Biomedical subjects

Maciej Zabel

Publications and source records attributed to Maciej Zabel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Taxol-resistance-associated gene-3 (TRAG-3/CSAG2) expression is predictive for clinical outcome in ovarian carcinoma patients.

An obstacle in chemotherapy of ovarian cancer is the development of drug resistance. Taxol (paclitaxel)-resistance-associated gene-3 (TRAG-3/CSAG2) was found to be overexpressed in a paclitaxel-resistant ovarian carcinoma cell line. However, clinical impact of TRAG-3 in ovarian carcinoma has not been demonstrated previously. For demonstration of potential clinical impact of TRAG-3, immunohistochemistry was applied to determine TRAG-3 protein expression in specimens obtained from ovarian carcinoma patients (n=37) who received a paclitaxel-based chemotherapy at two different time points, initial laparotomy before chemotherapy, and secondary cytoreduction after chemotherapy. The TRAG-3-specific immunohistochemical staining was correlated with clinical outcome. In ovarian carcinoma specimens obtained at the initial laparotomy, an advantage in overall (P < 0.001) and progression-free (P = 0.003) survival for patients with weak TRAG-3 expression could be demonstrated. Tumor specimens excised at secondary cytoreduction procedure were not predictive for clinical outcome. In summary, TRAG-3 was found to be a prognostic factor for the prediction of clinical outcome after the application of paclitaxel-based chemotherapy.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

ABCC2 (MRP2, cMOAT) can be localized in the nuclear membrane of ovarian carcinomas and correlates with resistance to cisplatin and clinical outcome.

PURPOSE: Cisplatin resistance is a major obstacle in the treatment of ovarian carcinoma. ABCC2 is commonly localized in apical cell membranes and could confer cisplatin resistance. Here, we show that ABCC2 can be localized in the cytoplasmic membrane as well as in the nuclear membrane of various human tissues including ovarian carcinoma cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: For the subcellular detection of ABCC2, immunohistochemistry was done using 41 Federation Internationale des Gynaecologistes et Obstetristes stage III ovarian carcinoma specimens prepared before treatment with cisplatin-based schemes and 35 specimens from the same group after chemotherapy. Furthermore, 11 ovarian carcinoma cell lines as well as tissue microarrays consisting of various human tissues were analyzed. RESULTS: Nuclear membranous localization of ABCC2 was associated with response to first-line chemotherapy at primary (P = 0.0013) and secondary surgery (P = 0.0060). Cases with relapse showed higher nuclear membrane expression at primary (P = 0.0003) and secondary surgery (P = 0.0024). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that weak nuclear membrane ABCC2 expression before treatment was associated with significantly longer overall (P = 0.04) and progression-free survival (P = 0.001); following chemotherapy, it correlated with significantly longer progression-free survival (P = 0.038). Tissue microarrays confirmed nuclear membranous localization of ABCC2, in particular, in poorly differentiated cells. In ovarian carcinoma cells, it correlated with resistance against cisplatin, whereas localization in the cytoplasmic membrane did not. CONCLUSIONS: ABCC2 confers resistance to cisplatin of ovarian carcinoma in cell culture systems and in clinics when expressed in the nuclear membrane. Thus, ABCC2 localization can predict platinum therapy outcome. Furthermore, expression of ABCC2 in nuclear membranes in human tissues is specific for poorly differentiated cells including stem cells.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2006

Effects of adaptive exercise on apoptosis in cells of rat renal tubuli.

Regular exercise is known to improve physiological and functional capacity of many organs due to adaptive processes. We have previously shown that acute exercise in untrained rats results in apoptosis of renal tubular cells and that the apoptotic process seems to be associated with stimulation of angiotensin II, AT1 and AT2 receptors. In this study, we examined the influence of regular training on apoptosis and the role of angiotensin II receptors and antioxidant enzymes in mediating the adaptive response in renal tubular cells. We measured apoptosis, expression of AT1 and AT2 receptors, level of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and activities of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, GPx and CAT in kidneys of sedentary rats that were exposed to acute exercise and rats that were trained for 8 weeks. In untrained animals, the acute exercise resulted in increased apoptosis and increased expression of AT1 and AT2 receptors in renal tubular cells, while in the rats exposed to the 8-week regular training, there were no changes in apoptosis nor AT1 and AT2 receptor expression as compared to the sedentary animals. The TBARS levels were significantly increased in acutely exercised rats, while in rats pre-exposed to the training they remained unchanged. The acute exercise, as well as regular training, did not change SOD, CAT or GPx activities. These findings suggested that the acute exercise-induced apoptosis in renal tubules could involve action of AT1 and AT2 receptors as well as oxidative stress, while the regular training was shown to prevent apoptosis in renal tubular cells via modulated expression of AT1 and AT2 receptors.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2006

Maspin expression is characteristic for cisplatin-sensitive ovarian cancer cells and for ovarian cancer cases of longer survival rates.

High cytoplasmic expression of maspin was described in ovarian cancers of shorter survival rates. Until now, no relationship has been described between expression of maspin and sensitivity to cisplatin in ovarian cancers. This study aimed at examining the relationship between expression of maspin, detected by immunohistochemistry and clinical response to cisplatin in ovarian cancer cases as well as the in vitro sensitivity to cisplatin of 11 ovarian cancer cell lines. The analyzes were performed on 73 samples of ovarian cancer and on A2780P, A2780RCIS, CAOV-3, EFO 21, EFO 27, ES-2, Mdah 2774, OAW 42, OVCAR-3, PA-1, and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Cytoplasmic maspin expression in studied cells significantly correlated with cisplatin sensitivity. A significantly shorter overall survival and progression-free survival was associated with lower cytoplasmic maspin expression at first-look laparotomies and nuclear maspin expression and secondary cytoreductions. Higher nuclear maspin at first-look laparotomies expression was specific for cases of complete response. In the study, the elevated expression of maspin was shown to be typical for cisplatin-sensitive ovarian cancers.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Density of intranodal lymphatics and VEGF-C expression in B-cell lymphoma and reactive lymph nodes.

Lymphatic vasculature in solid tumors may serve as the pathway for metastatic spread of the cancer to the regional lymph nodes and to distant organs. Controversy still exists whether tumors metastasize through existing lymphatics or through newly formed vessels (lymphangiogenesis). The role of lymphangiogenesis in lymphoma spread and proliferation is not clearly established. VEGF-C is the most potent inducer of lymphangiogenesis. LYVE-1 was shown to be a specific marker for lymphatic vessels in normal and tumor tissue. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of lymph node LYVE-1-positive lymphatic sinus density (LSD) and VEGF-C expression in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (nHL) and in reactive lymph nodes. Sixty paraffin-embedded lymph nodes from newly diagnosed patients with B-cell nHL were evaluated. Twelve lymph node biopsy specimens from adult patients with reactive lymphonodulitis were used as controls. Sections of lymph nodes were stained immunohistochemically for LYVE-1 and VEGF-C. VEGF-C expression in lymph nodes of nHL patients was low and not significantly different from that in the control (p = 0.6). Moreover, VEGF-C expression did not differ significantly between aggressive and indolent lymphomas (p = 0.53). Similarly we did not find differences in LSD in aggressive nHL and in indolent nHL (p=0.49). The mean LSD in reactive lymph nodes was higher than in nHL (p = 0.03). Only in 2 out of 12 reactive lymph nodes LYVE-1-positive vessels were absent. In all groups we demonstrated a strong positive correlation between VEGF-C and LYVE-1-expression (p = 0.0001). Higher LSD in reactive lymph nodes as compared to those of nHL patients suggests that lymphoma proliferation leads to the destruction of the existing lymphatics rather than to lymphangiogenesis within lymph nodes. NHL are not associated with increased expression of VEGF-C nor increased LYVE-1-positive lymphatic sinuses density within lymph nodes.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) expression in livers of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

The studies performed till now have pointed to an increased serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2) in infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The present study was aimed at examining intrahepatic expression of IL-2 in children (n=15) and in adults (n=11) with chronic hepatitis C as well as its correlations with histological lesions and selected clinical data. The immunocytochemical techniques and in situ hybridization method were applied at light and electron microscopy level. Under the light microscope, expression of IL-2 was analysed semiquantitatively. As compared to the control material, in livers of both groups of chronic hepatitis C patients augmented expression of IL-2 was demonstrated. The reaction product was localized mainly in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes which was confirmed by hybridocytochemistry. The mean proportion of cells with positive reaction for IL-2 mRNA was significantly lower than the proportion of cells positive for the respective protein. No correlation was disclosed between IL-2 expression on one hand and grading or staging, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HCV RNA levels in serum on the other. At the ultrastructural level, IL-2 in hepatocytes was present mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Our studies have confirmed augmented expression of IL-2 in livers of patients with chronic hepatitis C and have demonstrated that hepatocytes represent the principal source of the cytokine in HCV in vivo infection. Moreover, expression of IL-2 in the infection was examined for the first time at the ultrastructural level. Mitochondrial localization of IL-2 suggests a direct involvement of the cytokine in disturbed function of the organelles.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Stromal myofibroblasts in breast cancer: relations between their occurrence, tumor grade and expression of some tumour markers.

It is suggested that tumour stromal myofibroblasts exert an unfavourable effect on the biology of breast cancer. We are aware of only a single study which examined relationships between manifestation of myofibroblasts in the stroma of breast cancer and clinicopathological data of the patients. The present study was aimed at estimation of the effect exerted by myofibroblasts present in the tumour stroma on principal pathological parameters and on expression of Ki67, P53 and HER-2 proteins in the group of the most frequent breast cancers, the ductal cancers. In paraffin sections of 60 ductal breast cancers (20 cases in G1, 20 in G2 and 20 in G3), immunohistochemical reactions were performed to detect expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA) in order to visualize myofibroblasts, Ki67, P53 and HER-2. The studies demonstrated that the most numerous myofibroblasts were present in G3 cases and they were the least frequent in G1 cases (P = 0.02). Positive correlations were observed between the presence of myofibroblasts in tumour stroma and expression of Ki67 and HER-2 in breast cancer cells in the entire group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), in G2 cases (P = 0.003 and P = 0.03) and in G3 cases (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03). Considering that the higher grade, Ki67 and HER-2 are thought to represent unfavourable prognostic factors, the elevated content of myofibroblasts in tumour stroma is probably typical for cases with worse prognosis.

Actins↗

PubMed2006

Expression of metallothionein in renal tubules of rats exposed to acute and endurance exercise.

The induction of exercise-induced apoptosis in not actively involved in exercise organs, such as kidney could be a result of oxidative stress. Metallothionein (MT) exerts a protective effect in the cell against oxidative stress and apoptosis. We have previously demonstrated an increased incidence of apoptosis in distal tubular cells and collecting ducts in rat kidney after acute exercise. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that MT may play a protective role in rat renal tubules against exercise-induced apoptosis after the acute exercise and regular training. Male Wistar rats were divided into control, acute exercised and 8-wk regularly trained groups. The kidneys were removed after a rest period of 6 h and 96 h. The ultrastructure of renal tubular cells was examined by electron microscopy. Apoptosis was detected in paraffin sections by the TUNEL technique. Expression of MT was examined by immunohistochemistry. The level of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) was assayed in renal tissue homogenates. After acute exercise, the occurrence of apoptosis was restricted to distal tubules and collecting ducts of rat kidney, whereas the proximal tubules remained unaffected. The 8-wk training did not result in increased apoptosis in tubular cell. MT expression was confined exclusively to proximal tubules in all groups. However, it was significantly increased in acutely exercised animals, as compared to control and trained rats. After the 8-wk training, MT expression remained unaltered as compared to the control group. TBARS levels were significantly increased after acute exercise, while after regular training they remained unchanged. A significant correlation between TBARS level and MT expression was demonstrated. The findings could suggest a protective role of MT against oxidative stress and apoptosis in proximal tubular cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Early loss of proliferative potential of human peritoneal mesothelial cells in culture: the role of p16INK4a-mediated premature senescence.

Much has been learned about the mechanisms underlying cellular senescence. The pathways leading to senescence appear to vary, depending on the cell type and cell culture conditions. In this respect, little is known about senescence of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC). Previous studies have significantly differed in the reported proliferative lifespan of HPMC. Therefore, in the present study, we have examined how HPMC enter state of senescence under conditions typically used for HPMC culture. HPMC were isolated from omentum and grown into senescence. The cultures were assessed for the growth rate, the presence of senescence markers, activation of cell-cycle inhibitors, and the oxidative stress. HPMC were found to reach, on average, six population doublings before senescence. The terminal growth arrest was associated with decreased expression of Ki67 antigen, increased percentage of cells in the G1 phase, reduced early population doubling level cDNA-1 mRNA expression, and the presence of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase. Compared with early-passage cells, the late-passage HPMC exhibited increased expression of p16INK4a but not of p21Cip1. In addition, these cells generated more reactive oxygen species and displayed increased presence of oxidatively modified DNA (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine). These results demonstrate that early onset of senescence in omentum-derived HPMC may be associated with oxidative stress-induced upregulation of p16INK4a.

Blotting, Western↗

PubMed2005

Relationship between the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and MDR1/P-glycoprotein in invasive breast cancers and their prognostic significance.

INTRODUCTION: Recent reports suggest that expression of the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzyme may up-regulate expression of MDR1/P-glycoprotein (MDR1/P-gp), an exponent of resistance to cytostatic drugs. The present study aimed at examining the relationship between the expression of COX-2 and of MDR1/P-gp in a group of breast cancer cases. METHODS: Immunohistochemical reactions were performed using monoclonal antibodies against COX-2 and MDR1/P-gp on samples originating from 104 cases of primary invasive breast cancer. RESULTS: COX-2-positive cases were shown to demonstrate higher expression of MDR1/P-gp (P < 0.0001). The studies also demonstrate that COX-2 expression was typical for cases of a higher grade (P = 0.01), a shorter overall survival time (P < 0.0001) and a shorter progression-free time (P < 0.0001). In the case of MDR1/P-gp, its higher expression characterised cases of a higher grade (P < 0001), with lymph node involvement (P < 0001), and shorter overall survival (P < 0.0001) and progression-free time (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our studies confirmed the unfavourable prognostic significance of COX-2 and MDR1/P-gp. We also document a relationship between COX-2 and MDR1/P-gp, which suggests that COX-2 inhibitors should be investigated in trials as a treatment supplementary to chemotherapy of breast cancers.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed2005

Augmented expression of metallothionein and glutathione S-transferase pi as unfavourable prognostic factors in cisplatin-treated ovarian cancer patients.

Resistance to cis- or carboplatin represents the principal cause of therapeutic failures in ovarian carcinoma. The phenomenon of resistance to platinum-based drugs is partly related to expression of metallothionein (MT) and of glutathione S-transferase pi (GST-pi), but opinion on the subject is discordant. Documentation of a negative predictive effect of MT and GST-pi expression for the therapy employing platinum-based drugs would permit to select resistant cases in which other therapeutic approaches could be employed. The present study aimed at examining the relation between intensities of MT and GST-pi expressions in ovarian carcinomas and dynamics of the clinical course in the neoplastic disease in a group of cisplatin-treated patients. The analyses were performed on samples of ovarian carcinoma originating from 43 first-look laparotomies (FLLs) and, in 30 cases, from second-look laparotomies (SLL) from the same patients. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed on paraffin sections of studied tumors, using monoclonal antibodies to MT and GST-pi. The calculations showed that in cases with augmented expression of MT, mortality was higher. On the other hand, augmented expression of GST-pi predisposed to more frequent relapses, deaths and progression of the tumor. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that a significantly shorter survival time was linked to cases of higher expression of MT at FLL and of higher expression of GST-pi at FLL, whereas a shorter progression-free time was manifested by cases with higher expression of GST-pi at FLL. The performed investigations indicate that augmented expressions of MT at FLL and GST-pi at FLL in ovarian cancer represent an unfavourable predictive factor in cisplatin-treated patients.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2005

Significance of cyclooxygenase 2 and MDR1/P-glycoprotein coexpression in ovarian cancers.

Immunohistochemical analysis of prognostic significance of COX-2 and P-gp expression in ovarian cancers was performed on samples originating from 73 tumors. COX-2-positive cases were shown to demonstrate higher expression of P-gp. The studies demonstrated also that, higher P-gp expression was typical for cases which responded poorly to chemotherapy and for cases with shorter progression-free time. Expression of COX-2 predisposed to a more rapid disease progression. The study documented a relationship between COX-2 and P-gp suggesting that COX-2 inhibitors might investigated in clinical trials as a treatment supplementary to chemotherapy of ovarian cancers.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed2005

Intracellular localization of NS3 and C proteins in chronic hepatitis C.

AIMS AND METHODS: The cellular localization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins in chronic hepatitis C remains a debatable issue. Aim of the studies included cellular and subcellular localization of two HCV proteins, NS3 and C protein, in liver biopsies from 20 children with chronic hepatitis C employing commercially available monoclonal antibodies and a semiquantitative technique of the proteins expression. In the studies advantage was taken of (Strept)avidin-biotin peroxidase complex and ImmunoMax technique. RESULTS: The cytoplasmic localization of both proteins dominated over nuclear localization. The total amount of NS3 protein exceeded that of C protein. At the ultrastructural level, we observed both proteins in endoplasmic reticulum membranes and mitochondria, but small amount of both proteins was seen also in cell nuclei. The amount of either protein did not correlate with liver histology in our patients. No correlation could be disclosed between content of both proteins and HCV RNA levels in serum. Content of NS3 demonstrated negative correlation with activity of alanine transaminase. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the new aspect in present studies involved localization of C and NS3 proteins at the levels of light and electron microscopy in children. For the first time also intramitochondrial localization of NS3 protein was demonstrated.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Differences in oestrogen and progesterone receptors, HER-2, p53 expression and proliferation in ductal breast cancers in relation to histopathological grade.

In case of breast cancer the grade of differentiation and expression of oestrogen and progesterone receptors falls within the first category of prognostic factors according to the College of American Pathologists. HER-2, p53 and Ki67 belong to the second category and their significance still awaits confirmation. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the intensity of expression of oestrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PgR), HER-2, p53 and Ki67 in cells of ductal breast cancer of G1, G2 or G3 differentiation grade. In paraffin sections of 60 ductal breast cancers (20 cases in G1, 20 in G2 and 20 in G3), immunocytochemical reactions were performed to detect the expression of ER, PgR, HER-2, p53 and Ki67. Following a semi-quantitative appraisal of the preparations under examination, appropriate statistical tests were used to document significant relationships. We noted significant positive correlations between ER and PgR (the entire group studied, G1-3, and the G1 group), HER-2 and p53 (G2) and between p53 and Ki67 expression (G2). Significant negative correlations were found between ER and p53 (G1-3), PgR and p53 (G1-3, G1, G3) and between PgR and Ki67 (G1-3, G2). The studies performed demonstrated distinct relationships between the expression intensity of various proteins in tumour cells in relation to the grade of differentiation of the tumour. We also showed that a parallel determination of ER, PgR and p53 expression may carry high predictive value as to response to tamoxifen treatment.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed2005

[The relationship of the expression of proliferetron--related antigens Ki67 and PCNA in the cells of ductal breast cancer with the differentiation grade].

OBJECTIVES: Ki67 and PCNA proteins are characteristic for cells in mitotic cycle and represent unfavourable prognostic indices. Intensity of the proteins expression directly correlates with grade of tumour differentiation. They belong to the second category of prognostic factors in breast cancer according to the College of American Pathologists. DESIGN: Present study aimed at examining the relationship between intensity of expression of proliferation-related antigens--Ki67 and PCNA in cells of ductal breast cancer of G1, G2 or G3 differentiation grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In paraffin sections of 60 ductal breast cancers, immunocytochemical reactions were performed to detect expression of Ki67 and PCNA. Following semiquantitative appraisal of studied preparations, appropriate statistical tests were used to document statistical relationships. RESULTS: Intensity of Ki67 expression was most pronounced in G3 group and least pronounced in G1 group (ANOVA rang Kruskal-Wallis, p=0.00001). In the case of PCNA we did not show any differences. Only in the G1 we showed a positive correlation between expression intensity of studied antigens (Spearmans rang correlation, r=0.67, p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that Ki67 and not PCNA correlates with morphologic features of proliferation.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2005

Prognostic value of immunohistochemical estimation of CD24 and Ki67 expression in cisplatin and paclitaxel treated ovarian carcinoma patients.

CD24 is a small membranous protein which may participate in invasion of tumor cells. Present study aimed at evaluation of prognostic significance linked to immunohistochemical demonstration of CD24 expression and the proliferation index, Ki67 expression in ovarian cancers. The immunohistochemical reactions with monoclonal CD24- and Ki67-specific antibodies were performed in paraffin sections originating from 30 patients with ovarian cancer treated using cisplatin and paclitaxel. Results of the reactions and analysis of the clinical course of the patients were subjected to statistical analysis. Cases with cytoplasmic-membranous expression of CD24 (CD24c-m) were found to exhibit significantly shorter overall survival time (P = 0.0002) and progression-free period (P = 0.0005). Cases with membranous expression of CD24 (CD24m) manifested a longer overall survival time (P = 0.022). No relationship was disclosed between expression of Ki67 on the one hand and survival time and CD24 expression on the other. As documented using chi square test, expression of CD24c-m predisposed to relapses (P = 0.012), progression (P = 0.0362) and to death (P = 0.0034). Deaths were encountered significantly less frequently in cases with CD24m expression (P = 0.0465). The studies demonstrated that CD24c-m represented a strongly unfavorable prognostic indicator. The antigen represents an interesting target in the search for novel therapeutic methods. The more aggressive course of cases with CD24c-m expression was not linked to more intense proliferation of the tumor cells.

Antigens, CD↗

PubMed2005

[Classical and novel molecular prognostic factors in ovarian cancers].

Development of molecular biology techniques allows at present for a more rapid and more reliable diagnosis of ovarian cancers. Present paper describes genetic alterations which predispose to development of ovarian cancer and mutations which play principal role in pathogenesis of sporadic cases of the disease. Prognostic significance has also been outlined of expression of cyclooxygenase 2, ligands of P-selectin and inhibitors of complement in cells of ovarian cancer as well as their potential therapeutic significance. A separate chapter has been devoted to the potential and achievements gained using DNA microarray techniques.

CD24 Antigen↗

PubMed2004

Steroid receptor status, proliferation and metallothionein expression in primary invasive ductal breast cancers.

The most important immunocytochemical prognostic and predictive factors in cases of breast cancer include estrogen receptor alpha (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR). The present study aimed at examining the relationship between the manifestation intensity of proliferation markers (Ki-67 and nucleolar organizer regions--AgNORs) on one hand, and expression of ER and PgR on the other in a uniform group of invasive ductal breast cancers of G2 grade. Moreover, the study aimed at examining the relationship between the above mentioned markers and expression of metallothionein (MT). The studies were performed on samples of invasive ductal breast cancers of G2 grade, originating from 60 females. In paraffin sections originating from the studied cases immunocytochemical reactions were performed using monoclonal antibodies to ER, PgR, Ki-67 and MT, and silver staining was conducted to localize AgNORs. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis using Statistica software. Results indicate that manifestation of AgNORs does not correlate with any of the studied antigens (ER, PgR, Ki-67, MT) (p>0.05). Moreover, no relationship could be demonstrated between the intensity of MT expression and proliferation markers or steroid receptor status (p>0.05). A negative correlation was shown between the expression of ER and Ki-67 (p=0.0009). The most intense proliferative activity was demonstrated in cases of breast cancer showing PgR expression but no ER expression (p=0.015), while the lowest proliferative activity was detected in breast cancers with expression of both ER and PgR (p<0.05).

Biomarkers, Tumor↗