Sensitivity and Specificity of Selected Biomarkers and Their Combinations in the Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer.

One of the greatest challenges in modern gynecological oncology is ovarian cancer. Despite the numerous studies currently being conducted, it is still sometimes detected at late clinical stages, where the prognosis is unfavorable. One significant contributing factor is the absence of sensitive and specific parameters that could aid in early diagnosis. An ideal screening test, in view of the low incidence of ovarian cancer, should have a sensitivity of greater than 75% and a specificity of at least 99.6%. To enhance sensitivity and specificity, diagnostic panels are being created by combining individual markers. The drive to develop better screening tests for ovarian cancer focuses on modern diagnostic methods based on molecular testing, which in turn aims to find increasingly effective biomarkers. Currently, researchers' efforts are focused on the search for a complementary parameter to those most commonly used that would satisfactorily enhance the sensitivity and specificity of assays. Several biomarkers, including microRNA molecules, autoantibodies, cDNA, adipocytokines, and galectins, are currently being investigated by researchers. This article reviews recent studies comparing the sensitivity and specificity of selected parameters used alone and in combination to increase detection of ovarian cancer at an early stage.

Evaluation of the Potential Diagnostic Utility of the Determination of Selected Immunological and Molecular Parameters in Patients with Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious challenges in modern gynaecological oncology. Due to its non-specific symptoms and the lack of an effective screening procedure to detect the disease at an early stage, ovarian cancer is still marked by a high mortality rate among women. For this reason, a great deal of research is being carried out to find new markers that can be used in the detection of ovarian cancer to improve early diagnosis and survival rates of women with ovarian cancer. Our study focuses on presenting the currently used diagnostic markers and the latest selected immunological and molecular parameters being currently investigated for their potential use in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

The role of galectins­1, 3, 7, 8 and 9 as potential diagnostic and therapeutic markers in ovarian cancer (Review).

The incidence of ovarian cancer is increasing, particularly throughout the highly developed countries, while this cancer type remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The currently poorly recognized lectins called galectins have various roles in interactions occurring in the tumor microenvironment. Galectins are involved in tumor­associated processes, including the promotion of growth, adhesion, angiogenesis and survival of tumor cells. Results of research studies performed so far point to a complex role of galectins­1, 3, ­7, ­8 and ­9 in carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer and elucidation of the mechanisms may contribute to novel forms of therapies targeting the proteins. In particular, it appears important to recognize the reasons for changes in expression of galectins. Galectins also appear to be a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool to evaluate tumor progression or the efficacy of therapies in patients with ovarian cancer, which requires further study.

Participation of Selected Soluble BMP-2 and BMP-7 Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Their Soluble Type I ALK-1 and Type II BMPR2 Receptors in Formation and Development of Endometriosis.

Angiogenesis is considered to be one of the key stages in the development of endometriosis. Recent studies indicate that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors (BMPR) may play an important role in the angiogenesis process. In the literature, however, there is a lack of publications concerning binding BMPs and their receptors with the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The aim of the study was to determine the role of soluble bone morphogenetic proteins, BMP-2 and BMP-7, and their receptors, ALK-1 and BMPR2, in the process of the formation and development of endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid was collected in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, from 80 women aged 21-49 years (mean age 31.3 ± 6.7 years) undergoing laparoscopy to determine the causes of primary infertility. The study involved 60 women in the I, II, III, and IV stages of the disease. The reference group consisted of 20 women who did not have endometriosis or other lesions in the pelvic area. The concentration in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis was compared to the concentration of this parameter in the reference group, and a statistically significant reduction in the concentration of the BMP-2 molecule was found, as well as increasing concentrations of BMP-7, ALK-1, and BMPR2. BMP-2 and BMP-7 and their soluble receptors, ALK-1 and BMPR2, are involved in the formation of endometriosis. The changes in the concentrations of most of the tested parameters demonstrated in the study, especially in the early stages of the disease, may indicate the more effective formation of new blood vessels in this period.

Participation of selected soluble cell adhesion molecules and syndecans in formation and development of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: Concentrations of soluble ICAM-2, -3, -4 and syndecan-1 and -4 have not yet been marked in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. The aim of the study was to determine whether these molecules can participate in formation and development of endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised of 80 women at the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, aged 21 to 49 years (mean age 31. 3 ± 6. 7 years) undergoing laparoscopy, to determine the causes of primary infertility and to confirm or exclude endometriosis. The study group consisted of 60 women with endometriosis in the pelvis as confirmed by laparoscopy and histopathology. The reference group consisted of 20 women in whom no endometriosis. Concentrations of selected sICAM and syndecans in the peritoneal fluid were determined with the use of ELISA method. RESULTS: Decreased concentrations of sICAM-2 and increased concentrations of sICAM-3, sICAM-4 and syndnecan-1 and -4 were observed in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis and compared with concentrations of this parameter in the reference group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, negative correlation was found between the concentrations of sICAM-3 and sICAM-2 among women with endometriosis. There was no statistically significant correlation between the concentration of sICAM-2 and sICAM-4, sICAM-3 and sICAM-4 and syndecan-1 and syndecan-4 in the examined women. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in concentrations of all the evaluated molecules were observed in the peritoneal fluid in women suffering from endometriosis. Since they have a role in regulation of the immune response, in angiogenesis and apoptosis of the endometrial cells.

The presence of anti-leucocyte antibodies in the plasma of convalescent women after SARS-CoV-2 infection as a reason for disqualification for plasma therapy - analysis based on a literature review.

According to the data from November 29 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was responsible for 61 866 635 cases of infections and 1 448 990 deaths worldwide, and the number is still growing rapidly. The main problem is the rapid increase in the number of patients with pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure. In the treatment of COVID- 19 patients, a significant effect of convalescent plasma (CP) therapy from convalescent patients with SARS-CoV-2 IgG neutralizing antibodies is indicated. After this procedure, the total duration of the infection was shortened and the clinical condition improved faster than in patients who did not receive this form of therapy. The aim of the study was to explain the cause disqualifying women with anti-leucocyte anitibodies as CP plasma donors for COVID-19 patients. However, according to the literature, 2% of patients who received plasma from convalescents developed Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI). The most common causes of TRALI are anti-leukocyte antibodies directed against Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) class I and II and against Human Neutrophil Antigens (HNA). Therefore, patients with COVID-19 may only be transfused with plasma from convalescent women with a history of pregnancy after testing negative for anti-leucocyte antibodies in the pre-plasmapheresis blood sample.

The immune complex p53 protein/anti-p53 autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of ovarian serous carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The tests conducted were intended to analyze the concentration of p53 protein and anti-p53 autoantibodies in serum of women with ovarian tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients with diagnosed ovarian cancer: Cystadenoma serosum or Cystadenocarcinoma papillare serosum at IIIc stage (including 10 women who had G1, 14 women who had G2 and 30 women who had G3 staging). Concentrations of parameters were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The analysis of the obtained results showed statistical significance between the concentration of p53 protein depending on the degree of differentiation of G1 and G3 (p < 0.001) and anti-p53 autoantibodies depending on the degree of differentiation of G1 and G2 (p < 0.05) as well as G2 and G3 (p < 0.01). In addition, the determined p53/anti-p53 autoantibodies ratio was only significant between G1 and G2 (p < 0.05), as was the assessment of the percentage of the tested parameters in the immune complex. CONCLUSIONS: Immune system disorders involving the p53 protein and anti-p53 autoantibodies may be one of the immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian serous cancer.