results of a double-blind study for the determination of efficacy]. / Enelbin-Rheuma-Salbe bei Erkrankungen des rheumatischen Formenkreises. Ergebnisse einer Doppelblind-Studie zum Wirksamkeitsnachweis.

Enelbin-Rheuma-ointment and a reference ointment were compared with regard to effectiveness in a double-blind trial in 100 patients with gonarthrosis, osteoarthrosis of the spine and humeroscapular periarthropathy. Both ointments showed good results regarding spontaneous pain, pain on pressure and motion, reduction of mobility, swelling and muscular tension. The success of treatment was statistically significantly better in the Enelbin-Rheuma-ointment treated patients.

[Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with biarison. Results of a double-blind study with placebo (author's transl)]. / Dei Behandlung der chronischen Polyarthritis mit Biarison.

The effectiveness of Biarison vs. placebo was compared in an inter-individual double-blind study on 30 hospitalized patients with possible, definitive and classical rheumatoid arthritis. The time of comparison was 3 weeks; the dose used 900 mg (up to maximally 1500 mg)/day. The clinical index and the index of activity according to Lansbury were improved with Biarison and with placebo. The superiority of Biarison could be confirmed statistically (p less than 0,01). The effectiveness of Biarison was shown in reference to parameters of pain (number of painful joints and intensity of joint pain, pain on motion and at rest). Biarison was essentially well tolerated. Side effects were all gastro-intestinal. In 3 patients adverse reactions were slight and subsided spontaneously when treatment was continued. In 2 individuals Biarison had to be withdrawn in the 3rd week of treatment. In the placebo group 3 patients were taken off treatment due to no therapeutic effectiveness.

[Glycosaminoglycanpolysulfate (GAGPS, Arteparon) for basic therapy of arthrosis. I. Comparative studies, Arteparon forte and physical therapy vs. physical therapy alone]. / Glykosaminoglykanpolysulfat (GAGPS, Arteparon) zur Basistherapie der Arthrose. I. Vergleichende Untersuchungen, Arteparon forte und physikalische Therapie vs. nur physikalische Behandlung.

Glycosaminoglycan polysulphate (GAGPS, Arteparon) is effective as a fundamental therapeutic agent in arthrosis (osteoarthritis). Patients with gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis of activity grade II received intramuscular Arteparon forte injections and physical therapy (group 1, n = 69) or physical therapy only (group 2, n = 46). In group 1 23 patients (33.3%) became free of pain as compared to 3 patients (6.5%) in group 2. No therapeutic success was obtained in 6 patients of group 1 (8.7%) and in 14 individuals (30.4%) of group 2.

[The effect of a flufenamic acid containing ointment in various rheumatic diseases. A double-blind study]. / Wirkung einer flufenaminsäurehaltigen Salbe bei verschiedenen rheumatischen Erkrankungen

Of 100 patients suffering chiefly from soft tissue rheumatism 48 were treated in a double-blind study with an ointment containing flufenamic acid (Mobilisin) and 52 with a control preparation. The test ointment brought about good to very good results in 43 patients (89,5%) whereas only 26 patients (50%) of the control group showed a therapeutic effect. Either product was tolerated well; no side-effects have been observed in any of the cases.