Tumor markers (pregnancy protein 1, placental-specific tissue protein 10, placental-specific tissue protein 12, alpha1-fetoprotein) in patients with bronchial carcinoma.

The concentrations of pregnancy protein 1 (SP1), placental-specific tissue protein 10 (PP10), placental-specific tissue protein 12 (PP12) and alpha1-Fetoprotein (AFP) were analyzed in serum samples of 83 patients with bronchial carcinoma at stages II-IV Protein levels were determined by means of single radial immunodiffusion, rocket immuno-electrophoresis, radioimmunoassay and enzyme- immunoassay. PP12 and AFP serum concentrations were significantly increased in the cancer group compared with the control group. PP12 (control group: x=54.08 microg/l; s=61. 70; tumor group: x = 122.52 microg/l; s = 131.16); AFP (control group: x=3.05 microg/l; s=3. 76; tumor group: x = 8.29 microg/l; s = 17.75). SPI was found in only 22 cases of the tumor group. PP10 (control group: x = 2.25 microg/l; s = 0.866; tumor group: x = 2.503 microg/l; s=1.508). Given that at least two of the tested parameters were determined to be in the pathological range, the sensitivity amounted to 0.64 and the specificity to 0.92.

Immunohistochemical localization of pregnancy-related placental protein 4 in human placenta, umbilical cord and adult human female genital tissues.

Placental protein 4 (PP4) is a soluble placental tissue protein which was isolated from human placenta. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the localization of cells containing PP4 in human placenta and in various female genital tissues under normal conditions. PP4 immunoreactive structures were demonstrated by using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical technique. The samples were obtained from normal human placenta, umbilical cord, uterine cervix, endometrium, ovary and vulva. The most differentiated trophoblastic cells, the syncytiotrophoblasts, as well as the intermediate trophoblast cells contained PP4. PP4 immunoreactivity was present in umbilical cord as well. Occasionally PP4 was detected in normal ovarian, endometrial or vulvar tissue samples. Cervix and myometrium were free of PP4 immunoreactive material. PP4 staining was cytoplasmic. Our findings indicate that PP4 cannot be considered specific for the placenta since it is present in some human adult tissues as well.

Immunohistochemical localization of pregnancy-related placental protein 4 in nontumorous tissues and in gynecological tumors.

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the localization of placental protein 4 (PP4) in different nontumorous and tumorous tissues originating from the female genital tract. PP4 immunoreactivity was demonstrated using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical technique. Tissue samples were obtained from the cervix and body of the uterus, ovary, vulva and from gestational trophoblastic tumors. PP4-positive cells were present in nontumorous tissues with various pathologic findings, and in many but not all benign gynecological tumors. Similar numbers of PP4-positive cells were located in malignant and benign gynecological tumors; however, PP4 staining intensity was greater in the malignant lesions. PP4-positive cells were found in hydatidiform moles and in choriocarcinoma. PP4 was distributed mainly in the cytoplasm, but it was also bound to the cell membrane. We conclude from these studies that PP4 is located in a variety of benign and malignant cells of the female genital tract and that these cells may be the source of plasma PP4 found in patients with these conditions.

Initial experience with placental protein 4 (PP-4) as tumor marker in cervical and endometrial cancer.

PP-4, a recently characterized glycoprotein from human placenta was studied using a specific double-antibody radioimmunoassay in sera of 130 volunteers, 74 cervical cancer patients and 43 endometrial cancer patients. Elevated levels (greater than 3 micrograms/l) were found in 35 (47.3%) cervical cancer patients and in 18 (41.9%) endometrial cancer patients. Degree of elevation were not correlated with clinical stage, histology, and histological degree of differentiation. 36 patients with cervical cancer and 20 patients with endometrial cancer were monitored on two to seven occasions during four to 50 weeks. Rising, remaining unchanged of falling levels of PP-4 correlated with progression, stabilization or regression of disease 55.5% in patients with cervical and 65.0% in patients with endometrial cancer. During and some months after external telecobalt irradiation therapy wide range of PP-4 levels were observed in some patients. The study suggest that PP-4 can be regarded as a tumor associated protein which most likely can serve as tumor marker in cervical and endometrial cancer.

Comparative study of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay techniques in determining serum placental protein 14 levels in gynecologic patients.

A comparative analysis of radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques in determining placental protein 14 (PP14) levels in gynecologic patients was performed. Serum PP14 levels were assessed in the patients in the last period of gestation, during menopause and in healthy nonpregnant controls. The possible discrepancy in PP14 levels was also examined in gynecologic patients with benign and malignant tumors. Both RIA and ELISA techniques proved to be sufficiently sensitive to measure PP14 concentration.

Placental protein 4 as a possible tumor marker in ovarian tumors.

Placental protein 4 (PP-4), a recently characterized glycoprotein from human placenta, was studied using a specific double-antibody radioimmunoassay in sera of 130 volunteers, 76 ovarian tumor patients and in ovarian tumor cyst fluid and ascites of 21 patients. Elevated levels (greater than 3 micrograms/l) were found in 45 of 52 ovarian cancer patients (86.5%). PP-4 levels correlated significantly with staging. 31 patients with malignant ovarian tumor were monitored on 2-9 occasions during 5-82 weeks. Rising or falling levels of PP-4 correlated with progression or regression of disease in 25 of 31 instances (80.6%). Elevated levels were found in 10 of 24 benign and borderline ovarian tumors. Elevated PP-4 level does not indicate malignancy in each case. PP-4 can be regarded as tumor-associated antigen and an tumor marker in oncological practice.

Circulating levels of placental protein 10 (PP 10) in diabetic pregnancy complicated by retinopathy.

Placental protein 10 (PP 10) is a soluble tissue antigen of the placenta. PP 10, a glycoprotein, was tested in diabetic pregnancy complicated by retinopathy. A continuous increase in PP 10 serum levels until weeks 35-36 is followed by a fall thereafter up to term. The mean of the healthy control group between 32 and 39 weeks gestation was 22 +/- 10 micrograms/l. In diabetic pregnancies complicated by retinopathy there were measured 69 +/- 24 micrograms/l in benign form and 77 +/- 26 micrograms/l in proliferative form. Both of these values are significantly (p less than 0.05) above the control values. Increased PP 10 levels in diabetic pregnancy complicated by retinopathy are probably caused by placental and amniotic leakages.

Circulating levels of placental protein 12 (PP 12) in diabetic pregnancy complicated by retinopathy.

Placental protein 12 (PP 12) is a soluble tissue antigen. Immunohistochemical studies have localized PP 12 in the placental syncytiotrophoblast, chorion and amnion, and also in the decidua. During normal pregnancy serum-PP 12 is already raised in the first trimester, there is then a peak at 18 weeks, a gradual fall until 32 weeks, and a moderate increase thereafter. The mean of the healthy control group at 18 weeks of pregnancy was 122.9 +/- 47.5 micrograms/l. The mean of the diabetic group with retinopathy at the same time was 192.2 +/- 78.8 micrograms/l. There was no significant difference between background retinopathy and the proliferative form of diabetic retinopathy. At all times during pregnancy the median values of PP 12 in diabetic pregnancies were significantly (p less than 0.01) above the control values. Increased PP 12 levels in diabetic pregnancy complicated by retinopathy are probably caused by decidual, placental and amniotic leakages.

Elevated sera levels of SP-1 induced by chemotherapy in patients with metastatic gestational trophoblastic diseases.

6 patients with invasive mole and 5 patients with choriocarcinoma were treated from 1983 till 1986. Serum samples were analyzed by simultaneous determining of pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein (SP-1) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) using Serono radioimmunoassay kit. In 2 patients with metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease (MGTD) SP-1 peaks were found during chemotherapy. In patients with MGTD with normalized beta-hCG levels a repeated, temporary elevation of isolated SP-1 levels was observed within some months following chemotherapy. After the last isolated peak of SP-1 the pulmonary metastases disappeared. This phenomenon was interpreted as a consequence of the oncolytic process in the affected tissue. In 1 patient with nonmetastatic choriocarcinoma SP-1 ELISA pseudoreaction was found. To recognize these pseudoreactions, a control plate with nonimmunized rabbit IgG was used, simultaneously with SP-1 determinations.

[Placental protein 12 (PP 12)/insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGF-bp) in pregnancy in metabolically healthy patients and diabetic patients with retinopathy]. / Plazentaprotein 12 (PP 12)/Insulin like growth-factor binding protein (IGF-bp) in der Schwangerschaft von Stoffwechselgesunden und Diabetikerinnen mit Retinopathie.

The placental protein 12 (PP 12) was found to be identical with the insulin like growth-factor binding protein (IGF-bp). In present investigations serum samples of 420 healthy pregnant women between 7th and 40th weeks of gestation were proved regarding to their IGF-bp concentrations by means of a radioimmunoassay. For each pregnancy week means and standard deviations were estimated. IGF-bp serum concentrations continuously increased up to the 18th week (140 +/- 40 micrograms/l); followed by decreasing of the values up to the 30th week (102 +/- 44 micrograms/l) and then slightly increased up to term (121 +/- 46 micrograms/l). In addition the IGF-bp estimations were performed in maternal serum samples of 45 diabetic pregnant women complicated by retinopathia diabetica benigna as well as proliferativa; sum total 101 serum samples. In patients with benign retinopathy 82% (12/68) and in patients of proliferative retinopathy 85% (5/33) of the IGF-bp values were increased above the two times standard deviation.

[Placental protein 12 (PP 12) in cyst and peritoneal fluids and serum samples of patients with ovarian cysts and cystic ovarian tumors]. / Das Plazentaprotein 12 (PP 12) in zysten- und Peritonealflüssigkeiten sowie Serumproben von Patientinnen mit Ovarialzysten und zystischen Ovarialtumoren.

Placental Protein 12 (PP 12) concentrations were measured by a radioimmunoassay in cyst and peritoneal fluids and in serum samples respectively of patients with tumor like conditions and benign and malignant cystic ovarian tumours. PP 12 can not recommended as a serum tumour marker in ovarian cancer. It must be proved the value of PP 12 in follow up of ovarian cancer with help of more extensive sample material. There are many cysts in tumour like conditions with measurable PP 12-concentrations.

Placental protein 12 (PP 12), a decidual protein, in pregnancy complicated by diabetes with retinopathy.

Placental protein 12 (IGF-bp/PP 12) is a soluble tissue antigen produced in the decidua. PP 12 was measured in the 3rd trimester of diabetic pregnancy complicated by retinopathy. The mean values of the healthy control group between 28 and 34 and between 35 and 39 weeks gestation were 108 +/- 39 micrograms/l and 124 +/- 47 micrograms/l, respectively. The equivalent values in diabetic pregnancies complicated by retinopathy were 200 +/- 80 micrograms/l and 204 +/- 81 micrograms/l, respectively; both these PP 12 values were significantly (P less than 0.05) above the values in the control group. There was no significant difference between benign and proliferative retinopathy. The increased PP 12 levels in the presence of diabetic retinopathy are probably caused by decidual degeneration.

Serum PP12, PP14, SP1 and hCG values in the 28 days after the LH-surge in patients who do and do not conceive after artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.

Serum levels of PP12 (somatomedin binding protein), PP14 (beta lactoglobulin homologue), Schwangerschaftsprotein 1 (SP1) and of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were simultaneously measured in patients being treated for infertility in the 28 days after the LH-surge. PP14 levels were similar in the 14 days after the LH-surge in the patients who conceived when compared with those who did not and a high PP14 level was only indicative of pregnancy at 21 days after the LH-surge. hCG and SP1 levels behaved similarly in pregnant subjects. PP12 levels did not change significantly in the 28-days after the LH-surge.

Beta lactoglobulin homologue placental protein 14 (PP14) in serum of patients with trophoblastic disease and non-trophoblastic gynecologic malignancy.

Serum levels of beta lactoglobulin homologue placental protein 14 (PP14) were measured by a sensitive radioimmunoassay in various trophoblastic diseases and non-trophoblastic gynecologic malignancies. While trace amounts of protein were detected in sera of non-pregnant subjects (22.3 +/- 13.7 micrograms/l), during first half of normal pregnancy a dramatic rise of serum-PP14 levels was demonstrable with a peak-value at 7th-10th week of gestation, followed by a decline thereafter. Serial determinations of PP14 have been performed in 31 patients with trophoblastic tumour (20 hydatidiform moles, 4 invasive moles and 7 choriocarcinomas). In patients with hydatidiform moles and invasive moles (273.5 +/- 106.5 micrograms/l and 162.2 +/- 109.6 micrograms/l) respective values before therapy were much exceeding the non-pregnant controls. After therapy there was a rapid decline of the serum-PP14 levels within two weeks. In patients with choriocarcinoma the PP14 values were moderately elevated (66.4 +/- 25.7 micrograms/l), and declined following the remission of disease. In 32 gynecological tumours (21 carcinomas of the cervix, 4 endometrial carcinomas, 5 ovarian carcinomas, 2 carcinomas of the vulva) the pretreatment levels were not different to normal controls.

Occurrence of CA 125 and CA 19-9 tumor-associated antigens in sera of patients with gynecologic, trophoblastic, and colorectal tumors.

The present study was undertaken to test the parallel detectability of ovarian cancer antigen CA 125 and gastrointestinal cancer antigen CA 19-9 in the sera of patients with malignant ovarian tumors, benign ovarian tumors, endometrial cancers, cervical cancers, colorectal cancers, and trophoblastic tumors and in early 1st-trimester pregnant as well as in healthy nonpregnant controls. In all kinds of gynecologic and colorectal tumors raised concentrations of both antigens were found with the exception of malignant nonepithelial ovarian tumors where neither of the antigens showed positive reaction. The most positive cases were found in the group with epithelial ovarian cancers. Of the two antigens CA 125 was the more responsive. No positive cases were found with either of the antigens in nonpregnant healthy controls or in patients with benign ovarian tumors. The parallel determination of the two antigens gives us a better opportunity to recognize pelvic tumors and further may enable us to distinguish ovarian and colorectal tumors.

Clinical evidence of secretory IgA and Schwangerschaftsprotein 1 in pleural effusions of lung cancer patients.

Secretory immunoglobulin A, alpha 1-fetoprotein, orosomucoid and alpha 2-macroglobulin have been estimated in pleural effusions of 11 lung cancer patients. Secretory immunoglobulin could be detected in all cancer patients except one with a secondary embolism. Levels could be found between 0.19 and 0.73 g/l. No SIgA could be detected in a control group of 7 patients with pleural effusions of other origin.

[Pregnancy protein-1 in the serum of patients with diseases of the breast]. / Das Schwangerschaftsprotein-1 (SP1) im Serum von Patientinnen mit Erkrankungen der Brustdrüse.

Pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) was assayed by enzyme immunoassay in serum from 32 patients with breast diseases (11 mastopathies, 6 benign tumors and 15 breast cancers). Healthy blood donors were used as control group. There were significant differences between the SP1-serum concentrations of patient group (mastopathies, benign tumors, breast cancer) and the control group (p less than 0.001). The SP1-values of the groups with mastopathies, benign tumors and breast cancer did not differ significantly. Elevated SP1-concentrations were found in 4 of 11 patients with mastopathy, in 3 of 6 patients with benign tumor and in 10 of 15 patients with breast cancer versus 1 of 24 blood donors. With the help of SP1 determination in serum of 5 breast cancer patients before operation and 6 months post operation we did not found a correlation with further clinical course.

[Levels of tumor markers (orosomucoid, pregnancy-associated alpha 2-glycoprotein, pregnancy protein-1, placental specific-tissue protein 10, placental specific-tissue protein 12, alpha 1-fetoprotein) in the serum of patients with bronchial carcinoma]. / Zum Verhalten einiger Tumormarker (Orosomukoid, schwangerschaftsassoziiertes alpha 2-Glykoprotein, Schwangerschaftsprotein-1, placental specific-tissue protein 10, placental specific-tissue protein 12, alpha 1-Fetoprotein) im Serum von Patienten mit Bronchialkarzinom.

Concentration of orosomucoid, pregnancy associated alpha 2-glycoprotein (alpha 2-PAG), Schwangerschaftsprotein 1 (SP1), placental specific-tissue protein 10 (PP10), placental specific-tissue protein 12 (PP12), alpha 1-Fetoprotein (AFP) were estimated in serum samples of 83 patients with lung cancer of stages II-IV. The proteins were determined by means of the single radial immunodiffusion, the rocket immunoelectrophoresis, the radioimmunoassay and the enzymeimmunoassay. Orosomucoid, PP12 and AFP serum concentrations of the cancer group compared with those of the control group, were increased significantly. Orosomucoid (control group: means = 0.828 g/l; s = 0.301; tumour group: mean = 2.16 g/l; s = 0.862); PP12 (control group: mean = 54.08 micrograms/l; s = 61.70; tumour group: mean = 122.52 micrograms/l; s = 131.16); AFP (control group: mean = 3.05 micrograms/l; s = 3.76; Tumour group: means = 8.29 micrograms/l; s = 17.75). alpha 2-PAG was found only in 37 cases of the tumour group; SP1 in 22 cases. PP10 (control group: mean = 2.25 micrograms/l; s = 0.866; tumour group: mean = 2.503 micrograms/l, s = 1.508). On condition that 2 tested parameters at least were estimated in the pathological range the sensitivity amounted to 0.64 and the specificity to 0.92.

Serum levels of placenta-specific tissue protein 12 (PP12) in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia, diabetes or twins.

PP12 is one of the recently discovered soluble tissue antigens of the placenta. During normal pregnancy maternal serum PP12 levels rise during the first 18 weeks reaching a mean peak value of 139.9 +/- 40.26 micrograms/l; after that there is a fall to a mean value of 111.9 +/- 42.39 micrograms/l between 28 and 40 weeks. Significantly higher mean serum PP12 levels were found in the third trimester in two high risk pregnancy groups (281.09 +/- 117.08 micrograms/l in pre-eclamptic toxaemia and 203.71 +/- 73.77 micrograms/l in diabetes) while serum PP12 levels remained normal (114.94 +/- 58.06 micrograms/l) in twin pregnancy. The increase of serum PP12 concentration in toxaemia and in diabetes may be of considerable diagnostic significance.