Alpha 1-antitrypsin as a biomarker in azoxymethane induced intestinal tumors in F344 rats

Activity of cathepsin D and α1-antitrypsin in blood of men with malignant melanoma

INTRODUCTION

The aetiopathology of melanoma is (like in other cancers) a result of environmental factors and genetic predispositions. One of the most important environmental factors which has an influence on melanoma aetiology is exposure to UV radiation.

AIM

To estimate the activity of selected parameters in melanoma diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In serum of 25 men with melanoma, activity of cathepsin D and α1-antitrypsin (important inhibitors of protease) was estimated. It was a heterogeneous group, because some men were classified according to Clark's classification, and other men were classified by Breslow's classification. Three months after resection of the lesion, only 13 men came back for the next tests.

RESULTS

Activity of α1-antitrypsin in patients before and after removing the affected tissue was similar and related to the control value (0.78 mg of trypsin). Medium activity of cathepsin D in the control group was about 11.88 nM. Activity in patients before surgery was lower: 8.94 nM. After removing the tumour, this activity was 9.31 nM.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be supposed that the proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance was disturbed in persons with melanoma, because the activity of cathepsin D in serum of these people was lower than in healthy people, but the activity of α1-antitrypsin was not changed.

Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel

Cancer of the small bowel is a rare entity but its incidence is rising. Historically, outcome is poor despite apparent curative resection. At present surgery remains the only treatment modality of proven benefit in the management of this disease. Recent data would suggest 5-year survival rates in the order of 40-50% at all sites of small bowel cancer. To improve upon this, earlier diagnosis with a high index of suspicion and multicentre adjuvant therapy trials are required.