[Vitamin B12 concentration in the blood of alcoholics]. / Stezenie witaminy B12 we krwi alkoholików.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin B12 is an enzymatic cofactor for metabolism of homocysteine to methionine. The metabolism of homocysteine is affected by alcohol abuse. THE AIM of the study was to evaluate an effect of alcohol abuse and alcoholic liver disease on the serum level of vitamin B12. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The tested group consisted of 80 alcohol-dependent men who were admitted to detoxification ward. The diagnosis of dependency was made on the basis of ICD-10 criteria. The alcoholics were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of alcoholic liver disease. The control group consisted of 30 healthy social drinkers. The vitamin B12 was determined by chemiluminescence method. RESULTS: The mean concentration of vitamin B12 in the alcohol abuse patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls but remains in the reference range (93.75% drinkers) in contrast to folic acid which level was decreased in 40% of patients and homocysteine which concentration was increased in 57.5% of alcoholics, whereas both levels are not in the normal range. The presence of alcoholic liver disease elevated the serum concentration of vitamin B12 but not the level of folic acid and homocysteine. The level of vitamin B12 negatively correlated with the homocysteine and positively with the markers of liver injury by alcohol. No correlation was found between folic acid and homocysteine. CONCLUSIONS: The vitamin B12 concentrations in the alcohol abuse patients are significantly higher than that of healthy subjects, however, these still remain in the normal range. The level of this vitamin is connected with the homocysteine concentration but is not linked with the folic acid concentration in the blood. The vitamin B12 concentration reflects the degree of hepatocytes injury by alcohol.

[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of selected hematopoietic growth factors in endometrial cancer patients and with myoma uteri]. / Ocena stezenia i przydatnosci diagnostycznej wybranych cytokin hematopoetycznych w osoczu chorych na raka endometrium i ze zmianami lagodnymi (miesniakami) macicy.

UNLABELLED: Hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) are involved in the regulation of growth hematopoietic cells. Some clinical investigations have shown an autologous production of HGFs in various human cell lines in vitro and by tumour cells in vivo, for example in endometrial cancer. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the plasma levels and diagnostics utility of selected HGFs, such as SCF M-CSF, G-CSF in endometrial cancer patients and with myoma uteri. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have investigated the plasma levels of HGFs and tumor marker like CA 125 in patients with endometrial cancer (55 women), with myoma uteri (30 patients) and in 30 healthy subjects. HGFs were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CA 125 was measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CMIA). RESULTS: SCF and M-CSF similarly to CA 125 plasma levels were significantly higher in endometrial cancer patients comparing to the healthy subjects. Furthermore M-CSF was significantly higher in endometrial cancer comparing to the myoma patients. The diagnostic sensitivity of M-CSF was high and slightly lower than CA 125 (51% and 60% respectively). The combined use of all tested cytokines resulted in the increased sensitivity range, especially with marker CA 125 (84%). Diagnostic specificities were high and equal for all tested cytokines and for CA 125(93%). Positive predictive values (PPV) were high for all tested parameters, and negative predictive values (NPV) were higher enough to exclude endometrial cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggest that tested cytokines (HGFs) can be clinically useful in diagnostic of endometrial cancer patients. M-CSF can be clinically useful in differentiation of endometrial cancer and myoma uteri. Furthermore SCF and M-CSF showed usefulness in primary diagnostic of cancer uteri, especially with CA 125.

[The plasma level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in gastric cancer patients after surgery]. / Poziom mieloperoksydazy (MPO) oraz calkowity status antyoksydacyjny (TAS) w osoczu chorych na raka zoladka leczonych operacyjnie.

The human body is subject to constant effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The source of cellular ROS production include activated phagocytes for examples neutrophils and macrophages. ROS at appropriately low level are needed for the proper function of the organism. Uncontrolled increase however is known as oxidative stress and may have serious consequences. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate in the plasma of gastric carcinoma patients the level of MPO (enzyme of granulocyte) and TAS (total antioxidant status). MPO is a measurement of neutrophils activation and synthesis of ROS. TAS informs about the effect of radicals on neoplastic processes. We tested 28 patients with III and IV stage of gastric carcinoma. Plasma samples were drawn before and 1 and 10 days after surgery operation. The control group consisted of 18 healthy subjects. The plasma level of MPO was measured using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA), TAS was measured using colorimetric method. In gastric carcinoma patients before and after operation (1 and 10 day) MPO concentration was 3 times higher in comparison to the control group, but TAS level was decreased. These results suggest the presence of prolonged oxidative stress in malignant disease but it requires long time observation after surgery.

[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of selected hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) in breast cancer patients]. / Ocena stezen i przydatnosci diagnostycznej wybranych cytokin hematopoetycznych (HGFs) w osoczu pacjentek z rakiem piersi.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) are involved in the regulation of hematopoietic cells growth. Few clinical investigations have shown their autologous production both in vitro by human cell lines and in vivo by tumors, for example in breast cancer. We have investigated the plasma levels of selected cytokines (M-CSF, G-CSF, GM-CSF) and commonly accepted tumor marker (CA 15-3) before treatment of breast cancer patients in relation to the healthy controls. Additionally, the diagnostic criteria: sensitivity, specificity, the predictive value of positive and negative results were defined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tested group--80 patients with breast cancer, control group--20 healthy women. M-CSF, G-CSF and GM-CSF were determined using ELISA method, CA 15-3--was measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay--CMIA (ABBOTT). RESULTS: Median values of HGFs and CA 15-3 plasma levels were significantly higher in breast cancer patients comparing to the control group. The diagnostic sensitivity of M-CSF was higher than CA 15-3 (59% and 44% respectively), and for the other tested cytokines. The combined analysis of all tested cytokines resulted also in the increased sensitivity range (81%), especially with CA 15-3 (91%). The diagnostic specificities were higher for M-CSF and CA 15-3 (equal 95%) and for other tested cytokines (equal 90%). Positive predictive values (PPV) were high for all tested parameters, and negative predictive values (NPV) were higher to exclude breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that tested cytokines can be clinically useful in diagnostics of breast cancer patients, especially with CA 15-3, but further investigation and confirmation by a prospective study are necessary.

[The plasma level of sL-selectin, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in gynecological cancer patients]. / Stezenie sL-selektyny i mieloperoksydazy (MPO) oraz czynnika wzrostu kolonii granulocytarnych (G-CSF) w osoczu pacjentek z nowotworami macicy.

It is known that G-CSF not only stimulates the granulopoiesis but also regulates the functions of mature neutrophils. Indirect evidence of this might be the increase of the activity of granulocyte enzymes participating in phagocytosis and killing tumor cells. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate in the plasma of breast cancer patients the level of adhesion molecule--sL-selectin, as a measure of maturate granulocyte activity and MPO--enzyme of granulocyte, responsible for the cytotoxicity. Additionally we have investigated the plasma level of G-CSF which can increase in the cancers. We tested 17 patients with I stage endometrial cancer and 19 patients with I stage cervical cancer. Plasma samples were drawn before operation. The control group consisted of 20 healthy women. The plasma levels of sL-selectin, myeloperoxidase and G-CSF were measured using a sensitive sandwich ELISA system. In gynecological cancer patients sL-selectin concentration was decreased, but myeloperoxidase concentration increased in comparison to the control group. G-CSF level in group with endometrial cancer was similar to the control group, but in group with cervical cancer was significantly lower. These results suggest that ability of granulocyte binding to cancer cells is decreased but cytotoxicity is increased, at lack of stimulation by of G-CSF.

[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of stem cell factor in patients with endometrial cancer and myoma uteri]. / Ocena stezenia i przydatnosci diagnostycznej czynnika wzrostu komórek pnia w osoczu chorych na raka endometrium oraz ze zmianami lagodnymi (miesniakami) macicy.

UNLABELLED: Stem cell factor (SCF) is a member of a group of cytokines called hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs). Some clinical investigations have shown an autologous production of this cytokine in various human cell lines in vitro and by tumors in vivo, for example in uterine cancer. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The plasma level and diagnostic utility of SCF have been investigated in endometrial cancer and myoma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The plasma level of SCF and tumor markers like CA 125 and SCC-Ag in endometrial cancer (50 patients), in myoma uteri (25 patients) and in 25 healthy subjects were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CMIA). RESULTS: SCF plasma level was significantly higher in endometrial cancer patients comparing to the group with myoma and to the control. CA 125 plasma level was significantly higher only in endometrial cancer patients comparing to the control group. Diagnostic specificity was high and equal for all tested parameters (92%). The diagnostic sensitivity of SCF was slightly lower than CA 125, and was higher in more advanced tumor stage. The combined use of SCF with other markers resulted in the increased sensitivity range. Positive and negative predictive values were high for SCF and for CA 125, and were higher in more advanced tumor stage. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that tested cytokine (SCF) can be clinically useful in differentiation of endometrial cancer and myoma uteri. Furthermore SCF showed usefulness in primary diagnostic of cancer uteri, especially with CA 125.

[The plasma level of sL-selectin, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in breast cancer patients after surgery]. / Stezenie sL-selektyny i mieloperoksydazy (MPO) oraz czynnika wzrostu kolonii granulocytarnych (G-CSF) w osoczu chorych na raka piersi leczonych operacyjnie.

G-CSF is a stimulatory factor of granulocyte colony formation. In vitro and in vivo G-CSF enhances functions of mature cells. Indirect evidence of this might be the increase of the activity of granulocyte enzymes participating in phagocytosis and killing tumor cells. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate in the plasma of breast cancer patients the level of adhesion molecule - sL-selection, as a measure of mature granulocyte activity and MPO, granulocyte enzyme responsible for the cytotoxicity. Additionally we have investigated the plasma level of G-CSF which can increase in breast cancer. We tested 16 patients with I stage breast cancer and 15 patients with II stage breast cancer. Plasma samples were drawn before and 30 days after operation. The control group consisted of 10 healthy women. The plasma levels of sL-selectin, MPO and G-CSF were measured using breast cancer patients (I and II stage) before and after operation of sL-selection concentration was increased in comparison to the control group, but myeloperoxidase concentration was similar to the control group. These results suggest that levels of sL-selectin and MPO correlate with G-CSF concentration.

[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage - colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in patients with I and II stage of breast cancer]. / Ocena stezen i przydatnosci diagnostycznej czynnika stymulujacego kolonie granulocytarne (G-CSF) i granulocytarno-makrofagowe (GM-CSF) w osoczu pacjentek w I i II stopniu zaawansowania raka piersi.

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage - colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) belong to hematopoetic growth factors (HGFs). Few clinical investigation have shown their autologous production both in vitro by human cell lines and in vivo by tumors, for example in breast cancer. We have investigated the plasma levels of G-CSF, GM-CSF and commonly accepted tumor marker (CA 15-3) before treatment of breast cancer patients in relation to the healthy controls. Additionally, the diagnostic criteria: sensitivity, specificity, the predictive value of positive and negative results were defined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tested group--50 patients with breast cancer, control group--30 healthy women. G-CSF and GM-CSF were determined using ELISA method, CA 15-3--was measured by chemilumunescence immunoassay (CMIA) (ABBOTT). RESULTS: Median values of G-CSF, GM-CSF and CA 15-3 plasma levels were significantly higher in the II stage of breast cancer patients before surgery compared to the control group. The diagnostic sensitivity of G-CSF and GM-CSF was slightly lower than CA 15-3. The higher range of the diagnostic sensitivity of tested cytokines and CA 15-3 in more advanced breast stages was observed. The combined use of both cytokines and CA 15-3 analysis resulted also in the increased sensitivity range (69%). The diagnostic specificities of tested cytokines were high for both cytokines (equal 90%) and CA 15-3 (95%). The positive and negative predictive values were high for all tested parameters and were higher in more advanced tumor stage. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that tested cytokines, especially G-CSF, can be clinically useful in diagnostics of breast cancer patients, but further investigation and confirmation by a prospective study are necessary.

Concentration of Selected Elements and Antioxidative Potential in a Group of Males Working in the Metal Industry: Elements And Antioxidative Potential In Men.

The purpose of this study was to show that some elements have a proven antioxidative effect and are essential for the proper development and functioning of the human body. The study also assessed the concentration of selected elements and total antioxidant status (TAS) in a group of male inhabitants of Bialystok, Poland, who are professionally active in the metal industry. The study group comprised 163 men aged 55-64 years. The concentration of the analyzed elements was determined using flame (Zn and Cu) and electrothermal (Se, Cd, and Pb) atomic absorption spectrometry. Spectrophotometric test kits were used to assay the TAS and glutathione reductase (GR) activity in serum. The results suggested the mean concentration of Se in serum was 54.04 ± 12.10 µg/L, which was below the reference range. A significant negative correlation was observed between the concentration of Se in the serum and Pb and Cd concentrations in the whole blood of the studied men. The concentrations of the other elements, antioxidant potential, and GR activity were within the reference range. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between Pb and Cd, indicating combined exposure and a considerable negative correlation between lead and selenium as well as between lead and TAS. Selenium and TAS are likely to modify the adverse effects of Pb in the bodies of the studied men. The results indicate that it is necessary to constantly monitor men who are occupationally exposed to heavy metals, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and introduce effective preventive measures at a local level.

[Cytokines as markers of osteolysis in the diagnostics of patients with bone metastases]. / Cytokiny jako markery osteolizy w diagnostyce pacjentów z przerzutami nowotworowymi do kosci.

In normal bone there are two essential processes of bone turnover, resorption and formation, which are disrupted by bone metastases. Two types of bone metastases are known, i.e. osteolytic lesions with dominant bone resorption and osteosclerotic tumors with enhanced osteoblastic bone formation. Numerous cytokines and growth factors regulate the activity of osteoclasts and/or osteoblasts in endo- or paracrine ways, playing crucial roles in the processes of bone turnover. Bone metastases are often the consequences of certain malignant tumors, such as breast, prostate, lung, and renal cancer. The diagnosis of bone metastasis is essential for a determination of the clinical stage of cancer and appropriate treatment. Tumor markers are useful in diagnosis, prognosis, staging, and, especially, monitoring treatment. Tumor markers are also useful in detecting bone metastases. There is growing evidence that various cytokines, especially M-CSF, TGFbeta, TNFalpha, and IL-6 and IL-7, may be new tumor markers useful in the diagnosis of neoplastic disease. The processes of bone turnover in normal bone and metastatic tumors as well as the significance of the most important cytokines in the development of osteolytic metastases and the possibility of their use in the diagnosis of the most frequent cancers presenting bone metastases are described in this article.

[The plasma level of sL-selectin, myeloperoxidase and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in breast cancer patients in the course of chemotherapy]. / Stezenie sL-selektyny i mieloperoksydazy oraz czynnika wzrostu kolonii granulocytarnych (G-CSF) w osoczu chorych na raka piersi poddanych chemioterapii.

Neutrophils kill tumor cells through mechanisms of cell cytotoxicity, dependent on myeloperoxidase. The proliferation and activity of mature granulocytes are stimulated by the granulocyte--colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the level of adhesion molecule--sL-selectin, as a measure of mature granulocyte activity and myeloperoxidase responsible for their cytotoxicity. Additionally we have investigated the plasma level of G-CSF which can increase in the breast cancer. We tested 15 patients with III stage breast cancer and 18 patients with IV stage. Plasma samples were drawn before and in the course (12th week) of chemotherapy. The control group consisted of 10 healthy women. The plasma levels of sL-selectin, myeloperoxidase and G-CSF were measured using a sensitive sandwich ELISA system. In breast cancer patients (III and IV stage) before and in the course of chemotherapy sL-selectin concentration was decreased, but myeloperoxidase concentration increased in comparison to the control group. The level of sL-selectin and myeloperoxidase in the 12th week was decreased when compared to the level before chemotherapy. These results suggest that levels of tested parameters do not correlate with G-CSF concentration.

[The plasma levels of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in breast cancer patients]. / Ocena stezen czynnika stymulujacego kolonie granulocytarne i granulocytarno-makrofagowe w osoczu chorych na raka piersi.

UNLABELLED: Granulocyte - colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage - colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) belong to hematopoetic growth factors (HGFs). Few clinical investigations have shown their autologous production both in vitro by human cell lines and in vivo by tumors. AIM OF THE STUDY: We have investigated the plasma levels of G-CSF GM-CSF and CA 15-3 in breast cancer patients before and after surgery, and before and after chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The plasma levels of cytokines were measured in 46 patients with breast cancer and in 30 healthy subjects. G-CSF and GM-CSF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CA 15-3 was measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). RESULTS: G-CSF and GM-CSF plasma levels were significantly higher in II stage breast cancer patients before surgery comparing to the control group. The plasma levels of tested cytokines were decreased after surgery, which suggested it's usefulness in evaluating breast cancer total resection. Both of tested cytokines after chemotherapy were increased, which suggested secretion from damaged breast cancer cells. Additionally we observed decreasing the plasma levels of cytokines, especially G-CSF in the 360th day after surgery. This latter result has prognostic function (no symptoms of cancer recurrence). In this study similar plasma levels of CA 15-3 were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Tested cytokines, especially G-CSF, can be used in diagnostics and monitoring breast cancer therapy.

[Stem cell factor (SCF) in the plasma and phagocytic functions of granulocytes in breast cancer patients]. / Stezenie osoczowego czynnika wzrostowego komórek pnia (SCF) i funkcje fagocytarne granulocytów obojetnochlonnych u chorych na raka piersi.

Stem Cell Factor (SCF) is a cytokine which stimulates the growth and development of primitive multipotential and unipotential hematopoietic stem cells in vitro and in vivo either alone or in combination with other cytokines such as Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor and Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor. It was found that SCF in vivo can stimulate function of mature granulocytes and its concentration is increased in cancer diseases. The patients were divided into two groups: A (stage I and II) and B (stage IV). The blood for investigation was collected before and 30 days after surgery (group A) and before and in the course (12 week) of chemotherapy (group B), and from healthy subjects (control group). SCF concentration was measured in the plasma, using a sensitive sandwich ELISA. Functions of mature granulocytes were examinated using the percentage of phagocytizing cells and phagocytic index. According to obtained results we can conclude that SCF concentration in cancer patient in group A and B was decreased compared to the control group. The percentage of phagocytizing cells in group A was increased in comparison to the control group and group B. The phagocytic index in cancer patients (group A and B) was higher than in the control group.

[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of stem cell factor and macrophage--colony stimulating factor in endometrial cancer patients]. / Ocena stezen i przydatnosci diagnostycznej czynnika wzrostu komórek pnia (SCF) oraz czynnika stymulujacego kolonie makrofagowe (M-CSF) w osoczu pacjentek z rakiem endometrium.

We have investigated the plasma levels of SCF and M-CSF and commonly accepted tumor markers, such as CA 125 and SCC-Ag in endometrial cancer patients. The plasma levels of cytokines were measured in 25 patients and in 25 healthy subjects. SCF and M-CSF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CA 125 and SCC-Ag were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). SCF and CA 125 plasma levels were significantly higher in endometrial cancer patients when compared to the control group. The diagnostic specificity was high and equal for all tested parameters, similarly to tested tumour markers. The diagnostic sensitivity was the highest when SCF, M-CSF and CA 125 or all parameters were combined. Positive and negative predictive values were so high for tested cytokines, as for compared markers. Our study suggests that both tested hematopoietic cytokines can be clinically useful in endometrial cancer diagnostics, but further investigation and confirmation in a prospective study is necessary.

[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage - colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) in ovarian cancer patients]. / Stezenie i przydatnoscdiagnostyczna czynnika stymulujacego kolonie granulocytarne (G-cSF) i makrofagalne (M-cSF) w osoczu chorych na raka jajnika.

UNLABELLED: G-CSF and M-CSF are of the glycoproteins called colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). Some clinical investigations have shown an autologous production of G-CSF and M-CSF in various human cell lines in vitro and by tumors in vivo. AIM OF STUDY: We have investigated the plasma levels and diagnostic utility of G-CSF M-CSF and commonly accepted tumor marker, such as CA 125 in ovarian cancer patients before surgery and healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We tested 30 patients with ovarian cancer and 30 healthy women (control group). G-CSF and M-CSF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CA 125 was measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). RESULTS: G-CSF, M-CSF and CA 125 plasma levels were significantly higher in ovarian cancer patients compared to the control group. The diagnostic sensitivity of M-CSF was higher than for G-CSF and CA 125 (57%, 50% i 53%, respectively). The diagnostic specificity was high and equal for all tested parameters (93%). Positive predictive value was higher for M-CSF and CA 125 (equal 89%). Negative predictive value was the highest for M-CSF in comparison to G-C.SF and CA 125 (68%, 65%, 66,7%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that especially M-CSF can be clinically useful in diagnostic ovarian cancer, but further investigation and confirmation by a prospective study is necessary.

[Plasma granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and activity of enzymes in granulocytes of breast cancer patients]. / Stezenie osoczowego czynnika wzrostu kolonii granulocytarno-makrofagowych (GM-CSF) i aktywnosc enzymów w granulocytach u chorych na raka piersi.

GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating fractor) is a hematopoietic growth factor. In vitro it stimulates the proliferation of myeloid progenitors and formation of granulocyte and macrophage colonies. It was found that GM-CSF in vitro also stimulates the phagocytic function of mature granulocytes. Indirect evidence of this might be the increase of the activity of granulocyte enzymes participating in phagocytosis. The aim of this study was to compare in vivo the level of GM-CSF in the plasma and activity of acid phosphatase (AcP), alkaline phosphatase (AP), peroxidase (MPO) and esterase in granulocytes of breast cancer patients. The activities of tested enzymes were measured by cytochemical methods in the blood of 14 patients before and 30 days after surgery (group A) and 15 patients before and in the course (12 week) of chemotherapy (groupB) and in 10 healthy subjects. GM-CSF concentration was measured in the plasma, using a sensitive sandwich ELISA. According to obtained results we can conclude that GM-CSF concentration in cancer patients before and after surgery compared to the control group was increased. GM-CSF concentration in patients before and in the course of chemotherapy was increased compared to the control group and patients before and after surgery. Enzyme activities participating in phagocytosis in cancer patients after surgery were increased compared to the enzyme activity in the control group. Enzyme activities in cancer patients in the course of chemotherapy were decreased when compared to the activities in the control group and when compared to the activities in cancer patients before and after surgery. The chemotherapy causes increase of GM-CSF concentration and enzyme activity.

[Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the plasma and activity of enzymes in granulocytes of breast cancer patients]. / Stezenie wzrostowego czynnika granulopoezy (G-CSF) w osoczu i aktywnosc enzymów w granulocytach, u chorych na raka piersi.

OBJECTIVES: G-CSF is a stimulatory factor of granulocyte colony formation. In vitro and in vivo G-CSF stimulates the proliferation of granulocyte precursors and enhances phagocytic functions of mature cells. Indirect evidence of this might be the increase of the activity of granulocyte enzymes participating in phagocytosis. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to compare in vivo the level of G-CSF in the plasma and the activity of: alkaline phosphatase (AP), acid phosphatase(AcP), peroxidase(MPO) and esterase in the granulocytes of breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activities of tested enzymes were measured by cytochemical methods in the blood of 10 patients with breast cancer before and 30 days after operation and in 10 healthy subject. GSF level was measured using a sensitive sandwich ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: 1. On the basis of the obtained results we can conclude that G-CSF level was increased in cancer patients (18.30 pg/ml before operation and 20.70 pg/ml after operation) compared to the control group (15.73 pg/ml). This results suggest that G-CSF may be synthesized by phagocytic cells and/or cancer cells. 2. AP activity was decreased after surgery (135.00 score) in comparison to the activities before operation (182.3 score). 3. AcP (213.6 score), MPO (364.6 score) and esterase (184.2 score) activities were significantly increased after surgery in comparison to the activities before operation: AcP 188.6 score, MPO 316.3 score, esterase 154.8 score. 4. These results suggest that activities of tested enzymes might be dependent on G-CSF plasma level.

[Selected hematopoietic cytokines in patients with colorectal cancer]. / Wybrane cytokiny hematopoetyczne w surowicy chorych na gruczolakoraka jelita grubego.

We have investigated the serum level of selected hematopoietic cytokines, such as interleukin 3, granulocyte-macrophage--colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte--colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage--colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) in colorectal cancer patients. Also correlations between their concentrations and stages were made. The study was done on group consisted of 30 diagnosed colorectal cancer patients. The used classification of stage of the tumor was described by Dukes. The results were compared with control group consisted of 20 healthy persons. The examined factors were assayed by ELISA method. In colorectal cancer patients the serum levels of IL-3, GM-CSF and M-CSF were increased in comparison with the control group. The differences between cytokines concentrations in control group and colorectal cancer patients were statistically significant for GM-CSF and M-CSF. The serum levels of cytokines were higher in more advanced tumor stage. This results permit for further study on usefulness of these cytokines as a markers for colorectal cancer.

Total antioxidant status (TAS) in childhood cancer survivors.

Total antioxidant status (TAS), and the influence of treatment and correlation between TAS and parameters involved in metabolic syndrome (MS) in pediatric cancer survivors were evaluated. One hundred children and adolescents were studied. Twenty-five survivors received radiotherapy, 12 were obese or overweight.Additionally, we analyzed TAS in eight children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at diagnosis and during treatment after remission induction. The control group consisted of 22 healthy children. Serum concentrations of TAS, glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen and insulin were measured. In cancer survivors, independently of diagnosis and kind of treatment (radiotherapy anthracyclines administration),the mean serum TAS did not differ significantly from the control group. No correlations were observed with age at the time of diagnosis or interval after the end of treatment. TAS values did not correlate with traits of the metabolic syndrome. In a group of eight patients with ALL at diagnosis and after induction of remission,TAS values were lower than in the control and cancer survivor groups. Antioxidant status was not found to be deteriorated in children after anticancer treatment, irrespective of diagnosis or kind of treatment, which might indicate sufficient antioxidant prevention. However, the possibility of the development of MS and cardiovascular disease in adulthood indicates the need for future studies.

Comparative evaluation of plasma levels and diagnostic values of macrophage-colony stimulating factor in patients with breast cancer and benign tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) is one of the glycoproteins called hematopoetic growth factors. The direct production of this cytokine has been reported in tumor cell lines in vitro and in solid tumors in vivo. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the levels of M-CSF in patients with breast cancer and in those with a benign breast tumor were evaluated. Moreover, diagnostic values were determined through assessing diagnostic sensitivity and specificity as well as predictive value of positive (PV(+xe)) and negative (PV(-ve)) results. The results obtained were compared to the CA 15-3 and a control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group was made up of 70 patients with breast cancer and 20 patients with benign tumors and the control group of 30 healthy women. M-CSF was assayed using an ELISA method. CA 15-3 was measured by means of an immunoenzymatic method (MEIA) from ABBOT. RESULTS: Statistically higher levels of M-CSF and CA 15-3 were found in breast cancer patients as compared to the benign tumor and control groups. These levels were also significantly higher in patients with more advanced stages of cancer. A positive correlation between M-CSF and CA 15-3 levels was observed. The diagnostic sensitivity of M-CSF (58%), a specificity (93%), PV(+ve) (94%) and PV(-ve) (43%) were higher or equal to the values obtained for CA 15-3 (49%, 93%, 93% and 40%, respectively). When both parameters studied were determined jointly, sensitivity increased to 72%. CONCLUSIONS: The above data suggests that M-CSF might be useful in both diagnostics and differential diagnosis of benign tumors and breast cancer (except for the lowest degree of the clinical progression).