Significance of S100A8, S100A9 and calprotectin levels in bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Members of the S100 protein family, S100A8, S100A9 and their heterodimer complex known as calprotectin are thought to be involved not only in inflammatory pathways but also in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Therefore, they have been widely studied in various types of cancer; however, there is limited knowledge about their role in bladder cancer. In this study, our aim was to determine the levels of S100A8 and S100A9 in the sera, and calprotectin levels in the sera and urines of bladder cancer patients and compare it to urinary BTA, a tumor marker that can be used in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was comprised of two major groups: 52 healthy controls and 82 patients with bladder cancer. The patient group was also divided into subgroups according to tumor stage and grade. Urine BTA levels, serum S100A8 and S100A9 levels, and serum and urine calprotectin levels in healthy controls and patients were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. RESULTS: While serum S100A8 and S100A9 levels did not differ between the controls and patients significantly, serum and urine calprotectin levels and urine BTA levels were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls. Serum calprotectin or urine BTA levels did not differ significantly among the patient subgroups. However, urine calprotectin levels were significantly elevated in muscle-invasive tumors (T2-4) compared to lower stages (Ta and T1). CONCLUSIONS: Urine calprotectin levels can be used in the diagnosis and staging of bladder cancer as a marker for muscle invasion.

Significance of serum c-erbB-2 oncoprotein, insulin-like growth factor-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to determine the predictive values of serum levels of several growth factors in ovarian cancer, including soluble c-erbB-2 oncoprotein, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that growth factors play an important role in carcinogenesis. METHODS: Two groups were established. One of them was the malignant group which included 41 patients with ovarian carcinoma and the other was the control group that was made up of 28 healthy volunteers. Preoperative serum samples were obtained from the patients, and c-erbB-2, IGF-1 and VEGF levels were measured in these samples using ELISA. Serum CA-125 levels were also determined, by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. RESULTS: VEGF levels of the malignant group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.01). CA-125 levels were also significantly higher than the in control group (p < 0.001). Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.982 for CA-125, 0.780 for VEGF, 0.603 for c-erbB-2, and 0.467 for IGF-1 in differentiating cancers from controls. CONCLUSION: Serum VEGF levels might be a predictor for diagnosis in ovarian cancer patients, while serum c-erbB-2 and IGF-1 levels do not have a clinical significance in terms of ovarian cancer (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 46).

ThinOptX vs AcrySof: comparison of visual and refractive results, contrast sensitivity, and the incidence of posterior capsule opacification.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual and refractive results, the changes in contrast sensitivity, and the incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after the implantation of UltraChoice 1.0 ThinOp-tX (ThinOptX Inc.) intraocular lens (IOL) and conventional acrylic foldable IOL (AcrySof MA30AC). METHODS: Twenty-five patients were randomized into two groups prospectively. In Group 1, microincisional phacoemulsification and the ThinOptX IOL implantation were applied in one eye, and in Group 2, conventional phacoemulsification and the AcrySof IOL implantation were applied in the fellow eye. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), contrast sensitivity, and the incidence of PCO were observed in the two groups and comparisons were made. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 12.8+/-1.5 months (range 11 to 14 months). In the last follow-up examination, UCVA and BCVA were significantly lower and the PCO scores were significantly higher in Group 1 (p<0.05). Although SIA was lower in Group 1, the difference was not statistically significant. Contrast sensitivity in higher spatial frequencies was significantly lower in Group 1 in the 6th month and 12th month visits. Capsular contraction was seen in 3 eyes (12%) in Group 1 whereas there was no capsular contraction or phimosis in Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term evaluation of the ThinOptX IOL concludes with an increased rate of PCO, a diminished resistance to the capsular contraction vs the AcrySof IOL, and a decrease in visual performance. The poor after cataract performance of this rollable lens shows that microphacoemulsification and ThinOptX IOL implantation is not as effective as conventional hacoemulsification and AcrySof IOL implantation in the long term.

The effect of 1-yr sibutramine treatment on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and serum lipid profiles in obese subjects.

The treatment of obesity is strongly recommended because many studies have shown it to be a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although diet and exercise are valuable in the treatment of obesity, patient compliance is a major problem. Recently, several short- and long-term clinical studies have reported significant improvements in obesity treatment with sibutramine. This study aimed at demonstrating 1-yr outcome of sibutramine treatment on the lipid metabolism and glucose tolerance [with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)] in obese patients. Seventy-two obese subjects (body mass index >30 kg/m2) were given sibutramine at a dose of 10 mg/day and a 1200 calorie diet for 12 months. Nine patients were withdrawn from the study (5 because of side effects, 2 because of ineffective therapy and 2 for unknown reasons). Sixty-three (6 male, 57 female) patients completed the study. Clinical and laboratory measurements were performed at the beginning, and after 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. At the end of the study, obese subjects had lower body weights, waist-to-hip ratios, serum triglyceride levels, and areas under the curve for glucose and insulin (all p<0.001). Serum HDL cholesterol levels and the insulin sensitivity index were higher after treatment (both p<0.001). Serum total and LDL cholesterol levels did not change significantly during the study. Our results indicate that 1-yr treatment with sibutramine along with a low-calorie diet in obese patients significantly improves glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and some lipid levels.