Expression of aminopeptidase N/CD13 in human ovarian cancers.

Aminopeptidase N/CD13 (EC 3.4.11.2) is suggested to play a role in cancer cells invasion, and its activity can be inhibited using specific inhibitors. CD13 inhibitors evoke apoptosis of CD13-positive cancer cells. However, expression of CD13 has not been described in specimens obtained from ovarian carcinomas. Thus, in the present study, the expression of CD13 and its significance was examined in samples of ovarian cancers. The analyses were performed on sections originating from 73 tumor samples (43 from primary laparotomies [PL] and 30 from secondary cytoreductions [SCRs]). Immunohistochemical reactions were performed on paraffin sections of studied tumors, using monoclonal antibodies against CD13. The analysis demonstrated no relationships between the expression of CD13 on one hand and clinical variables and pathologic variables of the patients on the other hand. Expression of CD13 was demonstrated to be significantly more pronounced in samples obtained in PLs as compared to samples from SCRs (P < 0.001). Thus, the data indicate that a potential treatment of ovarian carcinoma with CD13 inhibitors should be performed before chemotherapy or in parallel to first-lapse chemotherapy.

[The risk factors of endometrial cancer]. / Czynniki powodujace stan zagrozenia kobiet rakiem blony sluzowej macicy.

Authors presents the risk factors in endometrial cancer underlying such problems like hyperestrogenism, both external and internal caused by hormonally active ovarian masses, polycystic ovarian syndrome, adrenocortical hyperfunction and role of obesity in this pathological state. Other factors have been also described diabetes mellitus and hypertension, oral contraception, genetics factors, patient's obstetric history and other diseases where the increase of aromatization activity of androstendion to estron has been noted.

[The influence of twenty years of Rh (D) factor incompatibility immunoprophylaxis on reducing the occurrence of hemolytic disease in newborns]. / Wplyw dwudziestoletniego okresu stosowania immunoprofilaktyki w zakresie czynnika Rh (D) na zmniejszenie wystepowania choroby hemolitycznej u noworodków w aglomeracji walbrzyskiej.

The study presents the frequency of occurrence of newborn haemolitic disease caused by Rh (D) system incompatibility in the years 1980-1999. Serological incompatibility prophylaxis was introduced in 1980. Routine use of anti-D immunoglobulin has led to a significant reduction in the number of newborns with haemalitic disease caused by Rh (D) system incompatibility. In the years 1990-1999 no newborn deaths attributable to this immunization were recorded. Long-term prophylaxis has greatly reduced the occurrence of this pathology in newborns. Nonetheless, in contemporary perinatology we continue to record occasional cases of haemolitic disease in newborns caused by blood group incompatibility between mother and foetus.

[Cesarean section by the Misgav Ladach+ with the abdominal opening surgery by the Joel Cohen method]. / Ciecie cesarskie wykonane metoda Misgav-Ladach z otwarciem jamy brzusznej sposobem Joel Cohena.

The purpose of this study was to compare 90 Misgav-Ladach cesarean section by the Joel-Cohen method with 45 others with Pfannenstiel incision. The Misgav-Ladach technique involves the Joel-Cohen method, that is a superficial transverse cut in the cutis, a small midline incision in the fascia, then blunt preparation of deeper layers, including the peritoneum, followed by manual transverse traction applied to tear the recti muscles and subcutis. The uterus is also opened using the blunt preparation after a small cut in the midline. After the delivery of the fetus and placenta the uterus is lifted through the incision onto the draped abdominal wall. Then the uterus is closed with one layer of continuous vicryl suture. The abdomen is closed by a continuous suture of fascia, and widely spaced silk stitches of the skin. We sometimes use continuous suture of the skin. We do not close visceral and parietal peritoneum, recti muscles and subcutis. In our experience Misgav-Ladach method is 50% less time consuming, it reduces blood loss by about 250 ml. and allows for a much faster delivery of the fetus than Pfannenstiel method. The post operative outcome of the two methods is similar. Using the blunt preparation in the Joel-Cohen method causes less trauma and shortens convalescence time. We therefore recommend Misgav-Ladach method for cesarean section.

[Sonohysterography in the diagnosis of endometrial abnormalities]. / Sonohisterografia w róznicowaniu zmian w jamie macicy--doniesienie wstepne.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of sonohisterography in the diagnosis of endometrial abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 28 pre- and postmenopausal women with abnormal vaginal bleeding scheduled for diagnostic curettage. We confronted the ultrasound findings and sonohysterography results with the histopathological diagnosis of the curettage specimens. RESULTS: Obtained data confirmed usefulness of sonohysterography in the differential diagnosis and topography of abnormalities in the uterine cavity. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that it's more precise to evaluate a single endometrial line using the sonohysterography technique. We can also suggest that sonohysterography may be a useful method in the early diagnosis of endometrial abnormalities and may be an alternative method for hospitals lacking hysteroscopic facilities.

[Evaluation of endometrial thickness by transvaginal ultrasonography as a screening method in early diagnosis of endometrial cancer]. / Ocena grubosci endometrium przy wykorzystaniu ultrasonografii przezpochwowej jako propozycja badania przesiewowego we wczesnym wykrywaniu raka endometrium.

OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the usefulness of transvaginal ultrasonography in the detection of early endometrial cancer. DESIGN: The purpose of the study was to compare histopathologic diagnosis of the curettage specimens with transvaginal ultrasound findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 129 women with postmenopausal bleeding scheduled for curettage. Before the curettage was performed, the thickness of the endometrium was measured using double layer technique and the thickest part was identified in the longitudinal plane. RESULTS: In our study we didn't find endometrial hyperplasia or cancer when the endometrium was < 5 mm thick. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that transvaginal ultrasonography in women with or without postmenopausal bleeding may be a useful method in screening for endometrial cancer as the Papanicolaou screening test for the prophylaxies of cervical cancer.

[Evaluation of medical care at a delivery suite and maternity ward in the rooming-in system according to a survey of birthing mothers]. / Ocena opieki w bloku porodowym i oddziale pologowym w systemie "matka-dziecko" na podstawie przeprowadzonej ankiety wsród kobiet rodzacych.

We analysed 352 opinions of the quality of medical services to delivering women, puerperants and neonates. Every opinion was willingly done and anonymous. Over 75% of women found the medical care of nurses, accoucheuses and doctors as well done. More than half of patients positively expressed their opinion on health conditions, and their stay in hospital. This survey helped us to improve our behaviour and services to a single patient.

Evidence for a human ovarian progesterone receptor.

The aromatization of androgens to estrogens in the ovary and the roles of estrogens in promoting follicular growth have been described by a number of investigators. Furthermore, specific receptors for estrogens have been defined in granulosa cells as well as other target tissues. In other estrogen-responsive tissues, there is also a progesterone receptor, which mediates estrogen antagonism at the molecular level. We have previously described an ovarian progesterone receptor in an animal model. We now describe a heat-labile ovarian cytoplasmic protein that specifically binds progestins with a very high affinity. The equilibrium dissociation constant for progesterone (Kd) = 4.8 X 10(-9)M and it is present in the ovary in a concentration of 3.3 X 10(-13) moles/mg of protein. Since the characteristics of this protein are compatible with an ovarian progesterone receptor, there is the implication that the ovary is a target organ for progesterone. Thus, progesterone may have a role in the modulation of ovarian physiology.