Study of Serum Copper and Zinc Levels and Serum Cu/Zn Ratio among Polish Women with Endometrial Cancer

BACKGROUND

Micronutrients are important components for the homeostasis of the human body. The studies available in the literature of the subject on their impact on the risk of population diseases, including malignant neoplasms, are ambiguous. In this paper, the relationship between Cu and Zn serum levels and the occurrence of endometrial cancer have been analyzed.

METHODS

306 patients (153 test group and 153 control group) matched for age were analyzed for Cu and Zn levels. Microelements levels were determined for sera collected during the hospitalization of patients by means of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In addition, the Cu/Zn ratio in the population included in the study was analyzed. Univariable and multivariable analyzes were used to examine the relationship between the factors under study and the incidence of endometrial cancer.

RESULTS

Lower levels of elements were observed in the study group compared with the control group (Cu: 959.39 μg/L vs. 1176.42 μg/L, p < 0.001; Zn: 707.05 μg/L vs. 901.67 μg/L, p < 0.001). A statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of endometrial cancer was observed for Cu and Zn. The patients with the lowest Cu level had a significantly higher occurrence of endometrial cancer compared with reference tertile (OR 8.54; p < 0.001). Similarly, compared with the reference tertile, the patients with the lowest Zn levels had a significantly greater incidence of endometrial cancer (OR 15.0; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study suggest an association of endometrial cancer occurrence with lower Cu and Zn serum levels.

An Assessment of GPX1 (rs1050450), DIO2 (rs225014) and SEPP1 (rs7579) Gene Polymorphisms in Women with Endometrial Cancer

Background: Numerous studies indicate a relationship between the presence of GPX1 (rs1050450), DIO2 (rs225014) and SEPP1 (rs7579) gene polymorphisms and the development of chronic or neoplastic diseases. However, there are no reports on the influence of these polymorphisms on the development of endometrial cancer. Methods: 543 women participated in the study. The study group consisted of 269 patients with diagnosed endometrial cancer. The control group consisted of 274 healthy women. Blood samples were drawn from all the participants. The PCR-RFLP method was used to determine polymorphisms in the DIO2 (rs225014) and GPX1 (rs1050450) genes. The analysis of polymorphisms in the SEPP1 (rs7579) gene was performed by means of TaqMan probes. Results: There was a 1.99-fold higher risk of developing endometrial cancer in CC homozygotes, DIO2 (rs225014) polymorphism (95% Cl 1.14–3.53, p = 0.017), compared to TT homozygotes. There was no correlation between the occurrence of GPX1 (rs1050450) and SEPP1 (rs7579) polymorphisms and endometrial cancer. Conclusion: Carriers of the DIO2 (rs225014) polymorphism may be predisposed to the development of endometrial cancer. Further research confirming this relationship is recommended.

Risk Factors for Surgical Treatment of Endometrial Cancer Using Traditional and Laparoscopic Methods

Surgical treatment is the most important part of therapy for endometrial cancer. The aim of the study was to define factors having the most significant impact on surgical treatment of endometrial cancer when using traditional and laparoscopic methods. In the study, we evaluated 75 females who were treated for endometrial cancer via laparoscopic surgery in 2019 and used a historical control of 70 patients treated by laparotomy in 2011. The evaluated risk factors included the method of surgery, type of lymphadenectomy, patient's age, various obesity parameters, histological grading, cancer clinical staging, pelvic dimensions, previous abdominal surgeries, comorbidities, and number of deliveries. The duration of hospitalization, operation time, loss of hemoglobin, and procedure-related complications were used as parameters of perioperative outcomes. Multivariable linear regression analysis confirmed the following factors as being predictors of worse perioperative outcomes: laparotomy, abdominal obesity (waist circumstance and waist-to-hip ratio), range of lymphadenectomy, prior abdominal surgeries, and larger pelvic dimensions. Abdominal obesity is a significant risk factor in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Laparotomy continues to be utilized frequently in the management of endometrial cancer in Poland as well as elsewhere, and adopting a minimally invasive approach is likely to be beneficial for patient outcome.

Evaluation of the association between angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and the risk of endometrial cancer in and characteristics of Polish women

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of the female reproductive organs. A dysfunctional endometrial renin-angiotensin system (RAS) might contribute to the growth and spread of endometrial cancer. The RAS-related gene polymorphisms, including the polymorphism of insertion/deletion (I/D) in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene, influence RAS activity.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we examined the association between the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and endometrial cancer risk in Polish women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Genotype analysis of the ACE I/D polymorphism was carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 142 endometrial cancer type 1 patients and 68 cancer-free subjects. The results of the analyses were correlated with clinical data.

RESULTS

The frequency of DD, DI and II ACE genotypes did not vary significantly between the experimental group and the control group (40 (28%), 61 (43%) and 41 (29%) vs 18 (26%), 31 (46%), and 19 (28%), respectively; p = 0.935). In addition, the incidence of the DD, DI and II polymorphisms in the ACE gene did not vary significantly between the experimental subgroups when stratified by cancer grade - G1, G2 and G3 endometrioid carcinoma - and the control group. Furthermore, the ACE polymorphism was not significantly associated with hypertension, diabetes or lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACE I/D gene polymorphism was not associated with endometrial cancer risk or the clinicopathological features in Polish women.

The analysis of repeatability and reproducibility of bladder neck mobility measurements obtained during pelvic floor sonography performed introitally with 2D transvaginal probe

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was the evaluation of repeatability and reproducibility of chosen urethral neck mobility measurements obtained during introital pelvic floor sonography performed with a 2D transvaginal probe.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In order to assess the repeatability and reproducibility, independent measurements on the ultra-sound image were taken by two specialists on 92 female patients at rest and at strain (Valsalva maneuver). 2D ultrasound examination was performed introitally with a transvaginal probe (PFS-TV). The location of the urethral internal orifice was defined with coordinates of two points. Point CI marks the urethral anterior edge visualized on ultrasound as closer to the pubic symphysis. Point CII marks the posterior edge visualized more peripherally from pubic symphysis.

RESULTS

Repeatability and reproducibility measurements of point CI location and mobility were good and very good (0.6710-0.9961), while of point CII - were medium, good and very good (0.5738-0.9944). Point CI was clearly visible in all cases. It was not possible to accurately mark point CII in 4.3-17.4% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The possibility to visualize point CI in every single case with very good and good repeatability and reproduc-ibility of measurements of this point's location and mobility allows the usage of CI point as a universal reference point for evaluation of bladder neck mobility and position during PFS-TV in the clinical practice and for research purposes.

Psychological aspects of scoliosis surgery in children

Children in the scoliosis surgery ward rarely have the possibility of meeting a psychologist to get support in this difficult situation. As we know, not all children can manage their pain on their own and discharge anger born out of the situation in a constructive way. The purpose of the study is to estimate the strength of individual beliefs conditioning the management of pain (internally), the influence of staff on the management of pain (the influence of others) as well as accidental factors. Also, the objective is to estimate the level of internal and external expression of anger and to estimate the mood of a child before and after the surgery. 52 children between the age of 12.5-17 years old (35 girls and 17 boys) were examined with the Pain Control Beliefs questionnaire by Suzanne Skevington and the Expression of Anger Scale by Oginska. Children who believed their pain was an accidental occurrence reported their mood as being at its lowest, before and after the procedure. Their estimation of the pain experience was the highest. The group taking part in the examination (except for one person) showed a much higher internal expression of anger than that of external which could suggest that they cannot discharge their anger arising out of this difficult situation. It is recommended to expand this research on a bigger group of children and to include psychological support as a standard procedure before and after the surgery for spinal deformity in order to decrease the level of fear and to work with constructive anger discharge.

[Minutiae of skin ridges in Down's syndrome]

Minutiae of the epidermal ridges were examined in 16 children with Down's syndrome and 50 children without genetic and familial abnormalities. Minutiae in standard areas on the hand palms (according to Grzeszyk's concept) were examined. Comparative analysis confirmed by the statistical analysis showed significant differences in the incidence of particular minutiae types on the hand palms of children with Down's syndrome and control group.