Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 and Cancer History: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in Southwestern Iran.

Background: Cancer patients are more exposed to opportunistic infections, such as COVID-19, due to their poor health status. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of cancer and non-cancer patients with COVID-19 that may lead to death, intubation, and ICU admission. Materials and Methods: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional study was conducted on confirmed COVID-19 adult patients with and without a history of cancer from March 2019 to March 2021. Demographic and clinical features, ICU admission, intubation, and discharge status have been extracted from patients' medical records. Chi-square, odds ratio, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The death rate in 1332 cancer patients was 28% compared to the 91464 noncancer patients which was 9% with an odds ratio of 3.94 and p<0.001. ICU admission rates among the cancer group were 43%, while in the noncancer group, it was 17.9% (p<0.001). Moreover, intubation was done for 20.9% of cancer patients and 7.4% of non-cancer patients (p<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of length of stay in the hospital. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, level of consciousness, SPO2, and autoimmune disorders were associated with mortality in cancer patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: This study showed that older age, loss of consciousness, low oxygen saturation, and suffering from autoimmune disorders were the predictors of death in cancer patients with COVID-19. These results can have important implications for the management and care of cancer patients with COVID-19.

A Study of Association of ABO and Rh Blood Group with Colorectal Cancer in Khuzestan Province, Iran.

Background : Colorectal cancer, a solid tumor with a high prevalence, contributes significantly to annual mortality rates. Various factors, including blood groups, may influence cancer risk. Multiple studies have suggested a potential connection between ABO and Rh blood groups and colorectal cancer risk. This study aims to investigate the role of ABO and Rh blood groups as risk factors in colorectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving 71 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2018 and 2020 in Khuzestan province, Iran, with known ABO blood types. Large-scale data from 29,922 blood donors in Khuzestan served as the healthy population control. The study analyzed the distribution of ABO blood groups among the blood donors. Results : Our findings revealed that the distribution of blood groups among colorectal cancer patients was as follows: O (31.0%), A (29.6%), B (29.6%), and AB (9.8%). However, our analysis did not establish a significant association between colorectal cancer risk and ABO antigens (P-value = 0.636) or Rh blood group (P = 0.198). Additionally, no significant differences in ABO blood types were observed concerning gender (P = 0.802), cancer type (P = 0.338), or tumor type (P = 0.207) among colorectal cancer patients. Conclusion : This study does not support a significant correlation between ABO and Rh blood groups and the risk of colorectal cancer, nor does it find associations with cancer type or tumor type.

Study of the Relationship between ABO Blood Group Types and Breast Cancer and Cervix Cancer in Khuzestan Province, Iran.

Background: Breast cancer and cervix cancer are the prevalent and deadly types of solid tumors around the world. According to the importance of cancer, it is necessary to understand predisposing factors that affect cancer risk. In this regard, previous studies suggest that blood types particularly ABO and Rh-Hr Blood-Group System could play roles in the risk and different features of cancers. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of ABO and Rh blood groups as risk factors for breast cancer and cervix cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study included 109 and 14 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and cervix cancer, respectively with known ABO and Rh blood types, between 2018 and 2020 in Khuzestan province, Iran. For compression of ABO blood groups distribution between the cancer patients group and the healthy population, we used data from a large-scale study that report the distribution of ABO blood groups in 29,922 blood donors in Khuzestan province. Results: Based on obtained results the most frequent blood group is O followed by B, A, and AB in breast cancer and followed by A, B, and AB in cervix cancer. Results showed no significant association between ABO and Rh and the risk of breast and cervix cancer. Moreover, there is no relationship between blood types and clinic pathological features of breast cancer.   Conclusion:  Based on our data, ABO and in this regard, previous studies suggest that blood types particularly ABO and Rh-Hr Blood-Group System could play roles in the risk and different features of cancers. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of ABO and Rh blood groups as risk factors for breast cancer and cervix cancer do have not any association with the risk of breast and cervix cancer and their characteristics.

Radioproteomics modeling of metformin-enhanced radiosensitivity: an animal study.

PURPOSE: Metformin is considered as radiation modulator in both tumors and healthy tissues. Radiomics has the potential to decode biological mechanisms of radiotherapy response. The aim of this study was to apply radiomics analysis in metformin-induced radiosensitivity and finding radioproteomics associations of computed tomography (CT) imaging features and proteins involved in metformin radiosensitivity signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 female BALB/c mice were used in this study and were subjected to injection of breast cancer cells. When tumors reached a mean volume of 150 mm3, mice were randomly divided into the four groups including Control, Metformin, Radiation, and Radiation + Metformin. Western blot analysis was performed after treatment to measure expression of proteins including AMPK-alpha, phospho-AMPK-alpha (Thr172), mTOR, phospho-mTOR (Ser2448), phospho-4EBP1 (Thr37/46), phospho-ACC (Ser79), and ß-actin. CT imaging was performed before treatment and at the end of treatment in all groups. Radiomics features extracted from segmented tumors were selected using Elastic-net regression and were assessed in terms of correlation with expression of the proteins. RESULTS: It was observed that proteins including phospho-mTOR, phospho-4EBP1, and mTOR had positive correlations with changes in tumor volumes in days 28, 24, 20, 16, and 12, while tumor volume changes at these days had negative correlations with AMPK-alpha, phospho-AMPK-alpha, and phospho-ACC proteins. Furthermore, median feature had a positive correlation with AMPK-alpha, phospho-ACC, and phospho-AMPK-alpha proteins. Also, Cluster shade feature had positive correlations with mTOR and p-mTOR. On the other hand, LGLZE feature had negative correlations with AMPK-alpha and phospho-AMPK-alpha. CONCLUSION: Radiomics features can decode proteins that involved in response to metformin and radiation, although further studies are warranted to investigate the optimal way to integrate radiomics into biological experiments.

Evaluation of miRNA-21-5p and miRNA-10b-5p levels in serum-derived exosomes of breast cancer patients in different grades.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Tumor cells have various effects and dominance over other healthy cells. Cancer cells alter the cell program in healthy cells by secreting exosomes containing microRNAs involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). They can migrate to distant organs and establish a pre-metastatic niche. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of miRNA-21-5p and miRNA-10b-5p, both of which are involved in EMT, in breast cancer-derived exosomes of various grades in order to identify new biomarkers involved in breast cancer progression. METHODS: In this study, a blood sample was taken from 60 patients with grades I, II, or III breast cancer, as well as twenty healthy individuals as a control group. The exosomes were then purified from serum samples, and their relative expression of miRNA-21-5p and miRNA-10b-5p was determined using the real-time PCR method. RESULTS: miRNA-21-5p expression was significantly increased in patients with breast cancer grades I, II, and III compared to the control group (p < 0.01), (p < 0.0001) and (p < 0.0001), respectively, as was miRNA-10b-5p expression in patients with breast cancer grades I, II, and III compared to the control group (p < 0.0001), (p < 0.0001) and (p < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results show that both microRNAs increase as cells lose their differentiation and become more invasive, which is evidence of cancer progression. Hence, both microRNAs may have the potential to be used alone or in combination with other biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.

Natural adjuvants (PC and G2) induce activated natural killer cells with NKG2D expression and cytotoxic properties in colorectal cancer.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of natural adjuvants (G2 and PC) to activate natural killer cells in colorectal cancer. Background: Natural killer (NK) cells are an element of the innate immune system that can recognize and kill cancer cells and provide hope for cancer therapy. One of the current methods in cancer immunotherapy is NK cell therapy. Immunotherapy with NK cells has been limited because of the low number and cytotoxicity level of NK cells. Natural adjuvants such as PC and G2 may stimulate the immune system. It seems that these adjuvants could increase cytotoxic NK cells. Methods: Twelve patients with colorectal cancer and six healthy individuals qualified for inclusion in this study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from each patient with two distinctive concentrations (105and 5×104 cells/well) were treated with Interleukin2 (IL2), PC, and G2 adjuvant separately. The NK cell's surface markers, including CD16, CD56, and NKG2D, were evaluated by flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity effect of treated PBMCs as effector cells against NK sensitive cell line (K562) was assessed using the LDH assay method. Results: The results revealed a significant increase in the level of CD16+NKG2D+ NK cells in PBMCs treated with the G2 group compared with the control group in CRC PBMC (p<0.001) as well as the normal PBMC group (p < 0.01). In addition, the results indicated a significant increase in the level of CD56+NKG2D+ cells in the PBMC treated with PC (p < 0.05) and G2 (p < 0.001) groups compared with the PBMC group. The cytotoxicity result of PBMC from CRC patients in 10:1 ratio of the effector: target showed that the cells' cytotoxicity in the PBMCs treated with PC (p<0.01) and G2 (p<0.05) was significantly higher than the untreated PBMC. Conclusion: According to the result of this study, it can be stated that the PC and G2 adjuvants could be candidates for inducing cytotoxic natural killer cells.

Association between deficient levels of circulating vitamin D, dietary intake of vitamin D, calcium and retinol, and risk of colorectal cancer in an Iranian population: A case control study.

AIM: We aimed to assess the association between deficient levels of circulating vitamin D, dietary intake of vitamin D, calcium and retinol, and risk of colorectal cancer in an Iranian population. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study that was conducted between 2012 and 2015, 278 first incident colorectal cancer cases (colon cancer = 103; rectal cancer = 175), and 278 sex and age matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Serum 25(OH)D, dietary vitamin D, and calcium intake were assessed. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) between studied factors and colorectal cancer. Estimates of OR were calculated according to both bivariate analyses based on the matching factors and multivariate analyses, with additional adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: A strong inverse linear dose-response association was seen between serum 25(OH)D and colorectal cancer (P for trend = .002). In comparison to serum 25(OH)D more than 40 nmol/L, lower serum concentrations were significantly associated with an increased OR of colorectal cancer. When analyzing anatomical subsites separately, lower circulating 25(OH)D was associated with higher OR for both colon and rectum cancers. Dietary vitamin D and calcium intake were not associated with colorectal cancer. Interaction analysis between serum 25(OH)D and the amount of calcium intake demonstrated that the lowest level of both factors was associated with an increased OR of colorectal cancer. The highest OR of colorectal cancer that was associated with lowest circulating 25(OH)D was stronger at the highest retinol intakes. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated an inverse strong association between 25(OH)D concentration and colorectal cancer in an Iranian population.

Applying protective rectal tube in intestinal anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal resection is used for various diseases, including neoplasms (benign and malignant) and inflammatory bowel disorders. Leakage is one of the complications that increase mortality and morbidity in patients. The beneficial effects of a rectal tube in reducing anastomosis leak are controversial. Ileostomy as diverting stool may reduce risk of anastomosis leak. AIM: To evaluate the results of rectal tube application to reduce leakage in low pelvic anastomosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 53 patients who were candidates for low anterior resection, extended low anterior resection, and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, were enrolled in this study. After anastomosis, a large bore Foley was inserted transanally and put in the proximal of the anastomotic site, after fixation; we left it at least for 5 days then removed it if there was any sign of leakage. RESULTS: In this research, 53 patients were studied; 30 (56.6%) were male and 23 (43%) were female. Among 32 (60%) patients who underwent total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis, 24 (45%) had ulcerative colitis and 8 (15%) had familial adenomatous polyposis disorder. Among 21 (40%) patients who had rectal cancer, 8 (15%) cases had low anterior resection (LAR) and 13 (25%) underwent extended LAR. Seventeen (32%) patients used ileostomy and 36 (67.9%) patients used a rectal tube. Anastomotic leak occurred in 6 (11%) patients; all of them had ileostomy. No leakage or complication appeared in rectal tube cases. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that using a rectal tube instead of protective ileostomy may reduce anastomosis leak in the lower pelvis by reducing intraluminal pressure to effect and lower tension at the anastomosis site in low pelvic intestinal anastomosis.

RESULTS OF POSTERIOR MYECTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC CONSTIPATION

Background and Objectives - The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of posterior myectomy in children with chronic constipation who underwent to this surgery. Methods - Forty eight children with chronic constipation who did not respond to diet, laxative, or enema were included. Children with abnormal barium enema showing transitional zone were excluded. Children with documented metabolic disease diabetes, and hypothyroidism were also excluded. All patients underwent posterior myectomy. Children were followed during 1 year after surgery regarding frequency of fecal evacuation, fecal consistency, straining during defecation, and diameter of feces. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). Results - Of 48 cases that underwent surgery, 21 were male and 27 were female. Age range was 1.5 to 11 years old. Mean duration of constipation before surgery was 22.79±17.08 (range 6-48 months). Mean duration of medical treatment was 14.90±10.31 (range= 6-48 months). Fecal consistency, feces diameter, number of bowel movements and straining during defecation were compared before and after surgery. The results were statistically significant ( P <0.001). Of all cases, 52% continued treatment of constipation after surgery for 1 year. Ganglion cells were absent in 32 cases. Ganglion cells were present in seven children. Proximal ganglion cell was found in nine cases Treatment response was not different between cases according to status of ganglion cell in biopsy. Conclusion - Fecal consistency, feces diameter, number of bowel movements, and straining for defecation were improved after posterior myectomy. Another study with more sample is required for better evaluation of treatment.

Contexto e Objetivo - O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o resultado da miectomia posterior em crianças com constipação crônica que se submeteram à cirurgia. Métodos - Quarenta e oito crianças com constipação crônica que não responderam à dieta, laxante ou enema, foram incluídas em nosso estudo. Crianças com enema de bário anormal, mostrando a zona de transição foram excluídas. Crianças com hipotireoidismo, diabetes e doença metabólica documentada também foram excluídas. Os pacientes foram submetidos à miectomia posterior. As crianças foram seguidas durante 1 ano após a cirurgia em relação a frequência de evacuação fecal, consistência fecal, esforço durante a defecação e diâmetro de fezes. Os dados foram analisados usando SPSS versão 13.0 (Chicago, IL, EUA). Resultados - Dos 48 casos submetidos à cirurgia, 21 eram do sexo masculino e 27 eram do sexo feminino. A faixa etária foi de 1,5 a 11 anos de idade. A duração média da constipação antes da cirurgia foi 22.79±17.08 (intervalo 6-48 meses). A duração do tratamento médico era 14.90±10.31 (intervalo = 6-48 meses). Consistência fecal, diâmetro das fezes, número de evacuações e esforço durante a defecação, foram comparados antes e depois da cirurgia. Os resultados foram estatisticamente significantes ( P <0.001). De todos os casos, 52% continuaram o tratamento da constipação após a cirurgia por 1 ano. Células ganglionares estavam ausentes em 32 pacientes e estiveram presentes em sete pacientes. Células ganglionares proximais foram encontradas em nove casos. A resposta ao tratamento não foi diferente entre os casos de acordo com a presença ou não de células ganglionares na biópsia. Conclusão - A consistência fecal, o diâmetro das fezes, o número de evacuações e o esforço para defecação, melhoraram após miectomia posterior. Para melhor avaliação do tratamento é necessário outro estudo com uma amostra maior.

Time depended Bcl-2 inhibition might be useful for a targeted drug therapy.

BACKGROUND: Over expression of Bcl-2 is frequently observed in several types of cancers and it is one of the prognostic markers in breast cancer. The importance of the Bcl-2 protein as ideal therapeutic target is the dual role of inhibiting apoptosis and autophagy-mediated cell death. Thus, the bcl-2 targeting may be a strategy of choice to improve treatment efficacy and overcome drug resistance to cancer chemotherapy. For this reason, we designed the siRNA mediated silencing of the Bcl-2 gene in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effective Bcl-2 gene silencing by our homemade siRNA, more than previous study. Our data demonstrated that specific inhibition of the Bcl-2 by siRNA induces approximately more than 90 % gene silencing. METHODS: MCF-7 Cell lines were treated by homemade Bcl-2siRNA for the first time and control siRNA that was transfected with nanoparticle. The cells harvested at 24, 48 and 72 h and transcription level of Bcl-2 was examined by Real Time -PCR analysis. The drug sensitivity was detected by using LDH assay test. Finally Anexin V-FITC test was performed for evaluation of apoptosis. RESULTS: In the present study, results showed that targeting the specific sequence of the Bcl-2 by our homemade siRNA in the MCF7 cell line and its effect was more obvious in 24 h in contrast to 48 and 72 h. CONCLUSIONS: However, we showed here a time dependent blocking of the bcl-2 transcript that might lead to cell dead due autophagy, and not necessarily to apoptosis.

Increased P-35, EBI3 Transcripts and Other Treg Markers in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Breast Cancer Patients with Different clinical Stages.

PURPOSE: Currently, cancer as a major problem around the world threatens human health and has a high incidence in developing countries. Many reports have indicated that patients suffering from cancer demonstrate decreased antitumor immune responses as well as a high prevalence of T regulatory population. It has been reported that Foxp3(+)Tregs exert suppression by cell contact-dependent mechanisms which are mediated by soluble factors such as immunosuppressive cytokines like IL-10, TGF-ß and IL-35. Consequently there is a great need to identify prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers of regulatory T cells for vaccine and drug development. METHODS: In this study IL-10, TGF-ß, IL-35 and Foxp3 mRNA gene expression has been measured in peripheral blood of 40 breast cancer patients and 40 normal age-matched women using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) method with Master Mix reaction containing SYBER Green. GAPDH gene was used as housekeeping gene. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated a significant up-regulation of IL-10, TGF-ß, P35, EBI3 and Foxp3 gene expression in patients' peripheral blood compared to normal healthy controls (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The data suggests that the immune system is suppressed in breast cancer patients, which may be due to elevated Treg cells population. These results may be useful for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. However it may require more investigations.

Kinetic characterization of lactate dehydrogenase in normal and malignant human breast tissues.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic glycolysis rate is higher in breast cancer tissues than adjacent normal tissues which providethe ATP, lactate and anabolic precursors required for tumourgenesis and metastasis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a critical enzyme during aerobic glycolysis as it is typically responsible for the production of lactate and regeneration of NAD(+), which allows for the continued functioning of glycolysis even in the absence of oxygen. LDH has been found to be highly expressed in breast tumors. Enzyme kinetic characteristics is related to environmentinvolving the enzyme, and tumor microenvironment has distinct features relative to adjacent normal tissues, thus we hypothesized that LDH should have different kinetic characteristics in breast tumors compared to normal breast tissues. METHODS: LDH was partially purifiedfrom human breast tumors and normal tissues, which were obtained directly from operating room. TheMichaelis-Menten constant (Km), maximum velocity (Vmax), activation energy (Ea) and enzyme efficiency in breast tumors and normal tissueswere determined. RESULTS: It was found that tumor LDH affinity in forward reaction was the same as normal LDH but Vmax of cancerous LDH was higher relative to normal LDH. In reverse reaction, affinity of tumor LDH for lactate and NAD(+) was lower than normal LDH, also enzyme efficiency for lactate and NAD(+) was higher in normal samples. The Ea of reverse reaction was higher in cancerous tissues. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that thelow LDH affinity for lactate and NAD(+) is a valuable tool for preserving lactate by cancer cells. We also conclude that increasing of LDH affinity may be a valid molecular target to abolish lactate dependent tumor growth and kinetic characteristics of LDH could be a novel diagnostic parameter for human breast cancer.

RESULTS OF POSTERIOR MYECTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC CONSTIPATION.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of posterior myectomy in children with chronic constipation who underwent to this surgery. METHODS: Forty eight children with chronic constipation who did not respond to diet, laxative, or enema were included. Children with abnormal barium enema showing transitional zone were excluded. Children with documented metabolic disease diabetes, and hypothyroidism were also excluded. All patients underwent posterior myectomy. Children were followed during 1 year after surgery regarding frequency of fecal evacuation, fecal consistency, straining during defecation, and diameter of feces. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: Of 48 cases that underwent surgery, 21 were male and 27 were female. Age range was 1.5 to 11 years old. Mean duration of constipation before surgery was 22.79±17.08 (range 6-48 months). Mean duration of medical treatment was 14.90±10.31 (range= 6-48 months). Fecal consistency, feces diameter, number of bowel movements and straining during defecation were compared before and after surgery. The results were statistically significant ( P <0.001). Of all cases, 52% continued treatment of constipation after surgery for 1 year. Ganglion cells were absent in 32 cases. Ganglion cells were present in seven children. Proximal ganglion cell was found in nine cases Treatment response was not different between cases according to status of ganglion cell in biopsy. CONCLUSION: Fecal consistency, feces diameter, number of bowel movements, and straining for defecation were improved after posterior myectomy. Another study with more sample is required for better evaluation of treatment.

Concomitant Increase of OX40 and FOXP3 transcripts in peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Regulatory T cells (T-regs) have an important role in cancer by suppression of protective antitumor immune responses. Regulatory T cells express the forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (FOXP3) and OX40 molecules which have important regulatory roles in the immune system. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate FOXP3 and OX40 transcripts in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of women with breast cancer. METHODS: Blood samples from 40 women with histologically-confirmed infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast and 40 healthy volunteer women without a history of malignancy or autoimmune disorders were collected. The abundance of FOXP3 and OX40 gene transcripts were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between FOXP3 and OX40 gene expression in women with breast cancer in a stage dependent manner. CONCLUSION: This finding emphasizes the importance of T-regs as predominant targets for breast cancer immunotherapy.

The relative frequency of the Helicobacter pylori infection in proximal gastric cancers.

UNLABELLED: Gastric cancer with the annual mortality of 700 000 is the second cause of death in the world. Iran with the annual incidence of 37 in 100 000 is among areas with high risk of gastric cancer. In Iran, Khuzestan Province with the annual incidence of 10 -15 in 100 000 is among areas with moderate risk. The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in distal gastric cancer as one of the most important risk factors of gastric ulcer has been proved but its role in proximal gastric cancer is controversial. In recent decades, the incidence of proximal cancers has increased. The aim of the study was to survey the relative frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in the people with proximal cancer and to compare it with this infection frequency in the distal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relative frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection was surveyed by pathology tests and biopsy gastric mucosa sample staining with H&E in the patients with proximal and distal gastric ulcer whose cancers were proved by pathology method and also in the people who were healthy in terms of a gastric cancer. Data were statistically analyzed by frequency tables and chi square test. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen people entered the study. Among 32 patients with the proximal cancer, 21 people were with the positive Helicobacter pylori (65.6%) and 11 people (34.4%) were with the negative Helicobacter pylori (p<0.01). Among 30 patients with the distal cancer, 26 people were with positive Helicobacter pylori (86.7%) and four people were with negative Helicobacter pylori (13.3%) (p<0.01); 55 people were without the cancer, which among them, 40 people were with the positive Helicobacter pylori (72.7%); and 15 people were with the negative Helicobacter pylori (37.7%) (p<0.01). In comparison of the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in the patients with the proximal cancer, a weak significant difference exists (p = 0.053). Comparing the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in the patients with the gastric cancer and people without the cancer, no significant difference existed (p = 0.703). CONCLUSION: A weak significant difference existed between the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with the proximal gastric cancer and the frequency of these infections in the patients with the distal cancer. So, eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection can be effective in preventing the distal gastric cancers in addition to preventing the proximal gastric cancers.

Cancer incidence in southwest of iran: first report from khuzestan population-based cancer registry, 2002-2009.

BACKGROUND: Cancer incidence rates are increasing particularly in developing countries. It is crucial for policy makers to know basic cancer epidemiology in each region to design comprehensive prevention plans. There have hitherto been no population-based data available for cancer in Khuzestan province. The present report is a first from the regional population-based cancer registry for the period of 2002-2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively reviewing all new cancer patients whom were registered in Khuzestan province cancer registry during an 8-year period (2002-2009). All cases were coded based on the ICD-O-3 coding system and collected data were computerized using SPSS (Chicago, IL) software, version 11.5. The age standardized incidence rates (ASRs) per 100,000 person-year for all cancers were computed using the indirect method of standardization to the world population. RESULTS: During the 8-year study period, 16,801 new cancer cases were registered. Based on the computed ASRs, the five most frequent malignancies in females were breast (26.4 per 100,000), skin (13.6), colorectal (5.72), stomach (4.31) and bladder(4.07) and in males, the five most frequent were skin (16.0 per 100,000), bladder (10.7),prostate (7.64), stomach (7.17), and colorectal (6.32).The ASR for all malignancies in women was 92.5 per 100,000, and that for men was 87.4. CONCLUSIONS: The observed patterns from the analysis of Khuzestan cancer registry data will lead to better understanding of the epidemiology of various malignancies in this part ofthe country and consequently provide a useful guide for authorities to make efficacious decisions and policies about a cancer control program for south-west Iran.

Expression of c-kit protein in cancer vs. normal breast tissue.

AIM OF THE STUDY: There are at least four main signal transduction pathways within human cells which are activated by interaction of an extracellular ligand with its corresponding receptors. One of them is activation of protein kinase. Actually, any of these proteins at any level of the signaling cascade in a human cell can undergo mutation and cause irregular cellular proliferation and finally result in cancer. C-kit is alternatively called stem cell factor receptor (SCFR) or CD117. It appears that lack of c-kit expression accompanies progression of some tumors, e.g. lung, breast, GIST. The aim of this study was to evaluate C-kit protein expression level within cancer cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty specimens of breast cancer and 60 non-cancerous breast tissue specimens were evaluated by IHC for C-kit presentation. We used positive GIST slides as controls. Epi-info ver 6.04 (CDC, WHO) was used for analysis. RESULTS: C-kit was negative in all breast cancer specimens. C-kit was negative in 47 (78%) of 60 non-cancerous breast tissue specimens, but was positive in 13 (22%) of them (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a reduction in C-kit expression with malignant transformation of breast epithelium. C-kit is believed to play a role in breast carcinogenesis. However, we should follow patients with normal or benign breast tissue to indicate any correlation between C-kit presentation and breast cancer development.