Analysis of Spermine Oxidase gene and proinflammatory cytokines expression in gastric cancer patients with and without Helicobacter pylori infection - A pilot study in Polish population.

PURPOSE: Many types of cancer have infectious origins. Gastric cancer patients can demonstrate high seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The aim of the present study was to assess the expression of SMOX gene in the group of Polish patients with gastric cancer. SMOX is believed to promote H. pylori-induced carcinogenesis via inflammation, DNA damage and activation of ß-catenin signaling. We also assessed the mRNA expression of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e. IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and antimicrobial peptide, cathelicidin. MATERIALS/METHODS: The study material consisted of gastric tissue samples collected during total gastrectomy from three different places in stomach: from primary tumor, 3 â€‹cm away from the primary lesion, and from the wall opposite to the primary tumor. After RNA isolation, qPCR reactions were performed for the relevant genes. RESULTS: The obtained results confirmed an increased level of SMOX expression in gastric cancer patients with the history of H. pylori infection. And, as far as we know, this is the first study on SMOX gene expression conducted on tissue taken from a patient, not on a cell line. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e. IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, were also increased, thus indicating their contribution to the specific inflammatory microenvironment of the tumor. Interestingly, the levels of CAMP, encoding antimicrobial peptide, were reduced in all tissue types. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm that SMOX plays a role in gastric carcinogenesis. However, further research is needed on the role of inflammatory and other factors involved in this process to identify targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr Virus Co-Infection in Polish Patients with Gastric Cancer - A Pilot Study.

The infectious agents may be the etiological factor of up to 15-20% of cancers. In stomach cancer, attention is paid to Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus, both of which cause gastritis and can lead to tumor development. In co-infection, the inflammatory process is much more intense. We assessed the seroprevalence towards H. pylori and EBV in 32 patients with diagnosed gastric cancer. H. pylori antibodies were found in 69% patients, and anti-EBV - in all of them. The study confirmed that co-infection of H. pylori and EBV seems to be important in etiopathology of gastric cancer.

Management of hard-to-heal wounds arising as a result of surgical oncology treatment- usage of the modern wound dressings.

The problem of hard-to-heal wounds concerns 1-1.5% of the total population and about 3% of the population above 60 years of age. The risk factors associated with impaired wound healing are diabetes, arterial and venous insufficiency, advanced atherosclerosis, obesity, and inadequate wound supply. As a result of these pathological processes may develop localized wound infection, disseminated infection, tissue necrosis, and even chronic inflammation carcinogenesis. In the group of patients with malignant tumors, there are wounds arising in the course of the underlying disease and as a result of medical treatment. Wound healing is a significant problem and is often complicated due to the patient's general condition, comorbidities and complex treatment of cancer, which includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy used for local-regional control of disease after surgical treatment has a negative effect on healing by causing fibrosis of tissues and blood vessels damage, while chemotherapy interferes with the process of cell proliferation.