Analysis of surgical treatment of appendix neuroendocrine neoplasms-17 years of single-center experience.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study investigated the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of appendix neuroendocrine neoplasms in appendectomy specimens of our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinicopathological data, including age, sex, preoperative clinical manifestation, surgical method, and histopathological examination results of 11 patients with appendix neuroendocrine neoplasms confirmed by surgery and pathology between November 2005 and January 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In the histopathological examination of 7277 appendectomy specimens, 11 cases (0.2%) had appendix neuroendocrine neoplasms. Among the 11 patients, 8(72.7%) were males, and 3(27.3%) were females, with an average age of 48.1 years. All patients underwent emergency surgery. A total of 9 patients underwent open appendectomy, including 1 patient who underwent second-stage simple right hemicolectomy after an appendectomy, and two who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. All 11 patients were followed up for a period of 1 to 17 years. All patients survived without any indication of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: Appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasms are low-grade malignant tumors originating from neuroendocrine cells. They are rarely seen in clinical practice and are often treated based on acute and chronic appendicitis symptoms. These tumors are challenging to diagnose before surgery due to the lack of specificity in clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations. The diagnosis generally depends on postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry. Despite the diagnostic challenges, these tumors have a favorable prognosis.

Application of metal stent implantation with endoscope and X-ray fluoroscopy combined laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of acute left hemicolon cancer obstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to conduct a case-control study of endoscopic and fluoroscopic metal stent placement combined with laparoscopic surgery versus conventional open Hartmann's procedure in treating acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction. Additionally, the study aims to discuss the application value of endoscopic and X-ray-guided metal stent placement combined with laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction. METHODS: From June 2011 to December 2019, 23 patients with acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction who underwent metal stent implantation combined with laparoscopic surgery under endoscopy and X-ray fluoroscopy in Wenzhou Central Hospital were collected, and 20 patients with acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction who underwent traditional emergency open Hartmann's surgery during the same period were selected as a control group. All patients were diagnosed with left colon obstruction by plain abdominal film and/or CT before the operation and colon adenocarcinoma by colonoscopic biopsy and/or postoperative pathology. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative anal exhaust time, the success rate of one-stage anastomosis, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: This study showed a significant difference in the therapeutic effect between the two groups. Compared with the traditional Hartmann's operation group, the success rate of one-stage anastomosis in endoscopic and X-ray-guided metal stent placement combined with the laparoscopic operation group was significantly higher than that in the Hartmann's operation group (P < 0.05). The overall incidence of postoperative complications and hospital stay were significantly lower in the observation group than in the Hartmann's group (P < 0.05). Further subgroup analysis of the overall postoperative complication rate of the two groups showed that the traditional Hartmann's operation group was more likely to have an incomplete intestinal obstruction (P < 0.05). This study also showed no significant differences between the two groups in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of harvested lymph nodes, and postoperative anal exhaust time (all P > 0.05). This study also found no significant differences between the two groups in overall survival rates or recurrence-free survival rates (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of the therapeutic effects of the two groups verified the feasibility of endoscopy combined with X-ray fluoroscopy metal stent placement in combination with laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction. Compared with the traditional emergency open Hartmann's procedure, metal stent implantation under endoscopy and X-ray fluoroscopy combined with laparoscopic surgery is more minimally invasive, safe, and effective. It avoids the traditional second or even third surgical trauma to effectively improve the quality of life of patients, so that patients can recover quickly after surgery.

Synthesis of novel chiral tridentate Schiff-base ligands and their applications in catalytic asymmetric Henry reaction.

A series of chiral tridentate Schiff-bases were prepared and used as ligands in the catalytic asymmetric Henry reaction. Under the optimal conditions, a variety of arylaldehydes were smoothly converted into corresponding adducts with high yields (up to 98%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee).

Study on sex differences and potential clinical value of three-dimensional computerized tomography pelvimetry in rectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery is a complex procedure affected by various factors. However, the existing literature lacks standardized parameters for the pelvic region and soft tissues, which hampers the establishment of consistent conclusions. AIM: To comprehensively assess 16 pelvic and 7 soft tissue parameters through computerized tomography (CT)-based three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, providing a strong theoretical basis to address challenges in laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery. METHODS: We analyzed data from 218 patients who underwent radical laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer, and utilized CT data for 3D pelvic reconstruction. Specific anatomical points were carefully marked and measured using advanced 3D modeling software. To analyze the pelvic and soft tissue parameters, we employed statistical methods including paired sample t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and correlation analysis. RESULTS: The investigation highlighted significant sex disparities in 14 pelvic bone parameters and 3 soft tissue parameters. Males demonstrated larger measurements in pelvic depth and overall curvature, smaller measurements in pelvic width, a larger mesorectal fat area, and a larger anterior-posterior abdominal diameter. By contrast, females exhibited wider pelvises, shallower depth, smaller overall curvature, and an increased amount of subcutaneous fat tissue. However, there were no significant sex differences observed in certain parameters such as sacral curvature height, superior pubococcygeal diameter, rectal area, visceral fat area, waist circumference, and transverse abdominal diameter. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of 3D CT data enabled accurate pelvic measurements, revealing significant sex differences in both pelvic and soft tissue parameters. This study design offer potential in predicting surgical difficulties and creating personalized surgical plans for male rectal cancer patients with a potentially "difficult pelvis", ultimately improving surgical outcomes. Further research and utilization of these parameters could lead to enhanced surgical methods and patient care in laparoscopic rectal cancer radical surgery.

Gastric cancer metastatic to the breast: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic breast cancer originating in the gastrointestinal tract is a rare occurrence. The limited number of cases has resulted in incomplete understanding of the disease, making it challenging to differentiate from primary breast cancer. While clinical history and immunohistochemical studies can aid in distinguishing between the two, the management principles and pathogenesis of gastrointestinal metastatic breast cancer remain controversial. The scarcity of data has hampered comprehensive knowledge. Our objective is to shed light on this rare disease through our case study. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we report a case of breast metastasis from gastric cancer in a 43-year-old woman. This patient was admitted to our hospital with complaints of discomfort in the upper and middle abdomen persisting for two months, as well as black stools for over ten days. She underwent radical distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, followed by postoperative chemotherapy. Three years later, the patient developed bilateral breast nodules. Imaging studies indicated a high probability of malignancy. She subsequently underwent a right modified radical mastectomy and excision of a left breast mass. Postoperative pathology revealed the right breast tumor was consistent with primary gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: We present a case of breast metastasis from gastric cancer to contribute to the limited foundation of research into this rare disease.

Construction of a nomogram model to predict technical difficulty in performing laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal surgeons are well aware that performing surgery for rectal cancer becomes more challenging in obese patients with narrow and deep pelvic cavities. Therefore, it is essential for colorectal surgeons to have a comprehensive understanding of pelvic structure prior to surgery and anticipate potential surgical difficulties. AIM: To evaluate predictive parameters for technical challenges encountered during laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively gathered data from 162 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. Three-dimensional reconstruction of pelvic bone and soft tissue parameters was conducted using computed tomography (CT) scans. Operative difficulty was categorized as either high or low, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of operative difficulty, ultimately creating a nomogram. RESULTS: Out of 162 patients, 21 (13.0%) were classified in the high surgical difficulty group, while 141 (87.0%) were in the low surgical difficulty group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the surgical approach using laparoscopic intersphincteric dissection, intraoperative preventive ostomy, and the sacrococcygeal distance were independent risk factors for highly difficult laparoscopic radical sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer (P < 0.05). Conversely, the anterior-posterior diameter of pelvic inlet/sacrococcygeal distance was identified as a protective factor (P < 0.05). A nomogram was subsequently constructed, demonstrating good predictive accuracy (C-index = 0.834). CONCLUSION: The surgical approach, intraoperative preventive ostomy, the sacrococcygeal distance, and the anterior-posterior diameter of pelvic inlet/sacrococcygeal distance could help to predict the difficulty of laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery.

Invasive ductal breast cancer metastatic to the sigmoid colon.

The most common sites of breast cancer metastasis are the bone, lung, liver and brain. However, colonic metastases from breast cancer are very rare in the clinic. We describe an unusual case of sigmoid colonic metastasis from invasive ductal breast cancer. With this report, we should increase the clinical awareness that any patient with a colorectal lesion and a history of malignancy should be considered to have a metastasis until proven otherwise. Early diagnosis is very important, which enables prompt initiation of systemic treatment, such as chemotherapy, endocrine therapy or both, thus avoiding unnecessary radical surgical resection and improving the prognosis.

[Association of INF-gamma/A+874T gene polymorphisms with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis].

OBJECTIVE: A deficient interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) response has been involved in the pathogenesis of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Gene polymorphisms in IFN-gamma/A+874T have been associated with the susceptibility to asthma and might be related to disease severity of RSV infection. This study investigated the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IFN-gamma/A+874T in Han children in Wenzhou area and to explore the correlation between gene polymorphisms of IFN-gamma/A+874T and the susceptibility and disease severity of RSV bronchiolitis, as well as the effect of SNPs upon nasopharyngeal secretions (NPS) IFN-gamma and total serum IgE levels. METHODS: One hundred and fourteen hospitalized children with RSV bronchiolitis and 90 healthy controls were recruited. Sequence analysis was used for detecting the SNPs of IFN-gamma/A+874T. NPS IFN-gamma levels were measured using ELISA. Total serum IgE levels were assayed using the chemiluminescence method. RESULTS: IFN-gamma/A+874T gene polymorphisms were present in both the patient and the control groups. AA and AT genotypes were found in both groups, with a AA frequency of 82.5% vs 77.8% and a AT frequency of 17.5% vs 21.1% (p>0.05). The frequency of allele was 90.4% (A) and 9.6% (T) in the patient group, and 88.3% (A) and 11.7% (T) in the control group, respectively. There were no significant differences in the allele frequency between the two groups. Moreover, no difference was found both in NPS IFN-gamma and total serum IgE levels between AA and AT genotypes in the patient group. There were no significant differences in the variation of IFN-gamma/+874 between mild and moderate to severe cases. CONCLUSIONS: IFN-gamma/A+874T gene polymorphisms were present in Han children in Wenzhou area. Gene variations were not associated with the susceptibility and disease severity of RSV bronchiolitis as well as IFN-gamma and total serum IgE levels.

The clinical application value of multi-slice spiral CT enhanced scans combined with multiplanar reformations images in preoperative T staging of rectal cancer.

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical application value of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) enhanced scans combined with multiplanar reformations (MPRs) images compared with postoperative pathological results in preoperative T staging of rectal cancer.One hundred sixty-eight consecutive patients with rectal cancer were admitted in our hospital between January 2013 and October 2018. Conventional MSCT plain scans, multi-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced scans, and MPRs were performed in all patients before surgical operation. The preoperative T staging of the rectal cancer lesions was evaluated using MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs, which was verified by postoperative pathological results. The diagnostic accuracy of MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs in evaluating T staging of the rectal cancer lesions were analyzed by χ test and Kappa test.Compared with postoperative pathology, T staging using MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs had overall accuracy of 85.7%. Consistency between MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs and postoperative pathological staging was effective for T staging (Kappa = 0.658, χ = 4.200, P = .122).Conventional MSCT enhanced scans combined with MPRs are simple and feasible. It is consistent with the pathological diagnosis of evaluating T staging in the rectal cancer lesions. It can provide reliable imaging evidence for the preoperative evaluation of primary rectal cancer, especially in patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindications, or in grass-roots hospitals due to lack of MRI equipment.

[The role of external signal regulated kinase and transforming growth factor beta(1) in asthma airway remodeling and regulation of glucocorticoids].

OBJECTIVE: To study role of external signal regulated kinase (ERK) and transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta1) in asthma airway remodeling and to explore the regulation of glucocorticoids on ERK, TGF-beta1, and airway remodeling. METHODS: Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: control group; asthma group, undergoing intra-peritoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) on days 1 and 8 and inhalation of OVA every other day for 8 weeks since day 15 to establish chronic asthma models; dexamethasone (DM) intervention group, undergoing intra-peritoneal injection of DM 30 min before every inhalation instigation; and control group, receiving normal saline instead of DM. 1 - 2 hours after the last instigation the left lungs were taken out. The total bronchial wall thickness (Wat) and smooth muscle thickness (Wam) were measured by image analysis system. Phosphorylated ERK (P-ERK) was detected by immunohistochemistry. 1 - 2 hours after the last instigation blood samples were collected from the femoral artery. The concentration of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in the serum was measured by sandwich ELISA. Rat airway epithelial cells were cultured, stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB, 1, 10, 25, or 50 microg/L), U0126 (specific inhibitor of phosphorylation of ERK), or budesonide (BUD). Western blotting was used to detect the P-ERK level. The level of TGF-beta1 in the cell culture supernatant was detected by sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: The Wat and Wam of the asthma group was significantly higher than those of the control group (both P < 0.01), and the Wat and Wam of the DM group were both significantly lower than those of the asthma group (both P < 0.01). The mean optical density of P-ERK and concentration of TGF-beta1 in the serum of the asthma group were 31.1 +/- 2.2 and 28.1 +/- 7.4 microg/L respectively, both significantly higher than those of the control group (12.8 +/- 2.4 and 13.6 +/- 2.7 microg/L respectively, both P < 0.01), and the mean optical density of P-ERK and concentration of TGF-beta1 in the serum of the DM group were 18.7 +/- 3.1 and 15.0 +/- 3.2 microg/L respectively, both significantly lower than those asthma group (both P < 0.01). In the PDGF-BB (25 microg/L) stimulated cells marked phosphorylation of ERK occurred 15 min later, the level of P-ERK remained high up to 8 hour later, and the maximal activation occurred at the period of 2 h - 4 h later, 6.5 +/- 0.4 times that of the control value (P < 0.01). The phosphorylation levels of ERK depended on the concentration of PDGF-BB and the maximal level phosphorylation was detected with the concentration of PDGF-BB of 50 microg/L, which was 4.1 +/- 0.3 times that of the control value (P < 0.01). U0126 and BUD inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK in the cells stimulated by PDGF-BB of the concentration of 25 microg/L. there was no difference in the level of TGF-beta1 in the cell culture supernatant among different groups. CONCLUSION: Phosphorylation of ERK and TGF-beta1 have an important role in asthma airway remodeling; PDGF-BB does not induce normal rat airway epithelial cells to product or release TGF-beta1 by phosphorylation of ERK. Glucocorticoids can inhibit phosphorylation of ERK.

Perforated appendicitis after colonoscopy: cause or coincidence?: A rare case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Colonoscopy is a relatively safe and common procedure with low risks of complications, and acute appendicitis with perforation is an extremely rare complication of colonoscopy. The current study presents an unusual case of acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation following a screening colonoscopy. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 73-year-old man presented to our emergency department with lower right abdominal pain 3 days after a routine screening colonoscopy. On physical examination the patient had signs of generalized peritonitis. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) revealed the presence of multiple free gas in the right subphrenic space and abdominal cavity with exudate effusions in both sides of the paracolic sulci and the pelvic cavity, especially around the ascending colon and caecum. The CT scan also showed a dilated and inflamed appendix with fecaliths. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with acute gangrenous appendicitis with perforation after colonoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperative findings revealed an inflamed gangrenous appendix with focal perforation and impacted fecaliths. The colon showed no evidence of perforation or other areas of concern and thus, a conclusive diagnosis was achieved. An appendectomy was performed and the abdominal cavity was rinsed and drained thoroughly. OUTCOMES: The postoperative course was uneventful. LESSONS: This study may increase clinical awareness with regard to perforated appendicitis after colonoscopy. Acute appendicitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of lower right abdominal pain following a colonoscopy, in addition to possible colonic injury. Furthermore, emergency surgery should be recommended for the typical signs of perforation with peritonitis and free pneumoperitoneum. Early recognition and prompt surgical treatment are critical, which can avoid severe outcomes and improve the prognosis.

[Detection of etiologic agents and antibiotic resistance in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection in Wenzhou City].

OBJECTIVE: The etiology of acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children in Wenzhou City remains poorly defined. This study investigated the etiological agents responsible for acute LRTI and patterns of the antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens in children with acute LRTI from Wenzhou City. METHODS: Lower respiratory tract secretions were obtained from 454 children with acute LRTI (aged 1 month to 10 years, median age 6 months) within 24 hrs after admission for bacterial culture. Meanwhile respiratory viruses were detected by the Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) assay. The K-B method was applied for the drug susceptibility test. RESULTS: Etiological agents were identified in 297 cases out of 454 patients (65.4%. Viral pathogens were identified in 229 cases (50.4%), bacteria in 135 cases (29.7%) and mixed viral-bacterial infections in 67 cases (14.8%). The isolating rate of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the highest (180 cases, 39.6%) in all of the samples. The isolating rates of other viral pathogens were as follows: Parainfluenza virus 3 type (PIV3) (6.6%), Adenovirus (2.2%), Influenza A (0.9%) and Influenza B (0.7%). Of the 135 strains of bacterial pathogens, 19 kinds of bacterial pathogens were isolated. The predominant isolate was Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (9.9%), followed by Escherichia coli (E.coli) (4.4%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) (4.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (4.2%). The isolating rates of K. pneumoniae and E.coli with extended-spectrum beta-lactamases strains (ESBLs) positive were 42.2% and 65.0%, respectively. The pathogens isolated of the first 5 places in children with acute LRTI under six months were RSV, K. pneumoniae, PIV3, E.coli and S. aureus in turn. RSV, PIV3, S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae and E.coli were found to be the pathogens of the first 5 places in children with acute LRTI between six months and three years. The resistant rates of K. pneumoniae and E.coli to ampicillin were 97.8% and 75.0%, respectively. K. pneumoniae and E.coli with positive ESBLs were resistant to cephalosporin. The resistant rates of S. pneumoniae to erythromycin and penicilin were 100% and 68.4%, respectively. The resistant rates of S. aureus to erythromycin and penicillin were 94.7% and 89.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RSV is the most common pathogen responsible for acute LRTI in children in Wenzhou City, followed by K. pneumoniae and PIV3. The rate of antibiotic resistance of common bacteria and the isolating rate of Gram-negative bacillus with ESBLs positive are high.

CT pelvimetry and clinicopathological parameters in evaluation of the technical difficulties in performing open rectal surgery for mid-low rectal cancer.

The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of pelvic anatomical and clinicopathological parameters for use in the estimation of the likely technical difficulties that may be encountered when performing open rectal surgery for mid-low rectal cancer. Sixty consecutive patients, undergoing open rectal surgery for mid-low rectal cancer were recruited between June 2009 and April 2014. All of the surgical procedures conducted, were low anterior resection (LAR) or abdominoperineal resection (APR). The operations were performed by the same surgeon and surgical team. Pelvic dimensions and angles were measured using three-dimensional reconstruction of spiral computerized tomography (CT) images. Operative time and intraoperative blood loss were used as indicators of operative difficulty. The independent variables were pelvic anatomical and clinicopathological parameters, and the dependent variables were operative time and intraoperative blood loss. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in order to determine the predictive significance of these variables. The pelvis width was significantly wider in females than in males (P<0.05), while the sacrococcygeal bending degree was significantly greater in males than in females (P<0.05). No significant difference were detected between the pelvis depth of females and males (P>0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that body mass index (BMI), tumor height, lymph node metastasis, anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic inlet, anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet, height of the pubic symphysis, the sacrococcygeal distance, sacrococcygeal-pubic angle and diameter of the upper pubis to the coccyx were the main factors affecting the operative time (all P<0.05), while the maximum diameter of the tumor was the primary factor affecting intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05). Between the two procedures, the clinicopathological parameters appeared to be more valuable for predicting difficulty in LAR, in which operative time was associated with tumor height and tumor staging (RC2=0.312; P<0.001). By contrast, the pelvic anatomical parameters appeared to be more valuable predictors of variation in APR, in which intraoperative blood loss was associated with the anteroposterior diameter of the mid-pelvis, the anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet, the interspinous diameter, the depth of the sacral curvature and the sacropubic distance (RC2=0.608; P=0.002). BMI, tumor height and the maximum diameter of the tumor may be used to predict the operative difficulty in performing open rectal surgery for mid-low rectal cancer. In addition to the associated clinicopathological parameters, wider, shallower and less curved pelvises may make the greatest contribution to reducing operative time and intraoperative blood loss. Operative difficulty is likely to be increased in deeper and narrower pelvises, or in those with greater sacrococcygeal curvature.

A 4-cm lipoma of the transverse colon causing colonic intussusception: A case report and literature review.

Colonic lipomas are rare benign tumors. Colonic intussusception is an uncommon complication of colonic lipoma. The current study presents an unusual case of a 4-cm symptomatic lipoma of the transverse colon causing colonic intussusception. A 65-year-old female was admitted to Wenzhou Central Hospital (Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China) with intermittent pain in the left abdomen that had been present for two weeks. Colonoscopy revealed a 4×5-cm intraluminal spherical mass with erosional mucosa 60 cm above the anal verge, indicating the presence of a malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a well-defined fatty tissue mass of 4 cm in diameter in the distal transverse colon proximal to the splenic flexure, with intussusception. The patient underwent segmental resection of the transverse colon and intraoperative frozen sections were obtained. The intraoperative frozen sections revealed a submucosal lipoma of the transverse colon and thus, a conclusive diagnosis was achieved. The patient was followed up for one year and 10 months following the segmental resection of the transverse colon, with a good prognosis. This study may increase clinical awareness with regard to colonic lipomas. Furthermore, open surgery combined with use of intraoperative frozen sections should be recommended for large symptomatic colonic lipomas accompanied by colonic intussusception, thus avoiding unnecessary radical resection and improving patient prognosis.

Preoperative serum visfatin levels and prognosis of breast cancer among Chinese women.

Visfatin is identified a pro-inflammatory cytokine and its serum level is increased in various cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative serum visfatin level in breast cancers. Preoperative serum visfatin levels of 248 patients with breast cancer and serum visfatin levels of 100 healthy individuals and 100 benign women controls were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Unfavorable outcome was defined as first local recurrence, distant metastasis, second primary cancer of another organ, or death from any cause. Disease-free survival was defined as the time between surgery and the date of unfavorable outcome whichever appeared first. Overall survival was defined from surgery to death for any cause. The association of serum visfatin level with outcomes including mortality, unfavorable outcome, disease-free survival and overall survival was investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Preoperative serum visfatin level was substantially higher in patients than in healthy subjects and benign controls respectively. Elevated preoperative serum level of visfatin was identified an independent predictor of mortality, unfavorable outcome, disease-free survival and overall survival. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that serum level visfatin had high predictive value for mortality and unfavorable outcome. Thus, our results suggest that high preoperative serum visfatin level is associated with poor patient outcomes as well as may play a role as prognostic biomarker in breast cancer survival.