Ismail Hasirci

The relationship among acute-phase response proteins, cytokines and hormones in cachectic patients with colon cancer.

BackgraundAcute-phase response proteins (APRP), cytokines and hormones have been claimed to be an independent prognostic factor of malignancies, however the basis for their association with prognosis remains unexplained. We suggest that in colon malignancies, as similar to pancreatic and lung cancers, changes in APRP are associated with angiogenesis.MethodsC-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, midkine, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin serum levels are studied in 126 colon cancer patients and 36 healthy subjects.ResultsWe found statistically significant difference and correlations between two groups. We found significantly higher serum CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, VEGF-A, VEGF-C and leptin concentrations in patients relative to controls (p < 0.001). We found lower levels of the serum albumin, midkine, adiponectin and ghrelin in patients compared to control subjects (p < 0.001).ConclusionsCachexia in patients with colon cancers is associated with changes in APRP, cytokines and hormone concentrations. These biomarkers and cachexia together have a direct relationship with accelerated angiogenesis. This may lead to a connection between the outcomes in malignancies and the biomarkers.

Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 in gastric cancer

AIMnTo evaluate the levels of preoperative serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in gastric cancer.nnnMETHODSnOne hundred gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. The serum concentrations of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in these patients and in fifty healthy controls were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.nnnRESULTSnHigher serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were observed in patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were positively associated with morphological appearance, tumor size, depth of wall invasion, lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, perineural invasion, and pathological stage. They were not significantly associated with age, gender, tumor location, or histological type.nnnCONCLUSIONnIncreased MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were associated with gastric cancer. Although these markers are not good markers for diagnosis, these markers show in advanced gastric cancer.

Small Bowel Obstruction due to Mesodiverticular Band of Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report

Meckels diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. Common complications related to a Meckels diverticulum include haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, and inflammation. Small bowel obstruction due to mesodiverticular band of Meckels diverticulum is a rare complication. Herein, we report the diagnosis and management of a small bowel obstruction occurring due to mesodiverticular band of a Meckels diverticulum.

Preoperative Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels as a Prognostic Marker for Stage II or III Colorectal Cancer Patients

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can provide prognostic information independent of carcinoembryonic antigen levels in patients undergoing curative surgery. nMethods: Serum samples were collected from 158 patients with colorectal cancer and from 100 controls. Serum and tissue levels of VEGF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum VEGF levels in colorectal cancer patients were compared with those in healthy controls, and we retrospectively assessed the association between serum VEGF levels and clinicopathologic findings and survival. nResults: VEGF expression was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissue compared with nontumor tissue. Mean serum VEGF levels in patients were significantly higher than those in controls, and significantly higher in patients with large tumors, lymph node involvement, and distant metastases. nConclusion: Elevated serum VEGF was significantly associated with poor survival, but was only an independent risk factor for poor survival in Stage II and/or III disease. Elevated serum VEGF is significantly associated with development of colorectal cancer, and lymph or distant invasive phenotypes and survival, especially in Stage II and III patients.

Serum YKL-40 Levels in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Aims and background: YKL-40 is a glycoprotein secreted by macrophages, neutrophils and malignant tumor cells. YKL-40 is expressed and secreted by several types of tumors. The aim of this study examined the clinical usefulness of YKL-40 for detection in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Using ELISA kits, we measured the concentration of YKL-40 in serum from 100 patients with ESCC and compared this concentration with healthy population. Results: We found significantly higher serum levels of YKL-40 in patients with ESCC compared to the healthy population (P , 0.0001). Conclusions: These results suggested that regarding serum YKL-40 as a tumor marker could be benefical in the early clinical diagnosis.