Estrogen receptors in the external anal sphincter

Article Abstract:

In women over the age of 50, the anal sphincter (composed of an internal and external contractile muscle group) becomes less competent, creating a risk of anal incontinence. This could be a result of declining levels of estrogen, a female hormone. For estrogen to exert an effect on muscle, however, receptors (proteins to which estrogen binds) for that hormone must be present. This was evaluated in biopsy specimens of external anal sphincter muscles from seven men and seven women (six of whom were postmenopausal) who underwent surgery for malignancies (13 patients) or inflammatory disease (one patient). Biopsy specimens of another muscle (the rectus muscle) from 16 other patients (five men, six premenopausal women, and five postmenopausal women) were also examined for comparative purposes. Results showed that the estrogen receptor content of external anal sphincter muscle from females was higher than that from males, while no sex differences in estrogen receptor content were seen for rectus muscle. Moreover, the estrogen receptor level was higher in the external anal sphincter than in the rectus muscle for females; estrogen levels were similar in both types of muscle for males. Although rare, anal incontinence is troublesome. It usually follows trauma, surgery, or tearing during childbirth, but, in some cases, cannot be traced to any one cause. The predominance of the condition among postmenopausal women indicates that estrogens could play a role in muscle contractility. Further studies are in progress to address this issue. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Estrogen, Estrogens, Fecal incontinence, Anus

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Anal submucosal injection: A new route for drug administration in pelvic malignancies

Article Abstract:

The prognosis for patients with advanced cancer of the cervix treated by surgical removal of diseased tissue may improve when surgery is combined with chemotherapy. This combination therapy may be enhanced with improved drug administration routes. Methotrexate, the preferred chemotherapeutic agent used in treating advanced cervical cancer, was given to seven patients over three weeks, by anal submucosal (area below the mucous membrane) injection. Adequate blood levels of the drug were found, without the side effects normally experienced with the higher doses needed for intravenous administration. Only four patients had a relapse of the disease after one course, which was controlled following further administration. High drug concentrations found in the diseased tissue as opposed to the blood were responsible for the low toxicity and improved effectiveness.

Evaluation, Drugs, Antineoplastic agents, Dosage and administration, Chemotherapy, Methotrexate, Drug administration and dosage

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Other primary malignancies in patients with uterine corpus malignancy

Article Abstract:

A study is undertaken to examine the occurrence of multiple primary malignancies in patients with uterine corpus malignancy. The conclusion sates that the development of multiple primary malignancies in patients with uterine corpus malignancy may indicate an inherited predeposition, especially in those patients while multiple primary malignancies include the ovary or colon.

Science & research, Research, Analysis, Ovaries, Malignant lymphomas

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