Concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in blood serum of breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

Interleukins may stimulate cancer cells growth and contribute to locoregional relapse as well as metastasis. Permanent synthesis and release of these cytokines leads to augmentation of their serum concentration that might be utilized as a marker of immunity status and immune system activation in prognosis and monitoring of the course of cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Therefore, in the present study we assessed the concentration of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in blood serum of breast cancer patients to determine whether it correlates with the disease progression.

RESULTS

We showed statistically higher serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in breast cancer patients in comparison with healthy women, which also correlated with clinical stage of breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that elevated IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 serum concentration, are strongly associated with breast cancer and correlate with clinical stage of disease. It was feasible that it can be used to diagnose women with breast cancer and to identify patients with a poor prognosis who may benefit from more aggressive management.

[TPS and SCC antigens in diagnosis and monitoring treatment of patients with cervical cancer]

DESIGN

The purpose was to evaluate the usefulness of serum TPS and SCC assay for the monitoring radiotherapy of patients with cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

38 patients with cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy were included in this study. The concentrations of TPS and SCC were determined prior to radiotherapy, after radiotherapy, 3 and 6 months after radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The increase in TPS levels prior to treatment was observed in serum of 80% women, SCC rose by 71%. The frequency of increased results and absolute value of TPS levels showed tendency to significant increase together with development of disease and degree of histological differentiation. A significant decrease of TPS and SCC level was observed during radiotherapy. The TPS levels decreased above cut-off values in all patients, SCC in 90% patients with remission after radiotherapy. In cases of patients who still had high TPS antigen level after treatment, progression of cancer was found.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that TPS and SCC are useful in monitoring treatment of patients with cervical cancer.

[Changes of serum il-6 and CRP after chemotherapy in patients with ovarian carcinoma]

The levels of IL-6, CRP and TPS were measured in 38 patients with ovarian carcinoma in different histological types and clinical stages. The values IL-6, CRP and TPS were determined before and after chemotherapy. Pretreatment levels of IL-6, CRP and TPS were significantly increased in carcinoma patients relatively to the control group. The frequency of increased results and absolute value of IL-6 and TPS levels showed tendency to significant increase with the stage of disease. The highest values of IL-6 were observed in patients with serous and mucous carcinoma. The levels of IL-6, CRP and TPS were decreased above cut off values in patients with remission, and did not changed in patients with progression and stabilization disease. The results suggest that IL-6 especially in the combination with CRP and TPS may be useful in the diagnosis and the evaluation of therapy of patients with ovarian carcinoma.

[The value of marker antigens TPS, SCC and CEA in diagnosis, evaluation of histologic type and clinical disease progression in patients with cervical carcinoma]

Pretreatment values TPS, SCC and CEA were measured in 84 patients with cervical carcinoma in order to evaluate the usefulness of markers in diagnosis, estimation of the histological type, estimation of stage of disease and grade of cellular differentiation. TPS was raised in 78.4%, SCC was raised in 71.8% and CEA was raised in 32.4% patients with cervical carcinoma. The frequency of increased results and absolute value of TPS and SCC levels showed tendency to significant increase with the stage of disease and to the grade of cellular differentiation. The highest sensitivities TPS and SCC were observed in patients with carcinoma planoepitheliale macrocellulare akeratodes, CEA in adenocarcinoma clarocellulare. These results suggest that TPS especially in the combination with SCC may be useful in the diagnosis and estimation of stage of disease of patients with cervical carcinoma.

[The value of serum tissue polypeptide specific antigen TPS concentration in therapeutic monitoring of patients with epithelial malignant ovarian neoplasms]

DESIGN

The aim of this study was compare the concentrations TPS and CA 125 in serum 37 patients with ovarian carcinoma in order to evaluate the usefulness of markers in monitoring therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The concentrations of TPS and CA 125 were determined prior to surgery, 1 week after surgery, prior chemotherapy, after 3 and 6 course chemotherapy next every 3 months for the first year and every 6 month for the next 2 years.

RESULTS

The concentration of TPS decreased above cutoff values in all patients with remission after 3 course chemotherapy, CA 125 after 6 course chemotherapy. In patients with remission the increase of TPS preceded 3 to 12 months, of CA 125 1 to 3 month the reoccurence of the disease. In of patients with progressive disease the TPS levels decreased during therapy and next rise.

CONCLUSIONS

The current observations demonstrate that serial measurements of TPS appear to be useful for the evaluation of therapy and monitoring of patients.

Significance of some tumor markers in differential diagnosis of ovarian tumor

The levels of CA-125, CA 72-4 and CEA were evaluated in serum of patients with various histological types and clinical stages of ovarian carcinoma and of benign ovarian tumor. An increased CA-125 was found in 8% patients with benign ovarian tumor. The antigens CA 72-4 and CEA exhibit values below the cut-off limit. CA-125 value was significantly elevated in patients with serous and CA 72-4 with ovarian mucinous carcinoma. An increase of CA-125 was found in 81% of patients with serous, 60% with endometrioid and 30% with ovarian mucinous carcinoma. An increase of CA 72-4 was found in 76% of patients with mucinous, 54% with serous and 45% with ovarian endometrioid carcinoma. Insignificant rise of CEA value was found in 8% of patients with serous, 10% with endometrioid and 15% with ovarian mucinous carcinoma. The frequency of increased concentration of antigens level showed a trend to significant increase and a correlation with the clinical stage of disease. The observations allow to conclude that the determination of CA 72-4 in the serum may be useful in differentiation diagnostics of benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The combined determination of CA-125 and CA 72-4 is useful in differentiation of histological types of ovarian tumors and their clinical stage.

The alterations in the activity of amylase and its salivary isoenzyme in the serum of patients with ovarian carcinoma, submitted to radiotherapy

Total activity of alpha-amylase and its salivary isoenzyme in the serum of patients with ovarian carcinoma of various types were evaluated before radiotherapy, in the middle of radiotherapy period, in the last day and 2 months after radiotherapy. Before radiotherapy the activity of these enzymes were significantly higher in patients with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma. It was found that irradiation resulted in a decrease of both total amylase activity and its salivary isoenzyme in the serum. The proportional participation of salivary isoenzymes in total amylase activity was normalized. It is suggested that the assay of salivary alpha-amylase activity may be useful in the evaluation of radiotherapy effectiveness.

5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase activities in blood of patients with unstable angina pectoris

During ischaemia and hypoxia adenosine is released from cardiac cells. Adenosine is the end product of 5'-nucleotidase activity. We were interested in how this enzyme activity in plasma of patients with unstable angina pectoris, causes short-term ischaemia. 5'-Nucleotidase activity in plasma was determined using a standard diagnostic kit from Sigma. Furthermore, we studied the activity of adenosine deaminase in plasma, granulocytes, lymphocytes and erythrocytes by the methods of Hopkinson [1]. It was found that 5'-nucleotidase activity was increased by about 43% in plasma. The activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in plasma increased by 6%, but in granulocytes, lymphocytes and erythrocytes decreased by about 24, 19 and 10.6%, respectively. We concluded that a large increase in 5'-nucleotidase activity may be caused by activation of 5'-ectonucleotidase in blood cells by ischaemia. However, the decrease in ADA activity in blood cells may be associate with the adenosine metabolism.

Adenosine deaminase activity in blood of patients with stable angina pectoris

The activity of adenosine deaminases (EC.3.5.4.4) in granulocytes and lymphocytes of patients with stable angina pectoris was lower by about 27% and 24%, respectively as compared with control group, whereas these values in erythrocytes and blood plasma were at the normal level.

Adenosine deaminase activity in blood of patients with stable angina pectoris

The activity of adenosine deaminases (EC.3.5.4.4) in granulocytes and lymphocytes of patients with stable angina pectoris was lower by about 27% and 24%, respectively as compared with control group, whereas these values in erythrocytes and blood plasma were at the normal level.

[Changes in activity of alpha amylase and its salivary isoenzyme in serum and urine after surgical treatment of ovarian neoplasms]

Serum and urinary activity of alpha-amylase and isoamylase salivary was assessed in 40 patients with different types of ovarian cancer. The measurements were performed before surgical procedure and the 7th day after surgical removal of the tumor. Significant increases activity was found in patients with serosal ovarian cancer p < 0.001. On the 7th day after operation the activity of alpha-amylase and her of isoenzyme salivary reached control values.

Red blood cell superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone

The purpose of this study was to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in erythrocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis treated with ACTH. SOD activity in hemolysates was determined according to the method of Misra and Fridovich and calculated as units per gram of hemoglobin (Hb). CAT activity in hemolysates was determined with Beers and Sizer's method and expressed in IU/g Hb. SOD activity in control group was (1.61 +/- 0.45) x 10(3) U/g Hb whereas, the activity of CAT amounted to (5.88 +/- 1.36) x 10(4) U/g Hb. Before the treatment, SOD activity was decreased by approximately 20% ((1.25 +/- 0.25) x 10(3) U/g Hb) while that of CAT-by about 7.7% ((5.43 +/- 0.68) x 10(4) U/g Hb) in comparison to the normal control. After treatment with ACTH, activity of both enzymes increased: SOD-by about 34.4% to (1.68 +/- 0.38) x 10(3) U/g Hb and CAT-by about 7% to (6.29 +/- 0.55) x 10(4) U/g Hb. Results of investigations showed that ACTH caused an increase in CAT and SOD activities in erythrocytes of patients after three-week treatment.

The activity of alpha-amylase and its salivary isoenzymes in serum and urine of patients with neoplastic diseases of female reproductive organs

The activities of alpha-amylase and its salivary isoenzymes were evaluated in serum and urine of 59 patients with ovary cancer, 10 women with endometrial carcinoma, 30 patients with cervical carcinoma and 20 women with other (nonmalignant) diseases of females reproductive system. An increased activity of alpha-amylase in serum was found in 39% of patients with ovarium carcinoma and in 23% of patients with cervical carcinoma. The activity of salivary alpha-amylase in serum was elevated in 89% of patients with ovary carcinoma and in 63% of patients with cervical carcinoma and in 20% of patients with endometrial carcinoma. Serum and urine of women with nonneoplastic diseases of reproductive system demonstrates normal values of salivary alpha-amylase activity. These observations allow to conclude that the assay of salivary alpha-amylase may be useful as an additional index in diagnostics of ovary and cervical carcinomas.

Activity of adenosine deaminase in red blood cells of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity was studied in red blood cells of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ADA activity in hemolysates was determined according to the method of Hopkinson and calculated as units per g of hemoglobin. Activity of adenosine deaminase in healthy subjects was 0.871 +/- 0.251 U/g Hb. In patients with multiple sclerosis, before treatment ADA activity was 0.765 +/- 0.131 U/g Hb and was about 15.2% lower than in the control group (p < 0.02). After treatment with ACTH, ADA activity increased to 1.005 +/- 0.211 U/g Hb (p < 0.001). We have suggested that increased activity of adenosine deaminase in red blood cells of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis after treatment with ACTH is caused by diminution of superoxide generation, and therefore its sparing effect on cell membrane and enzyme is connected with membranes.

Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in psoriatic patients treated topically with ointment containing 2-chloroethyl-3-chloropropyl sulfide

The purpose of this study was to determine dismutase and catalase activities in erythrocytes of psoriatic patients with psoriasis vulgaris topically treated with an ointment (in accordance with recommendations of the Helsinki Declaration), in which 2-chloroethyl-3-chloropropyl sulfide (CLEPS) is an active compound. SOD activity in hemolysates was determined according to the method of Misra and Fridovich [12] and calculated as units per g of hemoglobin. CAT activity in hemolysates was determined by Beers and Sizer method [2] and expressed in U/g Hb. SOD activity in the control group was 1.61 +/- 0.48 U/g Hb x 10(3). However, the activity of CAT was 5.72 +/- 1.17 U/g Hb x 10(4). Before treatment SOD activity was decreased by ca. 22.5% (1.25 +/- 0.53 U/g Hb x 10(3)) while that of CAT by about 7% (5.30 +/- 1.41 U/g Hb x 10(4)), in comparison with the normal control. After treatment with the ointment, activity of both enzymes increased by about 18% to 1.55 x 10(3) U/g Hb and by about 16.5% to 6.25 x 10(4) U/g Hb, respectively. The results of our investigations showed that the ointment (containing mustard gas derivative) applied on psoriatic skin, causes increased of SOD and CAT activity in erythrocytes after regression of psoriatic lesions and treatment termination.

Effect of dipyridamole on inosine triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase activity and inosine triphosphate content in fresh human erythrocytes incubated with adenosine

The activity of inosine triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase (ITPH) in human erythrocytes was found to be 1.50 +/- 0.39 mumol of inosine triphosphate (ITP) hydrolysed x min-1 per g Hb, and no measurable amount of ITP was detected. When dipyridamole was added to the medium composed of adenosine, pyruvate and inorganic phosphate, ITPH activity was 1.18 +/- 0.41, and at the same time ITP accumulation was 0.61 +/- 0.31 mumol/g Hb. The negative correlation between ITPH activity and accumulation of ITP was r = -0.87 at P less than 0.001.

Low molecular organic inactivators in differentiating organ origin of alpha-amylase in humans. Part I

Alpha-amylases derived from pancreatic juice, saliva and granulocytes show different sensitivity to the low molecular organic inactivators. Pancreatic alpha-amylase is more susceptible to inhibitory activity of d-glyceraldehyde and d-mannitol and glycerol in comparison to alpha-amylase from saliva and granulocytes. Iodoacetate and urea exhibited inhibitory activity against granulocytic alpha-amylase and only a minute inactivation of salivary and pancreatic alpha-amylases was found. The most effective inhibition against all tested alpha-amylases was noted with dihydroxyacetone. We should stress, no evident differences were noted in the degree of sensitivity to this inactivator of the tested enzymes. The presumable mechanism of the inactivation of alpha-amylases with low molecular organic inactivators is briefly discussed. The procedure for the differentiation of organ origin of alpha-amylases is suggested.

Inhibitory effect of ethanol and acetaldehyde on the amidolytic activity of trypsin and chymotrypsin

Ethanol and in higher degree acetaldehyde displayed inhibitory effect directed against amidolytic activity of trypsin and chymotrypsin. The decrease of the activity of both enzymes is related to the concentration of these compounds. The rate of inhibition of amidolytic activity of chymotrypsin with both reagents is more evident in comparison to trypsin.

Concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and adenosine triphosphate in erythrocytes following acute blood loss in the beagle

The effect of experimental anaemia induced by phlebotomy and the effect of infusion of various fluids on the 2,3-DPG, ATP and total organic phosphate (Porg) concentration were examined in the red cells of beagles made anaemic by withdrawal of 30% of the circulating blood. Particular groups of dogs 30 min after phlebotomy were infused with own blood, blood with inosine, pyruvate and phosphate (IPP), Fluigel and Fluigel with IPP. The changes were most distinct in dogs which were not infused with any fluid. After 24 hours the content of 2,3-DPG, ATP and Porg increased by 17, 27 and 20%, respectively, in comparison with the results obtained before blood loss. Twenty-four hours following the reinfusion of own blood, a slight increase occurred in the 2,3-DPG and Porg content. Infusion of Fluigel caused a decrease of the phosphate compounds concentration after 3 and 6 hours and then the concentration almost returned to normal. Infusion of own blood as well as Fluigel enriched with inosine, pyruvate and phosphate did not lead to any change in 2,3-DPG concentration. The red cells of dogs do not utilize inosine for 2,3-DPG or nucleotide synthesis. The increased cardiac output seems to the main mechanism for oxygen transport to tissues after an acute haemorrhage.

Adenine nucleotides and 2,3-dophosphoglycerate in the erythrocytes during physical exercise and restitution in healthy subjects

The reported investigations were carried out in 6 young (20 years old) healthy males who performed a 10-minute exercise on a Monark cycle ergometer at workloads increasing the heart rate to 170/minute. Before the exercise, after its termination, and after 30 minutes of restitution the concentrations of adenosine-5' triphosphate, adenosine-5' diphosphate, adenosine-5' monophosphate, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate were assayed in erythrocytes. After the end of exercise a non-significant increase in ATP concentration and a non-significant decrease of 2,3-DPG were found in the erythrocytes. The concentrations of ADP and AMP were lower than at rest, both, after the end of exercise and after 30 minutes of restitution (p less than 0.05). The concentrations of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate decreased after exercise (p less than 0.05) fell even more after 30 minutes of restitution (p less than 0.05).

Effect of UV-irradiation of shifts of energy-rich phosphate compounds: ADP, ATP and AXP in human red blood cells represented by a trigonometrical polynomial

This paper deals with the effect of UV-irradiation on metabolism of energy rich adenine, esters: ADP, ATP and AXP in human red blood cells in vitro. Preparation, separation and quantitative determination of these compounds were performed by the method of BARTLETT, using a step concentration gradient with an HC1-NH4C1 chloride system. Blood was irradiated in vitro for 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270 and 300 min. Mathematical methods based on KOLMAGOTOV's theorem were applied for continuous, not stepwise description of dynamics of changes of ADP, ATP and AXP in red blood cells following UV-irradiation. The obtained curves illustrate dynamic, time-dependent changes of levels of the investigated compounds and point out that the method of BARTLETT used for determination of concentrations of ATP and AXP need further refinements, especially in applications to such biological systems and functional states in which slight shifts of these compounds occur.