The 3020insC NOD2 gene mutation in patients with ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE: There is an increasing evidence that genetic factors play a role in the etiology of malignant tumors. Mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The role of mutations in NOD2 gene in this type of neoplasm is still under investigation. THE AIM: The aim of this study was to determine: 1. incidence of NOD 2 3020insC constitutional mutation in a group of consecutive women with ovarian cancer, 2. risk of developing ovarian cancer in patients with NOD2 gene mutation, 3. clinical and pathological features of ovarian cancer in NOD2 gene mutation carriers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical and pathological data were collected from 257 non-selected patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer. The researches identified NOD2 3020insC gene mutation. On the basis of patient source documentation we obtained the data concerning the age of patients at diagnosis, histopathological recognition, FIGO stage and morphological grade G. RESULTS: 19 out of 257 women were identified with germ-line 3020insC mutation of NOD2 gene (7.39%). An increased risk of ovarian cancer in NOD2 mutation carriers was not revealed (OR=1.01; p=0.928; 95% Cl=0.61-1.66). The mean age at diagnosis of patients with NOD2 mutation was 54.8 (SD=9.9), while for non-carriers it was 53.2 (SD=10.2). The difference between these frequencies was statistically irrelevant (p=0.550). Clinical and pathological profile of ovarian cancer was made. We assessed the following features: age at disease onset, histopathology, FIGO stage and morphological grade G. For NOD2 mutation carriers no statistically significant features of ovarian cancer were revealed. CONCLUSION: 1. Despite high frequency of constitutional mutations occurrence in NOD2 gene in women with ovarian cancer, genetic testing seem not to be justified in all women diagnosed with this disease. 2. Due to a lack of increased risk of ovarian cancer in NOD2 gene mutation carriers, proceedings for them may not differ from recommendations for general population. 3. It is difficult to determine characteristic clinical and pathological features of ovarian cancer for NOD2 gene mutation carriers.     

The analysis of the incidence of cervical carcinomas based on the material from Histopathological Laboratory located in Zawiercie District Hospital

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of malignant cervical carcinomas found in the material from Histopathological Laboratory in Zawiercie District Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined materials included histopathological results concerning segments and scrapings from gynecological procedures and the results of the segments, collected during gynecological operations performed in the years 2000-2005, in which malignant neoplasms of uterine cervix had been diagnosed. The data concerning the neoplasms were analysed, taking into account the following parameters: the number of neoplasms found in relation to the total number of diagnostic procedures performed, patients' age, histological type of the neoplasm and the degree of clinical progression based on FIGO classification. RESULTS: In the examined material, there were 50 cases of cervical carcinomas, with the highest incidence in patients aged between 50-59. The most common morphological type was squamous carcinoma and the majority of cervical carcinomas was characterized by the I degrees of disease clinical progression--38 cases, also 4 preinvasive carcinomas were found and 8 cancers of the II degrees of progression, according to FIGO classification. CONCLUSION: A considerable decrease of cervical carcinomas incidence, observed in the study period and the number of neoplasms found in an early progression stage are the effect of conducted screening examinations, due to which precancerous conditions are diagnosed and treated.     

The Role of Phytosterols in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now recognized as the most common cause of chronic liver disease with an increasing prevalence in both adults and children. Although the symptoms are absent or poorly expressed in most cases, some patients may progress to end-stage liver disease. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is known to be multifactorial. Current therapeutic recommendations focus on lifestyle changes in order to reduce the incidence of risk factors and drugs targeting major molecular pathways potentially involved in the development of this disease. Given that a pharmacological treatment, completely safe and effective, is not currently known in recent years more research has been done on the effects that some bio-active natural compounds, derived from plants, have in preventing the onset and progression of NAFLD. Numerous studies, in animals and humans, have shown that phytosterols (PSs) play an important role in this pathology. Phytosterols are natural products that are found naturally in plant. More than 250 phytosterols have been identified, but the most common in the diet are stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and campesterol. Consumption of dietary PSs can reduce serum cholesterol levels. Due to these properties, most studies have focused on their action on lipid metabolism and the evolution of NAFLD. PSs may reduce steatosis, cytotoxicity oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the importance of dietary phytosterols, which are a window of opportunity in the therapeutic management of NAFLD.     

Hierarchical Nanocomposites Electrospun Carbon NanoFibers/Carbon Nanotubes as a Structural Element of Potentiometric Sensors

This work proposes new carbon materials for intermediate layers in solid-contact electrodes sensitive for potassium ions. The group of tested materials includes electrospun carbon nanofibers, electrospun carbon nanofibers with incorporated cobalt nanoparticles and hierarchical nanocomposites composed of carbon nanotubes deposited on nanofibers with different metal nanoparticles (cobalt or nickel) and nanotube density (high or low). Materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and contact angle microscopy. Electrical parameters of ready-to-use electrodes were characterized using chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The best results were obtained for potassium electrodes with carbon nanofibers with nickel-cobalt nanoparticles and high density of nanotubes layer: the highest capacity value (330 µF), the lowest detection limit (10^−6.3 M), the widest linear range (10⁻⁶–10⁻¹) and the best reproducibility of normal potential (0.9 mV). On the other hand the best potential reversibility, the lowest potential drift (20 μV·h⁻¹) in the long-term test and the best hydrophobicity (contact angle 168°) were obtained for electrode with carbon nanofibers with cobalt nanoparticles and high density of carbon nanotubes. The proposed electrodes can be used successfully in potassium analysis of real samples as shown in the example of tomato juices.     

Zeolite-Supported Aggregate as Potential Antimicrobial Agents in Gypsum Composites

Relatively easy treatment of glass aggregates can lead to the formation of a highly porous zeolite aggregate. This study focuses on the possibility of using such an aggregate as an active additive to a gypsum binder. The physical properties of hardened gypsum composites with zeolite fillers doped with various metal ions (Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺) have been compared. In addition to studies of the basic physical properties of the composites, structural and microstructural studies as well as antimicrobial tests were performed. It was found that the parameters of the composites with the addition of various ions do not differ significantly from the reference but modifies the microstructure. Among other things, the ions analyzed reduce the microporosity of gypsum composites. Using all aggregates, a product with adequate strength (above 2 MPa) and thermal conductivity (about 0.35 W/m·K) appropriate for typical lightweight gypsum composites can be obtained. The bacteriostatic effect of formulations with copper and zinc against Escherichia coli and with copper against Staphylococcus aureus was found.