The biotransformation of arsenic by spent mushroom compost - An effective bioremediation agent

Spent mushroom compost (SMC) is a lignocellulose-rich waste material commonly used in the passive treatment of heavy metal-contaminated environments. In this study, we investigated the bioremediation potential of SMC against an inorganic form of arsenic, examining the individual abiotic and biotic transformations carried out by SMC. We demonstrated, that key SMC physiological groups of bacteria (denitrifying, cellulolytic, sulfate-reducing, and heterotrophic) are resistant to arsenites and arsenates, while the microbial community in SMC is also able to oxidize As(III) and reduce As(V) in respiratory metabolisms, although the SMC did not contain any As. We showed, that cooperation between arsenate and sulfate-reducing bacteria led to the precipitation of As_xS_y. We also found evidence of the significant role organic acids may play in arsenic complexation, and we demonstrated the occurrence of As-binding proteins in the SMC. Furthermore, we confirmed, that biofilm produced by the microbial community in SMC was able to trap As(V) ions. We postulated, that the above-mentioned transformations are responsible for the sorption efficiency of As(V) (up to 25%) and As(III) (up to 16%), as well as the excellent buffering properties of SMC observed in the sorption experiments.

Cough as a Cause and Consequence of Heart Dysfunction - Current State of Art

The cough reflex is an airway defensive process that can be modulated by afferent inputs from organs located also out of the respiratory system. A bidirectional relationship between cough and heart dysfunctions are presented in the article, with the special insights into an arrhythmia-triggered cough. Albeit rare, cough induced by cardiac pathologies (mainly arrhythmias) seems to be an interesting and underestimated phenomenon. This condition is usually associated with the presence of abnormal heart rhythms and ceases with successful treatment of arrhythmia either by pharmacotherapy or by radiofrequency ablation of arrhythmogenic substrate. The two main hypotheses on cough-heart relationships - reflex and hemodynamic - are discussed in the review, including the authors' perspective based on the experiences with an arrhythmia-triggered cough.

scRNA-seq assessment of the human lung, spleen, and esophagus tissue stability after cold preservation

BACKGROUND

The Human Cell Atlas is a large international collaborative effort to map all cell types of the human body. Single-cell RNA sequencing can generate high-quality data for the delivery of such an atlas. However, delays between fresh sample collection and processing may lead to poor data and difficulties in experimental design.

RESULTS

This study assesses the effect of cold storage on fresh healthy spleen, esophagus, and lung from ≥ 5 donors over 72 h. We collect 240,000 high-quality single-cell transcriptomes with detailed cell type annotations and whole genome sequences of donors, enabling future eQTL studies. Our data provide a valuable resource for the study of these 3 organs and will allow cross-organ comparison of cell types. We see little effect of cold ischemic time on cell yield, total number of reads per cell, and other quality control metrics in any of the tissues within the first 24 h. However, we observe a decrease in the proportions of lung T cells at 72 h, higher percentage of mitochondrial reads, and increased contamination by background ambient RNA reads in the 72-h samples in the spleen, which is cell type specific.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, we present robust protocols for tissue preservation for up to 24 h prior to scRNA-seq analysis. This greatly facilitates the logistics of sample collection for Human Cell Atlas or clinical studies since it increases the time frames for sample processing.

The role of sentinel node mapping with indocyanine green and endoscopic near-infrared fluorescence imaging in endometrial and cervical cancer

INTRODUCTION

Endometrial and cervical carcinoma are common neoplasms in gynecological oncology. The prognosis and treatment depend on the stage of the cancer according to the FIGO staging system. Stage IAl may be treated by hysterectomy or even local surgical procedures. For Stage IA2, radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy must be performed. Lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor in both cancers, however lymphadenectomy is associated with long-term complications. Thanks to the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), we can more accurately discover the staging of the primary tumor, and in case of sentinel lymph node (SLN) negative patients, can resign regional lymphadenectomy. Some researchers claim that new techniques such as indocyanine green (ICG) and endoscopic near-infrared fluorescence imaging for sentinel node mapping can be used instead of the traditional techniques.

AIM

To establish the role of sentinel node mapping technique in endometrial and cervical cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study of medical records of five patients with cervical cancer (first group) Stage I and nine patients (second group) who underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and SLNB or group of lymph nodes. These procedures were performed at Gynecology Department of the District Hospital in Garwolin.

RESULTS

All lymph nodes were clear of metastases. All patients after histopathological diagnosis were finally referred to the Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology due to consultation or for further treatment.

CONCLUSION

Based on the present first results and literature review, intracervical ICG injection with fluorescence imaging seems to be the best SLN mapping technique, because of its simplicity, safety, and overall lower cost. More data is required to determine if the nodes identified with this technique are able to predict metastatic disease.

Genome-wide co-localization of active EGFR and downstream ERK pathway kinases mirrors mitogen-inducible RNA polymerase 2 genomic occupancy

Genome-wide mechanisms that coordinate expression of subsets of functionally related genes are largely unknown. Recent studies show that receptor tyrosine kinases and components of signal transduction cascades including the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), once thought to act predominantly in the vicinity of plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm, can be recruited to chromatin encompassing transcribed genes. Genome-wide distribution of these transducers and their relationship to transcribing RNA polymerase II (Pol2) could provide new insights about co-regulation of functionally related gene subsets. Chromatin immunoprecipitations (ChIP) followed by deep sequencing, ChIP-Seq, revealed that genome-wide binding of epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR and ERK pathway components at EGF-responsive genes was highly correlated with characteristic mitogen-induced Pol2-profile. Endosomes play a role in intracellular trafficking of proteins including their nuclear import. Immunofluorescence revealed that EGF-activated EGFR, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 co-localize on endosomes. Perturbation of endosome internalization process, through the depletion of AP2M1 protein, resulted in decreased number of the EGFR containing endosomes and inhibition of Pol2, EGFR/ERK recruitment to EGR1 gene. Thus, mitogen-induced co-recruitment of EGFR/ERK components to subsets of genes, a kinase module possibly pre-assembled on endosome to synchronize their nuclear import, could coordinate genome-wide transcriptional events to ensure effective cell proliferation.

Fast and unfavorable course of invasive cancer of the uterine cervix associated with pregnancy despite of a typical treatment. Case report of 35-year-old pregnant multipara

Carcinoma of the cervix is the most common malignancy associated with pregnancy. The frequency of cervical cancer is estimated to range from 1/1,200 to 1/10,000 pregnancies. The symptoms of cervical cancer are not specific and can be mistaken as frequent symptoms associated with other pathologies of pregnancy. The diagnostic procedure is similar to the one which should be proposed to unpregnant women. The treatment of cervical cancer depends on gestational age. The final treatment and further prognosis is carried out after delivery. The authors present the case of a 35-year-old woman at 34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with Stage IB cervical cancer. Treatment was delayed until fetal maturity and an elective cesarean section was performed at 36 weeks' gestation, followed by a radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and a pelvic lymphadenectomy. Patient underwent adjuvant radiochemotherapy and brachytherapy. Recurrence of neoplastic process was found after one year.

Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography and positron emission tomography with 18-FDG in identifying malignant solitary pulmonary nodules

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and positron emission tomography with 18-FDG (FDG-PET/CT) are used to identify malignant solitary pulmonary nodules. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of CECT and FDG-PET/CT in diagnosing the etiology of solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). Eighty patients with newly diagnosed SPN >8 mm were enrolled. The patients were scheduled for either or both, CECT and FDG-PET/CT. The nature of SPN (malignant or benign) was determined either by its pathological examination or radiological criteria. In 71 patients, the etiology of SPN was established and these patients were included in the final analysis. The median SPN diameter in these patients was 13 mm (range 8-30 mm). Twenty-two nodules (31%) were malignant, whereas 49 nodules were benign. FDG-PET/CT was performed in 40 patients, and CECT in 39 subjects. Diagnostic accuracy of CECT was 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.74). The optimal cutoff level discriminating between malignant and benign SPN was an enhancement value of 19 Hounsfield units, for which the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of CECT were 100%, 37%, 32%, and 100%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT reached 0.9 (95% CI 0.76-0.9). The optimal cutoff level for FDG-PET/CT was maximal standardized uptake value (SUV max) 2.1. At this point, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 77%, 92%, 83%, and 89%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT is higher than that of CECT. The advantage of CECT is its high sensitivity and negative predictive value.

Glucocorticoids upregulate decreased IL-7 receptor expression in asthmatic patients and simian immunodeficiency virus-infected non-human primates

Signaling through interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) is essential for regulation of T-cell homeostasis and survival. Previously, we and others have found diminished IL-7R levels in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) - infected non-human primates and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - infected patients. To date, it remains unknown whether changes in IL-7R expression could also be linked to non-infectious inflammatory diseases such as asthma or anti-inflammatory drug use. Here, we investigated through flow cytometry the levels of IL-7R expression on CD4+ and CD4- T-cells in asthmatic patients in relation to disease severity, immune status and glucocorticoid (GC) use. In addition, we sought to evaluate the effects of in vivo and in vitro GC treatment on IL-7R expression in both asthmatic patients and SIV-infected non-human primates. We demonstrated that expression of IL-7R on peripheral blood CD4+ T-cells was significantly decreased in clinically stable GC-naive mild and moderate asthmatic patients. Accordingly, the development of asthmatic reaction following bronchial allergen challenge performed in sensitized subjects was associated with a significant drop in levels of IL-7R on circulating CD4+ T-cells. In contrast, CD4+ T-cells from both, mild and moderate, but not severe asthmatics, treated with inhaled GC displayed levels of IL-7R similar to that seen in healthy controls. We did not find significant differences with serum or sputum interleukin-7 levels among healthy controls and GC-naïve and GC-treated asthmatic patients. Furthermore, both in vitro GC treatment and short-term oral GC administration to asthmatic patients resulted in a significant enhancement of IL-7R. Similarly, we demonstrated that GC-stimulated T-cells from SIV-infected non-human primates up-regulated IL-7R expression. Accordingly, experimental short-term systemic in vivo administration of GC to SIV-infected macaques led to enhancement of IL-7R expression on circulating T-cells. Our data indicate that GC bear potential to recover diminished IL-7R expression, as well in asthma as in lentiviral infection.

Allergen challenge differentially affects the number of circulating monocyte subsets

Peripheral blood monocyte (PBM) subsets play different roles in inflammatory response and tissue remodelling. The aim of this study was to investigate how allergen challenge affects the number of circulating PBMs in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) allergic patients (Dp-APs). Among 34 Dp-APs challenged, in 22 patients significant bronchoconstriction was demonstrated [responders (Rs)], while in 12, only upper respiratory symptoms were seen [non-responders (NRs)]. Twelve healthy, non-atopic subjects were used as controls (HCs). Expression of CD14, CD16 and CCR4 was evaluated by flow cytometry on the whole-blood samples before (T(0) ), 6 h (T(6) ) and 24 h (T(24) ) after the challenge. Plasma concentrations of CCL2, CX3CL1 and CCL17 were evaluated using ELISA. At T(0) , the mean percentage of CD14++ CD16+ PBMs in Rs (35.4%; 95%CI 26.9-43.9%) was significantly greater than in HCs (14.6%; 95%CI 7.3-21.8%; P = 0.006) and in NRs (17.5%; 95%CI 9.6-25.4%; P = 0.001). The baseline number of CD14++ CD16+ PBMs correlated with airway hyper responsiveness (AHR) (r = -0.507; 95%CI -0.834 to -0.432, P < 0.001). At T(24) , the number of CD14++ CD16+ PBMs significantly decreased in Rs but not in NRs and the numbers inversely correlated with plasma CCL17 concentration. Changes in the number of circulating CD14++ CD16+ cells after Dp challenge correlated with AHR (r = 0.706, 95%CI 0.43-0.861; P < 0.001). In all subjects, the greatest expression of CCR4 was found on CD14++ CD16+ PBMs. Expansion of CD14++ CD16+ monocytes in the peripheral blood with subsequent mobilization of those cells after allergen challenge may facilitate the development of AHR in Dp-APs.

Oral glucocorticoid treatment decreases interleukin-10 receptor expression on peripheral blood leucocyte subsets

Glucocorticoids (GCS) are capable of stimulating the secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 by leucocytes; however, the potential of GCS to modulate leucocyte susceptibility to IL-10-mediated actions has not yet been studied. In the current paper, we performed a detailed cross-sectional analysis of IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) expression by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes and neutrophils. Next, we analysed the effects of short-term oral GCS treatment on surface IL-10R expression by various leucocyte subpopulations in asthmatic patients. All leucocyte subsets studied presented with substantial levels of surface IL-10R. The highest levels of IL-10R were found on monocytes, predominantly with CD14(2+)CD16(+) and CD14(+)CD16(+) phenotypes, and on CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells. In contrast, levels of IL-10R on CD8(+) T cells, NK cells and neutrophils were significantly lower and similar to each other in intensity. GCS treatment resulted in a significant decrease of IL-10R expression on all analysed peripheral blood leucocyte subsets. Our data suggest that down-regulation of IL-10R could counterbalance the otherwise suppressive action of GCS.

Does the established cause of chronic cough depend on diagnostic approach?

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of chronic cough causes and to compare the efficacy of two diagnostic approaches used in ambulatory vs. hospitalized setting. Eighty patients with chronic cough, 40 in each group, were enrolled into the study. The etiology of cough was determined on medical history and on either basic (in out-patients) or detailed (in in-patients) investigations on most common causes of chronic cough. We diagnosed etiology of cough in all subjects. The most frequent causes of cough were gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). Nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB) and multiple cough causes were recognized more often in hospitalized patients (P<0.05). We conclude that the main causes of chronic cough were GERD and UACS. An extensive diagnostic approach allows recognizing NEAB more frequently and reveals the complex nature of chronic cough.

Frequencies of circulating CD4+CD25+CD127low cells in atopics are altered by bronchial allergen challenge

BACKGROUND

Recent studies in rodents revealed that regulatory T cells (T reg cells) with CD4+CD25+ phenotype can exert suppressive effects on experimentally-induced allergic airway inflammation and airway hyper-reactivity. It is unclear however, whether modulations of bronchoconstriction responses in human subjects might be related to T reg cells. We report here for the first time the changes in frequency of circulating lymphocytes with putative T reg cell phenotype (CD4+CD25+CD127low) in relation to bronchoconstriction phenotype following an intrabronchial allergen challenge.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-one house dust mite sensitive patients were challenged with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract (Dp). Eleven isolated early responders (IER) were compared with nine dual (early and late) responders (DR) and to 11 non-responders (NR). Frequencies of peripheral blood CD4+CD25+CD127low lymphocytes were assessed in all groups of patients by using three-parameter flow cytometry before, and six and 24 h, after allergen inhalation.

RESULTS

At baseline, frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127low lymphocytes were not statistically different among NR, IER and DR. When all individuals were analyzed together, a statistically significant decrease in frequency of CD4+CD25+CD127low lymphocytes was observed 6 h after the bronchial challenge. Interestingly, such a pattern was found consistently only in NR, while IER and DR displayed varying responses resulting in a trend similar to that of NR. Twenty-four hours after the bronchial challenge, frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127low lymphocytes in all groups tended to return to baseline values.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that bronchial allergen inhalation in sensitive patients (predominantly in those who did not develop significant bronchoconstriction) is associated with a decrease of proportion of peripheral lymphocytes with regulatory T cell phenotype.

Premature ventricular complex-induced chronic cough and cough syncope

The present case study reports a case of chronic cough and cough syncope associated with frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). Careful analysis of cough-related symptoms and ECG monitoring led to the suspicion of PVC-induced cough. A coincidence between PVCs and episodes of cough was also documented by a portable multichannel recorder. Moreover, Doppler echocardiography revealed a PVC-induced transient increase in the pulmonary artery blood flow. After exclusion of other possible aetiologies, complete relief of chronic cough and cough syncope was achieved by radiofrequency ablation of the arrhythmogenic focus located in the right ventricular outflow tract. Premature ventricular complexes should be considered as a cause of chronic cough and cough syncope and an interdisciplinary cooperation can lead to successful diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Cannabinoid receptors expression in bone marrow trephine biopsy of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients treated with purine analogues

BACKGROUND

Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are part the endocannabinoid system that plays an important role in the process of proliferation and apoptosis of different neoplastic cells. B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is one of the diseases in which these processes are altered.

AIM

The aim of our study was the assessment of cannabinoid receptor expression on the B-lymphocytes in bone marrow trephine biopsy from leukaemic patients at diagnosis and after purine analogue treatment.

METHODS

The biopsy was taken routinely and standard immunohistochemical staining procedure for paraffin embedded sections was applied. The cannabinoid receptors were detected using specific primary polyclonal antibody anti-CB1 and anti-CB2. Additionally, an existence of cannabinoid receptors was confirmed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The results showed that the expression of CB1 receptor on the surface of neoplastic cells was lower than that of CB2 (17.0+/-3.1% and 92.1+/-1.7% respectively, p<0.001). Nine of the patients responded to applied treatment with a reduction in leukaemic infiltration (77.2+/-6.9% to 30.2+/-6.5%, p=0.007) and CB1 receptor expression (24.4+/-4.8% to 8.6+/-2.9%, p=0.01), but there was no change in CB2 expression (91.7+/-2.7% vs 90.9+/-2.8%, p=0.69). Four patients without remission expressed even greater number of the receptors. In all of the cases both cannabinoid receptor types antibodies gave positive reaction. Furthermore, the existence of cannabinoid receptors on neoplastic lymphocytes was confirmed by flow cytometry.

CONCLUSION

The study provides original evidence for the existence of cannabinoid receptors on B-lymphocytes in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients. The receptors are thought to be a new structure that can modify the course of the disease and may be considered as a new target in leukaemia treatment.

Effect of IFN-gamma stimulation on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on alveolar macrophages in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

An impairment of in vitro cytotoxicity and tumoricidal function of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in patients with lung cancer was reported in a number of studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on AMs after stimulation with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study was performed in 13 patients with NSCLC, 6 patients with various nonmalignant pulmonary diseases, and 6 healthy volunteers. AMs were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by adherence and then cultured with or without IFN-gamma for 24 h. The expression of ICAM-1 on AMs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Stimulation with IFN-gamma caused increased expression of ICAM-1 on AMs in all studied groups (p < 0.05). The degree of the increase in ICAM-1 expression on AMs after IFN-gamma stimulation was significantly lower in patients with NSCLC compared with healthy volunteers (p = 0.002) or the other patients (p = 0.022). The results suggest impaired reactivity of ICAM-1 expression on AMs after stimulation with IFN-gamma in patients with NSCLC, which might be involved in functional defects of AMs in patients with NSCLC.

Trichinella spiralis thymidylate synthase: cDNA cloning and sequencing, and developmental pattern of mRNA expression

The persistent expression of thymidylate synthase activity has previously been demonstrated not only in adult forms, but also in non-developing muscle larvae of Trichinella spiralis and T. pseudospiralis, pointing to an unusual pattern of cell cycle regulation, and prompting further studies on the developmental pattern of T. spiralis thymidylate synthase gene expression. The enzyme cDNA was cloned and sequenced, allowing the characterization of a single open reading frame of 307 amino acids coding for a putative protein of 35,582 Da molecular weight. The amino acid sequence of the parasite enzyme was analysed, the consensus phylogenetic tree built and its stability assessed. The aa sequence identity with thymidylate synthase was confirmed by the enzymatic activity of the recombinant protein expressed in E. coli. As compared with the enzyme purified from muscle larvae, it showed apparently similar Vmax value, but higher Km(app) values desscribing interactions with dUMP (28.8 microM vs. 3.9 microM) and (6RS,alphaS)-N(5,10)-methylenetetrahydrofolate (383 microM vs. 54.7 microM). With the coding region used as a probe, thymidylate synthase mRNA levels, relative to 18S rRNA, were found to be similar in muscle larvae, adult forms and newborn larvae, in agreement with muscle larvae cells being arrested in the cell cycle.

Assessment of prognostic significance of cytoplasmic survivin expression in advanced oesophageal cancer

Survivin is a member of the family of proteins, which inhibit apoptosis (inhibitor of apoptosis proteins - IAP). Expression of survivin was found in colorectal cancer, neuroblastoma, bladder cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and breast cancer. There is some recent data indicating the correlation of poor prognosis and worse response to chemotherapy in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) expressing survivin. The aim of the present study was to assess survivin expression in cancerous tissue of patients with advanced OSCC and to test the potential correlation between survivin expression and clinicopathological data. Forty two patients (mean age 58.36+/-8.97 yrs), who were oesophagectomised due to squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic oesophagus between 1998 and 2000, were retrospectively analysed. Cytoplasmic survivin expression, examined immunohistochemically, was found in 35 (83.33%) cases. No statistically significant correlation between survivin expression in the tumour and patients' gender, TNM stage, or vascular involvement was noted. The mean survival of patients with cytoplasmic survivin expression (17.81+/-5.51 months) was not statistically different to those with negative survivin staining (16+/-6.28 months) as assessed by Mantel-Cox test (p=0.49). Univariate regression analysis revealed UICC staging as the only predictor of survival in the analysed group (p<0.05). These results indicate that the cytoplasmic survivin expression does not seem to be the prognostic factor in advanced cases of OSCC.

Reactivity of alveolar macrophages in lung cancer patients and healthy subjects: surface ICAM-1 after INF-gamma stimulation in vitro

The linearity of ICAM- I expression on alveolar macrophages (AM) before and after INF-gamma stimulation in healthy and lung cancer subjects were compared. AM were collected by bronchoalveolar lavage and incubated with/without INF-gamma according to standard procedures. The harvested cells were analyzed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies against leucocytes and macrophages. Only viable cells were analyzed. Stimulation with INF-gamma revealed two AM subpopulations of similar size differentiated in the intensity of ICAM-1 expression. They were not distinctly marked in every studied case. Our preliminary results did not confirm the previously reported decreasing reactivity of AMs after INF-gamma stimulation in lung cancer patients.

Protein kinase C involvement in proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells

Members of protein kinase C (PKC) family have been widely implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Increased protein C activity in malignant breast tissue and in most aggressive breast cancer cell lines suggests possible role of PKC in the development and progression of breast cancer. PKC may be therefore a target for breast cancer treatment. In our study we attempted to investigate the effect of: phorbol ester (PMA)-PKC activator, and bisindolylmaleimide II (GF II), a highly selective PKC inhibitor, on the proliferation as well as induction of apoptosis and necrosis in breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Our results provide evidence for multidirectional effects of PKC on the proliferation of this type of breast cancer cells. The effects of both compounds were different after short time of exposition (1-3 h). PMA induced proliferation, while GF II showed an opposite effect. After 24 h, however, both compounds exhibited relatively high inhibitory effect on the proliferation and proved to be effective in induction of necrosis and apoptosis.

The rate of apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in leukocytes of acute myeloblastic leukemia patients

The rate of apoptosis as well as expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was evaluated before and after induction therapy in leukocytes of 70 patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), retrospectively divided into group A (with longer survival) and group B (with shorter survival). We found, that leukocytes of untreated AML patients showed susceptibility to apoptosis similar to control cells. Marked increase in percentage of apoptotic leukocytes was observed after induction therapy exclusively in patients with longer survival, which was accompanied by better normalization of routine hematological parameters. In this group, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was similar to the control and remained unchanged after treatment. In AML patients with shorter survival, a twofold increase in this ratio was observed both before and after the completion of induction therapy. In both groups of untreated patients, western blot analysis revealed the presence of prominent additional bands reacting with anti-Bcl-2 or anti-Bax antibody, which were undetectable in control leukocytes. After the therapy, these bands disappeared, especially in patients from group A. In conclusion, the lack of therapy-induced enhancement in leukocyte apoptosis, an increased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax as well as persistent presence of abnormal Bcl-2 and Bax protein bands after induction therapy in AML patients may be considered as factors associated with unfavorable clinical outcome.

Effects of ebelactone B on cathepsin A activity in intact platelets and on platelet activation

PURPOSE

Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that a potent antihypertensive agent ebelactone B inhibits cathepsin A/deamidase activity. The aim of our studies was to assess the effects of this inhibitor on cathepsin A activity in intact platelets and on platelet activation events.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PRP or washed human platelets from healthy volunteers were pre-incubated with different concentrations of ebelactone B (1-10 microM) for 10-60 min. Cathepsin A activity in platelets was assayed colorimetrically using Cbz-Phe-Ala at pH 5.5. Expression of platelet activation markers GpIIb/IIIa and P-selectin on non-activated or agonist-activated platelets (ADP, TRAP) was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment of platelets for up to 60 minutes with 10 mumol/l ebelactone B, that effectively inhibits cathepsin A activity in platelet lysate, did not affect this activity in intact platelets. Exposure of PRP to 10 mumol/l ebelactone B alone, or before platelet activation with ADP or TRAP caused only a small but non-significant increase in P-selectin and GpIIb/IIIa expression on the platelet surface, as demonstrated by flow cytometry analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of cathepsin A inhibition by ebelactone B in intact platelets indicates that this inhibitor does not enter cells. Therefore, a potential antihypertensive significance of this compound may be through the inhibition of cathepsin A/deamidase released from activated or damaged cells. In vitro ebelactone B seems to exert no effect on platelet activation. Further studies are underway to determine whether ebelactone B administration affects platelet activation events in experimental model of hypertension in rats.

[The routine coagulation tests along with activated protein C resistance (APC-R) in population of women applying for oral contraceptives]

The routine coagulation tests along with activated protein C resistance (APC-R) were studied in North-Eastern Poland women, applying for oral contraceptives. The APTT, PT and fibrinogen concentration were evaluated in 128 women, aged 20-40 years, by means of nephelometric method. For estimation of APC-R, Coatest APC Resistance V test was used. The abnormalities in routine coagulation test were found in 13.3% of studied women. The resistance to activated protein C was observed among 4.3% of women with normal results of routine coagulation tests. The thrombotic event occurred in one of five APC-R positive woman. There was no correlation between APC-V ratio and APTT, PT or fibrinogen values.

13-cis retinoic acid and all-trans retinoic acid in the regulation of the proliferation and survival of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7

Retinoids are a group of compounds which inhibit cell proliferation and induce cellular differentiation. The aim of this study was to compare the antiproliferative activity of various concentrations of 13-cis retinoic acid (isotretinoin) and all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin) in a culture of the estrogen-sensitive human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Evaluation was based on [3H]thymidine incorporation into the cancer cells and through immunocytochemical analysis of cell cycle-associated PCNA and Ki-67 protein expression. Both retinoids inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation into the cancer cells most effectively at a concentration of 3x10(-3) M. Two basic substances used for line MCF-7 culture experiments, one stimulating - estradiol - and the other inhibiting - tamoxifen - were applied. Estradiol added to a culture containing decreasing concentrations of isotretinoin (from 3x10(-3) to 3x10(-8) M) caused a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of [3H]thymidine incorporation into the cancer cell line MCF-7, compared to the 17 beta estradiol group (189.25%+/-62.64, control=100%, p<0.05). In the group of decreasing tretinoin concentrations, statistically significant differences were found only at 3x10(-3), 3x10(-4) and 3x10(-8) M. Following culture supplementation with tamoxifen (1 microM), statistically significant differences were observed only at the highest concentrations of both retinoids (3x10(-3) and 3x10(-4) M). The evaluation of breast carcinoma cells with a positive immunocytochemical reaction to PCNA and Ki-67 has revealed that isotretinoin reduces their percentage in the most determined and statistically significant way (38.00%+/-2.58 and 39.25%+/-3.09), compared to the control group (86.50%+/-9.20 and 100%+/-3.87, p<0.001 and p<0.0001) and to the estradiol group (87.00%+/-6.79 and 86.10%+/-7.0, p<0.001). Apart from their blocking effect on the cell cycle, retinoids also induce the apoptotic pathway.

Aryltriazole C-nucleosides with affinity to certain DNA sequence. II. Synthesis of 4-(beta-D-erythrofuranosyl)-2-(4-methyl-3-nitrophenyl)-1,2,3-triazole from D-psicose

The paper describes the synthesis of 4-(beta-D-erythrofuranosyl)-2-(4-methyl-3-nitrophenyl)-1,2,3-triazole. This compound is a starting material for synthesis of C-nucleosides, having a potential affinity with G-C base pair.

An assessment of lymphocytic population in peripheral blood of patients with renal cell carcinoma before and after embolization

The immunophenotype of peripheral blood lymphocytes was evaluated in 50 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, before and after embolization. In RCC patients we have observed significant decrease in the total lymphocyte number as well as in T lymphocyte, their subpopulations and B lymphocyte number. Ten to twelve months after the treatment by embolization, significant increase in the total number of not only lymphocytes (p < 0.001), including T lymphocytes (p < 0.001), T-helper lymphocytes (p < 0.05), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (p < 0.05) and B lymphocytes (p < 0.05), but also an increase of NK cells number (p < 0.05) were found, compared to the values obtained before the treatment and reached the level observed in healthy subjects. Cytometric evaluation of peripheral blood lymphocytic phenotype in renal cell carcinoma patients can help evaluate the immune status of RCC patients as well as assess the embolization efficiency.

Potential role of beta 1 integrin and collagen biosynthesis in estrogen-dependent reduction of apoptosis in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer cells

It was found that 10 microM tamoxifen induced apoptosis and a significant (approximately 50%) depletion of beta 1 integrin levels in human breast cancer cells. Estradiol-treated MCF-7 cells exhibited exceptional viability and adherence, high levels of beta 1 integrin and increased (by 100%) collagen biosynthesis. Pretreatment of MCF-7 cells with 1 nM estradiol prevented tamoxifen-induced cell death, loss of cell adherence and decrease in beta 1 integrin level. Tamoxifen and estradiol had an opposite effect on the beta 1 integrin level and adherence in breast cancer cells, suggesting that the decrease in the beta 1 integrin level may be an early event during tamoxifen-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

[Pseudolymphoma in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome]

Sjögren's syndrome is an inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting primarily the exocrine glands. In the abscence of other autoimmune diseases it is classified as primary Sjögren's syndrome. Patients with primary syndrome have about 40 times higher relative risk of developing lymphoma then normal population, which offers a possibility to study malignant transformation's mechanisms in these patients. In the study we report a case of a woman with pseudolymphoma. The clinical diagnose used to be based on symptoms of proliferate disease, quetionnable histological evaluation and good response to steroids. Nowadays, applying advanced molecular techniques make it possible to diagnose lymphoma in labial salivary biopsy much earlier. It allows recognizing an incipient lymphoma in a group of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Therefore so-called pseudolymphoma can usually be diagnosed as either benign or malignant lymphoproliferative lesions.

[Levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin in blood serum of women giving birth to hypotrophic and eutrophic newborns]

We tested the concentration of alpha-2-macroglobulin in sera of 33 women bearing eutrophic newborns, 36 women bearing hypotrophic newborns and 30 healthy not pregnant women in reproductive age. The concentration of this inhibitor was measured using radial immunodiffusion method according to Mancini et al. We found distinct decrease of alpha-2-macroglobulin concentration in sera of bearing women. In women bearing eutrophic newborns we found 154 mg/dl, in women bearing hypo-trophic newborns 171 mg/dl whereas in controls 250 mg/dl. We have noted statistically significant differences between tested groups to controls and between investigated groups. Taking under consideration the role of alpha-2-macroglobulin as the modulator of immune system as well as the activity of several cytokins, therefore one can suppose that alpha-2-M may affect on cellular growth developed foetus in intrauterine.

Molecular modelling, synthesis and antitumour activity of carbocyclic analogues of netropsin and distamycin--new carriers of alkylating elements

A series of netropsin and distamycin analogues was synthesised and investigated by molecular modelling. The lowest-energy conformations of four carbocyclic lexitropsins, potential carriers of alkylating elements, were obtained using the HyperChem 4.0 program, and compared with the DNA-lexitropsin crystal structures from the Brookhaven National Laboratory Protein Data Bank. A method for synthesis of carbocyclic lexitropsins was elaborated, with the use of a nitro group or azobenzene as precursors for the aromatic amino group. The influence of methoxy group in ortho position with respect to amide groups on the activity of the new compounds was investigated. All of the compounds tested showed high antitumour activity in the standard cell line of mammalian tumour MCF-7.

[Septic-toxic shock due to rhabdomyolysis in a patient treated with fenofibrate]

Lipid disorders have been treated with fibrates for many years. Rhabdomyolysis is one of the side effects of these drugs. We report a case of a septic-toxic shock due to rhabdomyolysis in a 75-year old patient, who had been treated with fenofibrate for 2 years. This case shows necessity of the standard monitoring of aminotransferase, phosphocreatine kinase and creatinine levels during treatment with fibrates.

Reactive oxygen species activate mitogen-activated protein kinases in pancreatic acinar cells

It has been recently reported that kinases that belong to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family are rapidly activated by cholecystokinin (CCK) in rat pancreas both in vitro and in vivo. It is known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis induced by supraphysiologic stimulation with CCK analogue, cerulein. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether MAPKs are activated by ROS in pancreatic acini. The activity of MAPK, c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK was determined in isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells by means of Western blotting, with the use of specific antibody that recognizes active, dually phosphorylated kinases. Incubation of acini with ROS donors, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and/or menadione (MND), strongly activated all three kinases. Activation of these kinases by ROS, but not by CCK, was substantially inhibited by pretreatment of acini with antioxidant N-acetylo-L-cysteine (NAC). Whereas CCK-induced activation of MAPK or JNK was totally or partially blocked by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF-109203X, ROS-induced activation of MAPK, JNK, and p38 MAPK was PKC independent. In conclusion, ROS strongly activate MAPK, JNK, and p38 MAPK in pancreatic acinar cells. It may be of importance in acute pancreatitis, because ROS are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.

The concentration of alpha 1-antitrypsin in the maternal serum after delivery of normal and small for gestational age infants

BACKGROUND

alpha 1-antitrypsin (A-1-AT) is an acute-phase protein. It is present in plasma and other extracellular fluids and in human trophoblastic tissue. It accounts for 80 to 90 per cent of antiprotease reactions occurring in plasma. It has the ability to greatly affect enzyme activity and plays an important role in immunomodulatory processes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The purpose of the study was to determine the plasma concentration of A-1-AT in mothers giving birth to hypotrophic (small for gestational age, SGA), and eutrophic (appropriate for gestational age, AGA) infants. 33 women who gave birth to SGA infants and 36 women who gave birth to AGA infants participated in the study. The control group consisted of 30 non-pregnant women who were of reproductive age. All women gave birth at term. To measure A-1-AT concentration, we used the diffusion method described by Mancini et al.

RESULTS

The highest concentration of A-1-AT (379 mg/dl) was found in women giving birth to SGA infants, compared with 345 mg/dl for women giving birth to AGA infants. In the control group, the concentration was found to be 270 mg/dl.

CONCLUSIONS

Statistical analysis of the results showed a significant difference between the two groups of women gave birth and between each parturient compared with control subjects. Increasing concentration of A-1-AT in the plasma of women in labor may be the result of an acute phase reaction triggered by the stress during parturition. Additionally, increased concentrations of A-1-AT in women who gave birth to SGA rather than AGA infants suggest that it may play a role in the processes of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).

Expression and purification of mammalian calreticulin in Pichia pastoris

Calreticulin is a 46-kDa Ca(2+)-binding chaperone of the endoplasmic reticulum membranes. The protein binds Ca(2+) with high capacity, affects intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, and functions as a lectin-like chaperone. In this study, we describe expression and purification procedures for the isolation of recombinant rabbit calreticulin. The calreticulin was expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified to homogeneity by DEAE-Sepharose and Resource Q FPLC chromatography. The protein was not retained in the endoplasmic reticulum of Pichia pastoris but instead it was secreted into the external media. The purification procedures reported here for recombinant calreticulin yield homogeneous preparations of the protein by SDS-PAGE and mass spectroscopy analysis. Purified calreticulin was identified by its NH(2)-terminal amino acid sequences, by its Ca(2+) binding, and by its reactivity with anti-calreticulin antibodies. The protein contained one disulfide bond between (88)Cys and (120)Cys. CD spectral analysis and Ca(2+)-binding properties of the recombinant protein indicated that it was correctly folded.

Pyrrole analogues of chloramphenicol. II. Synthesis and antibacterial activity of DL-threo-1-(1-methyl-5-nitro-pyrrole-2-yl)-2-dichloroacetamidopropane-1, 3-diol

The seven-stage synthesis of a pyrrole analogue of chloramphenicol (VII) was described. The compound exhibits a significant antibacterial activity.

[Biochemical mechanism of raloxifen and tamoxifen action for the prevention of breast cancer. Studies in vitro]

Cancer growth follows fine balance disturbance between cell proliferation, differentiation and death. It has been shown that mutation of 4 to 5 genes controlling cellular proliferation events may be contributive to carcinogenesis. Estrogens play a central role in reproductive physiology. They are also a causative factors in the pathogenesis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases, including breast cancer. The estrogen dependency of human breast cancer has been successfully exploited in the treatment of early and advanced diseases and provides a unique opportunity for chemoprevention of this common malignancy. The aim of present study was to examine the effects of tamoxifen and raloxifen on the induction of apoptosis and proliferative activity of human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. It has been found that both tamoxifen and raloxifen decreased the speed of cell cycle in MCF-7 cells and acts as proapoptotic factors. It reduces viability of cancer cells and probability of neoplastic clone multiplification. This effect conducts to limitation of cancer expansion.

Influence of estrogen, antiestrogen and UV-light on the balance between proliferation and apoptosis in MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells culture

Studies of the mechanism of actions of estrogen, antiestrogen and physical factors may provide clues to an understanding of breast cancer growth and/or regression regulation and thus identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Defective control of apoptosis appears to play a central role in the pathogenesis of neoplasia. Conversely, cancer therapy and ionizing radiation can induce cancer cell death by apoptosis and/or necrosis. bcl-2 gene and p-53 gene products have been both linked to programmed cell death pathways. We have analyzed the effect of estradiol, tamoxifen and UV exposure on the induction of apoptosis, expression of p53 and bcl-2 gene products as well as the proliferative activity (expressed as [3H]thymidine incorporation and PCNA and MPM2 antigens involvement) in MCF7. It has been found that estradiol increases the speed of cell cycle in MCF7 and acts as antiapoptotic factor. Tamoxifen has multiple influence on the rate of growth of cancer cells: depends on estrogen receptor (ER), conducts reduction of proliferation rate; depends on ER and other mechanisms conducts to suppressions of Bcl-2 protein expression and induction of cell death through apoptotic pathway. Estradiol prevents the apoptotic influence of tamoxifen probably by enhancement of Bcl-2 protein expression and does not prevent the inhibition of proliferation rate. The irradiation with UV induces apoptosis by over-expression of p53 and down-regulation of bcl-2 gene.

Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella pseudospiralis: developmental patterns of enzymes involved in thymidylate biosynthesis and pyrimidine salvage

Thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase and dUTPase specific activities were found to remain at a high and constant level in crude extracts from adult worms of Trichinella spiralis, as well as from muscle larvae of both Trichinella spiralis (isolated 1-24 months after infection) and Trichinella pseudospiralis (isolated 5.5-13 months after infection). The results obtained with Trichinella pseudospiralis muscle larvae isolated with the use of pepsin did not differ from those obtained when pepsin was not used. No thymidine kinase activity could be detected in muscle larvae of either species and thymidine phosphorylase could be found only in T. pseudospiralis larvae isolated without the use of pepsin. Muscle larvae of both species contained orotidylate phosphoribosyl transferase activity, pointing to a possibility of 5-fluorouracil activation. Uridine phosphorylase, another enzyme involved in 5-fluorouracil anabolism, was also present in T. pseudospiralis muscle larvae. Results of comparative studies on inhibition of purified T. spiralis and rat thymidylate synthases by substrate (4-thio-5-fluoro-dUMP, 2-thio-5-fluoro-dCMP and N4-hydroxy-dCMP) and cofactor (ZD 9331) analogues indicated only dUMP analogues to show feeble selectivity towards the parasite enzyme. A hypothesis is discussed, assuming high expression of thymidylate synthase in muscle larvae to be connected with their cells being arrested in the cell cycle.

Pyrrole analogues of chloramphenicol. I. Synthesis and antibacterial activity of DL-threo-1-(1-methyl-4-nitropyrrole-2-yl)-2-dichloroacetamidopropane-1,3-diol

The seven-stage synthesis of a pyrrole analogue of chloramphenicol [IX] was described. The compound exhibits a significant antibacterial activity, over the 12-50% range of the chloramphenicol activity.

alpha1-microglobulin as a marker of proximal tubular damage in urinary tract infection in children

The urinary alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1-M) as a marker of proximal tubular damage was measured in 86 children, aged 3/12 to 12 years, with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) and fever. All patients had normal glomerular filtration rates (GFR). They were divided into 2 groups: A: with UTI and etiological factor E. coli, B: with UTI and etiological factor Proteus sp. Similar measurements of alpha1-M were obtained for a control group of healthy children. An increased mean level serum alpha1-M was observed in patients with UTI and fever compared to control group (p < 0.001). Urinary alpha1-M as the alpha1-microglobulin/creatinine ratio was higher in both tested group of patients with UTI and fever. Those found in group A1 and B1 before treatment were the highest and statistically significantly elevated after treatment (group A2 and B2: p < 0.001). Our results indicate the usefulness of the urinary alpha-microglobulin/creatinine ratio as a marker of proximal kidney tubule damage in children with E. coli and Proteus sp. infections. Additionally, it seems to be associated with the humoral and cellular immune response.

Molecular modelling, synthesis and antitumour activity of carbocyclic analogues of netropsin and distamycin--new carriers of alkylating elements

A series of netropsin and distamycin analogues was synthesised and investigated by molecular modelling. The lowest-energy conformations of four carbocyclic lexitropsins, potential carriers of alkylating elements, were obtained using the HyperChem 4.0 program, and compared with the DNA-lexitropsin crystal structures from the Brookhaven National Laboratory Protein Data Bank. A method for synthesis of carbocyclic lexitropsins was elaborated, with the use of a nitro group or azobenzene as precursors for the aromatic amino group. The influence of methoxy group in ortho position with respect to amide groups on the activity of the new compounds was investigated. All of the compounds tested showed high antitumour activity in the standard cell line of mammalian tumour MCF-7.

The concentration of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin in blood serum of women in labour

Concentration of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (A-1-ACT) in blood serum of parturient women was determined. The investigation was conducted in 33 women bearing eutrophic newborns and 36 women bearing hypotrophic newborns. The control group consisted of 30 healthy non-pregnant women in reproductive age. Concentrations of A-1-ACT were determined using the radial immunodiffusion method according to Mancini et al. Maximal concentration of A-1-ACT determined in group I was three times higher than minimal concentration. Maximal concentration of A-1-ACT determined in group II was two times higher than minimal concentration. In the control group, the difference between minimal and maximal concentrations of A-1-ACT was inconsiderable. The lack of statistically significant differences between these three groups suggests that labour stress does not influence serum concentrations of this inhibitor. The importance of A-1-ACT in the placental tissue may be connected with immunological mechanisms that assure development and maintenance of pregnancy.

Aryltriazole C-nucleosides with affinity with certain DNA sequences. I. Synthesis of 2-(3-nitrophenyl)-4-(beta-D-erythrofuranosyl)-1,2,3-triazole

The paper describes the synthesis of 2-(3-nitrophenyl)-4-(beta-D-erythrofuranosyl)-1,2,3-triazole. This substance is a key substrate for synthesis of C-nucleosides, having a potential affinity with the G-C base pair.

[The phenotype characteristics of cord blood lymphocytes in premature neonates]

It has been observed high risk of infections in neonates as a result from lymphocytes immaturity. It is connected to phenotype differences of lymphocytes between neonates and adults. This high susceptibility to infections is especially high in premature neonates. With the use of flow cytometry we have evaluated the phenotype of cord blood lymphocytes in premature neonates. In comparison to results of healthy newborns we have observed significant decrease in CD7+, CD3+, CD4+, CD25+, CD57+ lymphocytes an increase in total number of CD8+ cells as well as alteration in CD4/CD8 ratio. Our results suggest deeply damage of cellular immunity in preterm infants.

[Flow cytometry in hematologic diagnosis]

The paper presents flow cytometry method in haematology diagnostics. Beside to the estimation of blast cells phenotype in acute leukaemia, flow cytometry allows to evaluate the presence of minimal residual disease (MRD) and multi drug resistance protein (MDR). Flow cytometry plays a crucial role in the estimation of DNA profile in cancer cells and evaluation of stem cells. Repeatedly flow cytometry is used to estimate platelets and reticulocytes.

[The concentration of alpha-2-antiplasmin in sera of women in post partum]

Alpha-2-antiplasmin is a main inhibitor of plasmin and play a crucial role in regulation of intravascular fibrinolysis. It is important to know, in pregnant women as well in the immediate post partum period the activation of hemostasis takes place and is observed thrombotic incidences. In our studies we have included 33 pregnant women whose delivered eutrophic newborns alpha-2-AP 7.79 mg/dl and 36 pregnant women whose delivered small-for-date newborns, alpha-2-AP 7.49 mg/dl. We found no significant statistically differences between tested groups and in comparison to control group 6.0 mg/dl. The presented results seems to indicate, the determination of concentration of alpha-2-AP in sera of women in immediate post partum period does not reflect the changes in the mechanisms of fibrinolytic system in the course of the partum.

[Antiproteases in the pathogenesis of neoplastic diseases]

The imbalance between proteases and their inhibitors has substantial significance for the pathogenesis of the neoplastic disease. Proteases have been shown to play multiple roles in carcinogenesis and tumor promotion, while antiproteases (PI) can be regarded as anticarcinogenic agents. Hypotheses concerning the mechanism of PI anticarcinogenic action were presented in this article. The estimation of the antiprotease level may be clinically and therapeutically useful in some cases of cancer disease.