The significance of CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4 in the detection of colorectal carcinoma recurrence

The significance of CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4 was evaluated the for early detection of disease recurrence, on the basis of retrospective evaluation of routine data in patients with colorectal carcinoma. They also considered the dependence of the results of these data analyses on the definition of groups of patients, both with no evidence of disease (NED) and with recurrence of disease (RD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1994 to March 1999 serum levels of CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4 were determined in the follow-up of 517 patients with colorectal cancer and compared with the retrospectively confirmed clinical status of the patients.

RESULTS

CEA and CA19-9 showed comparable sensitivities in the detection of locoregional recurrence of colorectal carcinoma, whilst the sensitivity of CA72-4 was considerably lower. CEA is an optimal marker for detecting distant metastases, in particular liver metastases, since its sensitivity considerably exceeds the sensitivities of the other two monitored markers.

CONCLUSION

Using routine data required detailed analysis and clear definitions of groups of patients with NED and RD. The following conclusions for the evaluation of data were drawn from this analysis: a) Tumor marker cut-off values and sensitivities related to 95% specificity of remission values depended strongly on the given definition of the groups of patients with NED and RD. b) The patient group with NED is best characterized as the group of patients who never developed progression and where all the values which were assessed within a period shorter than six months from the end of therapy and follow-up, or less than six months before progression, death, or before the last marker assessment in the patient, were excluded. c) For the optimal characterisation of the group of patients with RD it is recommended only to consider values obtained during the first progression, after the period of complete post-operative or post-therapeutic remission. d) These conclusions refer not only to routine data, where this correction represents a condition for reliable evaluation, but also to any research done, since they ensure complete homogeneity of the group and mutual comparability of the results.

Reproducibility of radial pulse wave analysis in healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE

To determine the reproducibility of parameters estimated by pulse wave analysis (PWA), mainly of central systolic blood pressure in the aorta (CSP), central systolic pressure-time index (CSPTI, area under the systolic part of the curve in the pressure-time graph per minute), and central augmentation index (CAI, pressure peak caused by wave reflection divided by pressure peak caused by ventricular ejection).

METHODS

In 88 healthy subjects, aged 19-53 years, radial pulse wave was registered by two investigators on separate visits in a random sequence, twice during each visit

RESULTS

Variability within and among subjects was significantly different for peripheral systolic pressure (PSP) and for all the above-mentioned parameters (P < 0.0001 by ANOVA for all). Variability within and between observers was tested by Bland-Altman plots; they did not show any trend for the variability to be dependent on the underlying mean value. PSP, CSP and CSPTI decreased significantly during one visit (by 4.6, 4.7 and 4.2%, respectively), PSP and CSP were higher at the first than at the second visit (by 2.2, 2.2%, respectively, and not significant for CSPTI), and there were also significant interobserver differences in all the three parameters as one observer measured higher values (by 2.4, 3.2 and 6.0%, respectively). CAI did not change within and between visits; the same applied to the difference between PSP and CSP since these pressures always changed in parallel.

CONCLUSIONS

PWA gives estimates of several parameters characterizing the pressure load of central circulation and the wave reflection. The reproducibility of CSP and CSPTI is similar to that of PSP. CAI and the difference between PSP and CSP is not influenced by order of measurement, of visit or by investigator. Therefore, CAI is a more stable parameter than PSP measured by an oscillometric device. Since these parameters may contribute to a better assessment of cardiovascular risk, PWA might be used in prospective studies.

Endogenous fibrinolysis in patients with lower extremity ischemia

To explore the relationship between disorders of endogenous fibrinolysis and thrombosis in patients with lower extremity ischemia, we measured the activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPAac) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAlac) and the antigens of tissue plasminogen activator (tPAa) and inhibitor (PAla) in plasma from 420 patients treated for lower extremity ischemia. Values and ratios observed were compared with those in healthy volunteers. Additionally, values and ratios in the patients were examined with respect to the severity of ischemia and site of atherosclerotic occlusion or stenosis (pelvic compared with femoropopliteal or crural). Patients with lower extremity ischemia had higher plasma concentrations of PAla (p<0.01) and PAlac (p<0.0001) than healthy volunteers. In patients with rest pain or gangrene, the ratio of tPAac to PAlac was higher than in patients with claudication (p<0.05). The elevation of tPAac in patients with the more severe form of lower extremity ischemia is probably the feedback protective reaction on prothrombotic mechanisms of the organism suffered from severe atherosclerosis. Results did not vary according to the site of occlusion or stenosis. Our study found defects in endogenous fibrinolysis in patients with lower extremity ischemia. A defect in fibrinolysis may contribute to the development of thrombosis in native arteries and bypasses.

[Leptin levels in peripheral blood and bone marrow in orthopedic patients]

Leptin is a protein with hormonal activity and is produced mainly by adipocytes. Its primary function in the human organism is regulation of the calorie intake via the anorectic action in the hypothalamus. Leptin participates also in the regulation of haematopoiesis and immunity processes. There are many data on leptin production by peripheral adipose tissue and it is also known that leptin is produced by adipocytes of bone marrow. It was assumed for a long time that adipocytes of bone marrow are not only a passive source of energy but have, similarly as stromal cells, a regulatory function. However, it is not clear in what way the adipose tissue of bone marrow participates in the regulation of haematopoiesis and what role is played in this relationship by leptin production. The authors attempted to assemble in their small study data on leptin production in bone marrow and at the same time parameters of lipids of bone marrow which can be assessed by cytological examination. The authors examined 16 patients (9 men and 7 women) subjected to orthopaedic surgery. They assessed leptin concentrations in sera obtained from peripheral blood and bone marrow, and at the same time they assessed by morphological examination in smears of bone marrow some parameters associated with lipids. The authors found that serum leptin levels from bone marrow are significantly lower than in peripheral blood (p < 0.0005). These values correlate closely (r = +0.77, p < 0.0005). The authors found also a positive correlation between serum leptin (r = +0.56, p < 0.02) and bone marrow leptin (r = +0.72, p < 0.002) and the body mass index (BMI). A positive correlation was found also between serum (r = +0.65, p < 0.006) and bone marrow leptin (r = +0.80, p < 0.0002) and age. The authors did not detect any significant correlations between parameters of the lipids of bone marrow and leptin levels in serum and bone marrow. The assembled results can in combination with data from the literature indicate that the actual amount of leptin in bone marrow is influenced rather by its consumption by haematopoietic tissue than by its production.

Haemostasis, cytoadhesive molecules (sE-selectin and sICAM-1) and inflammatory markers in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)

Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is connected with a higher incidence of macrovascular atherosclerotic disorders. The aim of the study was to detect any difference in levels of "cardiovascular risk factors"--fibrinogen, PAI-1 and inflammation response (documented by an increase of protein of acute phase orosomucoid) and of soluble cytoadhesive molecule sE-selectin and sICAM-1 (as markers of endothelial dysfunction) in blood plasma of 118 patients with NIDDM in comparison to the levels in blood plasma of 59 healthy persons as a control group. We observed higher levels of fibrinogen (fibrinogen level was 3.44 +/- 1.02 g/l in NIDDM pts versus 2.44 +/- 0.55 g/l in control group, p < 0.01) and PAI-1 Ag concentration was 159.7 +/- 110.3 ng/ml in NIDDM pts versus 51.43 +/- 24.64 ng/ml in control group, p < 0.01) together with an increase of acute phase protein orosomucoid as a "inflammatory response marker" (orosomucoid concentration was 0.85 +/- 0.23 g/l in NIDDM pts versus 0.54 +/- 0.18 g/l in control group, p < 0.01) in patients with NIDDM. The increase of these "cardiovascular risk factors" levels will be probably induced by higher activity of inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta and/or TNF alpha in NIDDM patients, because both are inducers of orosomucoid fibrinogen and PAI-1 synthesis. This hypothesis is also supported by observation of higher levels of soluble cytoadhesive molecules sE-selectin (sE-selectin level was 64.25 +/- 26.8 ng/ml in NIDDM pts versus 46.64 +/- 29.57 ng/ml in control group, p < 0.01) and sICAM-1 (sICAM-1 level was 307.71 +/- 86.2 ng/ml in NIDDM pts versus 255.6 +/- 58.0 ng/ml in control group, p < 0.01) in patients with NIDDM. Both cytoadhesive molecules are produced by endothelial cells which are influenced by IL-1 beta and/or TNF alpha. According to these findings we suppose that an "inflammation" plays an important role in the evolution of atherosclerotic process at NIDDM together with the known influence of glucose and lipid metabolism pathology.

Increase of soluble cytoadhesive molecules sE-selectin and sICAM-1 and hyperfibrinogenaemia in patients with polytrauma without septicaemia

Multiple organ failure with thrombophilia is suggested to occur in the course of polytrauma with septicaemia. The aim of the study was to investigate fibrinogen level, other proteins of acute phase response: positive-orosomucoid and negative-transferrin and soluble cytoadhesive molecules in plasma of patients (n = 28) with polytrauma (I-II. stage according to Hannover score) without detectable bacteraemia until 36 hours post injury. The patients treated by massive blood transfusion were excluded. An increase of fibrinogen (Fbg pts 4.34 +/- 2.5 g/l versus control 2.55 +/- 0.55 g/l, p < 0.01), orosomucoid (ORM pts 1.47 +/- 0.8 g/l versus control 0.54 +/- 0.18 g/l, p < 0.01), SE-selectin (sE-sel. pts 92.11 +/- 79.4 g/l versus control 46.6 +/- 29.6 g/l, p < 0.05), sICAM-1 (sICAM pts. 698.3 +/- 54.4 versus control 255.6 +/- 58.0 g/l, p < 0.01) and a decrease of transferrin (Trf pts. 1.77 +/- 0.82 versus control 2.83 +/- 0.71 g/l, p < 0.01) were observed in this patients with polytrauma. We suppose that an increase of fibrinogen and cytoadhesive molecules sE-selectin and sICAM-1 may be induced in patients with polytrauma due to a "non-septic" inflammatory acute phase response in the course of wound healing process after tissue injury too.

Plasma endothelin levels in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

endothelin 1,2 plays a significant role in the process of atherogenesis and vascular wall injury. The aim of this study was to assess whether plasma endothelin 1,2 levels were elevated in patients with large or symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

DESIGN

a prospective open study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

plasma endothelin 1,2 levels were measured in 65 consecutive patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysms and compared with the levels in 44 healthy volunteer controls. The data for abdominal aneurysm patients was analysed in four subgroups: (i) small aneurysms (<5 cm), (ii) large aneurysms (>/=5 cm), (iii) asymptomatic aneurysms and (iv) symptomatic aneurysms. Comparisons were made between endothelin 1,2 levels in aneurysm patients and controls and between the different aneurysm subgroups.

RESULTS

a highly significant difference (p<0.0001) was found between aneurysm patients and controls. Patients with large aneurysms had significantly higher levels than patients with small aneurysms (p<0.01). There was no statistical difference in endothelin 1,2 levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients; however, the highest levels were found in large, symptomatic aneurysms and the lowest in small, asymptomatic aneurysms.

CONCLUSIONS

plasma endothelin 1,2 is an endogenous marker of aneurysm diameter. Further studies are required to determine whether it relates to the rate of growth of aneurysms.

[Type I and III procollagen in patients with abdominal aorta aneurysms]

BACKGROUND

Collagen and elastin are the basic building stones of the aortal wall. During the process of development of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (AAA) degradation and remodelling of elastin and collagen in the intercellular matrix of its wall occurs. The two main types of collagen in the aorta are collagens type I and III. During type I collagen synthesis the carboxyterminal propeptide of procollagen (PICP) is released and during synthesis and degradation of collagen type III the aminoterminal propeptide collagen III (PIIINP). The objective of the present work was to assess to what extent the two factors can be used to follow up metabolic processes in the AAA wal and in plasma in relation to the extent and symptomatology of AAA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Samples of venous blood and the AAA wall were examined using radioimmunoanalytical methods. PIIINP levels in venous blood were significantly higher (wall p < 0.01) in patients with AAA (n = 78) as compared with the control group (n = 15). The authors did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the levels of the two factors in the blood of patients with AAA of different extent and symptomatology. The PIIINP concentration in the AAA wal correlated significantly with its extent and symptomatology (wall p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence was provided of an enhanced metabolism of collagen type III in the AAA wal with predominant degradation in growing and symptomatic AAA. For complete evaluation of the importance of PICP and PIIINP plasma levels it will be necessary to follow up their dynamics in subjects with growing, small (< 5 cm) AAA.

[Cytokine metabolism in aneurysms of the abdominal aorta]

The main cytokines which participate in the etiopathogenesis of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (AAA) are: tumour necrotizing factor (TNF), interleukins 1b, 2, 6 and 8 (IL 1b, 2, 6, 8), platelet growth factor (PDGF) and endothelin 1, 2 (ET 1, 2). The objective of the presented work was to assess whether plasma levels of these cytokines can be used as endogenous markers of the size and symptomatology of AAA and also to what extent they correlated with hypertension which is a serious risk factor of AAA. During the three-year period (1995-1997) 86 patients with AAA were examined. The control group (n = 30) was formed by patients admitted for planned cholecystectomy. Plasma levels of all investigated cytokines with the exception of IL 8 in AAA differed markedly from the levels in the control group (p < 0.05-p < 0.0001). Changes in levels of IL8 and ET 1, 2 were significant in relation to the size of AAA (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 resp.). The IL8 levels together with TNF in hypertonic patients correlated with the size of the AAA (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 resp.), in normotonic subjects with the levels of IL 1b and IL2 (p < 0.05). The TNF levels were significant in symptomatic AAA (p < 0.05). The rising or declining levels of some plasma cytokines can serve as plasma markers of the growth and symptomatology of AAA.

[Changes in levels of cell adhesion molecules, acute phase proteins, lipids and hemostasis in relation to levels of endogenous estrogens during pregnancy and after ovariectomy]

The protective effect of oestrogens is probably caused also by the active inhibition of the inflammatory reaction of the acute phase and release of inflammatory cytokines type IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha by this hormone. We formulated this hypothesis because we recorded a drop of the protein of the acute stage, orosomucoid, in relation to the rising oestrogen level during pregnancy (r = -0.511, p < 0.0001). It ensues also from the finding of a lower level of cytoadhesive molecules of sE-selectins in a group of 66 pregnant women (sE-sel.: 32.95 +/- 12.5 ng/ml) with a higher level of 17-beta estradiol (17-beta E2: 9.34 +/- 7.8 nmol/l), as compared with the sE-selectin level in a group of 14 women after ovariectomy (sE-sel.: 43.97 +/- 8.174 ng/ml, p < 0.016) who lacked oestrogen (17-beta E2 0.14 +/- 0.13 nmol/l) and in a group of pregnant women (n 19) in the first trimester with level of 17-beta E2: 1.89 +/- 0.711 nmol/l where the sE-selectin concentrations at the onset pregnancy was higher (sE-sel.: 35.59 +/- 9.5 ng/ml) than in a group of pregnant women (n 38) during the second and third trimester (sE-sel.: 30.58 +/- 13.3 ng/ml, p < 0.05) with 17-beta E2 concentration 11.96 +/- 7.18 ng/ml. The finding of lower sE-selectin levels which is a sign that the endothelium is not exposed to the action of inflammatory cytokines IL-1 or TNF may thus be associated with the active "control" of thrombophilia in pregnancy. When during pregnancy in conjunction with oestrogen levels changes in the lipid concentration were investigated a compensating mechanism could be observed. Hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia in pregnant women was associated with a rise of oestrogen levels as well as of "cardioprotective" HDL-cholesterol (the HDL level was during the first trimester 1.31 +/- 0.26 nmol/l, in the second and third trimester 1.69 +/- 0.48 nmol/l, p < 0.0167).

[Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta]

The authors present the experience of the Plzen department with treatment of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (AAA) during the last five-year period (1992-1996) when they operated a total of 111 AAA in patients with an average age of 67.9 years (44-91 years). The number of symptomatic AAA was 15 (13.5%), 36 ruptures (32.4%). The most frequent risk factor was ischemic heart disease (IHD) in 74 (66.7%) and hypertension in 47 (42.3%) of the patients. Within 30 days after surgery two asymptomatic patients died (3.9%) and three (20%) with symptomatic AAA. The most frequent cause of death was acute myocardial infarction (AIM) in four (80%). Of 36 patients with rupture of AAA 17 (47.2%) died. A statistically significant factor for death of patients with rupture of the AAA was sever shock (blood pressure < 40 mm Hg) before surgery (p < 0.01), blood in the abdominal cavity (p < 0.01) and hypertension in the patient's case history (p < 0.05). Aimed screening of AAA in patients of risk groups and early elective surgery are important for reducing the incidence of ruptures of AAA. A patient with rupture of the AAA needs surgery urgently and unnecessary examination (CT, USG) frequently causes delay and reduces the patient's chance of survival.