1
|
Kontomanolis EN, Symeonidis P, Nikolettos K, Perros P, Rody A, Tsikouras P, Nikolettos N, Giatromanolaki A. ARID1 and BRG1 Expression in Endometrial Cancer. In Vivo 2024; 38:1260-1265. [PMID: 38688602 PMCID: PMC11059895 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Endometrial cancer (EC) is the predominant malignancy among gynecologic cancers and ranks fourth among all types of cancer. Recently, researchers have focused on the development of new prognostic biomarkers. Subunits of the SWI/SNF protein complex, like the ARID1 and BRG1, have been associated with the development of endometrial cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression patterns of ARID1A and BRG1 in a collection of endometrioid adenocarcinomas of the uterus using immunohistochemistry. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study comprised a total of thirty-three individuals diagnosed with stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer, treated with radical hysterectomy. The histological material was then examined to assess the cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of the proteins. RESULTS ARID1A exhibited expression in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of cancer cells, whereas BRG1 was mainly expressed in the nuclei. In addition, ARID1A exhibited a notable decrease in expression in grade 3 histology, with no significant correlation with the depth of myometrial invasion. The reduced expression was highly related to tumor expansion into the endocervix. The findings demonstrated a total absence of ARID1A expression in 27% of endometrioid carcinomas, with a significant reduction in expression in an additional 51% of cancer cells. These findings align with the most recent published data. In contrast, in the current study, BRG1 was rarely down-regulated and was extensively expressed in the majority of endometrioid carcinomas, preventing the possibility of statistical analysis. CONCLUSION In summary, ARID1A expression loss can be used as a biomarker to guide post-operative therapy; however, further investigation is needed, especially for early-stage endometrial cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Symeonidis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Nikolettos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Paraskevas Perros
- 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece;
| | - Achim Rody
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Tsikouras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nikolettos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Koutras A, Fasoulakis Z, Mollaki V, Perros P, Theodoulidis V, Syllaios A, Garmpis N, Kontomanolis EN. Programmed Death Ligand 1: Unveiling its Impact on Endometrial Carcinogenesis. Cancer Diagn Progn 2024; 4:91-96. [PMID: 38434913 PMCID: PMC10905288 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is a commonly diagnosed gynecological malignancy presenting an increasing incidence worldwide. The immune response plays a crucial role in the mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis and the progression of tumors. In recent times, there has been a discernible surge in the acknowledgment of the importance of programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1) in evading the immunological response of the host and promoting the growth of malignancies. The primary aim of this review is to consolidate the existing corpus of evidence pertaining to the role of PDL1 in the etiology and progression of endometrial cancer and investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the expression of PDL1 in cells impacted by endometrial cancer. Finally, the association between PDL1 expression and clinical outcomes, as well as the potential therapeutic uses of targeting the PDL1 pathway are being analyzed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Mollaki
- National Commission for Bioethics and Technoethics, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevas Perros
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Theodoulidis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Papageorgiou" Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- 1st Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bräutigam K, Schmidt T, Baur M, Tauber N, Kontomanolis EN, Hemptenmacher F, Rody A, Köster F. Prevalence of PD-L1 in Cervical Cancer Patients and the Potential for Combining an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor With Lenvatinib. Anticancer Res 2024; 44:503-510. [PMID: 38307554 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.16838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. The potential for targeted therapy against the immune checkpoint programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and receptor tyrosine kinases was examined in cervical cancer patients and cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS On tissue microarrays, PD-L1 was analyzed in 123 samples of patients with cervical cancer using immunohistochemistry. In SiHa, HeLa, and CaSki cervical cancer cell lines we examined the combination of lenvatinib with a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor using cell viability assays, the activation of cell signaling pathway proteins using western blots and gene expression using quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. RESULTS Of 113 evaluable samples, 90 (79.6%) had more than 1% PD-L1 positive cells. The single treatment with the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor resulted in the greatest reduction in growth for CaSki and lenvatinib in HeLa cells. In contrast, the combined treatment of lenvatinib with the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor demonstrated a significantly stronger impeded proliferation compared to the single treatment in all three cell lines. Moreover, the combined treatment caused significantly less phosphorylation of the signaling molecules ERK and S6 in SiHa and of S6 and STAT3 in HeLa cells but not in CaSki. All treatments diminished the mRNA levels of PD-L1, Il-8, and FGFR in SiHa cells. CONCLUSION PD1 is frequently expressed in cervical cancer samples. Combining lenvatinib with a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor diminished proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines. Consequently, this combination might be a promising option to treat cervical cancer. Signaling pathways involved in tumor cell growth are blocked by the combined treatment but still a model of the underlying mechanism cannot be drawn.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bräutigam
- Institute for Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Talina Schmidt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Meike Baur
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nikolas Tauber
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Franziska Hemptenmacher
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Achim Rody
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Frank Köster
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peteinaris A, Perros P, Prokopakis I, Fasoulakis Z, Ntounis T, Daglas K, Kostopoulou IE, Samara AA, Pagonis K, Tatanis V, Faria-Costa G, Xhaferi R, Arzumanyan K, Martínez BB, Chionis A, Pergialiotis V, Daskalakis G, Kontomanolis EN, Koutras A. Bladder Cancer during Pregnancy: A Review of the Literature. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1418. [PMID: 37763185 PMCID: PMC10533129 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder malignancy represents the fourth most common cancer in men and the eighth in women in the western world. Women under 75 years of age have a risk of 0.5-1% of developing bladder cancer. The diagnosis usually occurs between 65 and 70 years of age, whereas the mortality rate for women varies from 0.5 to 4 per 100,000 every year. Nulliparous women present a greater risk than women who have given birth. The risk is further decreased when parity increases. Theoretically, hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy play a protective role. Smoking and occupational exposure to specific chemicals are the most common risk factors of bladder cancer. Other risk factors such as chronic urinary tract inflammation, cyclophosphamide, radiotherapy, and familial correlation have been reported. The aim of this review is to highlight a rare combination, which is the co-existence of bladder malignancy and pregnancy. We present thirteen different cases of women who were diagnosed with malignant bladder tumors during their pregnancy. A review of the literature was conducted, focusing on the unspecific symptoms, possible diagnostic tools, and suitable treatment modalities. The management of bladder cancer in pregnancy is a challenging process. The fragile balance between the possible complications of pregnancy and maternal health is yet to be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelis Peteinaris
- Department of Urology, University of Patras Medical School, 26504 Patras, Greece; (A.P.); (K.P.); (V.T.)
| | - Paraskevas Perros
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (I.P.); (Z.F.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (G.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Ioannis Prokopakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (I.P.); (Z.F.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (G.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (I.P.); (Z.F.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (G.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (I.P.); (Z.F.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (G.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Daglas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.D.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Athina A. Samara
- Department of Embryology, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Pagonis
- Department of Urology, University of Patras Medical School, 26504 Patras, Greece; (A.P.); (K.P.); (V.T.)
| | - Vasileios Tatanis
- Department of Urology, University of Patras Medical School, 26504 Patras, Greece; (A.P.); (K.P.); (V.T.)
| | - Gabriel Faria-Costa
- 1st Department of Urology, Local Health Unit of Matosinhos, 4464-513 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Rudi Xhaferi
- Unit of Oncologic Minimally-Invasive Urology and Andrology, Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Karen Arzumanyan
- Department of Urology, Yerevan State Medical University Named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia;
| | | | - Athanasios Chionis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (I.P.); (Z.F.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (G.D.); (A.K.)
| | - George Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (I.P.); (Z.F.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (G.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 12, 67100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (I.P.); (Z.F.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (G.D.); (A.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fasoulakis Z, Psarommati MZ, Papapanagiotou A, Pergialiotis V, Koutras A, Douligeris A, Mortaki A, Mihail A, Theodora M, Stavros S, Karakalpakis D, Papamihail M, Kontomanolis EN, Daskalakis G, Antsaklis P. MicroRNAs Can Influence Ovarian Cancer Progression by Dysregulating Integrin Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4449. [PMID: 37760437 PMCID: PMC10526761 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that affects thousands of women worldwide. Integrins, transmembrane receptors that mediate cell adhesion and signaling, play important roles in ovarian cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Dysregulated expression of integrins is implicated in various cellular processes, such as cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate integrin expression and function, thus affecting various physiological and pathological processes, including ovarian cancer. In this article, we review the current understanding of integrin-mediated cellular processes in ovarian cancer and the roles of miRNAs in regulating integrins. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting miRNAs that regulate integrins for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Targeting miRNAs that regulate integrins or downstream signaling pathways of integrins may provide novel therapeutic strategies for inhibiting integrin-mediated ovarian cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (A.K.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (D.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Michaela-Zoi Psarommati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.-Z.P.); (E.N.K.)
| | - Angeliki Papapanagiotou
- Laboratory of Chemistry Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (A.K.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (D.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (A.K.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (D.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Athanasios Douligeris
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (A.K.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (D.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Anastasia Mortaki
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (A.K.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (D.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Antonios Mihail
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (A.K.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (D.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (A.K.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (D.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Attikon Hospital, 124 62 Athens, Greece;
| | - Defkalion Karakalpakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (A.K.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (D.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Papamihail
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (A.K.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (A.M.); (M.T.); (D.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.-Z.P.); (E.N.K.)
| | - George Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (G.D.); (P.A.)
| | - Panos Antsaklis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (G.D.); (P.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Koutras A, Perros P, Prokopakis I, Ntounis T, Fasoulakis Z, Pittokopitou S, Samara AA, Valsamaki A, Douligeris A, Mortaki A, Sapantzoglou I, Katrachouras A, Pagkalos A, Symeonidis P, Palios VC, Psarris A, Theodora M, Antsaklis P, Makrydimas G, Chionis A, Daskalakis G, Kontomanolis EN. Advantages and Limitations of Ultrasound as a Screening Test for Ovarian Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2078. [PMID: 37370973 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13122078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the seventh most common malignancy diagnosed among women, the eighth leading cause of cancer mortality globally, and the most common cause of death among all gynecological cancers. Even though recent advances in technology have allowed for more accurate radiological and laboratory diagnostic tests, approximately 60% of OC cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Given the high mortality rate of advanced stages of OC, early diagnosis remains the main prognostic factor. Our aim is to focus on the sonographic challenges in ovarian cancer screening and to highlight the importance of sonographic evaluation, the crucial role of the operator΄s experience, possible limitations in visibility, emphasizing the importance and the necessity of quality assurance protocols that health workers have to follow and finally increasing the positive predictive value. We also analyzed how ultrasound can be combined with biomarkers (ex. CA-125) so as to increase the sensitivity of early-stage OC detection or, in addition to the gold standard examination, the CT (Computed tomography) scan in OC follow-up. Improvements in the performance and consistency of ultrasound screening could reduce the need for repeated examinations and, mainly, ensure diagnostic accuracy. Finally, we refer to new very promising techniques such as liquid biopsies. Future attempts in order to improve screening should focus on the identification of features that are unique to OC and that are present in early-stage tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevas Perros
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Prokopakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Savia Pittokopitou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Athina A Samara
- Department of Embryology, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Asimina Valsamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Larisa, Tsakalof 1, 41221 Larisa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Douligeris
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Mortaki
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioakeim Sapantzoglou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Katrachouras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Str., 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Neapoli, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Symeonidis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 6th km Alexandroupolis-Makris, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Alexandros Psarris
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Panos Antsaklis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - George Makrydimas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Chionis
- Department of Gynecology, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 6th km Alexandroupolis-Makris, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fasoulakis Z, Koutras A, Antsaklis P, Theodora M, Valsamaki A, Daskalakis G, Kontomanolis EN. Intrauterine Growth Restriction Due to Gestational Diabetes: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis and Management. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:1139. [PMID: 37374343 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) represents a condition where the fetal weight is less than the 10th percentile for gestational age, or the estimated fetal weight is lower than expected based on gestational age. IUGR can be caused by various factors such as maternal, placental or fetal factors and can lead to various complications for both the fetus and the mother, including fetal distress, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and maternal hypertension. Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing IUGR. This article reviews the different aspects of gestational diabetes in addition to IUGR, the diagnostic methods available for IUGR detection, including ultrasound and Doppler studies, discusses the management strategies for women with IUGR and gestational diabetes and analyzes the importance of early detection and timely intervention to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'Alexandra', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Koutras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'Alexandra', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Panos Antsaklis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'Alexandra', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'Alexandra', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Asimina Valsamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Larisa, Tsakalof 1, 41221 Larisa, Greece
| | - George Daskalakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens 'Alexandra', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 6th km Alexandroupolis-Makris, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tzelepis K, Zacharouli K, Samara AA, Koutras A, Kontomanolis EN, Perivoliotis K, Pavlidou E, Sotiriou S. Large Cyst of Skene Gland: A Rare Perineum Mass. Surg J (N Y) 2023; 9:e71-e74. [PMID: 37192958 PMCID: PMC10183249 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective In this report we present a rare case of a large cyst of Skene gland in a female patient with a palpable vaginal mass persisting for at least 2 years. Case Report A 67-year-old female admitted to the department of urology due to the presence of "a vaginal mass" for the past 2 years. A cyst of Skene's duct was suspected based on clinical manifestation and findings of magnetic resonance imaging showing an extensive cyst formation in the upper vaginal area and anterior to the urethra. Based on these findings, a decision for surgical removement of the cyst was made. The cyst was incised, drained, and marsupialized. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day. Conclusion High clinical suspicion is important to reach this rare diagnosis. Partial excision and marsupialization of the cyst is a simple procedure with low morbidity, without recurrence, and excellent results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantina Zacharouli
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athina A. Samara
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- Address for correspondence Athina A. Samara, MD, MSc Department of Embryology, University of ThessalyMezourlo Hill, 41100, LarissaGreece
| | - Antonios Koutras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Efterpi Pavlidou
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Sotirios Sotiriou
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fasoulakis Z, Koutras A, Ntounis T, Antsaklis P, Theodora M, Valsamaki A, Daskalakis G, Kontomanolis EN. Inflammatory Molecules Responsible for Length Shortening and Preterm Birth. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020209. [PMID: 36672145 PMCID: PMC9856720 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that inflammation at the placental-maternal interface is directly responsible for or contributes to the development of 50% of all premature deliveries. Chorioamnionitis, also known as the premature rupture of the amniotic membrane in the mother, is the root cause of persistent inflammation that preterm newborns experience. Beyond contributing to the onset of early labor, inflammation is a critical element in advancing several conditions in neonates, including necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity and periventricular leukomalacia. Notably, the immune systems of preterm infants are not fully developed; immune defense mechanisms and immunosuppression (tolerance) have a delicate balance that is easily upset in this patient category. As a result, premature infants are exposed to different antigens from elements such as hospital-specific microbes, artificial devices, medications, food antigens and hypoxia/hyperoxia. This has detrimental implications for preterm deliveries of less than 28 weeks because they have not yet evolved the mechanisms to tolerate maternal and self-antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Panos Antsaklis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Asimina Valsamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Koutlimbaneio and Triantafylleio General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ntounis T, Zioutos KA, Koutras A, Prokopakis I, Fasoulakis Z, Sapantzoglou I, Perros P, Samara AA, Spanoudakis E, Valsamaki A, Krouskou SE, Nikolettos K, Palios VC, Mousios P, Goula K, Konis K, Chionis A, Kontomanolis EN. Portal Vein Thrombosis after C-Section in a Patient with Polycythemia Vera (PV) Due to Pregnancy and Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). Clin Pract 2022; 12:1069-1077. [PMID: 36547117 PMCID: PMC9776423 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract12060109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycythemia vera (PV) is one of the three main classic disorders of Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), with the other two being essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). PV may develop (15%) in women of childbearing age (15-45 years), with an anticipated rate of roughly 0.3 per 100,000 people, although maintaining a male to female ratio predominance of about 2:1 and a peak prevalence in the sixth and seventh decades of life. Without always being presented with its actual clinical manifestations due to pregnancy itself, and most commonly due to iron deficiency, PV can be frequently missed and therefore belatedly diagnosed. We describe the case of a primipara woman in her 40s, without risk factors for thrombosis, who developed a portal vein occlusion 1.5 month postpartum after C-section and who had a delayed diagnosis of PV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos A. Zioutos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology-Kastoria General Hospital, Mavriotissis 33, 52100 Kastoria, Greece
| | - Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Ioannis Prokopakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioakeim Sapantzoglou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevas Perros
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Athina A. Samara
- Department of Embryology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Spanoudakis
- Department of Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, 6th km Alexandroupolis–Makris, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Asimina Valsamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Larisa, Tsakalof 1, 41221 Larisa, Greece
| | - Sevasti-Effraimia Krouskou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 6th km Alexandroupolis–Makris, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Nikolettos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 6th km Alexandroupolis–Makris, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Paschalis Mousios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Kallirroi Goula
- Department of Pathology, Alexandra General Hospital of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Konis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Arta, 47100 Arta, Greece
| | - Athanasios Chionis
- Department of Gynecology, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 6th km Alexandroupolis–Makris, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Koutras A, Ntounis T, Fasoulakis Z, Papalios T, Pittokopitou S, Prokopakis I, Syllaios A, Valsamaki A, Chionis A, Symeonidis P, Samara AA, Pagkalos A, Pergialiotis V, Theodora M, Antsaklis P, Daskalakis G, Kontomanolis EN. Cancer Treatment and Immunotherapy during Pregnancy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102080. [PMID: 36297515 PMCID: PMC9611953 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aim: Immunotherapy has, in recent years, witnessed an expansion in its indications for the treatment of cancer. Coupled with the fact that, nowadays, even more women choose to postpone parenthood, thus increasing their chances of having some kind of malignancy during pregnancy, more and more women are eligible for receiving immunotherapy during this period of their lives. The cases of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is an ever-increasing trend nowadays. Materials and methods: The oncologists and clinicians treating women often face a range of ethical and therapeutic dilemmas due to the particularity of the patient’s conditions. The primary concern is the protection of the mother, firstly, and then the fetus (through adjustments to the various treatment regimens) if possible. Results and conclusions: Oncological drugs, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of all the above methods are selected, depending on the case. In this project, we studied the oncology drugs used for various types of gestational cancer, their appropriateness and timing, as well as their possible effects on the parent and embryo upon their administration. Various studies have shown that the administration of oncological drugs should be postponed until at least after the first trimester of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-694567622
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Papalios
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Savia Pittokopitou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Prokopakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- 1st Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Agiou Thoma Str. 17, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Asimina Valsamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Koutlimbaneio and Triantafylleio General Hospital of Larissa, Tsakalof Str. 1, 41221 Larisa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Chionis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laikon General Hospital of Athens, Agiou Thoma Str. 17, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Symeonidis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 6th km Alexandroupolis–Makris, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Athina A. Samara
- Department of Embryology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Neapoli, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Panos Antsaklis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 6th km Alexandroupolis–Makris, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Christou C, Krouskou SE, Koutras A, Ntounis T, Fasoulakis Z, Valsamaki A, Pergialiotis V, Sotiriou S, Konis K, Symeonidis P, Samara AA, Pagkalos A, Chionis A, Daskalakis G, Kontomanolis EN. The Significance of Peritoneal Washing as a Prognostic Indicator for Ovarian Cancer Patients. Cancer Diagn Progn 2022; 2:512-519. [PMID: 36060022 PMCID: PMC9425574 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM During ovarian cancer (OC) debulking surgery, the surgeon can examine the peritoneal cavity for malignant cancer cells with peritoneal washing (PW) cytology. The goal of this study was to examine the significance of peritoneal washing as a prognostic indicator for ovarian cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Information considering the prognostic factors of OC and their impact in PW's result was collected, compared, and combined. RESULTS Omental metastasis, tumor type, tumor invasion, tumor size, tumor grade/ stage, tumor's cytoreduction, and recurrence affect both the peritoneal washing result and the patient's prognosis. The correlation that most of the above factors have with a positive PW and dismal prognosis, led us to the assumption that PW has a significance as a prognostic indicator. CONCLUSION The significance of PW as a prognostic indicator remains an assumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Christou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Asimina Valsamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Larisa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Sotirios Sotiriou
- Department of Embryology, University Hospital of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Konis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Arta, Arta, Greece
| | | | - Athina A Samara
- Department of Embryology, University Hospital of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Athanasios Chionis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laiko General hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Spathakis M, Filidou E, Pappa C, Arzou BC, Georgiadis A, Kontomanolis EN, Nikolettos N, Kolios G, Galazios G, Arvanitidis K. Spontaneous abortion is associated with differentially expressed angiogenic chemokines in placenta and decidua. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022:10.1007/s00404-022-06725-8. [PMID: 35997970 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Miscarriage is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Although chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo is a well-known cause of miscarriage, a lot of cases remain unexplained, with immunologic and vascular growth alterations being considered as probable causes. Chemokines are produced by a variety of cells and exhibit several functions including both pro and anti-angiogenic properties. In this study, we investigated the role of the angiogenic and angiostatic chemokines in placenta and decidua tissues from spontaneous and induced abortions. METHODS Total RNA was extracted from the placenta and decidua tissues, which was then purified and converted into cDNA. Real-time PCR was then performed for the expression of the angiogenic CCL2, CCL5, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL7, CXCL8 and CXCL4, and the angiostatic CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12 and CXCL14 and results were then statistically analyzed. RESULTS Regarding the placenta, CXCL7 (2.29-fold, 2.16-2.38, p < 0.05), CXCL4 (1.01-fold, 0.74-4.447, p < 0.05), CXCL9 (0.87-fold, 0.43-1.34, p < 0.05) and CXCL11 (0.31-fold, 0.22-0.45, p < 0.05) were altered in spontaneous abortions. CCL2, CCL5, CXCL2-3, CXCL8, CXCL10, CXCL12 and CXCL14 were not statistically significant altered. Regarding the decidua, CXCL7 (7.13-fold, 6.32-7.54, p < 0.01), CXCL8 (11.02-fold, 8.58-13.45, p < 0.05), CCL20 (1.21-fold, 0.29-1.89, p < 0.05) and CXCL9 (5.49-fold, 3.67-6.39, p < 0.05) were overexpressed in spontaneous abortions. CXCL2-4, CCL2, CCL5, CXCL10-12 and CXCL14 did not show any differences. The expression of the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL5-6 was absent in either tissue or group. CONCLUSION Our results show that the overexpression of angiostatic and diminished expression of angiogenic chemokines takes place in the placenta and decidua of spontaneous abortions, suggesting that dysregulation of angiogenesis could be a contributive factor to the pathogenesis of miscarriage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michail Spathakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eirini Filidou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Pappa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Bourazan Chalil Arzou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Anastasios Georgiadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikos Nikolettos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - George Kolios
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - George Galazios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Arvanitidis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tsatsaris G, Fasoulakis Z, Koutras A, Ntounis T, Samara AA, Syllaios A, Diamantis A, Kouroupi M, Stamos C, Kontomanolis EN. Primary Cervical Carcinosarcoma: Report of a Rare Case. Surg J (N Y) 2022; 8:e174-e178. [PMID: 35928548 PMCID: PMC9345680 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Carcinosarcomas are malignant mixed Müllerian tumors (MMMT), containing both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Carcinosarcomas of the uterine cervix comprise an extremely rare histopathological entity, with less than 150 cases reported in the literature to date.
Materials and Methods
A 79-year-old postmenopausal female patient was referred to our gynecological department due to a pelvic mass and vaginal bleeding. A cervical curettage was performed and the histological report revealed a malignant neoplasm with high cellularity consisting of two components; the first was a chondrosarcoma and the latter a adenocarcinoma. A diagnosis of MMMT was confirmed through immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were implemented, and a year later the patient underwent a radical hysterectomy and oncological pelvic lymph node dissection. She remains disease-free 12 months postoperatively.
Conclusion
Primary cervical carcinosarcomas are extremely rare tumors demonstrating a bipartite profile. Preoperative diagnosis with appropriate immunochemistry testing of this rare entity is crucial to decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Tsatsaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens “ALEXANDRA,” Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Koutras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens “ALEXANDRA,” Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens “ALEXANDRA,” Athens, Greece
| | - Athina A. Samara
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria Kouroupi
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Charilaos Stamos
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fasoulakis Z, Koutras A, Ntounis T, Pergialiotis V, Chionis A, Katrachouras A, Palios VC, Symeonidis P, Valsamaki A, Syllaios A, Diakosavvas M, Angelou K, Samara AA, Pagkalos A, Theodora M, Schizas D, Kontomanolis EN. The Prognostic Role and Significance of Dll4 and Toll-like Receptors in Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071649. [PMID: 35406423 PMCID: PMC8996945 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The aim of this review is to summarize the latest details considering the role of Dll4 in cancer, since recent data report that Dll4 has a major key role in tumor angiogenesis. Moreover, the authors try to seek any correlation between Dll4 and cancer stem cells in tumor development. Considering that cancer stem cells have proven to be implicated in the progression of many cancer types, any impact from Dll4 could lead to the alteration of cancer development. Additionally, the authors make a report on current advantages on immunotherapy and tumor-draining lymph nodes in cancer. Finally, this study analyzes toll like receptors, pattern recognition receptors that are capable of recognizing different molecules and activating different genes. These immunogenetic molecules have remarkable roles including angiogenesis promotion, while their activation can lead to either cancer progression or inhibition, representing a very promising therapeutic alliance for cancer treatment. Abstract The Notch signaling pathway regulates the development of embryonic and tissue homeostasis of various types of cells. It also controls cell proliferation, variation, fate and cell death because it emits short-range messages to nearby cells. The pathway plays an important role in the pathophysiology of various malignancies, controlling cancer creation. It also limits cancer development by adjusting preserved angiogenesis and cellular programs. One of the Notch signaling ligands (in mammals) is Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), which plays a significant role in the overall malignancies’ advancement. Particularly, sequencing Notch gene mutations, including those of Dll4, have been detected in many types of cancers portraying information on the growth of particular gynecological types of tumors. The current research article examines the background theory that implies the ability of Dll4 in the development of endometrial and other cancer types, and the probable therapeutic results of Dll4 inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Athanasios Chionis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Alexandros Katrachouras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ioannina, University General Hospital of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Str., 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Vasileios-Chrysovalantis Palios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Larisa, University General Hospital of Larisa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Symeonidis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 12, 67100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (P.S.); (E.N.K.)
| | - Asimina Valsamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Larisa, Tsakal of 1, 41221 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- 1st Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Agiou Thoma Str. 17, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6972374280
| | - Michail Diakosavvas
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Kyveli Angelou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Athina A. Samara
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Neapoli, 67100 Xanthi, Greece;
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- 1st Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 12, 67100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (P.S.); (E.N.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kontomanolis EN, Koutras A, Fasoulakis Z, Syllaios A, Diakosavvas M, Angelou K, Symeonidis P, Samara AA, Pergialiotis V, Garmpis N, Schizas D, Pagkalos A, Chionis A, Daskalakis G, Ntounis T. A Brief Overview of Oncogenes and Signal Transduction Pathways in Gynecological Cancer. Cancer Diagn Progn 2022; 2:134-143. [PMID: 35399174 PMCID: PMC8962808 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Gynecological cancer is the cancer that originates in the female reproductive system. According to the anatomical location of the cancer, it is distinguished into cervical, uterine, vaginal, ovarian, and vulvar cancer. Oncogenes and tumor catalytic genes play a key role in the genesis and development of gynecological cancer. This article presents the signaling pathways and expression of oncogenes that take place in the carcinogenesis of the female reproductive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- 1st Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Diakosavvas
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Kyveli Angelou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | | | - Athina A Samara
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- 1st Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- 1st Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Athanasios Chionis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
N Kontomanolis E, Koutras A, Syllaios A, Schizas D, Kalagasidou S, Pagkalos A, Alatzidou D, Kantari P, Ntounis T, Fasoulakis Z. Basic principles of molecular biology of cancer cell-Molecular cancer indicators. J BUON 2021; 26:1723-1734. [PMID: 34761575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Molecular biology of cancer cell is a domain of medical science that is rapidly growing in our days. Knowing the ways and paths that cancer cells follow is crucial to the prevention of cancer itself. Central role to these paths, concerning the cell cycle and the process of apoptosis, has the protein p53. The whole mechanism of the cell cycle is activated by the action of various mitogens, such as growth factors, hormones and cytokines. Carcinogenesis involves alterations of genes (proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes), which encode proteins of the signal transduction. Many of the damages that lead to carcinogenesis may be due to the lack of repressive signals for cell division, but also to the absence of the sensitivity of cells to repressive signals. The cell has mechanisms of receiving apoptotic-antitumor signals and mechanisms of execution of these instructions. A percentage of cancers (4-8%) are etiologically linked to germ (stem) cells mutations and occur at an increased frequency in families (hereditary cancers). Substantial progress in understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, filtration and metastasis of cancer has highlighted the key role of specific genes, primarily oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ntounis T, Fasoulakis Z, Koutras A, Diakosavvas M, Bourazan A, Pagkalos A, Samara AA, Kontomanolis EN. Heterotopic tubal pregnancy with a naturally conceived live twin intrauterine pregnancy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report. Case Rep Womens Health 2021; 32:e00348. [PMID: 34401399 PMCID: PMC8353344 DOI: 10.1016/j.crwh.2021.e00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is defined as the simultaneous occurrence of an intrauterine and extrauterine gestation. Risk factors contributing to this condition are similar to those which contribute to ectopic pregnancy. While a triple heterotopic gestation through natural conception is uncommon, here we present the case of a patient with spontaneous intrauterine twins and a concurrent tubal extrauterine gestation, where the patient also had systemic lupus erythematosus. During the seventh week of gestation, the patient presented with acute abdomen signs and hemodynamic instability; a decision was taken to perform an emergency laparotomy. Haemoperitoneum, a total torsion of the right ovary with salpinx, a ruptured tubal pregnancy and subsequent necrosis were found intraoperatively. The patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day and monitored throughout her whole pregnancy, with the intrauterine pregnancy progressing uneventfully. Two healthy neonates were delivered by cesarean section at 36 weeks of gestation. In conclusion, physicians treating women of reproductive age should be aware of possible HP, even in the absence of risk factors. Spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy (HP) occurs in approximately 2.3% of all cases of HP Risk factors include assisted reproduction techniques and pelvic inflammatory disease The probability of an ovarian pregnancy accompanied by an intrauterine pregnancy, comprises 2.3% of all cases of HP Surgical intervention plays a key role in the management of HP, with laparoscopic salpingectomy being the gold-standard procedure
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ntounis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Koutras
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Diakosavvas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Arzou Bourazan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Neapoli 67100, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Neapoli 67100, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Athina A. Samara
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Greece, Mezourlo Hill 41100, Larissa, Greece
- Corresponding author.
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 6 klm Alexandroupolis-Makris, Dragana 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fasoulakis Z, Galazios G, Koukourakis M, Nikolettos N, Giatromanolaki A, Koutlaki N, N Kontomanolis E. Expression of Delta Like Ligand 4 (DLL4) in endometrial carcinomas and tumor vasculature. J BUON 2021; 26:1327-1332. [PMID: 34564988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Delta like ligand 4 (DLL4) is a transmembrane ligand of the Notch Signalling pathway, that regulates blood vessel sprouting and maturation. We investigated the expression of DLL4 in endometrial cancer. METHODS DLL4 was assessed in the plasma (with ELISA) and tissues (with immunohistochemistry) 33 patients with endometrial cancer, treated with radical hysterectomy for stage I endometroid carcinoma. The angiogenic activity (AA) of endometrial cancer was quantified by assessing the CD31+ microvessel density (MVD) in the invading tumor front. Vascular maturation index (VMI), defined as the percentage of CD31+ microvessels expressing DLL4, was calculated as the ratio of the CD31+ MVD to the DLL4+ MVD. RESULTS The angiogenic activity was directly related with the histological grade (p=0.01). The VMI ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 (median 0.34). The concentration of DLL4 in the plasma ranged from 55-81pg/ml (mean 62.8) before, and dropped to 55-62 (mean 58.2) after hysterectomy (p<0.05). DLL4 was also expressed by cancer cells in 17/33 cases. No correlation between DLL4-related parameters with histopathological variables was noted. CONCLUSION This pilot study shows that DLL4 is overexpressed in endometrial cancer cells, vasculature and is also elevated in the plasma of a fraction of patients before surgery. The percentage of DLL4+ vessels in the penetrating sample ranged from 10-70%, indicating a large difference in the quality of angiogenesis produced between the endometrial tumors of the same histological type and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fasoulakis Z, Koutras A, Syllaios A, Schizas D, Garmpis N, Diakosavvas M, Angelou K, Tsatsaris G, Pagkalos A, Ntounis T, Kontomanolis EN. Breast Cancer Apoptosis and the Therapeutic Role of Luteolin. Chirurgia (Bucur) 2021; 116:170-177. [PMID: 33950812 DOI: 10.21614/chirurgia.116.2.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer represents one of the three most common gynecological cancers, with each subtype having distinct risk profile and treatment strategies. Optimal therapy for each case depends not only on tumor subtype and cancer stage, but also on patient preferences. Thus, the final therapeutic choice seems complicated to be reached. In addition, frequent relapses and the aesthetic effects have led to the search for more effective and less invasive methods. Surgical interventions have become less complex and new hormonal and chemotherapeutic drugs are established, that promise great results, either combined to surgical treatment or used exclusively. Luteolin is a representative of natural flavonoid that has proven to modulate various signaling pathways involved in cancer development. Recent data demonstrate that luteolin induces apoptotic cell death via antioxidant activity, acting as an anticancer agent against various types of human malignancies including breast cancer. The aim of this review is to summarize latest data considering the therapeutic role of luteolin in breast cancer.
Collapse
|
21
|
Fasoulakis Z, Daskalakis G, Diakosavvas M, Papapanagiotou I, Theodora M, Bourazan A, Alatzidou D, Pagkalos A, Kontomanolis EN. MicroRNAs Determining Carcinogenesis by Regulating Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes During Cell Cycle. Microrna 2021; 9:82-92. [PMID: 31538910 PMCID: PMC7366009 DOI: 10.2174/2211536608666190919161849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM To provide a review considering microRNAs regulating oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes during the different stages of cell cycle, controlling carcinogenesis. METHODS The role of microRNAs involved as oncogenes' and tumor suppressor genes' regulators in cancer was searched in the relevant available literature in MEDLINE, including terms such as "microRNA", "oncogenes", "tumor suppressor genes", "metastasis", "cancer" and others. RESULTS MicroRNAs determine the expression levels of multiple cell cycle regulators, such as cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases and other major cell cycle activators including retinoblastoma 1 (RB- 1) and p53, resulting in alteration and promotion/inhibition of the cell cycle. CONCLUSION MicroRNAs are proven to have a key role in cancer pathophysiology by altering the expression profile of different regulator proteins during cell division cycle and DNA replication. Thus, by acting as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, they can either promote or inhibit cancer development and formation, revealing their innovative role as biomarkers and therapeutic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - George Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Diakosavvas
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Papapanagiotou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Arzou Bourazan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitra Alatzidou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Thrace, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fasoulakis Z, Theodora M, Tsirkas I, Tsirka T, Kalagasidou S, Inagamova L, Papamanolis V, Blontzos N, Kontomanolis EN. The Role of microRNAs Identified in the Amniotic Fluid. Microrna 2021; 9:8-16. [PMID: 30887932 DOI: 10.2174/2211536608666190318105140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM The study aimed to provide an overall view of current data considering the presence of microRNAs in amniotic fluid. METHODS The available literature in MEDLINE, regarding the role of the amniotic fluid in pregnancy and fetal development, was searched for related articles including terms such as "microRNA", "Amniotic fluid", "Adverse outcome" and others. RESULTS The amniotic fluid has an undoubtedly significant part in fetal nutrition, with a protecting and thermoregulatory role alongside. MicroRNAs have proven to be highly expressed during pregnancy in many body liquids including amniotic fluid and are transferred between cells loaded in exosomes, while they are also implicated in many processes during fetal development and could be potential biomarkers for early prediction of adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION Current knowledge reveals that amniotic fluid microRNAs participate in many developmental and physiological processes of pregnancy including proliferation of fibroblasts, fetal development, angiogenesis, cardioprotection, activation of signaling pathways, differentiation and cell motility, while the expression profile of specific microRNAs has a potential prognostic role in the prediction of Down syndrome, congenital hydronephrosis and kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Thrace, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsirkas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Thrace, Greece
| | - Theodora Tsirka
- Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Thrace, Greece
| | - Sofia Kalagasidou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bodosakio General Hospital of Ptolemaida, Ptolemaida, Greece
| | - Lola Inagamova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Thrace, Greece
| | - Valentinos Papamanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Korinthos, Korinthos, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Blontzos
- 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Diakosavvas M, Fasoulakis Z, Ntounis T, Koutras A, Angelou K, Tsatsaris G, Syllaios A, Garmpis N, Kontomanolis EN. A Potential Pathogenic Link Between Cancer of Female Reproductive System and Infertile Women Treated With Assisted Reproduction Techniques. In Vivo 2021; 35:1393-1399. [PMID: 33910816 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Prevention and treatment of infertility remains a priority for developed countries where a large proportion of women undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) after ovarian stimulation. Latest data suggest that, in the USA alone, almost eight million women of fertile age will have sought medical advice for fertility problems by 2025. However, over the last years, attention has been increasingly focused, and questions have risen, on the long-term health effects in women who underwent assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Since the emergence of ART, reports highlight a possible connection of ovarian stimulation and several types of gynaecological cancer, including ovarian, endometrial and cervical types, but due to limited scientific evidence, such a speculation is still under investigation. The objective of this review is to summarize the latest data of ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF, associated with the risk of gynecological tract cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michail Diakosavvas
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Koutras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Kyveli Angelou
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsatsaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Koutras A, Fasoulakis Z, Syllaios A, Garmpis N, Diakosavvas M, Pagkalos A, Ntounis T, Kontomanolis EN. Physiology and Pathology of Contractility of the Myometrium. In Vivo 2021; 35:1401-1408. [PMID: 33910817 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Uterine atony is a serious obstetrical complication since it is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the 5 major causes of postpartum mortality; therefore, it requires immediate medical intervention, independent of whether delivery occurs normally or with a cesarean section. While in the past years most cases of postpartum hemorrhage were caused due to uterine atony following vaginal delivery, in recent years most PPH cases indicate a significant association with cesarean delivery. There are several methods used in order to avoid such a life-threatening complication, ranging from risk assessment to prevention, and finally medical intervention and management, if such an event occurs. In this scientific paper emphasis is given on the so-called "uterotonic" agents that are currently used, including oxytocin among others. It is, therefore, important to be familiar with these agents as well as understand the physiological mechanism by which they work, since they are used in everyday practice, not only for managing but also for preventing PPH. There are several potential questions that arise from the use of such "uterotonic" agents, and most specifically of oxytocin. Maybe one of the most important issues is the determination of optimal dosing of oxytocin in order to avoid PPH after a cesarean section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Koutras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Diakosavvas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Consultant on Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens 'ALEXANDRA', Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Koutras A, Fasoulakis Z, Halil A, Kontomanolis EN. Echogenic intracardiac focus - existence in the first trimester and the role of microRNAs. Folia Med (Plovdiv) 2021; 63:142-147. [PMID: 33650408 DOI: 10.3897/folmed.63.e54171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) constitutes a finding in the ultrasound study that indicates an area which is echogenically bright in the fetal heart and is as bright as the bone that moves synchronically to the atrioventricular valves. Microcalcifications of the papillary muscles or chordae tendinae are being represented by this echogenicity and are mostly present in the left ventricle (90% of cases). EIF appears usually at the ultrasound that is realized in the mid-trimester in a percentage that reaches 3.5% in euploid fetuses and 15% to 30% in fetuses with trisomy 21. In the current paper, the rare and curious case of a 21-year-old primigravida woman is described, who presented for ultrasound scan at the 12th week of gestation. The scan revealed the presence of EIF, which is very rare, as it is well-known that it usually appears in the second trimester of pregnancy. Counseling and debriefing for dismissing parents' anxiety is necessary as well as further examinations, because EIF has low sensitivity. This specific case report could constitute a beginning in the research of whether investigating EIF in the first trimester of pregnancy is possible and which are the benefits of its detection for the mother, the fetus and the whole family, in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arzou Halil
- Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kontomanolis EN, Koutras A, Syllaios A, Schizas D, Mastoraki A, Garmpis N, Diakosavvas M, Angelou K, Tsatsaris G, Pagkalos A, Ntounis T, Fasoulakis Z. Role of Oncogenes and Tumor-suppressor Genes in Carcinogenesis: A Review. Anticancer Res 2020; 40:6009-6015. [PMID: 33109539 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.14622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a medical condition which has a molecular basis. Proto-oncogenes are the first regulatory factors of this biological process. They act in transmitting signals, resulting as growth factors. Modifications of these genes, called oncogenes, lead to the appearance of cancer cells. The activation process leading to proto-oncogenes are chromosomal translocation, point mutation, and gene amplification. Concerning the clonal theory of oncogenesis, it is believed that a tumor starts from a cell. Furthermore, there is close association between tumor development and inhibition of apoptosis or programmed cell death, providing cell immortality. Angiogenesis and angiogenic factors found to be expressed in tumors and may play a key role in tumor formation and development. Tumor-suppressor genes block the growth of cancer and contribute to the normal development of cells. This article highlights the evidence that neoplasms develop as the after-effect of the increase of acquired and physical genetic variations in proto-oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes; these form a target group in the cells of neoplasms. Tumor formation and development are characterized by individual processes, working synergistically, and an understanding of each individual process may provide a better basis for further anticancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Antonios Koutras
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Mastoraki
- First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Diakosavvas
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyveli Angelou
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsatsaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chatzistamatiou K, Vrekoussis T, Tsertanidou A, Moysiadis T, Mouchtaropoulou E, Pasentsis K, Kitsou A, Moschaki V, Ntoula M, Zempili P, Halatsi D, Truva T, Piha V, Agelena G, Daponte A, Vanakara P, Paschopoulos M, Stefos T, Lymberis V, Kontomanolis EN, Makrigiannakis A, Deligeoroglou E, Panoskaltsis T, Adonakis G, Michail G, Stamatopoulos K, Agorastos T. Acceptability of Self-Sampling for Human Papillomavirus-Based Cervical Cancer Screening. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 29:1447-1456. [DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2019.8258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kimon Chatzistamatiou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Vrekoussis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Crete, Herakleion University Hospital, Herakleion, Greece
| | - Athena Tsertanidou
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Moysiadis
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research & Technology—Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Konstantinos Pasentsis
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research & Technology—Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kitsou
- 4th Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Viktoria Moschaki
- Department of Neonatology, Hippokratio General Hospital, Midwifery Association of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Ntoula
- Primary Health Care Unit 25th Martiou, Thessaloniki, Midwifery Network Coordinator, 4th Health District, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Zempili
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Komotini, Midwifery Association of Thrace, Komotini, Greece
| | - Despina Halatsi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hatzikosta General Hospital of Ioannina, Midwifery Association of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theoni Truva
- Health Center Palama, Midwifery Association of Larissa, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Vaia Piha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Chania, Midwifery Association of Crete, Chania, Greece
| | - Georgia Agelena
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Korinth, Midwifery Association of Nafplion, Korinth, Greece
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Thessaly, Larissa University Hospital, Larissa, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Vanakara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Thessaly, Larissa University Hospital, Larissa, Greece
| | - Minas Paschopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theodoros Stefos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasilis Lymberis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis University Hospital, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis University Hospital, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Crete, Herakleion University Hospital, Herakleion, Greece
| | - Efthimios Deligeoroglou
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Panoskaltsis
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Adonakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Patras, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - George Michail
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Patras, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Kostas Stamatopoulos
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research & Technology—Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Agorastos
- 4th Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Fasoulakis Z, Daskalakis G, Theodora M, Antsaklis P, Sindos M, Diakosavvas M, Angelou K, Loutradis D, Kontomanolis EN. The Relevance of Notch Signaling in Cancer Progression. Adv Exp Med Biol 2020; 1287:169-181. [PMID: 33034032 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-55031-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway controls normal embryonic development and tissue homeostasis of many cell types. It regulates cell proliferation, fate, differentiation, and cell death by short-range signaling between nearby cells that come in contact. The Notch pathway has also been critically involved in the pathobiology of a variety of malignancies, regulating cancer initiation and development, as well as early stages of cancer progression, by adjusting conserved cellular programs. Fibroblasts, an essential for tumor growth component of stroma, have also been affected by Notch regulation. Sequencing Notch gene mutations have been identified in a number of human tumors, revealing information on the progression of specific cancer types, such as ovarian cancer and melanoma, immune-associated tumors such as myeloid neoplasms, but especially in lymphocytic leukemia. Activation of the Notch can be either oncogenic or it may contain growth-suppressive functions, acting as a tumor suppressor in other hematopoietic cells, hepatocytes, skin, and pancreatic epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens, Greece.
| | - George Daskalakis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens, Greece
| | - Panos Antsaklis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Sindos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Diakosavvas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyveli Angelou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Democritus University of Thrace - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Peteinaris A, Syllaios A, Schizas D, Davakis S, Kalinterakis G, Fasoulakis Z, Ntounis T, Garmpis N, Diakosavvas M, Kalfountzos C, Andreadou M, Papachatzopoulou P, Chionis A, Thomakos N, Kontomanolis EN, Koutras A. Gynecological Benignities Causing Obstructive Uropathy. Review of the Literature. Chirurgia (Bucur) 2020; 115:579-584. [DOI: 10.21614/chirurgia.115.5.579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
30
|
Moschidou M, Tzanetakou IP, Lamnisos D, Kontekaki E, Fasoulakis Z, Kontomanolis EN. Knowledge of Blood Transfusion in Medical And Biology Students. Cureus 2019; 11:e6133. [PMID: 31886069 PMCID: PMC6903875 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Blood transfusion (hemotherapy) is a therapeutic intervention used in treatment strategies of multiple diseases, thus, proper education is of utmost importance. Since currently there are no specified educational programs, undergraduate students were evaluated for the knowledge gained during university courses. Purpose: To evaluate and compare the level of knowledge of students of the faculty of Health Science, Department of Medicine (DM), and Department of Molecular Biology-Genetics (DMB&Gs) on issues related to the transfusion of blood products. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 123 students from the aforementioned departments of the Democritus University of Thrace, from the third year to the last year of study. A questionnaire was used, weighted, and was based on the European Commission's Guide to the Preparation, Use and Quality Assurance for Blood Components. Statistical tests such as chi-square (χ2), t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression were used to investigate the factors that affect the overall score. Results: The mean score of the students was 42.55 while the standard deviation (SD) was 12.27. The difference in the scores between the students of the DM (M = 44.63, SD = 13.2) and those of the DMB&Gs (mean = 38.25, SD = 9.05) was statistically significant in the univariable analysis (t= 3.1, p = 0.0), but in the multivariable analysis, it was not statistically significant (β = -4.1, p = 0.1.). The results of the multiple regression model indicated that the year of study, the professional status of the father, and the grade in the hematology course were associated with the total score. Conclusions: The level of knowledge regarding blood product transfusion among students of the faculty of Health Science is insufficient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moschidou
- Miscellaneous, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, GRC
| | | | | | - Eftychia Kontekaki
- Miscellaneous, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, GRC
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Agorastos T, Chatzistamatiou K, Tsertanidou A, Mouchtaropoulou E, Pasentsis K, Kitsou A, Moysiadis T, Moschaki V, Skenderi A, Katsiki E, Aggelidou S, Venizelos I, Ntoula M, Daponte A, Vanakara P, Garas A, Stefos T, Vrekoussis T, Lymberis V, Kontomanolis EN, Makrigiannakis A, Manidakis G, Deligeoroglou E, Panoskaltsis T, Decavalas GO, Michail G, Kalogiannidis I, Koukoulis G, Zempili P, Halatsi D, Truva T, Piha V, Agelena G, Chronopoulou A, Vaitsi V, Chatzaki E, Paschopoulos M, Adonakis G, Kaufmann AM, Hadzidimitriou A, Stamatopoulos K. Implementation of HPV-based Cervical Cancer Screening Combined with Self-sampling Using a Midwifery Network Across Rural Greece: The GRECOSELF Study. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2019; 12:701-710. [DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-19-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
32
|
Antsaklis P, Fasoulakis Z, Theodora M, Diakosavvas M, Kontomanolis EN. Association of Low Maternal Pregnancy-associated Plasma Protein A with Adverse Perinatal Outcome. Cureus 2019; 11:e4912. [PMID: 31423389 PMCID: PMC6692091 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim is to provide an overall view of the association of low pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels with adverse perinatal outcomes. The available literature in PubMed/Medline regarding PAPP-A and adverse pregnancy outcomes was searched for related articles, including terms such as “PAPP-A,” “intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR),” “small for gestational age (SGA),” “stillbirth,” “adverse outcome,” and others. The fifth percentile is supported by many recent studies to be PAPP-A’s cutoff for adverse outcome detection and the increased risk seems to be extremely high below 0.2 PAPP-A MoM (multiple of the median). Apart from chromosomal abnormalities, preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal demise, and pregnancy loss have been associated with maternal serum PAPP-A. For results below the first centile, PAPP-A has a strong positive predictive value for SGA and IUGR. Except for its vital role on the cleavage of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP), PAPP-A has proven to be a reliable marker for prenatal screening. Even though PAPP-A as a single predictor proved to be valuable for the prediction of some adverse perinatal outcomes, in some cases, a combination of PAPP-A to other maternal serum markers led to an increase in detection rates. PAPP-A is a promising maternal serum marker for pregnancy outcome prediction with more studies needed in order for its potentials to be fully understood and exploited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Antsaklis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Marianna Theodora
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Michail Diakosavvas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Tsatsaris G, Fasoulakis Z, Papapanagiotou I, Theodora M, Kontomanolis EN. A Rare Case of Massive Hematometra with a Tubo-ovarian Abscess in a 16-year-old Female. Cureus 2019; 11:e4845. [PMID: 31410328 PMCID: PMC6684124 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Imperforate hymen is a congenital defect of the lower genital tract and specifically the vagina. The examination of a neonatal can be quite helpful to avoid a multitude of complications in puberty like hematocolpos and tubo-ovarian abscess. We present the case of a 16-year-old who presented to the emergency department with fever (37.9° C), which was progressive the last two days, swollen abdomen, and pain in the lower abdomen. She also had a one-year history of cyclic abdominal pain. The patient had primary amenorrhea, the secondary sexual characteristics were normal for her age (Tanner III), and there was no family history of primary amenorrhea. The physical and ultrasound examination revealed an imperforate and bulging vaginal membrane and a multilocular adnexal mass, respectively. Every doctor should suspect this medical condition when there is a triad of symptoms like cyclic lower abdominal pain, primary amenorrhea, and swollen abdomen. Early diagnosis of an imperforate hymen can prevent serious complications for young patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Tsatsaris
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, GRC
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | | | - Marianna Theodora
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Toumpeki C, Liberis A, Tsirkas I, Tsirka T, Kalagasidou S, Inagamova L, Anthoulaki X, Tsatsaris G, Kontomanolis EN. The Role of ARID1A in Endometrial Cancer and the Molecular Pathways Associated With Pathogenesis and Cancer Progression. In Vivo 2019; 33:659-667. [PMID: 31028182 PMCID: PMC6559907 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AT-rich interaction domain 1A gene (ARID1A) encodes for a subunit of the switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex, a chromatin remodeling complex, and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancer types. In this review, we discuss how ARID1A is linked to endometrial cancer and what molecular pathways are affected by mutation or inhibition of ARID1A. We also discuss the potential use of ARID1A not only as a prognostic biomarker, but also as a target for therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrisavgi Toumpeki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Anastasios Liberis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsirkas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Theodora Tsirka
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Sofia Kalagasidou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bodosakio General Hospital of Ptolemaida, Ptolemaida, Greece
| | - Lola Inagamova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Xanthoula Anthoulaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsatsaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Georgiou N, Fasoulakis Z, Theodora M, Pappas VA, Papamanolis V, Kalagasidou S, Blontzos N, Kambas NJ, Kontomanolis EN. Association of Pregestational Maternal Sleeping Disorders and Preeclampsia: A Retrospective Cohort Study and Review of the Literature. Cureus 2019; 11:e4338. [PMID: 31187003 PMCID: PMC6541156 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In this retrospective cohort study, primigravidas with normal pregnancies and women who developed preeclampsia (PE) were assigned to complete sleeping disorder questionnaires. The Crown-Rump length (CRL) of the first prenatal screening was used to determine the gestational age and the participants were assigned to complete the following questionnaires according to their everyday life before pregnancy: (1) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), (2) Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and (3) Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Women were also asked to evaluate their stress before pregnancy with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The results of the women developing preeclampsia were analyzed to test the primary hypothesis that women with pre-existing to pregnancy sleep disorders are more likely to develop preeclampsia. Statistically significant differences were found between women who developed preeclampsia and women in the control group concerning sleeping disorder features before pregnancy of all three research tools, namely AIS (p<0.001), PSQI (p<0.001), and ESS (p=0.012<0.05). The results support that there is a possible statistical effect of pre-existing to pregnancy sleep disorders on the development of preeclampsia and women with pregestational sleep disorders request strict monitoring during pregnancy, however, further investigation with larger studies is needed to reach safe conclusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Georgiou
- Internal Medicine, East Kent University Hospitals NHS Trust, Kent, GBR
| | | | - Marianna Theodora
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, GRC
| | | | | | - Sofia Kalagasidou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bodosakio General Hospital of Ptolemaida, Ptolemaida, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Blontzos
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, USA
| | - Nikolaos J Kambas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Korinth, Korinth, GRC
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, GRC
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kontomanolis EN, Fasoulakis Z, Papamanolis V, Koliantzaki S, Dimopoulos G, Kambas NJ. The Impact of microRNAs in Breast Cancer Angiogenesis and Progression. Microrna 2019; 8:101-109. [PMID: 30332982 DOI: 10.2174/2211536607666181017122921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aims to review the recent data considering the expression profile and the role of microRNAs in breast tumorigenesis, and their impact on -the vital for breast cancer progression- angiogenesis. METHODS PubMed was searched for studies focused on data that associate microRNA with breast cancer, using the terms ''breast", "mammary gland", "neoplasia'', "angiogenesis" and ''microRNA'' between 1997-2018. RESULTS Aberrant expression of several circulating and tissue miRNAs is observed in human breast neoplasms with the deregulation of several miRNAs having a major participation in breast cancer progression. Angiogenesis seems to be directly affected by either overexpression or down regulation of many miRNAs, defining the overall prognostic rates. Many miRNAs differentially expressed in breast cancer that reveal a key role in suppression - progression and metastasis of breast cancer along with the contribution of the EGF, TNF-a and EGF cytokines. Conclusion Angiogenesis has proven to be vital for tumor development and metastasis while microRNAs are proposed to have multiple biological roles, including participation in immunosuppressive, immunomodulatory and recent studies reveal their implication in angiogenesis and its possible use as prognostic factors in cancer Even though larger studies are needed in order to reach safe conclusions, important steps are made that reveal the connection of serum microRNA expression to the angiogenic course of breast cancer, while miRNAs could be potential prognostic factors for the different breast cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Democritus University in Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Democritus University in Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Greece
| | | | - Sofia Koliantzaki
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, General Hospital of Korinthos, Corinth, Greece
| | - Georgios Dimopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, General Hospital of Korinthos, Corinth, Greece
| | - Nikolaos J. Kambas
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, General Hospital of Korinthos, Corinth, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
A tumor consists of a group of cells with abnormal growth, capable of acquiring unique characteristics that provide them with the ability to display mercurial migration patterns, adapting to microenvironments and their chemical and physical factors. Interleukins are small proteins secreted mainly by CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes that mediate the "essential for cancer progression" interactions between cells. Interleukins are implicated in both the development and differentiation of different cells (NK, B, and T leukocytes) and, in general, play a major role in many diseases, including breast cancer, due to their unique participation in systemic inflammation and immune system modulation. During the past decade, interleukins proved to be decisive for future immunotherapy, predisposing a more reliable treatment with fewer side effects on normal proliferating cells. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the role of interleukins implicated in breast cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - George Kolios
- Pharmacology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, GRC
| | | | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, GRC
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dardiotis E, Siokas V, Garas A, Paraskevaidis E, Kyrgiou M, Xiromerisiou G, Deligeoroglou E, Galazios G, Kontomanolis EN, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A, Daponte A. Genetic variations in the SULF1 gene alter the risk of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:3833-3841. [PMID: 30127996 PMCID: PMC6096185 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection alone is not sufficient to explain the development of cervical cancer. Genetic variants have been linked to the development of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), trinucleotide repeat containing 6C (TNRC6C), transmembrane channel like 8 (TMC8), DNA meiotic recombinase 1 (DMC1), deoxyuridine triphosphatase (DUT), sulfatase 1 (SULF1), 2′-5-oligoadenylate synthetase 3 (OAS3), general transcription factor IIH subunit 4 (GTF2H4) and interferon gamma (IFNG) genes with susceptibility to precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. In total, 608 female participants, consisting of 199 patients with persistent low-grade precancerous lesions (CIN1), 100 with high-grade precancerous lesions (CIN2/3), 17 patients with cervical cancer and 292 healthy controls, were enrolled in this study. SNPs were tested for associations with each of the above-mentioned cervical group lesions or when considering an overall patient group. A significant difference for rs4737999 was observed between the controls and the overall patient group considering the recessive mode of inheritance [odds ratio (OR), 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.24–0.96; P=0.033]. This effect was even stronger on the risk of CIN1 lesions. Carriers of the rs4737999 AA genotype were almost 3-fold less likely of having low grade lesions compared to the other genotypes. On the whole, this study provides evidence of an influence of the SULF1 gene rs4737999 SNP in the development of precancerous lesions/cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, 41100 Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasileios Siokas
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, 41100 Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonios Garas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Larissa, 41100 Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Maria Kyrgiou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, IRDB, Imperial College London, London W120NN, UK.,West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, London W120HS, UK
| | - Georgia Xiromerisiou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, 41100 Larissa, Greece
| | - Efthimios Deligeoroglou
- Division of Pediatric-Adolescent Gynecology and Reconstructive Surgery, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, 'Aretaieion' Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Galazios
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Larissa, 41100 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy relies on both ultrasound findings and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) measurements but due to the need for serial tests, tubal rupture and death represent major maternal and fetal risks. Early detection of ectopic pregnancy is essential and thus a noninvasive diagnostic tool seems crucial for the prevention of adverse effects since studies suggest there is a specific relationship between ectopic pregnancy and increasing microRNA factors. Human fluids in women with ectopic pregnancy reveal a particular change in comparison to healthy women. In addition to certain placental microRNAs circulating through plasma that present a specific concentration and serum profile, microRNAs seem to be possible biomarkers for the detection of pregnancy complications linked to placental pathologies. The aim of this study is to review current literature considering the expression levels of several circulating microRNAs that have shown to be novel potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis
| | - Sofia Kalagasidou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bodosakio General Hospital of Ptolemaida
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
DEFINITION Hydrops Fetalis (HF) or fetal hydrops is identified as an abnormal interstitial collection of fluid in at least 2 or more compartments of the fetal torso (peritoneal cavity, pleura, and pericardium). An alternative definition discusses about liquor accumulation in two fetal anatomical areas or an effusion in one site and anasarca. BACKGROUND Parvovirus B-19 is a common childhood illness; the virus can cause fetal anemia, non-immune fetal hydrops, and spontaneous abortion and might lead to fetal demise. HF is the pathological distribution of body fluids between the interstitial and the intravascular areas of the fetus. Normally, in the fetal organism there is a continuous circular movement of the lymph from the interstitial space into the vascular system and vice versa. The detection of a solely effusion represents the initial stage of a systemic disorder that will lead to a fully developed hydrops or remain just a local disorder. OBJECTIVE The connection between parvovirus B-19 and fetal hydrops. CONCLUSION The view is unbeatable, severely swollen babies; immune hydrops is surfaced because of the maternal antibodies targeted against red blood cells with Rh positive antibody of the fetus, while the non-immune is due to a variety of pathological conditions in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Medicine in Thrace, Konotin, Greece
| | - Z Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Medicine in Thrace, Konotin, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemias (CDAs) are very rare, heterogeneous hereditary red blood cell disorders characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, erythroblast morphological abnormalities, haemolysis, and hypoglycosylation of red-blood-cell membrane proteins and lipids. There are four types (I-IV) of the disease identified, and all of them are associated with abnormal maturation and division of erythroid precursors. We report the management of a rare case of CDA type II diagnosed in a 26-year-old pregnant woman.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Christoforidou
- Department of Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis
| | - Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University In Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
AIDS is a devastating and deadly disease that affects people worldwide and, like all infections, it comes without warning. Specifically, childbearing women with AIDS face constant psychological difficulties during their gestation period, even though the pregnancy itself may be normal and healthy. These women have to deal with the uncertainties and the stress that usually accompany a pregnancy, and they have to live with the reality of having a life-threatening disease; in addition to that, they also have to deal with discriminating and stigmatizing behaviors from their environment. It is well known that a balanced mental state is a major determining factor to having a normal pregnancy and constitutes the starting point for having a good quality of life. Even though the progress in both technology and medicine is rapid, infected pregnant women seem to be missing this basic requirement. Communities seem unprepared and uneducated to smoothly integrate these people in their societies, letting the ignorance marginalize and isolate these patients. For all the aforementioned reasons, it is imperative that society and medical professionals respond and provide all the necessary support and advice to HIV-positive child bearers, in an attempt to allay their fears and relieve their distress. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the difficulties patients with HIV infection have to deal with, in order to survive and merge into society, identify the main reasons for the low public awareness, discuss the current situation, and provide potential solutions to reducing the stigma among HIV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Spyridon Michalopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Grigorios Gkasdaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Zacharias Fasoulakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kontomanolis EN, Koukourakis MI. MicroRNA: The Potential Regulator of Endometrial Carcinogenesis. Microrna 2016; 4:18-25. [PMID: 26088599 DOI: 10.2174/2211536604666150710094418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small stable endogenous RNAs, found in all complex organisms and considered by nature as inhibitors of mRNA translation. This class of small posttranscriptional regulatory RNAs originates from the random formation of hairpin precursors in "non-coding" DNA regions; their main function is the control of gene expression status. The premature forms of the fullydeveloped microRNAs are the pre-microRNAs; molecules composed of thousands of nucleotides and constitute 1-2% of the human genome; the human genome encodes at least 1,500 miRNAs. miRNAs do not encode for any proteins; they guide gene modulation and affect crucial biological processes such as cell proliferation, tissue differentiation, apoptosis, cancer progression and female physiology. miRNAs are detected in specific tumor types and seem to be effectively involved in invasion, metastasis and acquire a role in clinical prognosis. miRNA expression is the vital key in cancer cell dysregulation. Cancer cells present with abnormal growth and lack of their apoptosis fate. Normal and neoplastic tissues have dissimilar expression patterns. Endometrial cancer subtypes are outlined by an irregular miRNA expression, along with other human malignancies. miRNAs retain manifold roles in angiogenesis; have a bidirectional impact on oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in the steps of endometrial cancer growth, being positive or negative regulators of metastasis. The scientific significance of this new class of noncoding RNAs is gradually comprehended. The current review summarizes our knowledge on the role of miRNA in endometrial cancer development and clinical behavior; it outlines the biological pathways strictly modulated by them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kontomanolis EN, Panagoutsos S, Pasadakis P, Koukouli Z, Liberis A. Chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus type-II, and gestation: an overwhelming combination. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2016; 43:276-278. [PMID: 27132429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This case report highlights on a child-bearer with chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus type-II. Chronic renal failure (CRF) with diabetes mellitus (DM) type I in gestation is a rare case of a high-risk pregnancy. What is of significance though in this gestation, is that conception was achieved with the patient treated by a dialysis program. Furthermore, neither hypertension nor intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) were detected and the patient was normotensive throughout gestation with no clinical signs of anemia. Strict and frequent application of the dialysis programs eradicates the uremic intrauterine environment, reduces the amniotic fluid volume, eliminates the chances of uterine rupture, leads to a longer gestation, increases the newborn's birth weight, and offers an optimal fetal survival rate; this is of note mainly in patients with cesarean sections reported in their medical history. To eliminate the complications of a premature delivery, the present authors had to find the right time point to give birth to this baby taking into account lung maturity, amniotic fluid volume, and preservation of the anatomical uterine integrity.
Collapse
|
45
|
Liberis A, Stanulov G, Ali EC, Hassan A, Pagalos A, Kontomanolis EN. Pre-eclampsia and the vascular endothelial growth factor: a new aspect. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2016; 43:9-13. [PMID: 27048010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a multi-system disorder of human gestation characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and edema, which resolves with placental delivery. This disease affects 3-14% of all pregnancies worldwide and 5-8% in the USA. Furthermore PE remains one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. One of the most important goals in obstetrics is the early identification of the patient with an increased risk for PE. This paper unifies the essential and validated findings of past and current scientific investigation which encompass the relationship between PE and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF and its receptors have acquired great interest due to their vital role in neovascularization (vasculogenesis and angiogenesis) in a variety of physical and pathological processes such as the female reproductive cycle, PE, and tumorigenesis. VEGF is secreted in response to tissue hypoxia and endothelial cell damage. Alterations in the circulating levels of this factor may therefore identify those pregnancies with a high possibility of developing PE. This review will summarize the present authors' current understanding of the role of circulating VEGF in the pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, and prediction of PE.
Collapse
|
46
|
Kontomanolis EN, Koukouli A, Liberis G, Stanulov H, Achouhan A, Pagkalos A. MiRNAs: regulators of human disease. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2016; 37:759-765. [PMID: 29943916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent the mediators of important leading biological functions of molecular pathways in humans. They are a class of very small, non-coding RNAs; their function is the balance of the protein levels at the post-transcriptional stage. They are implicated in molecular processes and diseases, including diabetes, metabolism, autoimmune diseases, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, and female fertility, exhibiting an altered expression profile. Any process taking place in the human organism is intertwined by miRNAs. MiRNAs have an impact on the biochemistry of pathways of the invisible molecular world. They circulate in a stable chemical configuration in body fluids (tears, serum, plasma, amniotic fluid, ascetic fluid, urine) with their molecular sequence specificity remaining unchanged. Their indisputable molecular stability ranks them as extremely vigorous potential markers in human disease. MiRNAs demonstrate a specific expressive signature, representative of the tissue specificity and the clinical staging. The shift on the concentration and expression of a miRNA reflects the course of a disease. MiRNAs may operate as oncogenes (tumor growth) or tumor suppressor (tumor reduction) genes in cancer pathways. In malignant disease, proliferation, maintenance, and progression of cancer cells is induced by the stimulation of the oncogenes or complete deactivation of the tumor suppressor gene activity.
Collapse
|
47
|
Kontomanolis EN, Lambropoulou M, Tsagias N, Koutlaki N, Limperis A, Galazios G, Limperis V. The riddle of Ballantyne's syndrome in the aspect of hydrops fetalis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2013; 27:1172-3. [PMID: 24087889 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2013.850484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Ballantyne's syndrome, the combination of maternal generalized edema and fetal ascites, is rare and alarming in gestation. Early diagnosis might be useful in providing proper management of the fetus and aiming at an improved clinical result. The syndrome is an indication that HF is there, it has already started expanding the fetal torso and endangering the child-bearer's life. Despite the detailed investigation, no apparent cause for the emergence of the hydrops was identified.
Collapse
|
48
|
Kontomanolis EN, Arvaniti A, Christoforidou AV, Margaritis D, Tsatalas C, Koutlaki N, Samakouri M, Galazios G, Limperis V. Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, lupus and pregnancy. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2013; 33:523. [PMID: 23815213 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2013.777696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kontomanolis EN, Markopoulou E, Pinidis P, Georgiadis A, Kokkoris S, Limperis V. Ultrasound diagnosis of recurring Jeune's syndrome: a case report. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2013; 40:162-164. [PMID: 23724536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Jeune's Syndrome or asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (ATD) is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia syndrome characterized by a small and narrow chest, short extremities, and often polydactyly associated with multiple organ manifestations. The severity of complications ranges from mild to lethal. This is a report of two cases of ATD diagnosed in successive pregnancies of a nonconsanguineous couple. The contribution of sonography in prenatal diagnosis of the syndrome is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E N Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Democritus, University, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Grammatikopoulou I, Kontomanolis EN, Chatzaki E, Chouridou E, Pavlidis P, Papadopoulos EM, Lambropoulou M. Immature malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma: case report and review of the literature. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2013; 40:437-439. [PMID: 24283184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Immature malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a rare tumor, deriving from the three germinal layers and is found in the sacrococcygeal region. It is the most frequent site of teratomas in the fetus. A nut-brown, solid tumor with cystic areas with a ten-cm diameter is reported in the sacrococcygeal region of a female fetus of 23 weeks and with a weight of 308 g. The ultrasound and pathology evaluations revealed characteristics of an immature malignant SCT. The incidence of this tumor type is one in 35,000 to 40,000 live births and females are four times more likely to be affected than males. Sacrococcygeal and cervical teratomas can be diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Teratomas are considered an interesting field for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Grammatikopoulou
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|