Diagnostic Value of Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) and Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) in the Diagnosis of Pleural Effusions

The impact of different preanalytical methods related to CA 15-3 determination in frozen human blood samples: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The determination of CA 15-3 is useful for monitoring breast cancer patients. Several retrospective studies determined CA 15-3 levels in frozen samples to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of novel biomarkers in relation to breast cancer; however, freeze-thaw cycles, as well as preanalytical variables before sample storage, are not always reported. Here, we analyzed the current scientific literature to identify possible critical aspects related to CA 15-3 determination in frozen-stored human serum/plasma samples.

METHODS

We obtained data from 4 different bibliographic databases: Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. We followed the PRISMA guidelines to screen and select the eligible articles discussed in the final revision.

RESULTS

Initially, 674 scientific papers were evaluated, and after the application of the screening and eligibility criteria, 18 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The analysis reported an important level of heterogeneity concerning the preanalytical phase before sample storage.

CONCLUSION

Although advances in healthcare have been achieved using certified workflows in medical diagnostics, standardized preanalytical processes are not always applied when referring to frozen-stored biosamples. Biobanks will guarantee the best possible conditions for the storage of human biological samples to be used in clinical research. The use of certified bioresources will favor the optimal development and introduction of new disease biomarkers.

Effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a prospective cohort study

Background

Dexmedetomidine, an α2 agonist, has well-known anesthetic and analgesic-sparing effects. We designed this study to evaluate the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion on intra operative blood loss and postoperative pain in functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 90 patients planning to undergo endoscopic sinus surgery, who were randomly divided into three groups. 2 to 2.5 mg/kg of propofol was used in all groups to induce anesthesia. One group received dexmedetomidine 0.2 μg/kg per hour infusion whereas the other group received dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg per hour infusion. The control group received normal saline infusion.

Results

The mean age of patients was 41.02 ± 11.93. 33 patients in the dexmedetomidine 0.2 μg/kg/h group, 30 patients in the dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg/h group and 27 patients in the placebo group. The lowest amount of bleeding was related to the dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg/h group. The volume of bleeding between the three groups was significantly different (p = 0.012). The satisfaction of the surgeon in the dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg/h group was more than other groups. There was a significant relationship between the satisfaction of the surgeon and the treatment groups (p < 0.001). The lowest duration of surgery was related to the dexmedetomidine 0.2 μg/kg/h group. The most Trinitroglycerin (TNG) consumption was in the placebo group and the highest dose of labetalol was in the dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg/h group. There was no significant difference in the TNG and labetalol consumption between three groups. The lowest consumption of morphine and pethidine in the dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg/h group.

Conclusions

Infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg/h decreased blood loss and consumption of morphine and pethidine in patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery.

Comparing Apoptosis and Necrosis Effects of Arctium Lappa Root Extract and Doxorubicin on MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 Cell Lines

Objective: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and very common malignancy in women worldwide. The efficacy of chemotherapy as an important part of breast cancer treatment is limited due to its side effects. While pharmaceutical companies are looking for better chemicals, research on traditional medicines that generally have fewer side effects is quite interesting. In this study, apoptosis and necrosis effect of Arctium lappa and doxorubicin was compared in MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Materials and Methods: MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 10% FBS and 100 U/ml penicillin/streptomycin. MTT assay and an annexin V/propidium iodide (AV/PI) kit were used respectively to compare the survival rate and apoptotic effects of different concentrations of doxorubicin and Arctium lappa root extract on MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells. Results: Arctium lappa root extract was able to reduce cell viability of the two cell lines in a dose and time dependent manner similar to doxorubicin. Flow cytometry results showed that similar to doxorubicin, Arctium Lappa root extract had a dose and time dependent apoptosis effect on both cell lines. 10μg/mL of Arctium lappa root extract and 5 μM of doxorubicin showed the highest anti-proliferative and apoptosis effect in MCF7 and MDA231 cells. Conclusion: The MCF7 (ER/PR-) and MDA-MB-231 (ER/PR+) cell lines represent two major breast cancer subtypes. The similar anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of Arctium lappa root extract and doxorubicin (which is a conventional chemotherapy drug) on two different breast cancer cell lines strongly suggests its anticancer effects and further studies.

Correlation between Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Disease Activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Cross-Sectional Study

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease for whose pathogenesis viral infections are important. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main infectious etiological agent. This study aimed to quantitative evaluation of EBV in SLE patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 40 patients with SLE diagnosed based on American College of Rheumatology criteria were selected using purposive sampling. All were included in the study after obtaining informed consent for participation. Whole blood samples were taken and buffy coat preparations were isolated to determine viral load using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method and assessment with the SLE disease activity index (SLE-DAI).

Results:

From a total of 40 patients, 37 cases (92.5%) were women. The EBV test was positive in 67.5% and mean viral load was 5396 ± 1891.9 copy/ml. Twenty of forty patients had active and 50% inactive disease, mean EBV viral loads being 6798 and 28.25 copy/ml, respectively (P-value = 0.003). In terms of the severity of disease activity, 17.5 % of female patients had mild to moderate activity, whilst 32.5% of them had severe activity, with respective viral loads of 5,803.3 and 29.73 copy/ml (P-value = 0.003).

Conclusion:

The Epstein-Barr viral load in SLE patients with active disease was found to be markedly higher than in inactive cases. Thus, EBV may have an important role in the pathogenesis and activity of SLE.