Prevalence of +405G>C,-1154G>A Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Polymorphism in Breast Cancer.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the development of Breast Cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in the VEGF gene on prognosis of Breast Cancer patients. This study comprised 200 patients with histologically confirmed cases of Breast cancer and 200 controls. Genotyping of the VEGF gene polymorphisms at +405G>C,-1154G>A, were performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. Preoperative plasma VEGF levels were determined by ELISA. Amongst both cases and controls, the genotypic distribution of the individual SNPs were all in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Mean VEGF level was significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (t = 8.248; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between +405G>C,-1154G>A VEGF polymorphism and Breast Cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed that 405GG & 1154GG were associated with higher levels of VEGF.

Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of autologous fibrin glue with 4-0 silk sutures in periodontal flap closure and wound healing - A split mouth randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fibrin glue has shown to be a pioneering remedy to overcome the inconvenience of suturing. Autologous products reduce the risk of contamination and immunological responses compared to commercial fibrin glue. Hence using autologous fibrin glue (AFG) as a tissue sealant in periodontal flap closure would be of added value for a predictable outcome. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of AFG with 4-0 silk sutures in periodontal flap closure and healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total of 17 patients diagnosed with generalized periodontitis in the age group of 18 to 60 years with probing pocket depth of ≥ 6 mm and clinical attachment level of ≥5 mm in at least two quadrants were categorized into test group (AFG) and control group (4-0 silk sutures). Primary outcome measures [modified gingival index (MGI), early wound index (EHI) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) and secondary outcome measures (oral hygiene index, plaque index and visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded at baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction of IL-1ß value (p =.005); MGI (p = .02); EHI (p = .004), VAS scores (p < .001) and a positive Spearman's correlation (rho = 0.15) was seen between EHI scores & IL-1ß levels in test group at 1week period in comparison to control group. CONCLUSION: AFG showed promising results as an alternative to sutures. The use of AFG significantly improved clinical parameters and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines making it an effective adhesive with healing properties in the era of suture-less periodontal flap surgery.

Clinical outcome of adjuvant endocrine treatment according to Her-2/neu status in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: An association between over-expression of proto-oncogene Her-2/neu and resistance to tamoxifen in estrogen receptor (ER) positive, primary and metastatic breast cancer has been suggested. HR+/Her-2/neu+ patients have a poor response to endocrine therapy, making this group a matter of debate. The present study was carried out to examine whether Her-2/neu expression in breast cancer patients predicted tamoxifen effectiveness. METHODS: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) specific for the extracellular domain of the Her-2/neu oncoprotein product was used to detect serum Her-2/neu levels in 207 patients with histological confirmed breast cancer. Tissue Her-2 /neu expression was studied in 100 breast cancer patients by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and compared with serum Her-2/neu levels by ELISA. RESULTS: Among 207 histologically confirmed breast cancer patients, 53 were serum Her-2/neu positive. Patients who were treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy showed significantly (P<0.05) reduced serum Her-2/neu levels, showing good response to treatment. Patients who were treated with tamoxifen in addition to the above regimen did not show any significant reduction in serum Her-2/neu levels showing resistance to treatment. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The present findings study support the hypothesis that Her-2/neu overexpression contributes to tamoxifen resistance. Trastuzumab or other growth factor inhibitors should be used in combination with tamoxifen, since monotherapy is not likely to be optimal in HR+/Her-2/neu+ tumours.

Evaluation of immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for HER-2/neu expression in breast carcinoma.

HER-2 is overexpressed in approximately 20-30% of invasive Breast Cancer. ECD of the HER-2 protein is frequently cleaved and released into the circulation, where it can be detected by ELISA in up to 45% of patients with metastatic breast cancer. The objective of our study was to compare the current methods for the detection of HER-2 protein. Tissue HER-2 levels were studied in 100 breast cancer patients by IHC and compared with serum HER-2 levels by ELISA. IHC frequency was 29%. Serum HER-2 ECD was positive in 42% of patients. A statistically significant correlation was observed. HER-2 detected by IHC correlates significantly with serum HER-2 levels detected by ELISA. Thus, ELISA is a reliable and economical tool to assess the HER-2 status in tumors, when breast tissue sample is not available.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Growth Factor Concentrated Spray (Keratogrow®) as a Potential Treatment for Androgenic Alopecia.

The objective is to investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Concentrated Spray (Keratogrow®), for hair loss. Autologous -PRP spray, prepared from a small volume of blood, was applied on the selected patients' scalps at least twice daily. Three months treatments were given for each patient. The effectiveness of the medication was measured by changes in hair regrowth after 3 months determined by physical exam and digital photography. At the end of the 3 cycles of treatment, the patients presented clinical improvement in the mean number of hairs, with a mean increase of hairs in the target area, and a mean increase in total hair density compared with baseline values.

Efficacy of Activated 3X Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown remarkable beneficial effects without any major adverse reactions in the treatment of androgenic alopecia .The growth factors in activated autologous PRP induces the proliferation of dermal papilla cells. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma prepared using Merisis One Step Gel Separation Technology in treatment of androgenic alopecia. METHODS: Five patients were given autologous PRP injections on the affected area of alopecia over a period of three months at interval of two - three weeks and results were assessed. RESULTS: Three months after the treatment, the patients presented clinical improvement in the hair counts, hair thickness, hair root strength and overall alopecia. CONCLUSION: PRP appears to be a cheap, effective and promising therapy for androgenic alopecia with no major adverse effects.

Clinical outcome of adjuvant endocrine treatment according to Her-2/neu status in breast cancer.

Background & objectives: An association between over-expression of proto-oncogene Her-2/neu and resistance to tamoxifen in estrogen receptor (ER) positive, primary and metastatic breast cancer has been suggested. HR+/Her-2/neu+ patients have a poor response to endocrine therapy, making this group a matter of debate. The present study was carried out to examin whether Her-2/neu expression in breast cancer patients predicted tamoxifen effectiveness. Methods: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) specific for the extracellular domain of the Her-2/neuoncoprotein product was used to detect serum Her-2/neu levels in 207 patients with histological confirmed breast cancer. Tissue Her-2/neu expression was studied in 100 breast cancer patients by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and compared with serum Her-2/neu levels by ELISA. Results: Among 207 histologically confirmed breast cancer patients, 53 were serum Her-2/neu positive. Patients who were treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy showed significantly (P<0.05) reduced serum Her-2/neu levels, showing good response to treatment. Patients who were treated with tamoxifen in addition to the above regimen did not show any significant reduction in serum Her-2/neu levels showing resistance to treatment. Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings study support the hypothesis that Her-2/neu overexpression contributes to tamoxifen resistance. Trastuzumab or other growth factor inhibitors should be used in combination with tamoxifen, since monotherapy is not likely to be optimal in HR+/Her-2/neu+ tumours.