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Biomedical subjects

A Bianchi

Publications and source records attributed to A Bianchi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2025

Pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 and endocrine cancers: an up-to-date review through history, current insights and future perspectives.

Pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1 (PTTG1), discovered in 1997 by Pei and Melmed, takes part in cellular replication, cell cycle control, DNA repair mechanisms, organogenesis, metabolism regulation, cellular transformation, and senescence. Its biological actions include protein-protein interactions, modulation of gene transcription, and other than intracellular and autocrine mechanisms, even paracrine activities. For the reasons mentioned above, PTTG1 stands out as a multifaceted regulator of cancer biology; it is involved in genomic and chromosomal instability, local invasiveness, neo-lymphangiogenesis, and metastatic spreading. In solid neoplasms, endocrine neoplasms, although deemed rare, have experienced a significant increase in diagnostic incidence in recent years. Endocrine cancers are still a major challenge in healthcare and research since several questions remain unanswered, even though researchers have made considerable efforts to uncover their causes. Twenty-seven years have passed since PTTG1's discovery, and several works have been published. However, only the tip of the iceberg has been unveiled. Herein, we review current knowledge of PTTG1's action in endocrine cancers, such as pituitary, thyroid, testicular, adrenal, pancreatic, and ovarian.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

[Anaesthetic preoperative assessment of chronic medications and herbal medicine use: a multicenter survey].

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to quantify the use of chronic medication and herbal remedies in the presurgical population. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective multicenter survey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult patients presenting for anaesthesia were directly asked if they were currently using chronic medication or herbal remedies. RESULTS: Among 1057 patients (age 54+/-17 yrs, woman 54%, ASA 2 [1-4], 74%) were taking one or more chronic medication. The most commonly used treatments were, in descending order angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor blockers (15%), beta blockers (11%) and platelet inhibitors (10%). Also, 9% were taking one or more of the following herbal remedies known to interact with the perioperative period: valeriane, ginseng, ginkgo, St John's wort, echinacea and ephedra. Women and patients aged 40-70 yr were most likely to be taking a herbal product (p<0.001 and p<0.01 respectively). CONCLUSION: Chronic medication and herbal remedies are common in patients presenting for anaesthesia. Because of the potential interactions between anaesthetic drugs or techniques and such medication it is important for anaesthetists to be aware of their use.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2006

Agonists of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPAR) alpha, beta/delta or gamma reduce transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-induced proteoglycans' production in chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potency of selective agonists of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors' (PPAR) isotypes (alpha, beta/delta or gamma) to modulate the stimulating effect of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) on proteoglycans' (PGs) synthesis in chondrocytes. METHOD: Rat chondrocytes embedded in alginate beads and cultured under low serum conditions were exposed to TGF-beta1 (10 ng/ml), alone or in combination with the following agonists: Wy14643 for PPARalpha, GW501516 for PPARbeta/delta, rosiglitazone (ROSI) for PPARgamma, in the presence or absence of PPAR antagonists (GW6471 for PPARalpha, GW9662 for PPARgamma). PGs' synthesis was evaluated by radiolabelled sulphate incorporation and glycosaminoglycans' (GAGs) content by Alcian blue staining of beads and colorimetric 1.9 dimethyl-methylene blue assay after beads' solubilization. Phosphorylation of Extracellular Signal-related Kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), Smad2/3 and p38-MAPK was assessed by Western Blot and production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by Enzyme immuno-assay (EIA). Levels of mRNA for PPAR target genes [acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) for PPARalpha; mitochondrial carnitin palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) for PPARbeta/delta and adiponectin for PPARgamma], aggrecan, TGF-beta1 and genes controlling GAGs' side chains' synthesis were quantified by real time polymerase chain reaction and normalized over RP29 housekeeping gene. RESULTS: ACO was selectively up-regulated by 100 microM of Wy14643, CPT-1 by 100 nM of GW501516 and adiponectin by 10 microM of ROSI without cell toxicity. TGF-beta1 increased PGs' synthesis by four-fold, GAGs' content and deposition by 3.5-fold and six-fold, respectively, while inducing aggrecan expression around 10-fold without modifying mRNA levels of GAGs' controlling enzymes. PPAR agonists inhibited the stimulating effect of TGF-beta1 by 24-44% on PGs' synthesis and over 75% on aggrecan, GAGs' content and deposition with the following rank order of potency: ROSI>GW501516> or =Wy14643. TGF-beta1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 was reduced by ROSI over GW501516 but not by Wy14643 whereas stimulated PGE2 production was inhibited by Wy14643 over GW501516 but not by ROSI. The effect of PPAR agonists on PPAR target genes and TGF-beta1-induced aggrecan expression was reversed selectively by PPAR antagonists. CONCLUSION: In chondrocytes' beads, PPAR agonists reduced the stimulating effect of TGF-beta1 on PGs by inhibiting TGF-beta1-induced aggrecan expression in an isotype-selective manner. Thus, PPAR agonists could be deleterious in situation of cartilage repair although being protective in situation of cartilage degradation.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Hypopituitarism findings in patients with primary brain tumors 1 year after neurosurgical treatment: preliminary report.

Hypopituitarism represents the consequence of many conditions, in both the adult and child population. It may occur after neurosurgical treatment of brain tumors arising near sella turcica. Much more attention has been focused on lesions far from the hypothalamic-pituitary region as possible causes of pituitary impairment, validating the concept of the particular fragility of these structures. The aim of this study was to evaluate pituitary function in particular GH deficiency (GHD) in patients submitted to neurosurgery for benign tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) not involving hypothalamic-pituitary region. We observed 37 patients with benign brain tumors [13 males, 24 females, age: 54.6+/-13.9 yr; body mass index (BMI): 25.1+/-4.0 kg/m2] performing a basic evaluation of the pituitary function and a dynamic test of the GH/IGF-I axis [GHRH (1 microg/kg iv)+arginine (0.5 g/kg iv) test] for 3 and 12 months after the neurosurgical treatment. Some degree of hypopituitarism was shown in 16 patients (43.2%) at the 3-months follow-up. Hypogonadism was present in 4 patients, hypoadrenalism in another 4 and hypothyroidism in 2. Two patients showed mild hyperprolactinemia and no patients had diabetes insipidus. Seven patients (18.9%) were GH deficient (peak GH <16.5 microg/dl). At 12 months retesting, some degree of hypopituitarism was confirmed in 8 patients, hypogonadism in 2 and hypothyroidism in one; no patients showed hypoadrenalism and GHD was present in 5. This data suggests that hypopituitarism of various degree may develop in patients who are submitted to neurosurgery for primary brain tumors, even far from hypothalamic-pituitary region.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

"Total Gastric Dissociation (TGD)" in difficult clinical situations.

BACKGROUND: Since the first report by Bianchi in 1997, TOGD has been found to be safe and effective in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) with neurological impairment. This paper explores the versatility of total gastric dissociation (TGD) in difficult clinical situations. METHODS: The medical records of 11 neurologically normal children treated with TGD and gastrostomy after failure of conventional procedures between 1999 and 2004 were reviewed with respect to demographic data, initial diagnosis, previous operations, postoperative complications, feeding pattern, and follow-up. RESULTS: There were 7 males and 4 females. The mean age at operation was 52.7 months (24 to 72 m). The indications were severe colo-oesophageal reflux in 3; 1 post-fundoplication necrotic stomach; 1 gastric remnant after subtotal gastrectomy for bleeding; 1 microgastria; 2 with severe oesophageal obstruction following repeated failed repair of congenital stenosis of the oesophagus and after fundoplication; 1 congenital short oesophagus with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia; and 2 with severe dysfunctional oesophagus following repair of congenital tracheo-oesophageal cleft. Full oral or gastrostomy feeding was established by the 5th postoperative day. The average follow-up was 47.2 months (24-72 months). There were 4 late deaths in the group: 2 with respiratory failure, 1 with sepsis secondary to peritonitis (small bowel herniation into the thorax) and 1 with pneumococcal infection. Seven patients are alive and thriving with markedly reduced episodes of chest infections and hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: In this study TGD presented with no peri-operative morbidity and mortality and had good long-term results. The procedure offers a safe alternative for neurologically normal children after the failure of conventional surgical procedures.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y↗
PubMed2006

Subcellular shift of the hepatic growth hormone receptor with progression of hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver disease.

AIMS: To evaluate the cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of hepatic growth hormone receptor (GHR) in different stages (S0, S1, S3 and S4, according to Knodell's classification) of chronic liver disease (CLD) and in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS AND RESULTS: Liver specimens from 31 patients with hepatitis C virus-related CLD, five patients with HCC and nine controls were examined for expression of hepatic GHR by immunohistochemistry with MAb 263. Cytoplasmic and nuclear staining were evaluated as a percentage of positively stained cells. The cytoplasmic expression of GHR was comparable between normal liver and S0 hepatitis, while it progressively decreased in S1, S3 and S4 CLD (P < 0.01). Conversely, nuclear GHR showed increased expression in S3 and S4 CLD (P < 0.05). No differences were observed between HCC and normal liver in terms of GHR immunoreactivity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that the subcellular expression of hepatic GHR changes with the progression of CLD. The increase in nuclear expression of GHR with advanced stages of CLD suggests that GH may act directly at the nuclear level to promote hepatocyte proliferation/regeneration.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of Milan University Dental Students' knowledge of health and hygiene risks related to clinical work.

AIM: Several different subjects in the Degree Course in Dentistry and Prosthodontics, including Hygiene, are of fundamental importance to understand and prevent hygiene/ health risks in the dental field. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the knowledge acquired by students during the Degree Course in Dentistry. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to 121 students of the Degree Course in Dentistry and Prosthodontics at Milan University; the questionnaire, drawn up by the Working Group SItI ''Hygiene in Dentistry'' was structured in 3 parts: personal data; transmission of infectious diseases in dentistry; measures to control and prevent cross-infection. RESULTS: The students were all aware of the health/hygiene risks in dentistry; they knew the principal transmissible infectious diseases (while confusing actual risk of transmission with disease's fears) and the procedures at highest risk of cross-infection for patients and dental professionals; they correctly determined the highest-risk categories of patients and the individual protection devices to be used in dental practice. However, they knew little about their own vaccination status; a low percentage of students answered correctly on which environmental matrices can be contaminated or the more technical questions on disinfection and sterilisation procedures for the instruments employed. CONCLUSIONS: The students' replies show they possess a fair theoretical knowledge of transmission risks; however, some gaps exist above all in the practical application of this knowledge, and it appears clear that these should be addressed in detail, possibly with the help of a specific tutor providing support during normal clinical work in the last year of the course.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed2006

Second generation ultrasonographic contrast agents in the diagnosis of neoplastic thyroid nodules.

To verify whether the use of second generation ultrasonographic contrast agents leads to an improvement in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules, twenty patients, eligible for uninodular goiter surgery were studied. All patients previously underwent complete hormonal profile, bidimensional thyroid ultrasonographic, Colour Doppler evaluation and 99 mTc scintiscan. All nodules were as well evaluated before and after sulphur-hexafluoride administration. Wash-in time, contrast agent intra-nodular flow and wash-out time were evaluated. These data were compared with the cytology and histology findings. On the basis of the histological examination we divided our study population in 2 groups: in the group of neoplastic lesions (4 follicular adenomas and 6 carcinomas) an early wash-in was observed, with an homogeneous peripheral pattern enhancement, a rapid centripetal progression and an extended persistence of the contrast agent inside the nodule. In 6 out of 10 cases of thyroid neoplasia a fast wash-out was observed. In the group of benign lesions, in the patients affected by nodular goiter, an intra-nodular perfusion as opposite to the healthy surrounding parenchyma was observed. Even though ultrasound contrast agent technique has a limited invasivity and is more expensive than Fine Niddle Aspiration (FNA), the preliminary data of this pilot study suggest that this method might prove useful, to differentiate benign from malignant thyroid nodules.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2005

Clinically significant gastro-oesophageal reflux following oesophageal flap repair for oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula.

Clinically significant gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) following oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA/TOF) repair is commonly considered normal sequela after repair. A retrospective review of patients operated on by two consultants was undertaken. All patients underwent oesophageal tailoring and augmentation for reconstruction of their oesophagus. The presence of clinically significant GOR was confirmed by contrast swallows, 24 hour pH study and endoscopy. Clinically significant GOR occurred in 7 (13%) of the 54 patients operated for OA and TOF. Two patients responded to non-surgical management. Four children (one with extensive tracheo-bronchomalacia and one with CHARGE association) had anti-reflux surgery (three Nissen and one Thal). We believe that oesophageal tailoring and augmentation for reconstruction of the oesophagus has the advantage of creating a more uniform oesophagus thus avoiding swallowing difficulty, bolus obstruction and the need of oesophageal dilatations too often accepted as integral to the problem following OA repair.

Esophageal Atresia↗
PubMed2005

Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity.

Essential oils extracted from different plants (Anthemis nobilis L., Artemisia dracunculus L., Cannabis sativa L., Cupressus sempervirens L., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf., Curcuma longa L., Foeniculum vulgare L., Hypericum perforatum L., Hyssopus officinalis L., Mentha spicata L., Monarda didyma L., Ocimum basilicum L., Ocotea quixos Kosterm., Origanum vulgare L., Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold, Pinus silvestris L., Piper crassinervium Kunth., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L., Salvia sclarea L., Santolina chamaecyparissus L., Thymus vulgaris L., Zingiber officinaie L.) were screened in guinea pig and rat plasma in order to assess antiplatelet activity and inhibition of clot retraction. The oils were chemically analysed and a relationship between components and ability to affect hemostasis was evidenced. O. quixos, F. vulgaris, and A. dracunculus showed the highest antiplatelet activity against ADP, Arachidonic Acid and the Thromboxane A2 agonist U46619 (IC50, 4-132 microg ml(-1)), and a good ability to destabilize clot retraction (IC50, 19-180 microg ml(-1)). For these oils a significant correlation between antiplatelet potency and phenylpropanoids content (54-86%) was evidenced thus suggesting a key role for this moiety in the prevention of clot formation. These findings provide the rationale to take in account the antiplatelet activity in the pharmacological screening of natural products containing phenylpropanoids.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Coenzyme Q10 evaluation in pituitary-adrenal axis disease: preliminary data.

In previous works we have demonstrated plasma CoQ10 alterations in pituitary diseases, such as acromegaly or secondary hypothyroidism. However, pituitary lesions can induce complex clinical pictures due to alterations of different endocrine axes controlled by pituitary itself. A further rationale for studying CoQ10 in pituitary-adrenal diseases is related to the common biosynthetic pathway of cholesterol and ubiquinone. We have therefore assayed plasma CoQ10 levels in different conditions with increased or defective activity of pituitary-adrenal axis (3 subjects with ACTH-dependent adrenal hyperplasia, 2 cases of Cushing's disease and 1 case of 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency; 10 subjects with secondary hypoadrenalism, including three subjects with also secondary hypothyroidism). CoQ10 levels were significantly lower in isolated hypoadrenalism than in patients with adrenal hyperplasia and multiple pituitary deficiencies (mean +/- SEM: 0.57 +/- 0.04 vs 1.08 +/- 0.08 and 1.10 +/- 0.11 microg/ml, respectively); when corrected for cholesterol levels, the same trend was observed, but did not reach statistical significance. These preliminary data indicate that secretion of adrenal hormones is in some way related to CoQ10 levels, both in augmented and reduced conditions. However, since thyroid hormones have an important role in modulating CoQ10 levels and metabolism, when coexistent, thyroid deficiency seems to play a prevalent role in comparison with adrenal deficiency.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗
PubMed2005

Characteristics of adult patients with growth hormone deficiency who underwent neurosurgery for functioning and non-functioning pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of GH deficiency (GHD) in adult patients after neurosurgery for pituitary adenomas and craniopharingiomas. One hundred and one GHD patients, (42 F/59 M), aged 47.58+/-14.4 yr (mean+/-SD; range 21-78), body mass index (BMI) 28.6+/-0.6, with a history of adult-onset hypothalamic-pituitary disease, were recruited for the study. The whole group included: 45 non-functioning pituitary adenomas, 23 craniopharyngiomas, 16 PRLomas, 8 GHomas, 7 ACTHomas and 2 FSHomas; in particular 51 were macroadenomas and 27 microadenomas. At study entry, GHD diagnosis was carried out by assessing GH secretion after GHRH+arginine. All patients were submitted to the study at least 12 months after neurosurgery and, where needed, subjects were replaced with an appropriate treatment. GHD was mild in 3/101 (3%) and severe in 98/101 patients (97%). Other hormone deficiencies associated with GHD were considered: TSH, ACTH, FSH/LH, ADH. The distribution of peak GH among all patients, according to the type of disease before neurosurgery, showed that patients with Cushing disease were characterized by the presence of higher peak GH. According to the number of additional hormone deficits, the distribution of peak GH among all patients was as follows: GHD was isolated in 4/101 subjects (4%; group A), while it was associated with 1 (14/101, 14%; group B), 2 (22/101, 22%; group C), 3 (44/101, 43%; group D) and 4 hormone deficits (17/101, 16%; group E). GHD was severe in all patients in the panhypopituitaric group. Total IGF-I plasma levels in the whole group of GHD patients were 95.2+/-4.2 microg/l. In all groups of patients IGF-I was lower in subjects with severe GHD than in those with mild GHD (93.6+/-4.1 vs 148.6+/-33.6 microg/l, p<0.03). In particular, according to the type of disease presented before neurosurgery, patients with Cushing disease were characterized by the presence of higher IGF-I plasma levels compared to the other. According to the number of additional deficits, the distribution of IGF-I plasma levels was characterized by higher values when GHD was isolated than when it was associated with multiple hormone deficiencies. IGF-I plasma levels were positively associated to peak GH during GHRH+arginine (r=0.4, p<0.0005). We conclude that patients after neurosurgery approach for sellar and parasellar neoplasia, within an appropriate clinical context, and both the presence of additional pituitary hormone deficiency and low levels of IGF-I can be considered a clear GHD condition, and therefore do not require provocative tests evaluating GH secretion.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2005

[Is leptin the missing link between osteoarthritis and obesity?].

The contribution of leptin, as a possible link between osteoarthritis (OA) and obesity, was studied in cartilage and synovial fluid samples obtained from osteoarthritic patients. Its effect on cartilage was evaluated in rats after intraarticular injections of leptin. Leptin levels were measured in the synovial fluid samples by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; leptin concentrations were correlated with the body mass index. Leptin was strongly expressed in osteophytes and OA cartilage, while, in normal cartilage, few chondrocytes produced leptin. The level of leptin expression was related to the grade of cartilage destruction and was in good relation with those of growth factors as IGF1 and TGFb. Studies in rats showed that intraarticular leptin injection stimulated anabolic functions of chondrocytes and induced the synthesis of leptin, IGF1 and TGFB in cartilage at both the chondrocytes and induced the synthesis of leptin, IGF1 and TGFB in cartilage at both the mRNA and protein levels. In conclusion, leptin may be a link between osteoarthritis and obesity, and may play a key role in cartilage metabolism. Leptin may contribute to the pathophysiology of OA.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Comparative chemical composition and variability of biological activity of methanolic extracts from Hypericum perforatum L.

The biovariability of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort) grown wild in Calabria and Sardinia (Italy) was reported with the aim to characterize the species through the isolation, detection, and quantitative evaluations of chemical markers (hypericin, quercetin, rutin) by HPLC analysis. Antioxidant activity of the methanolic H. perforatum extracts showed that the Calabrian samples were more active than those from Sardinia. The antibacterial activity evidenced the best performance on the gram positive bacteria with a MIC value of 50 microg/mL. Moreover, antifungal activity of all the extracts was also tested which showed interesting results particularly on the phytopathogene fungus P. ultimum. The variability shown by the samples could be attributed to environmental factors such as chemical-physical properties, composition of the soil, geographical coordinate, altitude, and solar exposure. The phytochemical analysis and the biological activity data suggested a possible use of H. perforatum extracts in the alimentary, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical fields.

Anthracenes↗
PubMed2005

Influence of environmental factors on composition of volatile constituents and biological activity of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) Don (Asteraceae).

The biovariability of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) Don grown wild in Calabria and Sardinia (Italy) was reported. This species has been characterized through the detection, isolation and quantitative evaluation of chemical markers (alpha-terpinolene, trans-cariophyllene and neryl acetate) by GC and GC-MS. Antioxidant activity of the methanolic H. italicum extracts using DPPH and beta-carotene bleaching test showed that the Calabrian samples were more active than those from Sardinia. The antibacterial activity of all extracts evidenced the best performance on the Gram positive bacteria particularly on Micrococcus luteus. Moreover, antifungal activity of all extracts was also tested evidencing important results particularly on the phytopathogene fungus Pythium ultimum. In general, as regards the antifungal activity, the extracts from Sardinia were more active than those from Calabria. The phytochemical analysis and the biological activity data suggested a possible use of these plant matrices in alimentary, cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Genetic analysis of the 2q33 region containing CD28-CTLA4-ICOS genes: association with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

There is strong evidence that altered immunological function entails an increased risk of lymphoma, although the current knowledge of aetiological factors for lymphomas is limited. The CTLA4 gene encodes a receptor that provides a negative signal to the T-cell once an immune response is initiated and completed. We analysed the 2q33 chromosomal region harbouring CD28, CTLA4 and ICOS genes, which are closely linked and have related functions in immune regulation, for association in 100 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients and in 128 healthy controls; both groups originated from Sardinia. There was a strong association of the CTLA4 49A and the 3'-untranslated region (AT)(82) alleles with NHL [odds ratio (OR) = 2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-3.2, and OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.4 respectively]. CTLA4-318C:49A:(AT)(82) was the most represented haplotype in the studied population and was associated with NHL (P = 0.0029, OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.2-2.5). Strong linkage disequilibrium was detected between CD28, CTLA4 and ICOS and a 'common' haplotype was found very frequently among NHLs. However, no independent association between CD28, ICOS, D2S72 markers and NHL was observed. Our findings enable CTLA4 from adjacent functionally related genes as the true causative risk gene for NHL susceptibility at least in Sardinian patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

COX-2 expression in DCIS: correlation with VEGF, HER-2/neu, prognostic molecular markers and clinicopathological features.

AIMS: There is considerable evidence that links COX-2 to the development of cancer. The aim of our study was to assess, by immunohistochemistry, COX-2 expression in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and its possible correlation with HER-2/neu, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and other common immunohistochemical parameters (p53, ER, PGR, Ki67). METHODS AND RESULTS: Tissue samples of 49 archival cases of DCIS without any invasive component were analysed for COX-2, HER-2/neu, VEGF, oestrogen and progesterone receptors, Ki67 and p53 by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies. COX-2 expression was detected in 43 (87.8%) tissue samples, of which 12 (24.5%) were graded as weak, 22 (44.9%) as moderate and nine (8.4%) as high expression. Only six (12.2%) lesions were negative for COX-2 expression. VEGF expression was detected in 93.8% of samples; 66.7% of lesions were found to be positive for HER-2/neu expression. Furthermore, COX-2 expression was significantly correlated with VEGF expression (P = 0.003). A significant positive correlation was also observed between COX-2 and HER-2/neu expression (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that COX-2 is highly expressed in DCIS and takes part in the molecular pathway implicated in progression of breast cancer and may provide a rationale for targeting COX-2 in preinvasive breast cancer therapy.

Adult↗