Antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in the blood of breast cancer patients of different ages after chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil,doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide

ObjectivesBreast carcinoma is related to the increase of lipid peroxidation in plasma with concomitant decrease of antioxidant (AO) defense capacity in blood cells, which becomes more pronounced during aging of the patients. This work evaluated the potential age-related effect of chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (FAC) on the level of lipid hydroperoxides (LP), glutathione (GSH), AO enzyme activities of copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) in breast cancer patients. The level of CuZnSOD protein was assessed after the FAC therapy and radiotherapy of breast cancer.Design and methodsAO parameters were measured in the blood of 58 breast cancer patients and 60 healthy age-matched healthy subjects by biochemical and Western blot analyses.ResultsIncreased oxidative stress (LP: p < 0.05) and decreased AO enzyme activities (CuZnSOD: p < 0.01, GPx: p < 0.05, GR: p < 0.01) and GSH level (p < 0.01) in the blood of breast cancer patients in response to FAC chemotherapy seem not to be age-dependent. CuZnSOD enzyme expression decreased after the FAC chemotherapy (p < 0.05), while it increased after the radiotherapy of breast cancer (p < 0.05).ConclusionFAC chemotherapy and radiotherapy promote further oxidative shift, which potentiate already existing chronic oxidative stress linked to breast cancer. In these effects, impaired capacity for H₂O₂ detoxification (CAT, GPX and GSH) seems to have major contribution.     

Plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein and its relationship with cytokine levels in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and ketoacidosis

BackgroundHigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been suggested as sensitive markers of endothelial dysfunction. Our aim was to monitor plasma hs-CRP levels at different time-points and in different degrees of ketoacidosis severity, its association with cytokine levels and its role as a marker of severe ketoacidosis complications.Patients and methodsWe studied in 38 newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes and ketoacidosis, aged 7.7 ± 3.1 years, hs-CRP, white blood cell count (WBC), and plasma levels of cytokines IL-1β (interleukin-1β), IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) prior to and during DKA management.ResultsOn admission, the levels of WBC, PMN, IL-6 and IL-10 were elevated, but were all reduced within 120 h after ketoacidosis management. In the group with moderate/severe ketoacidosis, but not in mild ketoacidosis, hs-CRP levels were significantly reduced at 24 h (p = 0.021), WBC and IL-6 at 120 h (p = 0.003), while IL-10 was prematurely reduced at 6–8 h (p = 0.008). Moreover hs-CRP was significantly associated with WBC (p = 0.023) and IL-6 (p = 0.028) on admission, with IL-6 (p = 0.002) and IL-8 (p = 0.014) at 24 h and with IL-10 (p = 0.027) at 120 h. The above were not observed in the group with mild ketoacidosis.ConclusionsIn the children with moderate/severe diabetic ketoacidosis of our study, increased levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 were observed, together with leukocytosis and neutrophilia, without the presence of infection. As hs-CRP was found to be strongly associated with the inflammatory IL-6, the prolonged elevation of hs-CRP levels in children with severe ketoacidosis could serve as a marker for the development of its severe complications.     

Cell-free DNA characteristics and chimerism analysis in patients after allogeneic cell transplantation

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from plasma or serum has received increasing interest for diagnostic applications in pregnancy, solid tumors and solid organ transplantation. The reported clinical usefulness of cfDNA obtained from plasma or serum in patients undergoing allogeneic cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is scarce.ObjectiveTo analyze the potential clinical utility of cfDNA chimerism analysis after alloHSCT.Design and methodsA total of 196 samples obtained from 110 patients were investigated for their chimeric status both in peripheral blood and plasma using standard PCR for microsatellite amplification. Plasma DNA size distribution was analyzed using capillary electrophoresis.ResultsThe mean cfDNA concentration in the transplanted patients was 469 ng/ml (range: 50–10,700 ng/ml). The size range of almost 80% of the analyzed fragments was between 80 and 200 bp. In 41 out of the 110 patients included in the study a mixture of donor and recipient plasma cfDNA was detected. There was a statistically significant difference in the percentage of plasma mixed chimerism between the patients without transplant related complications and the patients with either GvHD (p < 0.05) or relapse (p < 0.01). In those patients who showed improvement of GvHD also displayed a decrease in the observable percentage of recipient cfDNA during GvHD treatment. In patients without improvement or even with worsening of acute GvHD, stable or increasing levels of recipient cfDNA were detected.ConclusionscfDNA in combination with peripheral blood and bone marrow cell chimerism analysis might improve its utility in the clinic in particular in those patients with clinical complications after alloHSCT.     

High density lipoprotein-anionic peptide factor effect on reverse cholesterol transport in type 2 diabetic patients with and without coronary artery disease

ObjectivesTo verify if HDL3 Anionic Peptide Factor (HDL3-APF) is as an apolipoprotein that promotes the reverse cholesterol transport.Design and methodsWe investigated a possible association between plasma HDL3-APF concentration, cholesterol efflux from Fu5AH cells and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 36), those without CAD (n = 20), and 37 healthy subjects.ResultsPlasma APF concentrations were decreased in diabetics with CAD compared to controls (p < 0.01). Cellular cholesterol efflux was decreased in diabetics without and with CAD, (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). CETP activity was significantly elevated in all patient groups. Multiple linear regression analysis shows that cholesterol efflux was independently and positively related only to APF concentrations in controls.ConclusionsAPF is likely to be a key independent factor for promoting cellular cholesterol efflux in healthy subjects. However this association is altered in type 2 diabetes.     

Paraoxonase activity in athletes with depleted iron stores and iron-deficient erythropoiesis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate how conditions that precede anaemia (iron store depletion and iron-deficient erythropoiesis) affect human serum paraoxonase PON1 activity.Design and methodsBased on haemoglobin, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin values 119 athletes were divided into three groups: with iron depletion, with deficient erythropoiesis and controls. The following parameters were measured: paraoxonase activity towards paraoxon (POase) and diazoxon (DZOase), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), red blood cells (RBC) and lipid status.ResultsSignificant differences were found between athletes with different stages of iron deficiency and controls with respect to PON 1 activity and oxidative stress status parameters (Wilks' Lambda = 0.712, F = 5.241, p < 0.001, η² = 0.156). There was no significant difference between the PON1 192 Q and R polymorphism distribution in the two groups of athletes with different stages of iron deficiency and controls (χ² = 1.086; p = 0.896). PON1 activity was positively correlated with RBCs, haemoglobin, transferrin saturation (p < 0.001) and ferritin (p = 0.037) and negatively correlated with LOOH (p = 0.044) in all three study groups.ConclusionsDeficient erythropoiesis in athletes contributes to impaired PON1 activity. In contrast, iron depletion, regardless of increased oxidative stress, does not affect PON1 activity.     

Growth-differentiation factor-15 and tissue doppler ımaging in detection of asymptomatic anthracycline cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors

ObjectivesAnthracyclines have led to an increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality. Late cardiac complications in cancer survivors may develop from subclinical myocardial damage. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) also has potential as a clinically useful technique for the assessment of myocardial function. Biochemical markers may be used to detect cardiac damage growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and are emerging as a biomarker of cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study is to assess the value of the plasma levels of GDF-15 and TDI in detecting late myocardial dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) who were treated with anthracyclines.Design and methodsThirty-eight CCS who had completed chemotherapy treatment with anthracyclines were included in this study. Control group consisted of 32 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. All children underwent a detailed echocardiography, which contained an M-mode, pulse Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging. However, GDF-15 and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) were measured.ResultsAlthough, systolic function of the left ventricular was similar in all groups, there were significant differences between parameters of diastolic function of the heart. The mitral valve E wave, E/A ratio, left ventricular E′m wave, and E′m/A′m ratio were different in the patients than in the controls (p = 0.049, p = 0.037, p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, respectively). The tricuspid valve E/A ratio, right ventricular E′t wave, and E′t/A′t ratio in the patients were also different from those of the controls (p = 0.031, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). Mean plasma GDF-15 was significantly higher in patients than healthy controls (p = 0.027). There were no significant differences in cTnI between both groups.ConclusionsGrowth-differentiation factor-15 level may be used as a biomarker of anthracycline-induced cardiovascular disease severity in the CCS.     

Influence of pre-analytical and analytical factors on osteoprotegerin measurements

IntroductionOsteoprotegerin (OPG), an osteoclastogenesis inhibitor implicated in bone remodelling, has emerged as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular disease. In order to implement OPG determination in the clinical laboratory, it is crucial to identify the most appropriate specimen type, preparation and measurement conditions. The present study focuses on identifying the pre-analytical variables that may influence OPG measurements.MethodsSerum and plasma (in EDTA, heparin and citrate) were collected from 45 healthy volunteers (men (n = 21, 46.7%), women (n = 24, 53.3%)). OPG was analysed by ELISA. The influence of the centrifugation speed, the number of freeze–thaw cycles, delay in sample processing, thermo-stability and endogenous interfering agents (haemolysis, triglycerides, bilirubin, cholesterol and RANKL) were studied.ResultsOPG concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in serum (1015 ± 357 pg/mL) than in all plasma samples (1314 ± 448 pg/mL in EDTA, 1209 ± 417 pg/mL in heparin and 1260 ± 498 pg/mL in citrate).Increasing centrifugation speed (200 g to 3000 g) did not change serum OPG concentration (p = 0.88). However, OPG concentration significantly increased when centrifuged serum samples were stored at 48 h at room temperature (p < 0.0001). Repeated freeze–thaw cycles did not modify OPG levels until 4 cycles (p < 0.0001). Increasing time before processing the samples (2 h and 6 h) raised OPG concentrations both at room temperature (p < 0.0001) or 4 °C (p < 0.001).Positive concentration-dependent interference of triglycerides was found in the analysed pooled samples; however, OPG concentrations were falsely diminished with haemoglobin interference. Bilirubin, cholesterol and RANKL did not interfere with OPG measurements.     

Determining the effectiveness of an Elder Abuse Nurse Examiner Curriculum: A pilot study

ObjectivesTo pilot and evaluate a novel Elder Abuse Nurse Examiner Curriculum and its associated training materials for their efficacy in improving Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)s' knowledge of elder abuse and competence in delivering care to abused older adults.MethodsPilot training was held with 18 SANEs from across Ontario, Canada. A 52-item pre- and post-training questionnaire was administered that assessed participants' self-reported knowledge and perceived skills-based competence related to elder abuse care. A curriculum training evaluation survey was also delivered following the training. Qualitative non-participant observational data were collected throughout the training.ResultsThere were statistically significant improvements in self-reported knowledge and perceived skills-based competence from pre-training to post-training for all content domains of the curriculum: older adults and abuse (p < 0.0001), documentation, legislative, and legal issues (p < 0.0001); interview with the older adult, caregiver, and other relevant contacts (p < 0.0001); assessment (p = 0.0018); medical and forensic examination (p < 0.0001); case summary, discharge plan, and follow-up care (p < 0.0001). The post-training evaluation survey demonstrated satisfaction among participants across all components of the curriculum and its delivery, particularly with reference to the comprehensiveness of the curriculum, and the clarity and appropriateness of the training materials.ConclusionsThe Elder Abuse Nurse Examiner Curriculum and associated training materials were efficacious in improving SANEs' self-reported knowledge of and perceived competence in delivering elder abuse care. Future steps will further evaluate these materials as a component of a pilot of a larger comprehensive Elder Abuse Intervention at multiple sites across Ontario.     

Urinary uric acid and antioxidant capacity in children and adults with Down syndrome

ObjectivesTo evaluate the urinary levels of uric acid (UA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with and without UA relative contribution (TAC^?UA) in children and adults with Down syndrome (DS) and to prove the clinical use of TAC.Design and methodsUrine samples were obtained from 32 individuals with DS and 29 controls. Two age groups were established (children and adults). Spectrophotometric methods were used for biochemical determinations.ResultsChildren with DS had significantly higher UA/Cr and TAC/Cr levels than controls, whereas levels of TAC^?UA/Cr were lower in adults with DS than in controls (P < 0.05 for all). In DS, levels of UA/Cr, TAC/Cr and TAC^?UA/Cr were higher in children than in adults (P < 0.05 for all). Positive correlations between UA/Cr and TAC/Cr were found for all groups studied. Negative correlations with age were found for UA/Cr and TAC/Cr in children of both groups.ConclusionsOur results proved that TAC is decreased in adults with DS. Besides, TAC^?UA seems to provide more reliable information about the antioxidant status, at least in DS.     

Clinical significance of Stratifin,ERα and PR promoter methylation in tumor and serum DNA in Indian breast cancer patients

Objectives:The objective of this study was to determine the concordance of promoter methylation of stratifin, ERα and PR in tumor and circulating DNA in breast cancer patients and their association with clinicopathological parameters and disease prognosis.Design and methods:Methylation specific PCR were carried out to investigate the promoter methylation status of stratifin, ERα and PR in tumor and circulating DNA in 100 breast cancer patients in a prospective study. The effect of promoter methylation on protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Results:Significant association was observed between promoter methylation of stratifin in tumors (61%) and paired sera (56%) (r = 0.78; p ≤ 0.001). Loss of stratifin expression was observed in 47% tumors and was associated with poor overall survival (p = 0.05). Significant correlation was observed between methylation status of ERα with PRB (p < 0.0001, OR = 20.8, 95% CI = 7.4–58.0) and stratifin (p = 0.003, OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 0.8–4.4).Conclusion:This study underscores the potential utility of serum DNA methylation of these genes as surrogate for tumor DNA methylation as a promising tool for cancer diagnosis.     

Serum glycated albumin levels,but not glycated hemoglobin,is low in relation to glycemia in non-diabetic men with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with high alanine aminotransferase levels

ObjectivesWe have reported that serum glycated albumin (GA) levels are low in obese subjects, smokers and hyperuricemic subjects in whom high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) is elevated. Because patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are reported to show high levels of hs-CRP, the relationship between serum ALT and serum GA levels was investigated.Design and methodsThis study comprised 196 non-diabetic men without drinking habit.ResultsCompared with the normal ALT group (serum ALT ≤ 30 U/L; n = 158), the high ALT group (serum ALT > 30 U/L; n = 38) had significantly higher fasting plasma glucose (PG), OGTT 2-h PG and HbA_1C levels. Meanwhile, serum GA was significantly lower, and hs-CRP was significantly higher in the high ALT group.ConclusionsThe results obtained indicate that serum GA is under a negative control of hs-CRP in subjects with high ALT without drinking habit.     

VEGF-A gene promoter polymorphisms and microvascular complications in patients with essential hypertension

ObjectivesWe investigated the possible involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) gene promoter polymorphisms in essential hypertension (EH).Design and methods1225 bp of the VEGF-A gene promoter were screened for polymorphisms using PCR amplification and direct DNA sequence analysis in 62 EH and 62 normotensive (HS) individuals. Circulating VEGF-A levels were determined by immunoassay.Results?152G/A (p = 0.009) and ?116G/A (p = 0.016) polymorphisms were correlated to hypertension (p < 0.05). Median platelet VEGF-A load in EH was 2.10 fg/plt. Patients with microvascular complications (MC) had higher platelet VEGF-A load than those without (p = 0.005). Multivariate analyses showed that ?116 A allele was an independent predictor of microalbuminuria (p = 0.014) and increased platelet VEGF-A load (p = 0.009) in EH. Platelet VEGF-A load independently predicted MC (p = 0.049) in addition to ?116G/A polymorphism (p = 0.035).ConclusionsAbnormal regulation of VEGF-A due to polymorphism at position ?116 might represent a genetic factor for increased VEGF-A production and MC in EH.     

Predictive value of thrombopath determination in women with infertility and pregnancy complications

BackgroundA condition of maternal thrombophilia, either inherited or acquired, can compromise the success of implantation and foetal survival.MethodsMalfunctions in protein C pathway were evaluated using a novel assay [HemosIL ThromboPath (ThP)] in a case-control study of 172 women with a history of recurrent miscarriage or infertility and 86 age-matched unrelated fertile women.ResultsThrombophilia was ascertained in 13% of the cases. ThP values were lower in women either with or without thrombophilia compared to controls (both p < 0.0001). Abnormal ThP values (below the mean minus 1SD of controls) were found in 62% of cases compared to 12% of controls (p < 0.0001). Non-thrombophilic women who achieved spontaneous pregnancy had higher ThP values compared to those who did not (p < 0.05). Elevated ThP values were an independent predictor for pregnancy (p < 0.01) in women without thrombophilia. A decrease of ThP values was observed during pregnancy progression, which correlated with that of protein S (p < 0.05). Miscarriage or major complications occurred in women in whom ThP percent change was approximately 2-fold higher than that observed in women who achieved successful pregnancy (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThP might represent an efficient assay for screening women with pregnancy complications and might provide prognostic information during pregnancy progression.     

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status in phenylketonuric patients treated with tetrahydrobiopterin

Objectives:To evaluate LCPUFA composition in PKU patients treated with BH₄.Design and methods:Cross-sectional study of plasma and erythrocyte LCPUFA composition of 13 PKU patients treated with BH₄ compared with data from 48 PKU patients on protein-restricted diet, and 17 mild HPA patients on free diet. PUFA were analysed by gas chromatography.Results:Plasma and erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and LCPUFA deficiency markers did not show significant differences in PKU patients on BH₄ compared with those with mild HPA and our reference values, but they did in comparison with PKU on protein-restricted diet (p < 0.0001). Essential fatty acids and arachidonic acid composition were not significantly different in any of the studied groups. DHA values correlate with the index of dietary control only in PKU patients on protein-restricted diet (p =   0.002).Conclusion:LCPUFA status is within the reference values in PKU patients treated with BH₄. This translates to a further advantage of BH₄ therapy.     

The prognostic value of serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A,S100 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein in acute ischemic stroke patients without heparin administration

ObjectivesThe concerns regarding the pre-analytical bias caused by medicine treatments have been raised in the diagnosis and prognosis of ischemic stroke recently. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value of serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), S100 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in heparin-naïve patients of acute ischemic stroke.Design and methodsSerum levels of PAPP-A, S100 and hs-CRP were determined in 205 heparin-naïve patients of acute ischemic stroke and 50 healthy controls. Clinical information and radiological information were collected. Unfavorable outcomes (stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction or death) were also recorded after six months. The associations between serum biomarker levels and stroke severity/outcome were assessed.ResultsSerum PAPP-A, S100 and hs-CRP levels increased in patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). S100 and hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with larger cerebral infarction sizes (P < 0.05) and more severe neurological impairment (P < 0.05). Serum PAPP-A level showed a progressive increase with the increase of stroke severity (P < 0.05). Serum hs-CRP and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were identified as independent predictors for unfavorable outcomes with odds ratios of 2.884 (1.154 to 7.210, P = 0.023) and 2.887 (1.146 to 7.273, P = 0.024), respectively.ConclusionSerum PAPP-A, S100 and hs-CRP were associated with stroke severity or outcome after ischemic stroke and may offer complementary information, essential for clinical decision making. Serum PAPP-A showed a potential value for the evaluation of stroke clinically.     

Exposure to parental verbal abuse is associated with increased gray matter volume in superior temporal gyrus

ObjectiveExposure to parental verbal aggression (PVA) during childhood increases risk for the development of psychopathology, particularly mood and anxiety disorders. Other forms of childhood abuse have been found to be associated with alterations in brain structure. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether exposure to PVA was associated with discernible effects on brain morphology.MethodsOptimized voxel-based morphometry was performed on 21 unmedicated, right-handed subjects (18–25 years) with histories of PVA and 19 psychiatrically healthy controls of comparable age and gender. Group differences in gray matter volume (GMV) – covaried by age, gender, parental education, financial stress, and total GMV – were assessed using high-resolution, T1-weighted, volumetric MRI data sets (Siemens 3T trio scanner).ResultsGMV was increased by 14.1% in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG, BA 22) (P = 0.004, corrected cluster level). GMV in this cluster was associated most strongly with levels of maternal (ß = 0.544, P < 0.0001) and paternal (ß = 0.300, P < 0.02) verbal aggression and inversely associated with parental education (ß = ? 0.577, P < 0.0001).ConclusionPrevious studies have demonstrated an increase in STG GMV in children with abuse histories, and found a reduction in fractional anisotropy in the arcuate fasciculus connecting Wernicke's and frontal areas in young adults exposed to PVA. These findings and the present results suggest that the development of auditory association cortex involved in language processing may be affected by exposure to early stress and/or emotionally abusive language.     

CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYBA gene polymorphisms associated with oxidative stress in COPD

BackgroundThe genetic susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) depends on detoxification and antioxidant enzymes, which detoxify cigarette smoke reactive components that, otherwise, generate oxidative stress.MethodsIn a case–control study of 346 subjects with and without COPD, we examined the polymorphisms 462Ile/Val, 3801T/C of CYP1A1, ?3860G/A of CYP1A2 and ?930A/G, 242C/T of CYBA individually or in combination and their contribution to oxidative stress markers by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).ResultsCOPD patients had significantly increased MDA concentration (p < 0.001) and decreased CAT activity, GSH concentration, GPx activity (p ≤ 0.01). The patients were over-represented by the alleles 462Val, 3801C of CYP1A1 and ?930G, 242C of CYBA (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.030 and p = 0.031, respectively) and consequently the haplotypes of same alleles i.e. 462Val:3801C, 462Val:3801T and ?930G:242C (p = 0.048, p = 0.016 and p = 0.039, respectively). Similarly, CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 haplotypes, 462Val:3860G and 462Val:3801T:3860G were significantly over-represented (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003), respectively in patients. The same alleles-associated genotype-combinations between genes were more prevalent in patients. Of note, the genotypes, 462Ile/Val+Val/Val, 3801TC+CC of CYP1A1 and ?930AG+GG of CYBA associated with increased MDA concentration (p = 0.018, p = 0.045 and p = 0.017, respectively), decreased CAT activity (p < 0.0001, p = 0.080 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and GSH concentration (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0002 and p = 0.011, respectively) in patients.ConclusionThe identified alleles, its haplotypes and the genotype-combination along with increased oxidative stress, signify the importance in susceptibility to COPD.     

MUC1 568 A/G genotype-dependent Cancer Antigen 15-3 levels in breast cancer patients

ObjectivesCA 15-3 is a widely used tumor marker for breast cancer. We have investigated whether the MUC1 568 A/G polymorphism can influence CA 15-3 levels in healthy women and patients with breast tumors.Design and methodsCA 15-3 was measured in 208 healthy women, in 67 with benign disease, and in 162 women with breast cancer. All subjects were genotyped for the MUC1 568 A/G polymorphism.ResultsSignificant differences were observed between mean CA 15-3 levels of control subjects grouped according to the MUC1 568 genotype (mean ± SD): AA (10.3 ± 3.8), AG (15.9 ± 5.0) and GG (19.0 ± 5.6) U/mL, p < 0.0001. Similar (median) results were observed in women with benign breast disease: AA (10.2), AG (14.2) and GG (16.6) U/mL, p < 0.0001, and those with breast cancer: AA (10.4), AG (17.1) and GG (23.9) U/mL, p < 0.0001.ConclusionsThe MUC1 568 A/G polymorphism strongly influences CA 15-3 levels in healthy women and women with either benign or malignant breast tumors.     

Concentrations of omentin and vaspin versus insulin resistance in obese individuals

IntroductionOmentin and vaspin are adipokines manifesting a potentially protective action against obesity-associated metabolic disturbances.AimEvaluation of relationship between serum concentrations of omentin and vaspin on one hand and indices of insulin resistance and anthropometric parameters in obese individuals on the other.Material and methodsThe studies were conducted on 64 individuals. The investigated group (37 obese patients) included the subgroup with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and with abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT). The control group (n = 27) included healthy individuals with normal body weight. In all participants anthropometric analyses and biochemical tests, including estimation of omentin and vaspin concentrations were performed, and insulin resistance by HOMA-IR was evaluated.ResultsConcentrations of examined adipokines manifested no significant differences between the examined groups. Median values of the index defining ratio between studied adipokine and degree of insulin resistance, i.e. omentin/HOMA-IR, proved to be different in the investigated and the control group while no such difference could be noted in cases of vaspin/HOMA-IR indices. In the studied population a negative relationship was detected between serum concentration of omentin and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.04). Values of omentin/HOMA-IR index manifested a correlation with values of most anthropometric parameters (p < 0.0001), blood pressure (p < 0.0001) concentrations of TG (p < 000.1) and HDL (p < 0.0001), ISI_basal (p < 0.00001), ISI_gly (p < 0.0001), Quicki (p < 0.00001) and fasting insulinaemia (p < 0.00001). In the case of vaspin/HOMA-IR index only its positive relationship with HDL concentration was noted (p < 0.05).ConclusionIn context of date of correlation, multiple regression and values of area of under receiver operating characteristics curve omentin, as compared to vaspin, seems to provide a better predictor of insulin resistance in obese individuals.