Solvent front position extraction with semi-automatic device as a powerful sample preparation procedure to quantitatitation of tryptophan in human plasma.

In the paper the results of the tryptophan determination in human plasma samples prepared with the novel Solvent Front Position Extraction (SFPE) technique are presented. The SFPE procedure is used for preparation of real biological sample for the first time. The results obtained using SFPE are compared with those using the classical sample preparation procedure. Under the optimal conditions, tryptophan and its internal standard were separated from other plasma compounds (matrix) as a small common zone/spot on a chromatographic plate using semiautomatic device equipped with moving pipet, which distributed developing solvent on the adsorbent layer. Tryptophan and the internal standard were evenly distributed within the small common zone from that the both substances were extracted and the solution obtained was transferred to quantitation with LC-MS and MS techniques. The determination results are satisfactory, the percentage values of relative error and RSD relative standard deviation do not exceed 5%. The procedure is characterized by simplicity, high analysis throughput, very good sample purification and seems to be easy applicable to other biological samples with these advantages mentioned.

[Epidemiology and diagnosis of breast cancer]. / Epidemiologia oraz diagnostyka raka piersi.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Family history of breast cancer, age at menarche, number of pregnancies and births, history of breast biopsies, use of hormone replacement therapy and time from the last menstrual period are the key events to note. In addition, a high percentage of cases has been demonstrated in women with a genetically conditioned cancer, i.e. mutations in genes BRCA1, BRCA2, syndromes of Li-Fraumeni, Cowden and Peutz-Jeghers. Over 90% of cases are local or regional when detected. The diagnostics approach consists of self-control, breast palpation by the doctor, breast imaging usually with ultrasound, mammography and magnetic resonance. To confirm the diagnosis, a fine-, core-needle or mammotome biopsy is performed. The final diagnosis is based on a wide panel of immunohistochemical and cytogenetic tests. Histological examination provides accurate assessment of the tumor type, grade, estrogen and progesterone hormone receptor status, HER2 overexpression and Ki67 proliferation index. The data makes possible to qualify to one of four groups of breast cancer biological subtypes, which allows individualized treatment of the patient.