Oxidative imbalance increases the risk for colonic polyp and colorectal cancer development.

BACKGROUND: The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has garnered considerable interest recently. Specific oxidative factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of adenomatous polyps and ultimately adenocarcinoma. AIM: To evaluate the effect of oxidative imbalance as quantified by specific serological markers in the development of sporadic colon adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A total of 170 patients that underwent endoscopy of the lower gastrointestinal tract in a tertiary center within 3 years were included in the study. They were allocated in three groups; those with sporadic colon adenocarcinoma (n = 56, 32.9%), those with colonic polyps (n = 33, 19.4%) and healthy controls (n = 81, 47.7%). All patients were evaluated for oxidant activity and antioxidant capacity with serum measurements of specific markers such as vitamins A, 25(OH) D3, E, C, B12, folic acid, glutathione, selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), free iron (Fe2+), and malondialdehyde and results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Serum levels of vitamins C, E, D, Se, Zn, vitamin B12 and total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower in the combined neoplasia/polyp group than in the control group (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.020 and P < 0.001, correspondingly). Increased levels of vitamin E (P = 0.004), vitamin D (P < 0.001), Se (P < 0.001) and Zn (P < 0.001) seem to bestow a protective effect on the development of CRC. For vitamin D (P < 0.001) and Zn (P = 0.036), this effect seems to extend to the development of colon polyps as well. On the other hand, elevated serum levels of malondialdehyde are associated with a higher risk of CRC (OR = 2.09 compared to controls, P = 0.004). Regarding colonic polyp development, increased concentrations of vitamin Α and Fe2+ are associated with a higher risk, whereas lower levels of malondialdehyde with a lower risk. CONCLUSION: Increased oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC. Antioxidants' presence may exert a protective effect in the very early stages of colon carcinogenesis.

Syphilitic periostitis of the skull and ribs in a HIV positive patient.

We report the case of a HIV and syphilis co-infected patient who presented with headache and rash and was found to have syphilitic periostitis. Our case illustrates a rare manifestation of early syphilis and presents the diagnostic dilemmas that can arise in HIV and syphilis co-infected patients.

[Is Schilling test necessary for the etiological diagnosis of B12 insufficiency?].

In the following article a comparative evaluation of the tests used for the causative investigation of vitamin B(12) deficiency is presented. Although Schilling test since 2003 is not available in the market, it is considered the gold standard as a functional test of vitamin B(12) absorption, as it not only has a high specificity for the diagnosis of pernicious anaemia but also examines both gastric and intestinal stage of vitamin B(12) absorption. Consequently restoration of Schilling test in the clinical setting is necessary for the etiological diagnosis of B(12) insufficiency at least until a new and better vitamin B(12) absorption test is approved.