Metals content in otoliths of Dicentrarchus labrax from two fish farms of Sicily.

Otoliths of cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from two different fish farms of Sicily were collected and analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Metal content (Ba, Cd, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sr, and Zn) was measured in order to test the potential use of biogenic carbonates as proxies of dissimilar environmental conditions since the fish farms are implanted in opposite coastal marine areas (Gulf of Castellammare and Gulf of Gela) characterized by different oceanographic features and human activities. Cluster analysis discriminates samples as different groups on the basis of metal content. Results show that concentrations of Sr in the otoliths have a similar range of distribution and not significantly different between the two farms. Otherwise, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Cd show higher concentrations in otoliths collected from fish reared in the farm in the southern coast (Gulf of Gela), an area subject to a great anthropogenic pressure. Zn is the only element with higher values in the otoliths from the farm in the northern coast (Gulf of Trappeto) probably due to industrial effluent. In this work, obtained data confirm the high potential of trace elements measurements in these biogenic carbonates as proxies of different environmental conditions.

Trace element concentrations in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and surface sediments in Lake Preola and Gorghi Tondi natural reserve, SW Sicily.

Concentrations of trace elements (Cd, Pb, As, V, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn) were determined in superficial sediments and in muscle and hepatopancreas tissues of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii from Lake Preola and Gorghi Tondi Natural Reserve (SW Sicily). In particular, hepatopancreas showed a decidedly higher content of all analysed trace elements with respect to muscles (two- to threefold higher for Cd, Cu, As, Zn and V; four- to fivefold higher for Pb and Cr and seven times higher for Ni). However, no statistically reliable differential accumulation pattern emerged with regard to length and weight for trace elements (except for Cd for which significant positive correlations with length were recorded). Trace element concentrations found in crayfish tissues were in the range considered harmful to human health (except for Cd and Cr). Moreover, the As and Pb concentrations, either in sediment or crayfish tissues, are clearly related to intense agricultural activities, with extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides, that significantly affect the levels of these toxic metals in the study area.

Raman Spectroscopic Measurements of Dermal Carotenoids in Breast Cancer Operated Patients Provide Evidence for the Positive Impact of a Dietary Regimen Rich in Fruit and Vegetables on Body Oxidative Stress and BC Prognostic Anthropometric Parameters: A Five-Year Study.

Dermal carotenoids are a feasible marker of the body antioxidative network and may reveal a moderate to severe imbalance of the redox status, thereby providing indication of individual oxidative stress. In this work noninvasive Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RRS) measurements of skin carotenoids (skin carotenoid score (SCS)) were used to provide indications of individual oxidative stress, each year for five years, in 71 breast cancer (BC) patients at high risk of recurrence. Patients' SCS has been correlated with parameters relevant to BC risk, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI), in the aim of monitoring the effect of a dietary regimen intended to positively affect BC risk factors. The RRS methodological approach in BC patients appeared from positive correlation between patients' SCS and blood level of lycopene. The level of skin carotenoids was inversely correlated with the patients' WC and BMI. At the end of the 5 y observation BC patients exhibited a significant reduction of WC and BMI and increase of SCS, when strictly adhering to the dietary regimen. In conclusion, noninvasive measurements of skin carotenoids can (i) reveal an oxidative stress condition correlated with parameters of BC risk and (ii) monitor dietary-related variations in BC patients.

Expression of different 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types and their activities in human prostate cancer cells.

The 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17betaHSD) enzyme system governs important redox reactions at the C17 position of steroid hormones. Different 17betaHSD types (no. 1-4) have been identified to date in peripheral human tissues, such as placenta, testis, and breast. However, there is little information on their expression and activity in either normal or malignant prostate. In the present work, we have inspected pathways of 17beta-oxidation of either androgen or estrogen in human prostate cancer cells (LNCaP, DU145, and PC3) in relation to the expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for 17betaHSD types 1-4. These cell systems feature distinct steroid receptor status and response to hormones. We report here that high expression levels of 17betaHSD4 were consistently observed in all three cell lines, whereas even greater amounts of 17betaHSD2 mRNA were detected solely in PC3 cells. Neither 17betaHSD1 nor 17betaHSD3 mRNAs could be detected in any cell line. From a metabolic standpoint, intact cell analysis showed a much lower extent of 17beta-oxidation of both androgen [testosterone (T)] and estrogen [estradiol (E2)] in LNCaP and DU145 cells compared to PC3 cells, where a greater precursor degradation and higher formation rates of oxidized derivatives (respectively, androstenedione and estrone) were observed. Using subcellular fractionation, we have been able to differentiate among 17betaHSD types 1-4 on the basis of their distinct substrate specificities and subcellular localization. This latter approach gave rise to equivalent results. PC3 cells, in fact, displayed a high level of microsomal activity with a low E2/T activity ratio and approximately equal apparent Km values for E2 and T, suggesting the presence of 17betaHSD2. Dehydrogenase specific activity with both E2 and T was also detected, although at lower levels, in LNCaP and DU145 cells. No evidence for reductase activity could be obtained in either the soluble or microsomal fraction of any cell line. As comparable expression levels of 17betaHSD4 were seen in the three cell lines, 17betaHSD2 is a likely candidate to account for the predominant oxidative activity in PC3 cells, whereas 17betaHSD4 may account for the lower extent of E2 oxidation seen in both LNCaP and DU145 cells. This is the first report on the expression of four different 17betaHSD types in human prostate cancer cells. It ought to be emphasized that for the first time, analysis of different 17betaHSD activities in either intact or fractionated cells harmonizes with the expression of relevant mRNAs species.

Chemotherapy versus tamoxifen versus chemotherapy plus tamoxifen in node-positive, oestrogen-receptor positive breast cancer patients. An update at 7 years of the 1st GROCTA (Breast Cancer Adjuvant Chemo-Hormone Therapy Cooperative Group) trial.

504 evaluable node positive oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer patients were randomly allocated to receive either 5 years tamoxifen treatment or chemotherapy [six courses of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) followed by 4 courses of epirubicin] or a combination of both treatments. At a median follow-up of 5 years tamoxifen appeared to be more effective than chemotherapy, the difference being highly significant in postmenopausal women. The addition of chemotherapy to tamoxifen was not able to significantly improve the results achieved by tamoxifen alone, irrespective of menopausal status. Trends were similar even after stratification for the number of involved nodes. The protective effect of tamoxifen in terms of reduction of the odds of death increased with time and no rebound phenomena on recurrence or death has occurred so far after the completion of tamoxifen treatment. Overall, the prognostic value of number of involved nodes and of progesterone receptor (PgR) status was confirmed by multivariate analysis. However, the predictive value of PgR was lost in patients receiving tamoxifen alone. Similarly, the degree of ER positivity was not predictive of the response to tamoxifen. Tamoxifen treatment should still be regarded as the gold standard for postmenopausal ER positive patients. In younger women the antioestrogen proved to be safe and at least as effective as chemotherapy. However, the analysis of the annual risks suggests that the concurrent or the sequential use of chemotherapy and tamoxifen might represent a more appropriate treatment for this patient subset, particularly for those with four or more involved nodes. Different cut-offs of ER and PgR assays from those we have arbitrarily employed in the present analysis should probably be used to select more properly the patients who can benefit from endocrine therapy.

Ligand binding and cytochemical analysis of estrogen and progesterone receptors in relation to follow-up in patients with breast cancer.

Soluble and nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) content was measured by ligand binding assay, and estrogen and progesterone receptors by immunohistochemical assays (ER-ICA and PR-ICA) in 214 patients with breast cancer recruited at the "M. Ascoli" Cancer Hospital Centre in Palermo, Sicily, to assess the discriminant and predictive value of these parameters. On follow-up, data from both ER-ICA and PR-ICA showed a statistically significant difference, PR-positive patients having longer disease-free (DSF) and overall (OS) survival than PR-negative ones. Conversely, ER status did not correlate significantly with both DFS (P = 0.6) and OS (P = 0.2). In particular, PR-positive patients had 59 +/- 18 months DFS and 67 +/- 12 months OS, compared to 51 +/- 22 months DFS and 57 +/- 17 months OS of PR-negative cases. The present evidence implies that a PR-negative status identifies breast cancer patients with early relapse, as also suggested by previous studies. It also agrees with the results of ligand binding assay of ER, where ER status is a good discriminant and predictor of response to endocrine treatment, but is unable to anticipate early relapse in breast cancer patients. Evidence that PR status is a statistically significant prognostic indicator deserves further study to ascertain whether or not PR should be regarded as an ER-dependent parameter or be related to other biological variables such as growth factor (e.g., EGF), oncogene (e.g., Her2/Neu), or tumor suppressor gene (e.g., p53) products.

Androgen receptor status in nontumoral and malignant human colorectal tissues.

Data on androgen receptor (AR) status of nontumoral and malignant human colorectal tissues are compared using ligand binding assay in 22 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at the "M. Ascoli" Cancer Hospital Centre in Palermo, Sicily. In nontumoral tissues, ARs were predominantly (67%) positive, with 25% of cases having a 0/+ status. Conversely, malignant tissues showed only 32% of cases with a positive (+/+) AR status, with a proportional increase of 0/+ cases (from 25% to 55%); the extent of AR-negative (0/0) cases remained fairly constant (8-9%). Overall, our evidence indicates that nontumoral colorectal tissues have a predominantly positive (+/+) AR status and that this condition shifts towards a significant decrease of AR-positive cases in cancer tissues. Studies on the relation between status of sex steroid receptors and specific biomolecular markers in human colorectal tumors are currently being carried out in our laboratories.

Breast cancer registry in Palermo and its Province: incidence in 1999.

The incidence of breast cancer in the city of Palermo and its Province was investigated. The cancer rate was higher in the city of Palermo (100.8/100,000/year), a great southern urban area, than in the 81 municipalities of the Province (79.2/100,000/year). Rates were also compared with those in other geographic areas of Italy, showing a smaller than expected negative north-south gradient in incidence, especially in the young age group, as shown by the cumulative risk observed in the 0-54-year-old group. These findings confirm the role of recent life style changes in the cancer risk distribution.

The Mediet Project.

Preliminary evidence from a case control study of healthy postmenopausal women living in Palermo, Sicily, is presented to investigate the potential impact of a traditional Mediterranean diet on the risk of developing breast cancer. Of the 230 women who fulfilled specific eligibility criteria, 115 were enrolled in the study based on serum testosterone values equal to or greater than the median population value (0.14 microg/ml). Women were then individually randomized into a diet intervention (n = 58) and a control (n = 55) group. Women in the intervention group attended a weekly "cooking course" for 1 year, being trained by professional chefs in the correct use of the natural ingredients of the traditional Mediterranean diet, including whole cereals, legumes, seeds, fish, cruciferous vegetables, and many others. The intervention group was subsequently instructed to follow the learned diet at home, while the control group was only advised to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as recommended by WHO. The following measures were taken at the beginning, middle, and end of the study: (a) fasting blood and 12-hour urine samples to assay defined hormonal endpoints; (b) height, weight, and circumference of the waist and hip; and (c) a food frequency and computerized 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. After 1 year, both the control and the intervention groups showed satisfactory compliance rates (81 and 85%, respectively). In addition, preliminary results so far obtained reveal an unequivocal trend towards weight loss, a strong reduction in cholesterol levels, and a psychophysical feeling of well-being by women adopting the Mediterranean diet. The study is currently ongoing to verify the association of changes in serum and urine hormone levels and breast cancer risk in the intervention group.

Mercury in fishes from Augusta Bay (southern Italy): risk assessment and health implication.

Our study reports on the total mercury (HgT) concentrations measured in the muscles and livers of several benthic, demersal and pelagic fish species caught inside and outside of Augusta Bay (southern Italy), a semi-enclosed marine area, highly contaminated by the uncontrolled (since the 1950s to 1978s) discharge of the largest European petrochemical plant. Mercury levels in fish tissues are discussed with regard to specific habitat, size and/or age of the specimens and HgT distribution in the bottom sediments. Results suggest a still active Hg release mechanism from the polluted sediments to the marine environment. Also, the high HgT concentrations measured in fishes caught in the external area of the bay imply a potential role of Augusta Bay as a pollutant source for the Mediterranean ecosystem. Finally, values of hazard target quotient (THQ) and estimated weekly intake (EWI) demonstrate that consumption of fishes caught inside the bay represents a serious risk for human health. Also, data indicate that intake of fishes caught from the external area of the bay, especially for that concern demersal and benthic species, could be represent a significant component of risk for the local population.

Mastectomy rates are decreasing in the era of service screening: a population-based study in Italy (1997-2001).

We enrolled all 2162 in situ and 21 148 invasive cases of breast cancer in 17 areas of Italy, diagnosed in 1997-2001. Rates of early cancer increased by 13.7% in the screening age group (50-69 years), and breast conserving surgery by 24.6%. Advanced cancer rates decreased by 19.4%, and mastectomy rates by 24.2%. Service screening did not increase mastectomy rates in the study population.

3D reconstruction of tomographic images applied to largely spaced slices.

This paper presents a full reconstruction process of magnetic resonance images. The first step is to bring the acquired data from the frequency domain, using a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm. A Tomographic Image Interpolation is then used to transform a sequence of tomographic slices in an isotropic volume data set, a process also called 3D Reconstruction. This work describes an automatic method whose interpolation stage is based on a previous matching stage using Delaunay Triangulation. The reconstruction approach uses an extrapolation procedure that permits appropriate treatment of the boundaries of the object under analysis.

Breast cancer: a comparison of response to endocrine therapy and oestrogen excretion patterns including unusual metabolites.

The urinary excretion patterns of oestrogen metabolites, including unusual metabolites, were determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for 63 women with advanced breast cancer and 39 normal postmenopausal women. The concentration of total unusual metabolites excreted was found to be an excellent discriminant between breast-cancer patients and controls (P less than 0.0001). Discrimination between responders and non-responders to endocrine therapy was attempted, using several different indices. Of these, the ratio of Classical Oestrogens to Unusual Metabolites (CE/UM) proved a fair discriminant, but the product of this ratio and the oestriol ratio (CE/UM x E3R) was much the best discriminant. This product, termed a Pattern Index, has considerable potential, not only as a discriminant for selecting therapy, but also as a rapid index of patient response to that therapy.