Expression of E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin in the Endocervix as a Predictive Factor in Patients with Endometrial Cancer.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin in primary endometrial lesions and the endocervix in patients with EC to identify noninvasive predictive factors. In this single-center retrospective study, data on 101 patients who underwent surgery for EC were collected. The immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin was assessed depending on the tumor grade, location, and cell differentiation. Correlations between E-cadherin and N-cadherin levels in the endocervix and the primary tumor were determined. The degree of histological tumor differentiation significantly affected E-cadherin expression (p = 0.04) but had no impact on N-cadherin levels. In type II EC, the expression of both cadherins in the tumor tissue differed from their endocervical levels. The expression of E-cadherin differed significantly between the endocervix (p < 0.001) and the tumor (p = 0.001), depending on the type of EC. The expression of E-cadherin was related to the N-cadherin level only in the endocervix in patients with type II EC (p = 0.02). E-cadherin and N-cadherin were expressed in the endocervix in patients with EC. The expression of cadherins, determined during cervical cytology, may be a valuable clinical marker of EC.

Antimicrobial Natural Hydrogels in Biomedicine: Properties, Applications, and Challenges-A Concise Review.

Natural hydrogels are widely used as biomedical materials in many areas, including drug delivery, tissue scaffolds, and particularly wound dressings, where they can act as an antimicrobial factor lowering the risk of microbial infections, which are serious health problems, especially with respect to wound healing. In this review article, a number of promising strategies in the development of hydrogels with biocidal properties, particularly those originating from natural polymers, are briefly summarized and concisely discussed. Common strategies to design and fabricate hydrogels with intrinsic or stimuli-triggered antibacterial activity are exemplified, and the mechanisms lying behind these properties are also discussed. Finally, practical antibacterial applications are also considered while discussing the current challenges and perspectives.

Vaginal and Cervical Microbiota Composition in Patients with Endometrial Cancer.

According to recent data, changes in the vaginal microbiota could affect the risk of gynaecological cancers. Women suffering from endometrial cancer present significant changes in cervicovaginal microbiota composition. The objective of our study was to characterize the cervicovaginal microbiota of women undergoing hysterectomy due to benign disease, atypical hyperplasia, and endometrial cancer; The study included 96 patients, who undergone surgical treatment due to benign uterine disease, precancerous endometrial lesion, and endometrial cancer. Quantitative and qualitative real-time PCR analysis of DNA isolated from vaginal fornix and endocervical canal samples was performed to detect the 19 most commonly identified microorganisms, including different Lactobacillus spp., Atopobium, Bifidobacterium, Chlamydia, and Gardnerella; At least one of the tested microorganisms was identified in 88.5% of vaginal and 83.3% of cervical samples. Lactobacillus iners was significantly more frequent in patients with benign condition, whereas Dialister pneumosintes and Mobiluncus curtisii was more frequent in cancer patients; Mobiluncus curtisi and Dialister pneumosintes, which were identified as significantly more common in endometrial cancer vaginal samples, may be considered as potential endometrial cancer co-factors which promote/stimulate carcinogenesis. However, the exact mechanism of such activity remains unexplained and requires further investigations.

Clinical and Prognostic Value of Antigen-Presenting Cells with PD-L1/PD-L2 Expression in Ovarian Cancer Patients.

The latest literature demonstrates the predominant role of the programmed cell death axis (PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2) in ovarian cancer (OC) pathogenesis. However, data concerning this issue is ambiguous. Our research aimed to evaluate the clinical importance of PD-L1/PD-L2 expression in OC environments. We evaluated the role of PD-L1/PD-L2 in OC patients (n = 53). The analysis was performed via flow cytometry on myeloid (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and monocytes/macrophages (MO/MA) in peripheral blood, peritoneal fluid (PF), and tumor tissue (TT). The data were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of OC patients. The concentration of soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) and PD-1 in the plasma and PF were determined by ELISA. We established an accumulation of PD-L1+/PD-L2+ mDCs, pDCs, and MA in the tumor microenvironment. We showed an elevated level of sPD-L1 in the PF of OC patients in comparison to plasma and healthy subjects. sPD-L1 levels in PF showed a positive relationship with Ca125 concentration. Moreover, we established an association between higher sPD-L1 levels in PF and shorter survival of OC patients. An accumulation of PD-L1+/PD-L2+ mDCs, pDCs, and MA in the TT and high sPD-L1 levels in PF could represent the hallmark of immune regulation in OC patients.

Properties of body composition of female representatives of the Polish national fencing team - the sabre event.

Fencing is a combat sport whose form of direct confrontation involves hitting the opponent with a weapon. The purpose of the study was to determine the properties of body composition of female representatives of the Polish national fencing team. The study involved 11 female athletes of the Polish national fencing team. Their age was 16-22 years (19±2.32), body weight 52-78 kg (59.7±7.4), body height 158-183 cm (167.46±6.10) and the training experience 7.64±3.47 years. The reference group consisted of 153 students of Warsaw University of Technology (Poland). Twenty basic somatic characteristics were measured. The following indices were calculated: slenderness, Rohrer's, BMI, Manouvrier's, and pelvic-shoulder indices. Density of the body, total body fat, active tissue, the overall profile of body composition and internal proportions of the body were determined. Analysis of internal proportions of factors of the athletes' body composition revealed significant differences in particular groups of features. The total size of the athletes' bodies is due to less-than-average magnitude of the length and stoutness characteristics and a high magnitude of adiposity (M = 0.63) in the Polish female national team of fencers (sabre) calculated from the normalized values for the control group. The proportions of features within the analysed factors revealed a significant advantage of the length of the upper extremity over the lower one and a distinct advantage of forearm musculature. The specific profile of body composition of female athletes practising sabre fencing is most likely due to long-term effects of training as well as the system of selection of persons with specific somatic prerequisites developed in the course of many years of training practice.

Increased levels of proteins of the acute inflammatory phase in the peritoneal fluid of women with advanced stages of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: Most investigators agree that endometriosis is associated with a state of subclinical, non-infectious peritoneal inflammation. The objective of the study was to assess concentrations of two markers of the acute inflammatory phase proteins, haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin, in peritoneal fluid of endometriotic women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 229 women who underwent diagnostic or therapeutic laparoscopy were included in the study Minimal, mild, moderate and severe endometriosis according to ASRM was confirmed in 119 women (study groups), whereas 110 patients suffered from simple serous or dermoid ovarian cysts (reference groups). Haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin concentrations in the peritoneal fluid samples aspirated during laparoscopy were measured using commercially available radial immunodiffusion kits. RESULTS: The concentration of haptoglobin in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis was significantly higher as compared to patients with serous and dermoid ovarian cysts. Significantly higher haptoglobin level was observed in patients with severe and moderate endometriosis as compared to women from both reference groups. No significant difference in the peritoneal fluid ceruloplasmin levels was found between patients with endometriosis and women from reference groups. However, it was noted that ceruloplasmin levels are higher in the subgroup of patients with severe endometriosis as compared to both reference groups and women with mild disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that endometriosis is associated with subclinical inflammation within the peritoneal cavity It may be speculated that pro-inflammatory stimuli strong enough to cause an increase in acute inflammatory phase proteins peritoneal fluid concentrations are observed only in the advanced stages of the disease.

Characteristics of Cancer Stem Cells and Their Potential Role in Endometrial Cancer.

Endometrial cancer is one of most common types of gynaecological tumours in developing countries. It has been suggested that cancer stem cells play an important role in the development of endometrial cancer. These are a subset of highly tumorigenic cells with similar features to normal stem cells (unlimited proliferation, multi-potential differentiation, self-renewal, aggressiveness, invasion, recurrence, and chemo- and endocrine therapy resistance). Wnt/ß-catenin, Hedghog, and Notch1 are the most frequently activated pathways in endometrial cancer stem cells. The presence of cancer stem cells is associated with the resistance to chemotherapy caused by different mechanisms. Various markers, including CD24, CD40, CD44, CD9, CD133, and CD 166, have been identified on the surface of these cells. A higher expression of such markers translates into enhanced tumorigenicity. However, there is no strong evidence showing that any of these identified markers can be used as the universal marker for endometrial cancer stem cells. Growing data from genomic and proteomic profiling shed some light on the understanding of the molecular basis of cancers in humans and the role of cancer stem cells. However, there is much left to discover. Therefore, more studies are needed to fully uncover their functional mechanisms in order to prevent the development and recurrence of cancer, as well as to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Low-density lipoproteins oxidation and endometriosis.

The etiopathogenesis of endometriosis still remains unknown. Recent data provide new valuable information concerning the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of the disease. It has been proved that levels of different lipid peroxidation end products are increased in both peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum of endometriotic patients. We assessed the concentration of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) in PF of 110 women with different stages of endometriosis and 119 women with serous (n = 78) or dermoid (n = 41) ovarian cysts, as the reference groups. PF oxLDL levels were evaluated by ELISA. We found that concentrations of oxLDL in PF of endometriotic women were significantly higher compared to women with serous but not dermoid ovarian cysts. Interestingly, by analyzing concentrations of oxLDL in women with different stages of the disease, it was noted that they are significantly higher only in the subgroup of patients with stage IV endometriosis as compared to women with ovarian serous cysts. In case of minimal, mild, and moderate disease, PF oxLDL levels were similar to those noted in reference groups. Our results indicate that disrupted oxidative status in the peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis may play a role in the pathogenesis of advanced stages of the disease.

[Mesothelin in ovarian cancer]. / Mezotelina w raku jajnika.

Ovarian cancer is a neoplasm with high mortality rate. Its progression is mostly asymptomatic, which results in its first diagnosis in a late stage of the disease. Currently there are no reliable diagnostic methods for early detection of ovarian cancer. Molecular mechanisms leading to its development are not yet fully discovered. Recent studies show that mesothelin gene is up-regulated in patients with serous ovarian cancer. Mesothelin is a glycoprotein found in cell membranes of mesothelial cells lining the peritoneum, pericardium and pleura. Association of mesothelin in the development of ascites, intraperitoneal spread of the neoplasm, and its capability to modulate immune response have been show. It has been found that patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer have elevated serum mesothelin specific IgG levels. Mesothelin is also able to induce a cellular immune response, which is used in researches of ovarian cancer vaccines. High mesothelin expression in cancer tissues and its regular low expression in physiologic ones makes the glycoprotein a worthy candidate for the purpose of ovarian cancer treatment. Current studies assess the use of mesothelin as a target antigen as well as its immunogenicity. The methods of treatment include the use of recombined immunotoxin synthesized from the Pseudomonas exotoxin A (SSIP), MORAb-009 - chimeric monoclonal antibody, immunoconjugates (antibody - drug conjugates), cancer vaccines and gene therapy. The results of these studies are promising but further trials in larger population are required to confirm this.

The Role of Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer and the eighth most common female cancer. The early diagnosis of ovarian cancer remains a clinical problem despite the significant development of technology. Nearly 70% of patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed with stages III-IV metastatic disease. Reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are currently lacking. Ovarian cancer recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy pose vital problems and translate into poor outcomes. Cancer stem cells appear to be responsible for tumour recurrence resulting from chemotherapeutic resistance. These cells are also crucial for tumour initiation due to the ability to self-renew, differentiate, avoid immune destruction, and promote inflammation and angiogenesis. Studies have confirmed an association between CSC occurrence and resistance to chemotherapy, subsequent metastases, and cancer relapses. Therefore, the elimination of CSCs appears important for overcoming drug resistance and improving prognoses. This review focuses on the expression of selected ovarian CSC markers, including CD133, CD44, CD24, CD117, and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1, which show potential prognostic significance. Some markers expressed on the surface of CSCs correlate with clinical features and can be used for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer. However, due to the heterogeneity and plasticity of CSCs, the determination of specific CSC phenotypes is difficult.

Menopausal Status Contributes to Overall Survival in Endometrial Cancer Patients.

Endometrial cancer is the most common female genital tract malignancy in developed countries that occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women. The primary objective of our research was to investigate whether menopause status together with selected conventional prognostic indicators may contribute to overall (all-cause) survival in endometrial cancer patients. For this purpose, we applied the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Patients in advanced FIGO stage showed a relatively poor survival rate. The time since last menstruation and postoperative FSH concentration were identified as unfavorable prognostic factors in our model. Additionally, age at diagnosis, BMI value, adjuvant treatment (brachytherapy), and parity showed no impact on survival. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a prognostic model for endometrial cancer including exact time from last menstruation as one of the prognostic variables. Due to the fact that there are no stratifying systems to reliably predict survival in patients with endometrial cancer, there is a strong need to revise and update existing models using complementary prognostic indicators. Collection of precise data on various risk factors may contribute to increased accuracy of artificial intelligence algorithms in order to personalize cancer care in the near future.

The analysis of Lactobacillus spp. distribution in the vaginal microbiota of Polish women with abnormal Pap smear result.

Introduction: A healthy vaginal microbiota is represented mainly by Lactobacillus spp. and plays a vital role in maintaining the functional balance in the vaginal environment. Scientists have drawn attention to possible correlations between the vaginal microbiome and gynecological neoplasms. Several recent studies have shown a potential link between the vaginal microbiome and the risk of developing cervical cancer from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and abundance of various lactic acid bacteria species (LABs) in vaginal swabs from healthy controls and patients with abnormal Pap smear results. Methods: The study included 100 women (79 patients with abnormal cervical Pap smear results and 21 controls) from whom vaginal swabs were collected. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine seven lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species and their quantities. Results: Most patients were colonized by two Lactobacillus species, primarily Lactobacillus gasseri (93%) and L. crispatus (83%). Patient age and place of residence were associated with the diversity of LAB in the vaginal microbiota. The abundance of L. delbrueckii in the vaginal microbiota increased, whereas the abundance of L. gasseri abundance decreased, with patient age. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Limosilactobacillus fermentum were significantly more often detected in patients living in rural versus urban areas. Statistical analysis did not show any significant differences in LAB between groups of patients with various changes on smear tests. Discussion: The degree of dysplastic changes in the endothelium or the presence of a group of atypical cervical stratified epithelial cells was not associated with significant changes in the studied vaginal bacteria.

[Lymphocyte activation markers in patients with ovarian cancer]. / Markery aktywacji limfocytów u pacjentek z rakiem jajnika.

INTRODUCTION: The process of T cells activation is necessary for the performance of the defense functions. Successful activation depends on direct lymphocyte - antigen-presenting cell contact and signal transmission to the lymphocyte. Activated T cells exhibit surface expression of molecules such as CD69, CD25 and HLA-DR. The effect of cell activation is a cascade of molecular events leading to proliferation and clonal expansion of antigen-specific T cells. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenotype and T cell activation markers: CD69, CD25 and HLA - DR in the peripheral blood and tumor tissue of ovarian cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 26 patients operated due to ovarian cancer (FIGO Ilb - IV). Mononuclear immune cells were isolated from peripheral blood and ovarian cancer tissue. To obtain peripheral blood lymphocytes, blood was collected into heparinized tubes and diluted 1:1 with PBS, then layered on Gradisol L and centrifuged 20 minutes at 2800 rpm. Mononuclear cells were washed twice with PBS and labeled with monoclonal antibodies. A small piece of tumor tissue (about 1cm3) was fragmented with a surgical blade. Minced tissue was suspended in PBS and layered on Gradisol L for mononuclear cells isolation. To assess the phenotype and activation status of peripheral blood and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, we used FACS Canto cytometer and monoclonal antibodies conjugated with fluorochromes: anti-CD3-FITC, anti-CD4-PE-Cy5, anti-CD8-APC, anti-CD25-PE, anti-CD69-PE-Cy7, anti-HLA-DR-PE-Cy7. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 5.0 and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: In all cases we detected T helper CD3+CD4+ and cytotoxic CD3+CD8+. T lymphocytes in both blood samples and tumor tissues. We observed no statistically significant difference in the percentage of CD3+ CD4+ cells among the mononuclear cells present in peripheral blood and tumor tissue. The percentage of CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes was higher among mononuclear cells isolated from the tumor tissue. The percentage of CD3+ lymphocytes expressing the very early activation marker CD69 was significantly higher among tumor infiltrating lymphocytes compared with peripheral blood lymphocytes. Similarly the percentages of CD3+CD4+CD69+ T helper lymphocytes and CD3+CD8+CD69+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes were significantly higher on lymphocytes isolated from tumor tissue when compared to blood. The expression of an early activation marker - CD25 was significantly higher on the CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ peripheral blood lymphocytes compared to CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. There were no statistically important differences between the percentages of, isolated from blood and tissue, CD3+CD4+ T helper lymphocytes. The expression of the late activation marker - HLA-DR was significantly higher on CD3+ lymphocytes isolated from tumor tissue compared with peripheral blood. Similarly the percentages of CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes and CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells expressing HLA-DR were significantly higher among tumor infiltrating lymphocytes when compared to peripheral blood ones. CONCLUSIONS: T cells obtained from ovarian cancer tissues are activated cells. The state of T cell activation may be the result of direct contact of these cells with tumor antigens. The low expression of CD25 may suggest abnormal clonal expansion of antigen-specific lymphocytes.

[Evaluation of the intracellular expression of interleukin 17 in patients with ovarian cancer]. / Ocena wewnatrzkomórkowej ekspresji interleukiny 17 u pacjentek z rakiem jajnika.

UNLABELLED: Knowledge of the role of interleukin 17 (IL-17) has led to the identification of new subpopulation of T helper lymphocytes--Th17 and T cytotoxic lymphocytes secreting IL-17 (Tc17). An increasing amount of attention is paid to their role in anti-tumor immunity. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentage of peripheral blood, peritoneal fluid and cancer tissue CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes producing IL-17 in patients with ovarian cancer MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients operated due to advanced ovarian carcinoma and twenty-four patients with functional follicle ovarian cysts were recruited. Peripheral blood, peritoneal fluid and cancer tissue mononuclear cells from ovarian cancer patients were stimulated for 4 hours ex vivo with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) (50 ng/ ml) and ionomycin (1 microg/ml). The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing IL-17 was measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes producing IL-17 were detected in the peripheral blood, peritoneal fluid and cancer tissue of ovarian cancer patients. The percentage of CD4+ T cells producing IL-17 was higher in the peripheral blood, peritoneal fluid and cancer tissue when compared to CD8+/IL 17+ T cells. The percentage of CD4+/ IL-17+ was significantly higher in cancer tissue compared to T cells derived form peripheral blood. There was no difference in the percentage of CD4+/IL-17 + T cells between peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid and peritoneal fluid and cancer tissue of ovarian cancer patients. There was no difference in the percentage of CD8+/IL-17 + T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, peritoneal fluid and cancer tissue in patients suffering from ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Increased percentage of CD4+/IL-17+ and CD8+/IL-17+ T cells in cancer tissue indicates that these cells are accumulated in ovarian cancer microenvironment.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer after 2020 ESGO-ESTRO-ESP consensus update: what will happen in the next few years?

Comprehensive endometrial cancer staging requires mandatory lymph node status assessment. However, some randomized clinical studies show that full lymphadenectomy may have no therapeutic benefit in patients presented with early-stage disease. Sentinel lymph node mapping can be considered in patients at low to intermediate risk for nodal metastases and is an acceptable alternative to systemic lymphadenectomy for lymph node staging in FIGO stage I/II patients. Similarly, patients with serious comorbidities who might not tolerate a standard systemic lymphadenectomy may benefit from the procedure. Sentinel lymph node detection rates depend on cancer stage, histology, and technique used. The procedure is most performed with the use of radioactive technetium colloid (99mTc) combined with a blue dye or indocyanine green. Recently, more interest is also paid to new nanoparticles including carbon, superparamagnetic iron oxide, and mannose tracer agents. Growing interest in sentinel lymph node mapping technique has led to design increasing number of research projects regarding various mapping approaches in different endometrial cancer populations. Much attention has been paid to a non-invasive sentinel lymph node mapping technique e.g., radiomics. This article reviews the latest research on sentinel lymph node mapping perspectives in endometrial cancer patients.

Perspectives of metformin use in endometrial cancer and other gynaecological malignancies.

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia play a key role in type 1 endometrial cancer pathogenesis. Most of these cancers develop on a background of overweight or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). One of the medications widely used in the treatment of T2DM is biguanide derivative, metformin, which exerts promising anticancer properties principally through activation of adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Many epidemiological studies on diabetic patients show potential preventative role of metformin in endometrial cancer patients, but data regarding its therapeutic role is still limited. So far, most of attention has been paid to the concept of metformin use in fertility sparing treatment of early-stage cancer. Another investigated alternative is its application in patients with primary advanced or recurrent disease. In this review we present the latest data on clinical use of metformin in endometrial cancer patients and potential underlying mechanisms of its activity. Finally, we present some most important clinical information regarding metformin efficacy in other gynaecological malignancies, mainly breast and ovarian cancer.

Does Lactobacillus Exert a Protective Effect on the Development of Cervical and Endometrial Cancer in Women?

Cervical cancer is a significant health problem with increasing occurrence and mortality. This infection-associated tumour is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is cleared by the immune system within 6-18 months in most patients; however, persistent high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infections can lead to the development of cervical cancer. Virus persistence is promoted by immunodeficiency, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, smoking, and age, as well as the imbalance of cervicovaginal microbiota and inflammation. The abundance of bacteria in the vagina favours the maintenance of a dynamic balance; their coexistence influences health or disease states. The eubiotic vaginal microbiota of reproductive-aged women is composed mostly of various Lactobacillus species (spp.), which exert protective effects via the production of lactic acid, bacteriocins, polysaccharides, peptidoglycans, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lowering pH, raising the viscosity of cervicovaginal mucus, and hampering both the adhesion of cells to epithelial tissue and the entry of HPV. The depletion of beneficial microorganisms could increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Emerging therapies involve mucosal, intranasal vaccines, which trigger systemic and mucosal immune responses, thus protecting against HPV-induced tumours. The use of probiotics has also been suggested to affect various biological processes associated with tumourigenesis (inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, proliferation, and metastasis).

Immunohistochemical Expression of LHRH Receptor in Different Compartments of Female Genital Tract in Patients With Endometrial Cancer.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor (LHRHR) expression has been reported in various cancers, including endometrial neoplasms. Thus, LHRHR provides a potential point for therapeutic approach using LHRH analogs as carrier molecules for chemotherapeutic agents in this cancer population. However, clinical data did not prove any potential benefits for patients. We decided to assess LHRHR expression in patients with endometrial cancer to explain possible lack of efficacy in previous clinical reports. LHRHR expression was assessed immunohistochemically in different anatomic and histogenetic compartments of female genital tract of patients with endometrial cancer. The study sample consisted of paraffin tissue blocks obtained from patients who has undergone primary surgery owing to endometrial cancer. Strong LHRHR expression was found in endometrial cancer, fallopian tube, and concurrent atypical hyperplasia. Interestingly, LHRHR expression showed significant differences depending on the respective compartment of the ovary analyzed. Level of LHRHR expression in patients with primary advanced and unresectable disease, particularly in certain ovarian compartments may be substantially lower, which may influence the use of new targeted therapy regimens. The studies on secondary Müllerian system compartment and its hormonal receptor status may be crucial to understand mechanisms of lack of efficacy of LHRH hybrid molecules anti-cancer treatment.

The Role of Soy Isoflavones in the Prevention of Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The aim of the report was to determine the effects of soy isoflavones on lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip bone mineral density (BMD) in menopausal women. MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published in English during 1995-2019. Studies were identified and reviewed for inclusion and exclusion eligibility. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated for each study and were pooled by using the random effects model. Eighteen randomized controlled trials were selected for meta-analysis. Different types of soy phytoestrogens, i.e., genistein extracts, soy isoflavones extracts, soy protein isolate, and foods containing diverse amounts of isoflavones were used in the studies. The analysis showed that daily intake of 106 (range, 40-300) mg of isoflavones for 6-24 months moderately but statistically significantly positively affects BMD, compared with controls: lumbar spine WMD = 1.63 (95% CI: 0.51 to 2.75)%, p = 0004; femoral neck WMD = 1.87 (95% CI: 0.14 to 3.60)%, p = 0.034; and total hip WMD = 0.39 (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.69)%, p = 0.013. Subgroups analyses indicated that the varying effects of isoflavones on BMD across the trials might be associated with intervention duration, racial diversity (Caucasian, Asian), time after menopause, form of supplements (especially genistein), and dose of isoflavones. Our review and meta-analysis suggest that soy isoflavones are effective in slowing down bone loss after menopause.

[Expression of selected angiogenesis markers and modulators in pre-, peri- and postmenopausal women with ovarian cancer]. / Ekspresja wybranych markerów i modulatorów angiogenezy u chorych na raka jajnika w okresie przed-, okolo- i pomenopauzalnym.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most commonly assessed angiogenesis markers is microvessel density which is determined on the bases of specific endothelial antigen expression (CD34, CD105). Angiogenesis modulators include growth factors and their receptors (EGFR), proteases and their inhibitors, oncogenes and suppressor genes (p53). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether there are any differences in selected angiogenesis markers and modulators expressions in ovarian cancer patients with different menopause status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 100 women, age 30-70, who underwent surgical treatment due to ovarian cancer. As far as their menopause status was concerned, the women were divided into three groups: pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal. Microvessel density was assessed on the basis of CD34 (MVD(CD34) and CD 105 (MVD(CD105) expression. Additionally, tumor tissue p53 protein and EGFR expression were investigated. Active EGFR form in blood serum samples of cancer patients was assessed before the surgery. RESULTS: Microvessel density, assessed on the basis of CD34 and CD105 expression, as well as p53 and EGFR expression were similar in all three groups of patients. Active EGFR serum concentration in women with ovarian cancer did not prove to be significantly different and did not depend on the menopause status. CONCLUSION: Intensity of the angiogenesis process does not depend on the menopausal status of women and is similar in pre-, peri- and postmenopausal patients.