SmgGDS is up-regulated in prostate carcinoma and promotes tumour phenotypes in prostate cancer cells.

SmgGDS is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor with the unique ability to activate multiple small GTPases, implicating it in cancer development and progression. Here, we investigated the role of SmgGDS in prostate cancer by studying the expression of SmgGDS in benign and malignant prostatic tissues. We also probed SmgGDS function in three prostate carcinoma cell lines using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SmgGDS levels were elevated in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), prostate carcinoma, and metastatic prostate carcinoma. In addition, expression of SmgGDS positively correlated with that of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a protein believed to promote the development of prostate carcinoma. Reduction of SmgGDS expression in prostate carcinoma cells inhibited proliferation and migration, irrespective of androgen receptor status. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in COX-2 expression and in activity of NF-kappaB, a known regulator of COX-2. Taken together, these findings suggest that SmgGDS promotes the development and progression of prostate cancer, possibly associated with NF-kappaB-dependent up-regulation of COX-2.

[Comparison of findings with 18-FDG PET and CT in pretherapeutic staging of malignant lymphoma]. / Vergleich der Befunde von 18-FDG-PET und CT beim prätherapeutischen Staging maligner Lymphome.

AIM: Comparison of diagnostic efficiency of FDG-PET and CT regarding localisation, histology, size and FDG-uptake of a lesion. METHODS: CT- and FDG-PET studies of 27 patients with histologically confirmed malignant lymphoma as primary disease or relapse were evaluated retrospectively. In CT lesions with a diameter (DCT) > 15 mm were regarded as positive. Focal accumulations of FDG, not explained by physiological metabolism, found by visual interpretation in iterative reconstructed PET-scans, were quantified for diameter (DPET) and corrected standardized uptake value (SUV), corrected for partial-volume-effect. Lesions were classified depending on histology and lesion quality (lymph nodes, bulks, extranodal lesions). RESULTS: CT detected 78 lesions in 26 patients, all confirmed by FDG-PET. PET localized 18 additional lesions (+23%); in high grade NHL +25%. Both methods were equally efficient in cervical lymph nodes and lung lesions, in all other regions of lymphatic nodules and in case of liver and spleen lesions PET localized more lesions. SUV was significantly higher in high-grade NHL (19.0) than in low-grade NHL and Hodgkin's disease (10.6 resp. 11.1). DCT and DPET correlated significantly (r = 0.75). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic efficiency of FDG-PET is equivalent or superior to CT in staging of malignant lymphoma before therapy. Qualitative interpretation seems sufficient for staging, quantitative analysis may add information about malignancy grade in NHL.

The use of Mersilene mesh in adult inguinal and femoral hernia repairs: a comparison with classic techniques.

A retrospective review of both mesh classic inguinal hernia repairs performed under the guidance of a single surgeon showed that Mersilene mesh is safe to use and that the recurrence rate is significantly improved by using the mesh for repair. Mersilene mesh is easier to use than other types of mesh and should be used routinely in the repair of inguinal and femoral hernias.

[Botulinum toxin A in therapy of craniocervical dystonias and hemifacial spasm]. / Botulinum Toxin A in der Therapie von kranio-zervikalen Dystonien und Hemispasmus facialis.

34 patients with focal dystonias (13 with essential blepharospasm, 3 with Meige's syndrome, 2 with hemifacial spasm, 16 with spasmodic torticollis) were treated with botulinum type A toxin. 4 ng of botulinum type A toxin per eye were applied in the M. orbicularis oculi as first injection in the 18 patients without spasmodic torticollis. The 16 patients with idiopathic spasmodic torticollis received 10 ng botulinum toxin A in the contralateral M. sternocleidomastoideus as well as in the ipsilateral M. splenius capitis as first injection. The effect was monitored for a time period of at least 6 weeks by two subjective rating scores, a visual functional score and a global clinical impression score. Patients with blepharospasm showed a distinct improvement already after 4 days which lasted for 6 weeks. 75% of the patients with spasmodic torticollis experienced a moderate to distinct improvement after 4 days which remained stable for 6 weeks. A second injection was performed in 15 (7 blepharospasm, 8 spasmodic torticollis) patients 9-11 weeks later with a similar success. All observed side effects (weakness; stiffness of local muscles; feeling of dryness of eyes, unilateral ptosis) were mild and of transient nature. We suggest therefore botulinum type A toxin as treatment of first choice in focal dystonias.