Nucleolar organiser regions: new prognostic variable in breast carcinomas

Article Abstract:

Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are loops of DNA that are located in the nucleoli of cells and are associated with proteins in chromosomes 13 to 15, and 21 and 22. They are responsible for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription. Inasmuch as rRNA molecules are the principal site for protein synthesis, the number of NORs in each cell nucleus is an indicator of cellular activity. In silver-stained paraffin block tissue sections, NORs are readily detectable as black or brown dots (AgNOR). This technique for counting AgNORs was used to characterize the aggressiveness of breast tumors. Researchers examined 20 mastectomy tumor blocks, which represented different types of breast carcinomas. The tumors were subdivided into two groups: up to three lymph nodes involved; and those with metastatic involvement of four or more lymph nodes. Sections were made and stained; 100 nuclei were examined for AgNORs. The tissues representing minimal nodal involvement had two to three AgNORs per nucleus. These AgNORs appeared to be uniform, round and dense. The group characterized by greater nodal involvement had an average of about eight large and small, irregularly stained silver dots. In addition to other physical criteria, evidence of breast cancer metastasis to more than four nodes is usually associated with a lower five-year survival. The findings suggest that there is a relation between nodal involvement, metastasis, and the appearance and number of AgNORs per nucleus in cases of breast cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Cancer metastasis, Nucleolus organizer region

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Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in breast carcinoma

Article Abstract:

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a subset of the polypeptide growth factors which help to regulate normal cell growth and differentiation, is essential in the development of mouse mammary glands. In man, EGF has been shown to stimulate normal mammary epithelium and some cancer cell lines. Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) have been identified in normal human breast tissue and in breast cancers. Recent studies have suggested that the presence of EGFR in malignant breast tumors is associated with poor outcomes. In addition, a negative relation has been reported between EGFR and estrogen and progesterone receptor expression in breast cancer. Tumor size, lymph node stage, tumor type and histological grade are predictors of the prognosis of breast cancer. The relation between EGFR and these predictive factors was evaluated by examining 90 patients with primary operable breast cancer. Various surgical procedures were employed to treat the breast tumors, which were measured and stained with monoclonal antibody to EGFR. Estrogen and progesterone receptor content were also determined. Positive EGFR immunoreactivity was identified in 16 patients. An inverse relation was observed between EGFR presence and the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors. A strong relation between the expression of EGFR and a short disease-free interval was noted. No significant association was found between EGFR and tumor size, lymph node stage or histological grade. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Development and progression, Epidermal growth factor, Epidermal growth factors

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Lack of influence of intestinal transit on oxidative status in premenopausal women

Article Abstract:

Oxidative status in premenopausal women is unchanged by pharmacologically induced changes in intestinal transit rates, and dietary supplementation with senna, loperamide, or fiber-rich wheat bran. The whole gut transit time decreases insignificantly with wheat bran diet, decreases significantly with senna diet, and increases with loperamide. The cholesterol, triglyceride, and plasma lipid peroxides levels remain the same during all three dietary conditions.

Health aspects, Research, Analysis, Women, Oxidation, Physiological, Physiological oxidation, Menopause, Fiber in human nutrition, Dietary fiber

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