Frequent genotype changes at -308, and 488 regions of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene in patients with prostate cancer

PURPOSE: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is involved in oncogenesis of several cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether genotype changes of TNF-alpha promoter regions (-238, -308) and at the 488 region are associated with human prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The DNA from 73 cases of human prostate cancer was analyzed by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction to characterize the genotype changes of three regions of the TNF-alpha gene in prostate cancer patients. We also determined the genotype frequency in these patients. The relative risk of variant genotype was calculated by comparing with our previous data from healthy controls. RESULTS: Genetic changes were detected in 15.1% (11/73) of prostate cancer samples at 488 region of TNF-alpha. Seventy-three percent (53/73) of the patients showed genotype GA at -308 region of TNF-alpha. Genotype GA at 488 region in TNF-alpha was observed in 73% (53/73) of the cancer and 71% (52/73) of the normal tissue. The relative risks of incidence for prostate cancer was 14-fold higher in people with genotype GA at -308 region of TNF-alpha. The relative incidence for prostate cancer was a 17-fold higher in-patient with genotype GA at 488 region of TNF-alpha. Genotype GA at -308 of TNF-alpha was related to higher clinical tumor stage of prostate cancer than genotype G (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that the genotype changes in -308 and 488 regions of TNF-alpha are associated with prostate cancer.     

Tyrosinämie Typ I

Tyrosinemia type I is an autosomal recessive inherited defect of tyrosine metabolism. The underlying cause is a defect of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase. The disease affects the liver (acute liver failure, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer), the kidney (tubulopathy with hypophosphatemic rickets), and the peripheral nervous system (paresthesia, vegetative symptoms, progressive paralysis). Beside the hypertyrosinemia the diagnosis can be made on the basis of urinary excretion of a pathological metabolite of the tyrosine metabolism (succinylacetone). Therapeutic options are a regulated phenylalanine/tyrosine diet, a very effective drug therapy (NTBC) that has been available for several years, and in cases of acute liver failure or end-stage liver cirrhosis a liver transplantation.     

Lactobacillus bei Schwangeren

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Fetofetales Transfusionssyndrom

In monochorionic twin pregnancies, the risk of developing a twin to twin transfusion syndrome is between 15 and 20%. Using high-resolution ultrasound machines, sonographic images demonstrate the detailed features of placental development. The lambda sign was established for the diagnosis of dichorionic placenta and the T sign for monochorionic placenta at the end of the first trimester. Other sonographic findings of the twin to twin transfusion syndrome are monochorionicity, same sex, polyhydramnios, permanently filled bladder in the recipient, and oligo/anhydramnios of the donor with a slightly filled or empty bladder. Fetoscopic laser treatment has become an accepted procedure to coagulate the placental anastomoses. This development is supported by actual studies about psycho- and neuromotoric development in early childhood, which shows a lower rate of disabled children in the group receiving laser therapy in comparison to the group undergoing amnioreduction. Twin pregnancies complicated by twin to twin transfusion syndrome should be treated in specialized prenatal centers.     

Diagnostik und Therapie der auditorischen Synaptopathie/Neuropathie

Pathological auditory brainstem responses (lack of responses, elevated thresholds and perturbed waveforms) in combination with present otoacoustic emissions are typical audiometric findings in patients with a hearing impairment that particularly affects speech comprehension or complete deafness. This heterogenous group of disorders first described as “auditory neuropathy” includes dysfunction of peripheral synaptic coding of sound by inner hair cells (synaptopathy) and/or of the generation and propagation of action potentials in the auditory nerve (neuropathy). This joint statement provides prevailing background information as well as recommendations on diagnosis and treatment. The statement focuses on the handling in the german language area but also refers to current international statements.     

Aktuelle Leitlinien zur interventionellen Mammadiagnostik

Minimally invasive diagnostic procedures for the breast under mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance guidance have led to a higher specificity of imaging techniques and a decrease in open biopsy of the breast. The percutaneous approach is more cost and time effective and reduces morbidity compared with open biopsy. The “Step-3-guideline for early breast cancer detection in Germany” represents the first national guidelines for a nationwide, quality assured, early breast cancer detection program, including recommendations for minimally invasive breast diagnostics. Indications for ultrasound guided vacuum biopsy of the breast are summarized in the “Consensus on the use and technique of vacuum-assisted sonographic breast biopsy” by the Study Group on Minimally Invasive Breast Interventions (AG MiMi) of the German Society of Senology (DGS).     

Moderne immuntherapeutische Ansätze für die Behandlung von Lungen- und Kopf-Hals-Tumoren

Zusammenfassung Multimodale Therapiestrategien, die Chirurgie, Strahlen- und Chemotherapie kombinieren, haben die Behandlungsergebnisse bei Tumoren der Lunge und der Kopf-Hals Region verbessert. Die Ergänzung des Therapiespektrums um weitere Ansätze, die sich in der Wirkungsweise und möglichst durch reduzierte Toxizität von den konventionellen unterscheiden, erscheint jedoch zur Erzielung weiterer Fortschritte notwendig. Eine neue Generation immunologischer passiver (antikörperbasierter) und auch aktiver (Vakzinierungs-) Strategien erscheint aussichtsreich und befindet sich gegenwärtig in der klinischen Prüfung. Die Untersuchung der optimalen zeitlichen Sequenz in Kombination mit den konventionellen Therapieverfahren und die Individualisierung der Therapie auf Basis genomischer/proteomischer Daten muss die klinische Integration begleiten.     

Therapieprinzipien beim Lokalrezidiv des Rektumkarzinoms

The aim of treatment in isolated locally recurrent rectal cancer is R0 resection, which is possible in 30%. Because of the high rate of surgical complications after repeat surgery in the pelvis, preoperative staging has to be precise to estimate the extent and location of the recurrent rectal cancer. After exclusion of distant metastases, surgery should be considered following preoperative radiochemotherapy if possible. When a curative treatment concept is not indicated, radiotherapy is the best treatment choice. This paper presents various tabularised summaries about therapeutic strategies in isolated locally recurrent rectal cancer.     

Alveolar soft part sarcoma: MR and angiographic findings

Objective. To present the MR and angiographic findings of alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS). Design and patients. MR examinations (12 tumors of 10 patients) of ASPS performed at multiple hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The tumors were found in the thigh (n=4), lower leg (n=4), femur (n=2, local metastasis), scalp (n=1) and arm (n=1). The MR signal characteristics including signal intensity, homogeneity and signal void of lesions and bony invasion including direct invasion or local metastasis were evaluated. Angiographic findings (n=4) and post-embolotherapy follow-up MR imaging (n=2) findings were also assessed. Results. Local bony metastasis was found in two cases. Seven tumors showed heterogeneous high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images with good enhancement. One tumor had a very high signal on T1-weighted images. Eight tumors (67%) showed numerous signal voids in or near the tumors. All four angiographic studies showed numerous enlarged vessels, arteriovenous shunts and delayed washout. Two cases mimicked arteriovenous malformations on angiographic studies but MR images demonstrated solid soft tissue components as well as tortuous vessels. Conclusions. High signal on T1-weighted image and numerous signal voids are highly suggestive of ASPS, although they are not universal as has been suggested and arteriovenous malformation should be included in the differential diagnosis. Local bony metastases in ASPS were seen in two cases and should be carefully investigated. Received: 12 April 2000 Revision requested: 27 June 2000, 8 August 2000 Revision received: 2 August 2000, 21 August 2000 Accepted: 22 August 2000