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Biomedical subjects

Barbara Mroczko

Publications and source records attributed to Barbara Mroczko.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The diagnostic value of G-CSF measurement in the sera of colorectal cancer and adenoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) regulates the growth of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Cancer cells, including colorectal cancer, can produce this cytokine. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of measurement of G-CSF and classic tumor markers--carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in the sera of colorectal cancer with adenoma patients and to determine its usefulness in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and polyps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The serum levels of G-CSF and tumor markers were assayed in 76 colorectal cancer, 35 colorectal adenoma patients and in 65 healthy subjects. We defined the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and areas under ROC curves for the measurands. RESULTS: Median values of G-CSF and tumor markers were significantly higher in colorectal cancer patients than those in healthy subjects. There were significant differences in the serum levels of G-CSF between adenoma patients and healthy subjects. The concentrations of tumor markers in colorectal cancer patients were higher than those in polyps. Combined use of G-CSF with CEA improved their diagnostic sensitivity in colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of G-CSF might be useful in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer patients, but not in the differentiation between colorectal cancer and polyps.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2006

Pretreatment serum levels of hematopoietic cytokines in patients with colorectal adenomas and cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hematopoietic cytokines (HCs) regulate the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells, and it was proved that HCs can promote cancer growth. The aim of this study is to determine whether HCs might be useful in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the serum levels of stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin 3 (IL-3), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in 97 colorectal cancer patients with those in 35 patients with colorectal adenomas and 65 healthy subjects (control group). Additionally, we investigated commonly accepted tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9). HCs were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CEA and CA 19-9 were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Serum levels of GM-CSF, M-CSF, and tumor markers were significantly higher in cancer patients as compared to the control group and adenomas patients. Of these, hematopoietic cytokines were found elevated in the higher proportion of patients than CEA and CA 19-9. The sensitivity of SCF was higher than the sensitivity of other cytokines, but diagnostic specificity and predictive value were highest for M-CSF. Moreover, the M-CSF area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was larger than the areas of other cytokines. The highest values of diagnostic parameters were observed for the combined use of M-CSF with CEA. CONCLUSION: The obtained data support the M-CSF usefulness as a tumor marker for colorectal cancer, especially in combination with CEA.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2006

[Usefulness of detecting cancer procoagulant activity and thyrotropic hormone concentration in the differentiation of tumor-like changes in the thyroid].

Epidemiological studies have shown the increased incidence of malignant cancer of the thyroid gland observed in the last decade. This increase is connected with the elevated number of benign tumor-like/tuberous changes in the thyroid gland. Since it is difficult to differentiate diagnostically this pathology, it would be justified to search for biochemical markers which can help to confirm this change. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of detecting cancer procoagulant activity (CP) and thyrotropic hormone concentration (TSH) in the differentiation of tumor-like changes in the thyroid gland. The study included 15 patients (12 women and 3 men) with adenoma glandulae thyreoideae or nodular changes in the character of struma nodosa hyperplastica and 12 patients (11 women and 1 man) with carcinoma glandulae thyreoideae. A control group consisted of 12 healthy people (5 women and 7 men). CP activity was determined in the serum by the coagulation method according to Gordon and Benson and it was expressed as the coagulation time in seconds (s). TSH concentration was measured by the immunoenzymatic method (MEIA) using an analyzer of Axsym (Abbott) and was expressed in microU/ml. The results of our study indicate that the determination of CP activity can be used in the differential diagnosis of tumor-like changes of the thyroid gland. The concentration ofTSH was within the normal values, despite statistically different mean values between particular groups that results from the fact that patients qualified to surgery were in the state of euthyreosis.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2005

Stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin 3 (IL-3) in the sera of patients with colorectal cancer.

For a long time markers that can detect a malignant cell transformation as early as possible have been sought. Substances which have been discovered are known as tumor markers. Stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin 3 (IL-3) are members of a group of glycoprotein growth factors called hematopoietic cytokines (HCs). These factors take part in the regulation of developmental processes of hematopoietic progenitor cells and it was proved that HCs can be produced by different cancer cells, including colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate a potential role for SCF and IL-3 as tumor markers for colorectal cancer. We compared the serum levels of SCF and IL-3 in colorectal cancer patients with those in healthy subjects (control group) and commonly accepted tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9). We defined the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve of tested substances. SCF and IL-3 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CEA and CA 19-9 were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. The serum levels of HCs and tumor markers were investigated in 75 patients with colorectal cancer and in 40 healthy subjects. There were significant differences in the level of circulating SCF and IL-3 in the colorectal cancer patients compared to the control group. Moreover, the diagnostic sensitivity of SCF was higher than the sensitivity of CEA and CA 19-9. The SCF area under the ROC curve was larger than the IL-3 area but smaller than the CEA and CA 19-9 areas. The diagnostic specificities of cytokines were lower than those of tumor markers, but the combined use of cytokines and tumor markers increased the diagnostic values. The highest values of diagnostic parameters were observed for the combined use of SCF and CA 19-9. These results suggest a potential role for SCF and IL-3 as tumor markers for colorectal cancer, especially in combination with CEA or CA 19-9.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Hematopoietic cytokines in the sera of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Hematopoietic cytokines (HCs) can affect the growth and spread of cancer. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated in pancreatic cancer patients the serum levels of selected HCs, such as stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin 3 (IL-3), granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) in relation to a control group and to a group of patients with chronic pancreatitis. Classical tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) were also tested. We compared the serum level of cytokines with the tumor stage. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve for cytokines and classical tumor markers were defined. The cytokines were measured in 48 patients with pancreatic cancer, in 23 patients with chronic pancreatitis and in 40 healthy subjects. HCs were determined using ELISA. CEA and CA 19-9 were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. There were significant differences in the levels of circulating SCF, IL-3, GM-CSF, M-CSF, CEA and CA 19-9 in the pancreatic cancer patients compared to the control group. The serum levels of M-CSF and tumor markers were significantly higher in pancreatic cancer patients compared to the pancreatitis group. The levels of SCF, M-CSF and tumor markers were higher in patients with a more advanced tumor stage. The M-CSF serum levels in the pancreatitis group correlated positively with the tumor markers tested--CEA and CA 19-9. The diagnostic sensitivity of SCF and specificity of M-CSF and tumor markers were the highest. The SCF and M-CSF areas under the ROC curve were greater than the areas for other cytokines. These results suggest the potential usefulness of HCs in pancreatic cancer detection; however, further investigations of early-stage pancreatic cancer patients and confirmation by a prospective study are necessary.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Tumor markers of breast cancer].

The most frequent cancer amongst women is that of the breast. Tumor markers may be helpful in the early diagnosis of breast cancer and the initial assessment of the extent of disease, as well as in monitoring tumor growth or volume reduction, and a recurrence of cancer. They have also been used for monitoring the clinical course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this paper we focus on the role of tumor markers such as CA 15-3, CEA, and TPS in breast cancer diagnostics, including cytokines and molecular markers of carcinogenesis. We also show the prognostic significance of markers tested in breast cancer biopsies.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2004

The importance of interleukin 18, glutathione peroxidase, and selenium concentration changes in acute pancreatitis.

Cytokinemia and oxidative stress are important factors responsible for an inadequate immune response in the early course of acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of the study was to evaluate the profiles of interleukin 18 (IL-18), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and selenium concentrations in serum with respect to AP severity and to study the relationships between these parameters and recognized prognostic indicators of AP severity. Prospective clinical analyses were performed on 61 patients with mild and severe forms of AP and for 15 healthy volunteers. In both forms of AP severity, the IL-18 concentration in the serum was significantly higher than in healthy controls. In the severe form of AP, the IL-18 concentration was the highest and exceeded significantly the values recorded on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 10th days of mild AP. A significantly lower GPx concentration in the serum was recorded in severe AP compared to the mild form and in the control group. There was a significantly lower selenium concentration in the severe form of AP. Significant correlations between GPx and selenium, between IL-18 and GPx, and between IL-18 and selenium were recorded. The ROC analysis shows a high prognostic accuracy of IL-18 and GPx concentrations in the determination of AP severity. IL-18 is released early in the course of AP and may be a key immunomodulator of the inflammatory response in the severe form of this disease. Low GPx and selenium concentrations in severe AP reflect the lower antioxidative ability in this form of AP. IL-18 and GPx may represent new indicators of AP severity.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Stem cell factor and macrophage-colony stimulating factor in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Stem cell factor (SCF) and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) have assumed an increasing importance in cancer biology. In the present study we investigated the serum levels of these cytokines in pancreatic cancer patients in relation to controls and to patients with benign lesions of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis group). The classical tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) were also tested. We compared the serum levels of cytokines with tumor stage. We also defined the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve for cytokines and classical tumor markers. The cytokines were measured in 47 patients with pancreatic cancer, in 27 patients with chronic pancreatitis and in 35 healthy subjects. SCF and M-CSF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CEA and CA 19-9 were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. There were significant differences in the levels of circulating SCF, M-CSF, CEA and CA 19-9 in the pancreatic cancer patients compared to the control group, but only the serum levels of M-CSF, CEA and CA 19-9 were significantly higher in pancreatic cancer patients compared to the pancreatitis group. The levels of cytokines and tumor markers were higher in patients with a more advanced tumor stage. The M-CSF serum levels correlated positively with the tested tumor markers. The M-CSF area under the ROC curve was higher than the SCF area. These results suggest that M-CSF is a better candidate for a pancreatic cancer tumor marker than SCF.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Hematopoietic cytokines as tumor markers.

Stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin 3 (IL-3), granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) are members of a group of glycoproteins called hematopoietic cytokines (HCs). These cytokines regulate the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells and functionally activate mature neutrophils or macrophages. The effect of HCs is not limited to bone marrow cells. Some studies have shown that HCs can also stimulate the proliferation of non-hematopoietic cells. The receptors for HCs have been detected in cancer cell lines, and stimulation of HCs receptors induced proliferation of tumor cells. Moreover, some investigations have shown HC mRNA expression in these cell lines and recent studies have demonstrated that HCs can stimulate tumor progression. Several cells of malignant tumors have been observed to secrete large amounts of HCs and increased concentrations of HCs have been found in the sera of cancer patients. There are a number of situations in which the measurement of HCs may provide clinically useful information, particularly regarding prognosis and response to treatment. In this paper we discuss the results of studies that have examined the potential use of HCs as tumor markers.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2004

[Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the plasma and activity of enzymes in granulocytes of breast cancer patients].

OBJECTIVES: G-CSF is a stimulatory factor of granulocyte colony formation. In vitro and in vivo G-CSF stimulates the proliferation of granulocyte precursors and enhances phagocytic functions of mature cells. Indirect evidence of this might be the increase of the activity of granulocyte enzymes participating in phagocytosis. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to compare in vivo the level of G-CSF in the plasma and the activity of: alkaline phosphatase (AP), acid phosphatase(AcP), peroxidase(MPO) and esterase in the granulocytes of breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activities of tested enzymes were measured by cytochemical methods in the blood of 10 patients with breast cancer before and 30 days after operation and in 10 healthy subject. GSF level was measured using a sensitive sandwich ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: 1. On the basis of the obtained results we can conclude that G-CSF level was increased in cancer patients (18.30 pg/ml before operation and 20.70 pg/ml after operation) compared to the control group (15.73 pg/ml). This results suggest that G-CSF may be synthesized by phagocytic cells and/or cancer cells. 2. AP activity was decreased after surgery (135.00 score) in comparison to the activities before operation (182.3 score). 3. AcP (213.6 score), MPO (364.6 score) and esterase (184.2 score) activities were significantly increased after surgery in comparison to the activities before operation: AcP 188.6 score, MPO 316.3 score, esterase 154.8 score. 4. These results suggest that activities of tested enzymes might be dependent on G-CSF plasma level.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed2004

Homocysteine and progression of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia is one of the newly recognised risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD). The role of hyperhomocysteinemia in the development of atherosclerosis has been controversial. AIM: To assess homocysteine (Hcy) plasma concentration in patients with CAD and to correlate Hcy level with some cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: The study group consisted of 150 males aged <55 years (mean age 49.5+/-5.7 years) with stable CAD. Lipid and carbohydrate profiles as well as Hcy, folic acid and vitamin B(12) serum concentration were assessed, and correlated with such cardiovascular risk factors as cigarette smoking, hypertension, obesity and a history of myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Mean Hcy plasma concentration was 11.81+/-3.75 micro mol/L. In patients with Hcy >11.21 micro mol/L (median value) a lower level of folic acid and vitamin B12 as well as reduced ejection fraction and glomerular filtration rate were found when compared to patients with Hcy level <11.21 micro mol/L. In addition, creatinine concentration, mean patient's age, proportion of patients who smoked cigarettes and the number of affected coronary arteries were significantly higher in patients with an increased level of Hcy. The Hcy plasma concentration positively correlated with the progression of hypertension, creatinine level and the number of coronary vessels with stenosis. A significant negative correlation between Hcy and folic acid as well as vitamin B12 concentrations was documented. In patients with a three-vessel CAD, Hcy concentration was 12.46+/-3.85 micro mol/L and was significantly higher (p<0.03) compared with patients with a less advanced CAD. In the group of patients with diabetes the mean Hcy concentration increased with the number of affected coronary vessels (p<0.02) and reached the highest values in patients with a three-vessel CAD (15.38+/-7.28 micro mol/L). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant relationship between homocysteine plasma concentration and the incidence as well as progression of CAD. This association is particularly evident in patients with diabetes.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Serum concentration of interleukin-12 (IL-12) in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair--preliminary report].

Abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery (AAA) is associated with perturbations of immune response and decreased immunity to infection, followed by high risk of organ and systemic complications development, including sepsis. The postoperative mortality in patients with AAA comes up to 10-12% and determines us to look for factors that may influence the immune response and are important for uneventful postoperative course. IL-12 is a potent immunoregulatory cytokine, that regulates cellular and humoral immunity. The aim of this study was to determine the IL-12 serum level in patients with AAA and its relation to ischaemia and reperfusion during aortic surgery. The study comprised 17 patients undergoing AAA repair and 10 patients of control group. Peripheral blood samples were taken before surgery (T0), before unclamping of aorta (T1), 90 minutes after unclamping (T2) and 24 h after surgery (T3). The IL-12 serum concentrations were measured with high sensitivity ELISA technique. IL-12 serum concentration was significantly higher in patients with AAA than in control group. During surgery a slight elevation after ischaemia (T1) and great depletion after reperfusion (T2) were observed. We found a significant correlation between IL-12 level at T2 and the length of surgery. The serum level of IL-12 is higher in AAA patients than in healthy men. Ischaemia and reperfusion during AAA repair results in an increase followed by decrease of cytokine serum level. There was not relationship between IL-12 level and its changes and postoperative course of AAA patients.

Aged↗