The relationship between serum adiponectin and resistin levels, insulin resistance and colorectal adenomas.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The relationship between adipocytokines and the development of colorectal cancer is well-documented. Our aim was to assess the relationship among serum adiponectin and resistin levels, insulin resistance, and colorectal adenoma to evaluate whether these parameters can be used as biomarkers to predict the development of colorectal adenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional case-control study conducted in 32 patients with colorectal adenoma and 30 control subjects. Serum adiponectin and resistin levels, body mass index values, waist and hip circumferences and Homeostasis Model Assessment scores were measured. RESULTS: Resistin levels were slightly higher and adiponectin was slightly lower in patients with colorectal adenoma compared with controls; however, the differences in both parameters failed to reach statistical significance. The body mass index values and waist circumference of the patient group were significantly higher than controls (p=0.003 and p=0.002, respectively). Fasting serum insulin levels and Homeostasis Model Assessment scores of patients with colorectal adenoma were significantly higher than those of controls (p=0.02 and p=0.02, respectively). There was no relation between the number of colorectal adenomas and serum adiponectin or resistin levels. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that obesity and insulin resistance may contribute to the development of colorectal adenoma and that serum adiponectin levels and insulin resistance may not have a substantial predictive value for colorectal adenoma.

Serum concentrations of CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9 and CEA in normal pregnancy: a longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Although cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is rare, the coexistence of pregnancy and malignancy becomes more common in view of prolongation of reproductive age. Therefore, it is important that the specificity of a tumor marker be evaluated during pregnancy to avoid misinterpretation in the follow-up of a pregnant cancer patient. The present study aims to investigate the serum concentrations of CA-125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9 and CEA in healthy pregnant women through gestation. METHODS: In this prospective study, we followed thirty healthy pregnant women. Blood samples were obtained during each trimester of pregnancy (10-12, 22-24 and 34-36 weeks). The maternal serum levels of CA-125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9 and CEA were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: There was no difference between the first and second trimester serum levels of CA 125, CEA and CA 19-9. However, serum CA 125 levels in third trimester were found to be significantly elevated in pregnants compared to the second trimester (median values 19.6 vs. 15.6 IU/mL, p = 0,009). Similarly, the serum CEA levels in third trimester were significantly higher than those of second trimester (median values 1.1 vs. 0.7 ng/ml, p = 0.001). It is also found that CEA and CA 19-9 assay values were significantly elevated in the third trimester of pregnancy when compared with the first trimester of pregnancy (CEA median values 1.1 vs. 0.7 ng/ml, p = 0.02 and CA 19-9 median values 11.6 vs. 7.7 IU/mL, p = 0,02). Three trimester had statistically similar levels for serum CA 15-3 (median values 17.5, 19.7 and 18.3 U/mL, respectively). The four tumor markers assay values were found generally within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that maternal serum levels of CA 125, CEA and CA 19-9 were increased during third trimester of pregnancy. However, these elevations were within the normal range. CA 15-3 is independent of gestation and reliable tumor markers in monitoring malignancy in pregnant patients.

Antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Satureja wiedemanniana against Bacillus species isolated from chicken meat.

The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil (EO) of Satureja wiedemanniana against Bacillus spp. isolated from chicken meat was investigated. Thirty-seven Bacillus strains were isolated from 15 chicken meat samples and examined for proteolytic and lipolytic activities by agar well diffusion assay. Of 37 Bacillus isolated from raw chicken samples, which based on a clear zone diameter of ≥ 6 mm in agar well diffusion assays for proteolytic activity, 19 Bacillus strains were selected for this study. Bacillus licheniformis T11(1) and Bacillus lentus T10(14) have high proteolytic activity (14.0 mm zone diameter), whereas B. licheniformis T4(2) and Bacillus mycoides T 5(5) have high lipolytic activity (12.0 mm zone diameter). Thirty-two components representing 98.10% of the composition of the S. wiedemanniana EO were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Both S. wiedemanniana EO and its main component p-cymene exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against some Bacillus strains. The results of this study confirmed the possibility of using S. wiedemanniana EO as a protective agent to chicken meat. But, detail studies are still needed to elucidate the effects of S. wiedemanniana EO against other spoilage microorganisms.