Christos Golias

Cell proliferation and cell cycle control: a mini review.

Tumourigenesis is the result of cell cycle disorganisation, leading to an uncontrolled cellular proliferation. Specific cellular processes‐mechanisms that control cell cycle progression and checkpoint traversation through the intermitotic phases are deregulated. Normally, these events are highly conserved due to the existence of conservatory mechanisms and molecules such as cell cycle genes and their products: cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases (Cdks), Cdk inhibitors (CKI) and extra cellular factors (i.e. growth factors). Revolutionary techniques using laser cytometry and commercial software are available to quantify and evaluate cell cycle processes and cellular growth. S‐phase fraction measurements, including ploidy values, using histograms and estimation of indices such as the mitotic index and tumour‐doubling time indices, provide adequate information to the clinician to evaluate tumour aggressiveness, prognosis and the strategies for radiotherapy and chemotherapy in experimental researches.

Primary localized laryngeal amyloidosis presenting with hoarseness and dysphagia: a case report

IntroductionPrimary localized laryngeal amyloidosis is an extremely rare condition. It usually presents with hoarseness, pain and/or difficulty in breathing.Case presentationWe present the case of a 23-year-old woman with primary localized laryngeal amyloidosis who presented with hoarseness and dysphagia.ConclusionA search of PubMed shows that dysphagia in patients with laryngeal amyloidosis has been reported only once, although this symptom is relatively common in other conditions presenting with laryngeal mass. There were no signs of any systemic disease in our patient and diagnosis was established histopathologically. She was treated surgically by microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia and the mass was excised using a CO2 laser technology method.

CEA levels in serum and BAL in patients suffering from lung cancer: correlation with individuals presenting benign lung lesions and healthy volunteers.

BackgroundCarcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker belonging to the immunoglobulin gene superfamily of adhesion molecules. CEA is synthesized by epithelial and tumor cells. In this study, CEA levels in sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) were measured in patients with malignant lung cancer and benign lung diseases.MethodsIn the present study CEA was measured in serum using IRMA methods and in bronchoalveolar lavage of individuals undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Fifty patients with lung cancer (G1), 20 patients with benign lung lesions (G2), and a control group consisted of 20 individuals (G3) were enrolled in the study.ResultsWe found that serum CEA levels were significantly higher in G1 compared to G2 and G3 (p < 0.01). No significant difference in serum CEA levels was found between smokers and nonsmokers in any of the three groups studied. CEA was significantly higher in G1 BAL (p < 0.05) compared to G2 and G3 BAL. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was found in CEA levels in BAL between smokers and nonsmokers of G2.ConclusionsCEA levels in BAL of normal individuals may be influenced by smoking and other factors that affect lung epithelial cell function. Thus, CEA measurement in BAL alone has little value in the diagnosis of malignancy. BAL CEA levels in smokers of G2 are found significantly higher compared with nonsmokers of the same group and healthy individuals. Smokers of G2 have to be followed up carefully for the possibility of lung cancer growth.

Low selenium levels in serum and increased concentration in neoplastic tissues in patients with colorectal cancer: Correlation with serum carcinoembryonic antigen

There is growing evidence to show that administration of selenium (Se) is associated with a substantial reduction in the incidence and mortality of various cancer types such as skin, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as in sarcomas in both animals and humans [1,2]. Epidemiological studies have shown a reduced risk for the same neoplasms for people living in geographic areas with comparatively high soil Se levels. Similarly, epidemiological and experimental studies suggest an inverse relationship between intake of dietary Se and/or a low-fat intake and CRC risk [3]. CRC is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Approximately 95% of cases are sporadic. Early detection and prevention are the two most important considerations facing CRC. Low Se intake and plasma levels have been implicated in the multistep process of colorectal carcinogenesis. However, their relationship remains elusive and intriguing [3 /5]. There are studies suggesting that selenium supplementation decreases the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and PGE-2 levels in cancer cells and increases the efficacy of cetuximab in patients with advanced CRC [6 /8]. Material and methods

Parathormone and 1,25(OH)2D3 but not 25(OH)D3 serum levels, in an inverse correlation, reveal an association with advanced stages of colorectal cancer

Experimental, epidemiologic, and clinical trial data indicate the antineoplastic effects of calcium and vitamin D in large-bowel neoplasia. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and parathormone (PTH) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and to extract conclusions comparing their different levels in serum with healthy individuals. Group 1 (cancer patients) was consisted of 140 patients with CRC with clinical stages Duke’s A: 12, B: 52, C: 62, and D: 14. Serum levels of 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, and PTH were determined in all patients. The findings are: (a) No significant difference was found in the serum levels of 25(OH)D3 in each Duke’s clinical stage in cancer patients, (b) serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels decreased with advanced cancer stages, and (c) serum levels of PTH showed a corresponding increase. Low serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 on one hand and increased levels of PTH in patients with CRC on the other might be strongly related to the carcinogenetic process.

Giant simple renal cyst complicated with hypertension.

Solitary renal cysts are a common and usually asymptomatic occurrence in older patients. They may be associated with hypertension or abdominal disturbances, as they can be responsible for compression of surrounding tissues and distortion of renal vessels. This report presents an interesting case of a hypertensive patient with a solitary renal cyst of a marked size. Owing to the high risk of performing a surgical procedure in such a patient, a distinct therapeutic solution was opted for. Successful management of this case was achieved by a combination of percutaneous fluid aspiration and injection of alcohol and Vibramycin inside the cystic cavity. Percutaneous fluid evacuation combined with the administration of a sclerosing agent is suggested as a safe and effective alternative for cyst decompression and blood pressure normalisation.

Pulmonary miliary tuberculosis complicated with tuberculous spondylitis; an extraordinary rare association: a case report

In the last decade a significant rise in the prevalence of tuberculosis as well as in its extrapulmonary manifestations is detected worldwide. The central nervous system, the genitourinary tract, the organs of the abdomen and the skeletal system, are common sites of infection. Misdiagnosis and delay in treatment are common events. Herein, we present a case of a 78-year-old man non-smoker, with miliary tuberculosis complicated with tuberculous spondylitis. The patient presented with anemia and a left shoulder pain, accompanied by rigor and fever 37.5°C-38°C of one month duration. This entity is extremely rare, since only two similar cases have been reported in the English literature according to PubMed search.

Bilateral pulmonary nodules in an adult patient with bronchiolitis obliterans-organising pneumonia

A 58-year-old male ex-smoker was admitted to hospital because of nodular infiltrates on chest x rays. He was complaining of fatigue, dyspnoea with exertion, low grade fever and weight loss. Physical examination was unremarkable. Bronchoscopy was inconclusive but revealed endobronchial lesions of chronic active inflammation. The diagnosis of cryptogenic organising pneumonitis bronchiolitis obliterans-organising pneumonia (COP-BOOP) was established by open lung biopsy. Proliferative bronchiolitis with regions of organising pneumonia is the characteristic feature of COP. The radiological picture of bilateral pulmonary nodules is an infrequent manifestation of COP. Lung biopsy, open or with video assistance thoracic surgery, is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.