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PubMed1992

Analysis of host components in hydatid cyst fluid and immunoblot diagnosis of human Echinococcus granulosus infection.

To improve serodiagnosis of cystic hydatidosis, immunoblotting studies were performed to look for a highly specific parasite antigen(s). First, commercially available hydatid cyst fluid antigen preparations were characterized by SDS-PAGE and by immunoblotting with sera specific for parasite and host animal proteins. One preparation, designed for use in complement fixation tests, did not appear to be suitable for immunoblotting because of the low concentrations of parasite antigens. Several host proteins, including serum albumin and IgG, were detected in the cyst fluid. Sera from patients with Echinococcus granulosus infections and other parasitic diseases were examined by immunoblotting for antibodies against specific cyst fluid parasite antigens. Several parasite antigens were variably recognized. Only one antigen, a 40 kDa protein, was recognized by all E. granulosus-infected patients. Reactivity against this antigen was also observed in all sera from E. multilocularis, cysticercosis, and schistosomiasis patients as well as in some filariasis cases. Two E. granulosus antigens, molecules of 12.5 and approximately 17 kDa, were only recognized by antibodies from some E. granulosus patients.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Increased concentrations of neopterin in plasma, ascites and ovarian cyst fluid in malignant tumours compared with benign ovarian tumours.

Neopterin is a marker of the activation of cell-mediated immunity. The aim was to determine whether the concentrations of neopterin differ in plasma, ascites and ovarian cyst fluid between patients with ovarian cancer and patients with benign ovarian tumours. Neopterin was measured in 29 patients with cystic ovarian tumours of unknown histology. 14 ovarian cancers and 15 benign ovarian tumours were diagnosed histologically. Patient age and tumour size did not differ significantly between the groups. Neopterin levels were determined in plasma, and in ascites and cyst fluid by ELISA. The neopterin concentration in plasma, ascites and ovarian cyst fluid was significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer compared with patients with benign ovarian tumours of the same size. The study shows that activation of cell-mediated immunity, defined as increased formation of neopterin, was increased in patients with ovarian cancer compared with patients with benign ovarian tumours.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cyst fluid tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor may be helpful in the differentiation of cystic pancreatic lesions.

In clinical practice it is important to differentiate pseudocysts from cystic pancreatic tumors, especially potentially malignant mucinous cystic tumors. We investigated three new markers-tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI) and the free alpha and beta subunits of human choriogonadotropin (hCGalpha and hCGbeta, respectively)-in the cyst fluid of patients with cystic pancreatic lesions and compared the concentrations of these markers to those of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19-9, CA 242, CA 125, CA 15-3, alpha-fetoprotein, and tissue polypeptide antigen in order to distinguish benign cysts from malignant cysts. Between 1995 and 2001, a total of 34 patients operated on for cystic pancreatic lesions at Tampere University Hospital were included. Cyst fluid was aspirated at operation and stored at -70 C. The histologic diagnosis was pseudocyst in 23 patients, serous cystadenoma (SCA) in four patients, benign mucinous cystadenoma (MCA) in four patients, cystic papillary neoplasm (CPN) in one patient, glucagonoma in one patient, and malignant endocrine islet cell carcinoma (EC) in one patient. Significantly higher concentrations of TATI were found in patients with MCA and EC (2239 +/- 149 microg/L [mean +/- SEM]) than in patients with pseudocyst (55 +/- 29 microg/L; P=0.001) and in patients with SCA (36 +/- 23 microg/L; P=0.01). The patient with CPN and the patient with glucagonoma had relatively low levels of TATI (30.7 and 46.5 microg/L). Mean CEA was higher in patients with MCA compared to those with pseudocysts (19,993 +/- 9418 vs. 53 +/- 20 microg/L, P=0.002) and SCA (0.4 +/- 0.1 microg/L; P=0.02), but in the patient with malignant EC, the patient with CPN, and the patient with glucagonoma, CEA was normal. HCGalpha, hCGbeta, CA 19-9, CA 242, CA 125, CA 15-3, alpha fetoprotein, and tissue polypeptide antigen could not distinguish between MCA vs. pseudocyst or SCA, because both normal and elevated values were seen in all groups. To our knowledge, this is the first time that TATI has been quantitated in the cyst fluid of patients with cystic pancreatic lesions. It appears to be a potential marker in the differential diagnosis of benign from malignant cystic pancreatic lesions.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Diagnostic value of cyst fluid analysis in cystic lesions of the pancreas: current data, limitations, and perspectives].

Diagnostic assessment and therapeutic indications in patients with cystic lesions of the pancreas are often difficult, especially since incidental detection of such lesions is increasing due to improvements in imaging techniques. Some lesions are benign (pseudocyst, serous cystadenoma) requiring conservative management and follow-up, whereas others are premalignant (mucinous cystadenoma, intraductal papillary mucinous tumor.) or frankly malignant (cystadenocarcinoma) and require surgical resection when possible. In about a third of cases, imaging findings are not sufficiently accurate in establishing the diagnosis, especially in cases of unilocular lesions. Fine needle aspiration can be considered as a second line method in uncertain cases. Aspiration should be performed in specialized services as the procedure requires careful consideration in some patients. Complications are usually rare and minor. The most accurate markers in this field are the carcinoembryonic antigen and the Ca 72.4. They allow to distinguish between a pseudocyst or a serous cystadenoma and a mucinous tumor (benign or malignant) with a 60% sensitivity and a specificity of nearly 100%. Cytological or histological analysis can provide valuable information but their accuracy seems to depend on tumor type. Genetic studies (Ki-ras.) may be possible in the future, including lesions with low cellular cyst fluid content. In conclusion, cyst fluid analysis after fine needle aspiration is a useful diagnostic tool but should always be interpreted in combination with clinical data and imaging findings.

Cyst Fluid↗

PubMed1994

Paragonimiasis in a cystic breast mass: case report and implications for examination of aspirated cyst fluids.

We report a case of paragonimiasis diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration of a breast mass in a middle-aged Korean female with a history of breast silicone injections. Although parasitoses have been discovered by aspiration of cyst fluid in otherwise sterile sites (i.e., liver and lung), the cystic presentation in the breast of a middle-aged female complicated the diagnosis in this case. Some authors have argued against the routine cytologic examination of nonbloody cyst fluids in premenopausal women, but this protocol may lead to a false negative diagnosis in the rare instance of a parasitic cyst. While microscopic examination of breast cyst fluid is probably not warranted in every patient, it may be useful in patients at risk for unusual cystic lesions, especially if clinical and mammographic signs of fibrocystic change are absent.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Evidence for a transcortin-like component in human breast cyst fluid.

The occurrence of a specific glucocorticoid binding activity was investigated in breast cyst fluid (BCF) samples aspirated from 481 women under treatment for breast cystic disease. [3H]cortisol was incubated with BCF at 4 degrees C with and without 100-fold molar excess of non-radioactive steroid in order to account for non-specific binding. Corticosterone, progesterone and dexamethasone-binding activities were also investigated in about 50% of the specimens. Consistent amounts of a specific cortisol-, corticosterone- and progesterone-binding component were observed in about 30% of samples. Apparent binding values ranged from 4.31 to 80.78 nmol/l for cortisol, from 3.94 to 75.72 nmol/l for corticosterone, and from 1.18 to 16.45 nmol/l for progesterone. No specific binding for dexamethasone was detected. Scatchard analyses for [3H]cortisol and [3H]progesterone were made in pools of 'positive' BCF, human serum and whey of human milk, respectively. The mean values of the apparent equilibrium association constant (Ka) were compatible with the existence of high affinity protein-hormone interactions in each considered medium. Data obtained in ligand competition experiments for different steroid molecules suggest the similarity of the glucocorticoid- and progesterone-binding component found in 30% of BCF samples examined with the plasma corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG, transcortin) and especially with the transcortin-like component detected in the whey of the human milk. It is suggested that the transcortin-like component may play an important role in controlling kinetics of transport and in regulating the effective levels of cortisol and progesterone in numerous breast cyst fluids.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Quantitation of lactoferrin in odontogenic cyst fluids.

A competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to measure the concentration of lactoferrin in fluids from 36 odontogenic keratocysts, 15 dentigerous cysts, and 30 radicular/residual cysts. Keratocyst fluids contained significantly higher concentrations of lactoferrin than fluids from the other two types of cyst (p less than 0.001); but the range of values obtained within each group was large. Although lactoferrin represents a larger proportion of the total protein in keratocyst fluids than in dentigerous or radicular cyst fluids, lactoferrin concentration is not an absolute diagnostic marker for keratocysts. Lactoferrin concentration correlated strongly with the numbers of neutrophils present in keratocyst fluids (p less than 0.001), less so for dentigerous cyst fluids (p less than 0.05, and not at all in the case of radicular cyst fluids. It is suggested that neutrophils are the source of lactoferrin in the three categories of cyst studied but that the relatively impermeable nature of the keratocyst lining probably accounts for the particularly high concentrations of lactoferrin found in their fluids. Given that most keratocysts were asymptomatic, acute inflammation itself does not explain the reason for the high numbers of neutrophils in many of the fluids.

Dentigerous Cyst↗

PubMed1998

Effects of pirfenidone and dermoid cyst fluid on adhesion formation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of pirfenidone and human dermoid cyst fluid on adhesion formation in a rat model. DESIGN: A prospective, blinded, controlled study. SETTING: Sprague-Dawley white rats in a conventional laboratory setting. INTERVENTION(S): Rats were divided into four groups according to the type of solution tested (dermoid fluid, 0.05 mg of pirfenidone, normal saline, and a combination of dermoid fluid and pirfenidone). In the first experiment, the solution (0.5 mL) was injected intraperitoneally. In the second experiment, the solution was instilled intraperitoneally after a standardized injury to the right uterine horn. The degree of adhesion formation was evaluated 2 weeks after the initial surgery. RESULT(S): Human dermoid cyst fluid caused adhesion in 4 of 10 intact rats and in 9 of 10 standardized injured rats. Pirfenidone did not decrease adhesion formation. No adhesion was found after injection of saline or pirfenidone in intact rats. The mean +/- SEM adhesion score in standardized injured rats was higher in the dermoid group (4.6 +/- 0.6) than in the pirfenidone group (2.8 +/- 0.7) or the saline group (3.8 +/- 0.5). The mean +/- SEM adhesion score in intact rats was 0.6 +/- 0.3 after dermoid fluid injection and after dermoid instillation in standardized injured rats was 4.6 +/- 0.6. CONCLUSION(S): Human dermoid fluid causes adhesion formation even in intact rats, and the adhesion is worse in the presence of serosal injury. Intraperitoneal pirfenidone does not decrease adhesion formation.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Epidermal growth factor in breast cyst fluid: relationship with intracystic cation and androgen conjugate content.

In recent years, several studies focused on the biochemical analysis of breast cyst fluid composition. It has been shown that breast cysts lined by apocrine epithelium contain higher levels of potassium and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate as compared to cysts lined by flattened cells, and that women with apocrine cysts are more likely to develop breast cancer. In the present study, we measured the intracystic levels of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), a factor which could play a role in the autocrine or paracrine control of breast cancer cell growth as recently proposed by some investigators. Breast cyst fluids obtained by fine-needle aspiration from 86 women with gross cystic breast disease were assayed. On the basis of the relative intracystic concentrations of Na+ and K+ two main classes of cysts were defined. An arbitrary cut-off value of 3 for the Na+/K+ ratio seemed adequate to separate these two types of cysts. An inverse relationship was found between the Na+/K+ ratio and DHEA-S concentration, median levels of the androgen conjugate being 3615 micrograms/dl in Na+/K+ less than 3 cysts and 480 micrograms/dl in Na+/K+ greater than 3 cysts (P less than 0.001). EGF levels were found to be significantly higher in Na+/K+ less than 3 cysts as compared to Na+/K+ greater than 3 cysts: 103.26 ng/ml versus 57.22 ng/ml, respectively (P less than 0.001). EGF appeared inversely correlated with total protein concentration in the Na+/K+ greater than 3 cysts, while in the Na+/K+ less than 3 cysts high EGF levels were observed independently of total protein content. In addition, a direct correlation was found between EGF and DHEA-S concentrations. On the basis of these results, the hypothesis can be made that EGF, which is measurable in all breast fluids tested and is nearly undetectable in plasma, is actually produced by the epithelium lining the cyst wall, particularly as far as the Na+/K+ less than 3 cysts are concerned. In view of our results this type of cyst, which has been shown to be lined by apocrine epithelium, appears to be characterized by high DHEA-S and EGF levels. It is suggested that the latter finding could provide a clue for understanding the increased risk of subsequent breast cancer in women bearing apocrine cysts.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Homocysteine in breast cyst fluid.

BACKGROUND: Elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations have been reported in a variety of carcinoma, including those of the breast. The risk of breast cancer is higher in patients suffering from gross cystic disease. The breast cyst fluid contains unusual amounts of low- and high- molecular substances, including steroid hormones and their conjugates. The present study was undertaken to find out the presence of homocysteine in the fluid filling the cysts and have its concentration compared with other thiols, levels of Na+/K+ ratio and steroid hormones. Materials and methods Fourteen women suffering from gross cystic disease were enrolled in this study. Cystic concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), cysteinylglycine (Cys-Gly) and glutathione (GSH) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography, with fluorescence detection; estradiol (E2), progesterone, allopregnanolone and pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) by RIA methods. RESULTS: Mean levels of Hcy, Cys, Cys-Gly, Na+/K+, E2 and PregS in the fluid filling the breast cysts were significantly higher than the corresponding plasma concentrations. In addition, a negative correlation was found between cystic Hcy and the Na+/K+ ratio (Rs = -0.72, P = 0.003) and positive correlations between cyst Hcy and estradiol (Rs = 0.64, P = 0.018) and Hcy and PregS (Rs = 0.60, P = 0.025). Conclusion The study provides the first evidence of thiol concentrations in the breast cyst fluid. The finding of a negative correlation between homocysteine and the Na+/K+ ratio support the idea that the homocysteine concentration in breast cysts might be used clinically as a marker for the development of breast cancer disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Increased insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) gene expression and protein production lead to high IGFBP-2 content in malignant ovarian cyst fluid.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), its receptor and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) by ovarian cancer cells and its mitogenic effect on these cells in vitro, suggest that IGF-I may have a role in regulation of human ovarian cancer. We have recently shown IGFBP-2 to be markedly elevated in malignant ovarian cyst fluid in vivo. To identify the origin of increased IGFBP-2 in these cyst fluids, the gene expression and protein content of IGFBP-2 were investigated in 14 malignant and four benign epithelial ovarian neoplasms. IGFBP-2 mRNA was detected in all ovarian specimens and was 2- to 30-fold higher in malignant than in benign neoplasms. Within the malignant tissues IGFBP-2 mRNA levels correlated with the aggressiveness of the tumour and were higher in invasive tumours than in those with borderline pathology. Southern blot analysis revealed no amplification of IGFBP-2 gene in the DNA samples from ovarian tumours regardless of their nature. IGFBP-2 was the major binding protein in tissue extracts, as measured by both Western ligand blotting and immunoblotting, and was significantly higher in malignant than in benign neoplasms. These findings were further supported by immunohistochemical detection of IGFBP-2 in tumour sections. Our data suggest that increased local production by the tumour in vivo is responsible for the increased IGFBP-2 levels in the cyst fluid bathing the ovarian malignancy. This may represent an autocrine regulatory mechanism for IGF-I proliferative effect of ovarian cancer.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed1990

Molecular characterization of the surface and cyst fluid components of Taenia crassiceps.

Information relating to the characterization of cestode surface macromolecules is limited. This is especially the case with Taenia crassiceps, a well-recognized model for the study of larval cestodiasis. Here, the protein and glycoprotein composition of the tegumental surface and cyst fluid of the metacestode have been investigated using radio-isotope labelling, immunoprecipitation, SDS-PAGE and lectin affinity chromatography. A restricted number of surface proteins was labelled with the 125I/Iodogen method although the majority were immunogenic; in contrast an array of cyst fluid antigens were labelled. Host serum proteins, including immunoglobulins, were identified on the surface and in the cyst fluid. Some of the 125I-labelled surface proteins, including a 37 kDa molecule, have been shown to be glycoproteins and probably contain-D-mannose and/or D-glucose; there is limited or no N-acetylglucosamine and no terminal galactose present on these components. A 37 kDa surface molecule, possibly the same glycoprotein, was also precipitated by infection sera and this may endorse the theory that highly immunogenic carbohydrates are continuously shed by T. crassiceps as a mechanism for diverting the immune response of the host. Radio-iodinated and biosynthetically labelled T. crassiceps antigens were highly cross-reactive with antibody raised to other cestodes and not one antigen was identified as a possible candidate for use in specific immunodiagnosis of any of the important taeniid infections.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Androsterone long chain fatty acid esters in human breast cyst fluid.

We reported previously that incubation of [3H] androsterone in homogenates of human breast tumor resulted in production of long chain fatty acid esters of androsterone (A-LCFE). To identify the individual A-LCFE, breast tumor homogenates were incubated with androsterone, then submitted to solvent extraction, Celite chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography and OH- negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The (M-1)-ions of the oleate, linoleate, palmitoleate, palmitate, arachidonate, and stearate esters of androsterone were produced. The first 3 cited unsaturated esters accounted for over 90% of the total. Since fibrocystic disease of the breast is a reported risk factor for the development of breast cancer, breast cyst fluids were analyzed for A-LCFE as part of an overall program to relate endocrine profiles in cyst fluid to the incidence of cancer. Breast cyst fluids were analyzed for total A-LCFE by a method involving solvent extraction, saponification, purification of the liberated androsterone, and then quantification of the steroid by RIA. The 10 fluids analyzed contained 0.52-3.79 ng/ml fatty acid esters, measured as androsterone. In 4 of these samples, the individual A-LCFE were analyzed by mass spectrometry. As in the incubation study, the unsaturated fatty acid esters predominated. In 3 samples, palmitoleate and in 1 sample, oleate predominated. The palmitate varied from undetectable to 25% of the total. The divergent total concentrations and profiles of A-LCFE indicate potential parameters for correlations with the subsequent course of fibrocystic disease of the breast.

Androsterone↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies in breast cyst fluids are giant lysosomes.

Electron microscopic (EM) studies were performed on a benign breast cyst fluid to determine the nature of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies (EIBs). EIBs were usually found in macrophages and had the ultrastructural appearance of giant lysosomes. EIBs contained cellular material and granular debris; when viewed by EM, the contents were somewhat variable, depending on the nature of phagocytosed material and the extent of enzymatic breakdown. Usually the phagocytosed material had a rather homogeneous, finely granular texture. Occasionally cell remnants, including cytoplasmic organelles, were preserved inside the EIBs. Since the "host" macrophages were in various states of degeneration, the formation of EIBs appears to be related to a severe disturbance in the macrophage cellular function. This study showed that EIBs in cells from breast cyst fluids are not viral particles.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Relation between ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens in tumor tissue and detached cyst fluid cells of patients with ovarian neoplasms.

AIMS: The expression and potential diagnostic value of ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens were estimated in different types of epithelial ovarian neoplasms. The comparison of antigenic expression was performed on solid tumor tissues and loose cyst fluid cells in individual cases of malignant and benign ovarian neoplasms. METHODS: All studies were performed using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens (OC125, OV-TL3, OV632, 10B, 8C) by 3-step peroxidase-antiperoxidase test. RESULTS: All ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens were detected in most serous and endometrioid carcinomas. In mucinous carcinomas as well as in benign ovarian neoplasms these antigens were present only in some cases. Significant inter- and intratumoral immunological heterogeneity was evident; however, the antigens detectable in tissue sections were also found in detached cyst fluid cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that mAb show OV-TL3 is the best marker for endometrioid carcinomas and confirmed that mAbs OV632, OC125 and OV-TL3 could be good complementary markers for differentiating malignant and benign lesions in the ovary. The percentage content of all ovarian carcinoma-associated antigens in solid tumors and respective cyst fluid cells was comparable.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1989

Diagnosis of human hydatid disease in surgically-confirmed cases by the use of the indirect haemagglutination test based on a thermo-stable lipoprotein and on unfractionated hydatid cyst fluid.

A total of 204 sera, taken from healthy individuals or from individuals with various parasitic and bacterial infections, were examined by the indirect haemagglutination test. The tests were carried out using either a thermo-stable lipoprotein or unfractionated hydatid cyst fluid, and a titre of 1:64 or above was considered positive. Sixty-two of 70 sera from individuals with surgically-confirmed hydatid disease showed positive reactions with the thermo-stable lipoprotein--a sensitivity of 88%. No false positive reactions were obtained with sera from healthy individuals or from individuals with parasitic or bacterial infections, and no cross-reactions were observed with sera from individuals with multiple myeloma. The lipoprotein antigen thus showed a specificity of 100%. A sensitivity of 88% was obtained with the indirect haemagglutination test using whole hydatid cyst fluid; but positive reactions were obtained from healthy individuals and from individuals with schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, taeniasis and malaria. No cross-reactions were obtained with sera from patients with gonorrhoea, syphilis or multiple myeloma. Because of the high sensitivity and specificity shown by the thermo-stable lipoprotein ('Antigen 880'), it is considered that this antigen is more useful than unfractionated hydatid cyst fluid in the diagnosis of human hydatidosis in Kenya.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Further characterization of the 38 kDa antigen from Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid disease) cyst fluid: evidence for antigenic heterogeneity and reactivity with anti-P1 antibodies.

A panel of 5 IgM and 6 IgG1 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) was produced against a band, eluted from a reducing SDS-PAGE gel, containing the 38 kDa subunit of antigen 5 (Ag 5) from Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid; seven of the MoAbs were shown subsequently to bind epitopes on Ag 5 but none recognized phosphorylcholine or periodate-sensitive carbohydrate epitopes. Differences in the fine specificity of the MoAbs were apparent and, upon reduction, heterogeneity in 38 kDa components from hydatid cyst fluids of different intermediate host origin was revealed by peptide fingerprinting and immunoblotting using the MoAbs. One of the IgG1 MoAbs (ED9) was able to distinguish a reduced 38 kDa molecule in cyst fluids from two distinct genotypes--the horse/dog and sheep/dog strains--of E. granulosus and this may have implications for hydatid serology, immunoepidemiology and strain typing. Furthermore, epitopes on this 38 kDa component or on a different molecule with the same or similar M(r) are reactive with anti-P1 blood group antigen antibodies and this could result in false-positive reactions where sera from P2 patients with suspected hydatid disease are tested by immunoblot or immunoprecipitation analysis.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein levels in cyst fluid of breast macrocysts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the tumoral markers CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein in serum and breast cystic fluid in women with fibrocystic breast disease. METHODS: The study comprised 50 women diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease but without breast macrocysts, and 60 women with macrocysts. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of CA 125, CA 27.29, beta-hCG and CEA were observed in the cyst fluid than in the serum of the same patients. According to their K+/Na+ quotient we found that when K+/Na+ was < 3, cyst fluid CA 125, CA 27.29, beta-hCG and CEA levels were significantly higher than serum levels. However, when K+/Na+ was > 3, only CA 27.29 and beta-hCG levels were significantly higher. Comparing cyst fluid marker levels with respect to the K+/Na+ ratio, the only difference observed was in CA 125 which was significantly greater when K+/Na+ was < 3. A negative correlation was found between CA 125 and the K+/Na+ quotient. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that CA 125 could be used as a marker to identify cyst type.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗