CYP2C19 polymorphisms in patients with gastric and colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that up to 80% of human cancers arise as a consequence of environmental exposure and host susceptibility factors. Environmental carcinogens are predominantly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily of drug- or xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Genetic variations in these enzymes affect individuals' susceptibility to carcinogens. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between CYP2C19 polymorphism and susceptibility to these cancers by means of CYP2C19 genotyping among Turkish subjects. METHODS: DNAof subjects were isolated from leukocytes by high pure template preparation kit (Roche Diagnostics, GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) and genotypes were detected by LightCycler CYP2C19 Mutation Detection Kit by real-time PCR with LightCycler instrument (Roche Diagnostics, cat. no. 3113914). RESULTS: Being male was associated with a 3.5-fold (OR: 4.27, CI: 2.27-8.05) and 4.27-fold (OR: 3.50, CI: 1.948-6.301) risk for colorectal and gastric carcinoma, respectively. The CYP2C19*3 heterozygote genotype was not found in either gastric or colorectal carcinoma patients. Although the frequency of CYP2C19*2 heterozygote genotype is high in patients with gastric and colorectal carcinoma, it is not significantly associated with cancer (OR: 1.79, CI: 0.829-3.865 and OR: 1.998, CI: 0.961-4.154, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although the frequency of CYP2C19*2 heterozygote genotype is high in our patients with gastric and colorectal carcinoma, there is no the relationship between CYP2C19 polymorphism and susceptibility to these cancer.

The eustachian tube caliber and craniofacial skeleton in guinea pigs.

The temporal bone and eustachian tube (ET) keep developing up to adulthood in conjunction with facial growth, and the researchers considered that insufficient tubal function in childhood might be related to size, shape and position of the ET. In this study, we performed correlation and stepwise regression analyses between craniofacial skeletal parameters and diameter of the cartilaginous ET in 90 guinea pigs. Data showed that, not the potency of the lumen at the superior part of the cartilaginous ET, but the configuration of the cartilage surrounding the superior part of the ET, and position of the lateral lamina appeared to be significantly associated with the balance of the growth potentials between the naso-premaxillary unit, maxillo-zygomatic unit and the anterior cranial base. Therefore, we may hypothesize that the balance between these subunits of the developing craniofacial skeleton has determinative effect on tensor veli palatini muscle (TVPM).

High-level disinfection with 2% alkalinized glutaraldehyde solution for reuse of laparoscopic disposable plastic trocars.

The reusability of disposable plastic trocars after high-level disinfection by alkalinized 2% glutaraldehyde solution was examined in a prospective study from the point of view of infection risk in order to determine the safety and economic benefits. For this purpose, 45 laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases were analyzed microbiologically and clinically. In 30 cases, trocars subjected to 15 min of disinfection by glutaraldehyde were used. In the remaining 15 cases, new trocars were used and a control group was established. In total, eight culture samples were taken from trocars, laparoscope (as it is disinfected by the same method), glutaraldehyde solution and umbilicus of the patients preoperatively; and from the bile in the gallbladder, peritoneal lavage fluid, and epigastric and umbilical incisions postoperatively. Only one of the disinfected trocars yielded a culture-positive result. No culture-positive results were found in the samples taken from laparoscope, glutaraldehyde, and epigastric incisions. Culture-positive results were obtained in 11 cases at the umbilicus, in one case at the peritoneal lavage and in one case at the umbilical incision. None of the patients had infection at the wound site or intra-abdominally. In conclusion, we have shown that disposable plastic trocars subjected to high-level disinfection can be reused safely without infection risk and that cost can be reduced.

[Effect of antithrombin-III (AT-III) on intestinal epithelium changes related to obstructive icterus: experimental study in rats]. / Etude de l'effet de l'antithrombine-III (AT-III) sur les modifications de l'épithélium intestinal liées à l'ictère obstructif: étude expérimentale chez le rat.

PURPOSE: Bacterial translocation leading to sepsis is increased by obstructive jaundice(OJ). Antithrombin III (ATIII) mediates the promotion of prostaglandin release, an inhibitor of leucocyte activation and downregulator of many proinflammatory cytokines. We investigated the effect of ATIII on histopatology and villus morphology of small intestine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed an experimental study with 40 rats who were divided into four groups. The first one (control, n = 10) received saline, the second (n = 10) included normal rats who received ATIII, the third group (n = 10) was rats with OJ (ligation of common bile duct), and the fourth group included OJ rats receiving AT-III. AT-III (100 UI/kg intraperitoneally) was started at the third day following bile duct ligation and repeated for 5 days. At the 8 day, rats were scarified and ileum was analysed. Histopathological assessments were performed, using a grading scheme ranging from 0 to 10 (Chui et al). RESULTS: Median histological score was found to be 2 in group 1, 1.71 in group 2, 5.43 in group 3 and 2.71 in group 4. The difference between group 3 and 4 was statistically significant. Mucosal thicknesses and villus lengths were found significantly lower in OJ group. Mucosal thicknesses and villus lengths were significantly preserved in jaundiced + AT-III group. CONCLUSION: ATIII demonstrated a salutary effect on the histopathological changes caused by the OJ and prevented the adverse effects on histopathological and morphological parameters in ileal mucosa.

Endoscopic balloon dissection for removal of lipomas via transaxillary route.

Minimally invasive techniques and newer endoscopic surgical techniques are being introduced to aesthetic and reconstructive procedures at an accelerating pace. A new and modified technique of endoscopic excision of large encapsulated lipomas is presented and the versatility of creation of an optical cavity and incorporation of balloon dissection is discussed in two cases. Large encapsulated lipomas were removed endoscopically via transaxillary incisions and no immediate or late complication was observed. Endoscopic removal of lipomas offers several advantages over conventional direct excision and liposuction such as avoiding blind manipulation and fragmentation of lipoma mass, and unsightly scars. One drawback of this technique can be lengthy operation times, which have been near two hours for the presented cases. We conclude that endoscopic removal of tumors from a relatively remote site is beneficial in treating such encapsulated tumors and we speculate that endoscopy will prevent unsightly scarring in important areas while decreasing the operating time as experience is gained.