Overexpression of the nuclear phosphoprotein p53 is the most common genetic anomaly found in primary human cancer and mutation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 has been identified in breast cancer cell lines. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic significance of p53 protein expression in patients with mammary infiltrating ductal carcinoma and its correlation with histopathologic grade, lymph node status, tumor size, p53 protein expression and survival. Among 53 cases, p53 protein expression was detected in 26(49.1%) cases by immunohistochemistry. There was no correlation between p53 protein overexpression and histopathologic grade(p=0.09) or lymph node status(p=0.38) and between survival and histopathologic grade (p=0.68) or lymph node status(p=0.52). However, p53 protein expression was significantly correlated with survival(p=0.01) and patients with p53 protein-positive tumors showed poorer survival times. But Cox multivariate analysis showed the lymph node status is significant(p=0.01). The authors conclude that the presence of mutant p53 protein and lymph node status may serve a prognostic role, in a subset of mammary infiltrating ductal carcinoma cases.
Humans ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Breast Neoplasms

No abstract available.
Autopsy* ; Endocarditis* ; Thromboembolism

Biological behavior of malignant tumors has been assessed by morphological grading, clinical staging, and estimating other tumor markers. Recently DNA ploidy measured by flow cytometry and image analyser has been suggested as an additional useful indicator of the tumor behavior. In order to extract useful tumor cell-specific information in ovarian mucinous tumors, DNA contents and other morphologic parameters were measured by image analysis and DNA ploidy was also measured by flow cytometry. In all cases of cystadenoma, DNA diploidies were observed. In borderline malignancy, DNA diploidies were chiefly observed except one case of polyploidy. In true malignancy, DNA aneuploidies were observed except one case of polyploidy and two cases of diploidies by image analysis, and except four cases of diploides and one cas of polyploidy by flow cytometry. The statistical significance were observed in DNA ploidy pattern by image analysis. In nuclear areas, perimeters and major axis, statistical significance were not observed. These results suggest that DNA ploidy pattern are more or less independent parameter as an additional useful indicator of the histological grade of malignancy and that image analysis are better than flow cytometry in detecting DNA aneuploidy.
Tumor Markers, Biological

Although the histologic grade of astrocytic neoplasms of the brain have been used as a prognostic factor, the lack of an objective criteria is possible to create the disagreement of classification. We evaluated 25 cases of astrocytic neoplasms of brain to document the usefulness of prolifera-tive potential of tumor as a prognostic indicator and the correlation with histologic grade by Nils Ringertz. The Ringertz's classification was relatively simple in an application among the variable systems and easy to define the differentiate from grade to grade. The examined cases were com-prised of 7 astrocytomas, 9 anaplastic astrocytomas and 9 glioblastoma multif6rmes. The prolife-rative potential of tumors were measured by Ag-NORs count, PCNA labeling index and flow cytometric analysis. The mean numbers of Ag-NORs per cell and PCNA labeling index were sig-nificantly differ among each histologic grade. In addition, abnormal DNA content and high prolif-erative index were frequently identified in anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme. Therefore, the Ag-NORs counts, PCNA labeling index, DNA index and proliferative index were well correlated with the histologic grade.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis and has been described as a useful tumor marker and one of the poor prognostic indicators in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To investigate the role and cellular localization of TGF-beta1 during multistep hepatocarcinogenesis we performed a quantitative analysis of TGF-beta1 mRNA and immunohistochemical expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta receptor II (TGF-betarII) in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The experimental groups included neoplastic lesions produced by Solt-Farber's protocol, regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy, and normal control. Quantitative change of TGF-beta1 mRNA was analysed by competitive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TGF-beta1 protein and TGF-betarII expression were evaluated by immunohistochemical stain. The discrete tumor nodules were detected on 14th day and then increased in number and size. Three HCCs were induced on 8th or 9th month. RT-PCR demonstrated TGF-beta1 mRNA band in all examples of the normal and regenerating liver, nodules and HCCs. Competitive RT-PCR displayed higher TGF-beta1 mRNA in nodules, HCCs and regenerating liver than in normal controls. Hepatocytes from control and regenerating livers showed weak immunoreactivity for TGF-beta1. In contrast, the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of nodules in 7th, 8th and 9th month and HCCs were intensely stained for TGF-beta1. Some sinusoidal cells showed immunoreactivity for TGF-beta1 in all experimental groups. In early phase of carcinogenesis, the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in liver of 12h, 1d and 3d showed transiently increased immunoreactivity for TGF-beta1 and The immunoreactivity decreased thereafter. TGF-beta1 mRNA was also detected in the neoplastic hepatocytes by in-situ hybridization. Although TGF-betarII expression was correlated with TGF-beta1 immunoreactivity during early phase of carcinogenesis, hepatocytes in most nodules in 7th, 8th, 9th month and carcinomas showed decreased or little immunoreactivity for TGF-betarII. Based on the above results, it is concluded that TGF-beta1 expression increases not only in precancerous nodules but also in HCCs and its increase seems to be correlated with decrease or loss of TGF-betarII expression although its mechanism remains unclear. Hepatocytes may be a major cellular source of TGF-beta1 during hepatocarcinogenesis.
Carcinogenesis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Cytoplasm ; Diethylnitrosamine* ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Hepatocytes ; Humans ; Liver ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley* ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta* ; RNA, Messenger* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1* ; Transforming Growth Factors*

The pulmonary cytology has reached a high level of accuracy. By the examination of the sputum and/or bronchial brushings, it is now possible to make a diagnosis in 70% to 90% of patients with cancer. Primary melanoma of the lung is very rare and there have been reported about 20 cases in the world literature. We present a case of primary malignant melanoma of the lung in a 61-year-old male diagnosed by cytologic examination of sputum, bronchial brushing and aspirated pleural fluid. Histologic examination of bronchoscopic biopsy and examination of the skin and other primary sites confirmed the diagnosis.
Male ; Humans ; Biopsy

For 16 years after the finding of HIV as an agent of AIDS in 1981, HIV therapeutic drugs of reverse transcriptase inhibitors (AZT, ddI, ddC, d4T) and protease inhibitors have been developed. Recent studies also were focused on a combination therapy by using HIV therapeutic drugs or natural compounds. Korean red ginseng (KRG) of natural compounds has been well known as a good reinforcement agent in Asia. The percentage of CD3+CD4+ T cell in nine HIV-infected patients without KRG treatment averaged 17.8% on baseline and decreased 15.8% after 6 months, whereas the percentage of the cell in fifteen HIV-infected patients with KRG treatment averaged 15.3% on baseline and increased up to 18.9% after the same period. The average percentage of CD3+CD8+ T cell of KRG-nontreated and KRG-treated HIV patients increased after 6 months 47.8% to 50.7% and 44.7% to 51.4%, respectively; and the average percentage of B and NK cell in the KRG-nontreated and KRG-treated HIV patients decreased 9.4% to 7.9% and 13.0% to 9.7%, 8.9% to 8.5% and 16.2% to 11.6%, respectively, KRG, therefore, didn't have any effects on the CD3+CD8+ T cell, B cell, and NK cell. However, it seems that KRG has a potential activity for stimulating the
Asia ; HIV ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Lymphocyte Subsets* ; Lymphocytes* ; Panax* ; Protease Inhibitors ; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

We experienced a case of eisenmenger syndrome treated by simple surgical intervention. Eisenmenger syndrome refers to patients with congenital heart defects who have a systemic level of pulmonary arterial pressure and high pulmonary vascular resistance, with right-to-left or bidirectional shunting. Because a progressive rise in pulmonary vascular resistance may be better tolerated with an intracardiac communication, surgical repair in such patients may shorthen their life. But, urgent surgical intervention should be undertaken to reverse process if the pulmonary vascular disease is of recent origin. Patients who respond to vasoilator therapy, such as oxygen, are subjected to surgery. We reported a case of PDA with eisenmenger syndrome whose pulmonary vascular resistance fall following vasodilator, 100% oxygen, and closure of defect during cardiac catheterization, preoperatively, and who may faborable after simple surgical repair.
Arterial Pressure ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent* ; Eisenmenger Complex* ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; Humans ; Ligation* ; Oxygen ; Vascular Diseases ; Vascular Resistance

We report a case of synchronous multiple colon adenocarcinomas in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder and patients with NF1 have high risk for both benign and malignant tumors. However, adenocarcinomas involving the colon have rarely been reported in patients with NF1. A 61-year-old man was referred for generalized peritonitis due to descending colon perforation. Left hemicolectomy was performed and pathologic examination showed four adenocarcinomas. Peritoneal nodules were confirmed as metastatic adenocarcinoma (pT4N1M1). The patient also had clinical features compatible with NF1 such as cafe au lait macules, axillary freckles, neurofibromas across the body, and Lisch nodules. Upon review of the literature, colon adenocarcinoma in patients with NF1 tends to occur in males and relatively young age groups, and is associated with advanced tumor stages and multiple colon cancers. To improve treatment outcome, early colonoscopic surveillance should be considered in patients with NF1.
Adenocarcinoma* ; Colon* ; Colon, Descending ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Humans ; Male ; Melanosis ; Middle Aged ; Neurofibroma ; Neurofibromatoses ; Neurofibromatosis 1* ; Peritonitis ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: Unexplained elevations of midtrimester human chorionic gonadotrophin(hCG) or alpha fetoprotein(AFP) have known to be at increased risk for a variety of third trimester pregnancy complication, such as preeclampsia. The causes of these were thought to be made by impaired placental function, as a reflection of impaired uteroplacental circulation. Our purpose was to determine if amniotic fluid total -hCG and AFP levels are elevated in women with severe preeclampsia and if these levels correlated with other laboratory features of disease severity. METHODS: Seventeen women with severe preeclampsia were matched with 16 women with the diagnosis of either preterm labor and intact membranes(n=10) or preterm premature rupture of membranes(n=6) who met the following criteria: 1) singleton gestation 2) absence of congenital anomaly 3) absence of active labor 4) confirmed getational age by ultrasonography 5) transabdominal amniocentesis performed to obtain amniotic fluid to assess fetal lung maturity. Amniotic fluid total -hCG and AFP were measured by double antibody radioimmunoassay(RADIM, Italy). Mann-Whitney U test and multiple linear regression analysis were used. RESULTS: 1) Concentrations of amniotic fluid total -hCG but not amniotic fluid AFP, maternal blood total -hCG and AFP were significantly higher in severely preeclamptic women than in their matched controls(amniotic fluid total -hCG; median 28.5, range 4.3-120.3 IU/ml vs. median 9.4, range 2.7-99 IU/ml, p < 0.01). 2) Amniotic fluid total -hCG levels correlated positively with maternal blood BUN(blood urea nitrogen) levels(r= 0.66, regression coefficients 5.57, standard error 2.4021, p< 0.05, multiple linear regression) after correction for known confounding variables(i.e., maternal weight, gestational age at sampling, hematocrit). CONCLUSION: Amniotic fluid total -hCG levels are elevated in women with severe preeclampsia and correlate closely with maternal blood BUN levels. These observation suggest that the pathologic changes of preeclampsia might occur in the placenta and involve in change of a significantly secretory reaction of the placenta.
alpha-Fetoproteins* ; Amniocentesis ; Amniotic Fluid* ; Chorion ; Chorionic Gonadotropin* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans* ; Linear Models ; Lung ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Placenta ; Placental Circulation ; Pre-Eclampsia* ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Rupture ; Ultrasonography ; Urea