Expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 and Serum Level of Adiponectin in Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide and the third leading cause of death in Iran. One of the proteins that are considered having anticancer effects is the adiponectin hormone. Adiponectin leads to programmed cell death, prevents cell growth and proliferation, and increases the expression levels of BCL2. AIM: The aim of this study was to assay the expression of adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) genes in gastric cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 42 gastric cancer patients and 52 volunteers as healthy controls were enrolled. Total RNA was extracted. cDNA was synthesized by the reverse transcription method, and expression analysis was performed by real-time PCR. The serum level of adiponectin was also measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The expression of both AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.02). Serum adiponectin was significantly lower in gastric cancer cases when compared with normal controls (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: We found that expression level of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 is strongly higher; however, the level of circulating adiponectin is lower in gastric cancer. Our study suggests that the expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, besides the low level of adiponectin, may play an important role in the development and/or progression of gastric cancer.

A Double-Blind, Randomized Comparison Study between Zytux™ vs MabThera® in Treatment of CLL with FCR Regimen: Non-Inferiority Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by accumulation of B cells in blood, lymphoid tissues and bone marrow. Addition of rituximab to CLL chemotherapy regimens has been associated with improved survival. The aim of this study was to establish efficacy and safety of Zytux™ in comparison to MabThera® in treatment of CLL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy CLL patients who met the criteria for entering the study were randomized into two groups (35 patients in each group). Both groups received Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide plus Rituximab as part of the FCR regimen. Group A was treated with Zytux™, and group B was treated with MabThera®. A non-inferiority margin of 20% for the primary outcome was defined to examine the similarity between Zytux™ and MabThera®. RESULTS: Baseline demographic characteristics showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The two treatment groups were comparable in terms of laboratory and clinical findings, cellular index changes and CD (5, 19, 20 and 23) counts during therapy cycles and at the end of the treatment period. Regarding safety results, Zytux™ demonstrated a similar profile of adverse reactions in comparison to MabThera®. Moreover, the overall response rate was 88% and 89% for Zytux™ and MabThera®, respectively (CI -0.17, 0.18). CONCLUSION: Results showed non-inferiority of Zytux™ in terms of efficacy and adverse events as a biosimilar version of MabThera®.

Craniospinal dissemination of filum myxopapillary ependymoma following spinal trauma: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Myxopapillary ependymoma is a rare benign variant of ependymoma, occurring most commonly in the cauda equina/filum terminale of the spinal cord. It is rare in pediatric patients. Dissemination of the myxopapillary ependymoma along the neuraxis is uncommon both in adults and pediatric patients. METHODS: We report a 16-year-old boy with dissemination of the myxopapillary ependymoma along the neuraxis following spinal trauma. The possible mechanisms of tumor dissemination are discussed with a review of the literature.

Primary spinal epidural rhabdomyosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary intraspinal sarcomas are very rare in children. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a highly aggressive and rapidly growing sarcoma with skeletal origin that occasionally appears in the spinal epidural space. METHOD: We report a 13-year-old girl who presented with back pain, progressive paraparesis, and urinary retention. She had muscular weakness in her lower extremities and absent deep tendon reflex. An epidural dumbbell-shape mass at T11-T12 level was observed on MRI. The patient underwent T12 hemilaminectomy, partial T11 hemilaminectomy, and right facetectomy. A large, firm, dark-red vascular epidural tumor was found compressing the cord. The tumor which extended to intracanal and foraminal parts was removed completely. DISCUSSION: Histopathological examination revealed undifferentiated small round and oval tumoral cells. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for vimentin, desmin, and myogenin. The final diagnosis was alveolar RMS. She received radiotherapy and chemotherapy by vincristine, actinomycin-D, doxorubicin, and ifosfamide. The patient was in good condition with no tumor recurrence or metastasis at the 1-year follow-up.

Six-year follow up of imatinib therapy for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in Iranian patients.

BACKGROUND: The present study reported a six-year follow up of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who were on imatinib therapy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on a total of 417 patients diagnosed with chronic-phase, Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia within six months before study entry. Patients were eligible for the study if they were between 18 and 70 years of age. Enrolled patients were treated at an initial dose of 400 mg of imatinib. RESULTS: The mean age of 417 patients was 40.9±14.5 years; 220 (52%) were men and 197 (47.2%) were women. Complete hematologic response at three months occurred in 99% of patients, 221 (53%) before four weeks and 196 (47%) after four weeks. Adverse events occurred in 17 (4.1%) of patients, relapse in 46 (11%) and death in 31 (7.4%) of our studied population. At 72 months, the estimated rate of overall survival rate was 89%. DISCUSSION: Our findings showed the efficacy and safety of imatinib mesylate among Iranian patients with chronic myeloid leukemia by hematological and molecular response.