The diagnostic value of multiple tumor markers in malignantovarian neoplasms

Objective:To study the diagnostic value of multiple tumor markers in malignant ovarian neoplasm.Methods:Sera obtained from 430 patients with ovarian masses (110 cases were malignant ovarian tumors,320 cases were benign ovarian tumors) before operation,and from 50 healthy women as control.Serologic examination of tumor markers included CA125,TSGF,SA,CEA,AFP,HCG and Fer.Results:The serum levels of CA125,TSGF,SA and Fer in patients with ovarian cancer were higher than those in patients with benign ovarian tumors (P<0.05),also in control group (P<0.05).In the diagnostic value of application for malignant ovarian neoplasm,CA125,TSGF and SA were better than the others.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy in diagnosis of ovarian cancer were 86.4%,82.8%and 83.7% respectively for CA125 alone,78.2%,81.3%and 80.5% for TSGF alone,74.5%,81.9%and 80.0% for SA alone,whereas 95.5%,45.6%and 58.4% for multiple tumor markers combined in which 1 or more indices showed positive,93.6%,80.6%and 84.0% for that in which 2 or more indices showed positive,and 87.3%,90.3%and 89.5% for that in which 3 or more indices show positive.Conclusion:multiple tumor markers examination could improve the diagnosis of ovarian cancer,and examination of CA125,TSGF and SA combined is most ideal.

TGF-β-regulated different iron metabolism processes in the development and cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer

The impact of different iron metabolism processes(DIMP)on ovarian cancer remains unclear.In this study,we employed various gene chips and databases to investigate the role of DIMP in the initiation and development of ovarian cancer.cBioPortal was used to determine mutations in DIMP-associated genes in ovarian cancer.Kaplan-Meier plotter was used to examine the influence of DIMP on the prognosis of ovarian cancer.By analyzing 1669 serous ovarian cancer cases,we identified a range of mutations in iron metabolism genes,notably in those coding for the transferrin receptor(19%),melanotransferrin(19%),and ceruloplasmin(10%)in the iron import process,and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase(9%),hepcidin antimicrobial peptide(9%),metal regulatory transcription factor 1(8%),and bone morphogenetic protein 6(8%)in the iron regulation process.Compared to the unaltered group,the group with gene alterations exhibited a higher tumor mutation burden count(43 vs.54)and more advanced histologic grade(78.19%vs.87.90%).Compared to the normal ovarian counterparts,a reduction in expression was observed in 9 out of the 14 genes involved in iron utilization and 4 out of the 5 genes involved in iron export in ovarian cancer;in contrast,an increase in expression was observed in 2 out of the 3 genes involved in iron storage in ovarian cancer.Furthermore,in cisplatin-resistant cells compared to cisplatin-sensitive ones,the expression of all genes in iron storage and 13 out of 14 genes in iron import was decreased,while that of 8 out of the 10 genes in iron utilization was increased.In addition,survival curve analysis indicated that a higher expression in the majority of genes in the iron import process(12/21),or a reduced expression in most genes in the iron export process(4/5)correlated with poor progression-free survival.Additionally,TGF-βcould regulate the expression of most iron metabolism-associated genes;particularly,expression of genes involved in the iron storage process(2/2)was inhibited after TGF-β1 or TGF-β2 treatment.In conclusion,DIMP plays multifaceted roles in the initiation,chemo-resistance,and prognosis of ovarian cancer.Therapeutically targeting DIMP may pave the way for more tailored treatment approaches for ovarian cancer.

Immune pathway through endometriosis to ovarian cancer

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease,defined by the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity.This disease is one of the main gynecological diseases,affecting around 10%-15%women and girls of reproductive age,being a common gynecologic disorder.Although endometriosis is a benign disease,it shares several characteristics with invasive cancer.Studies support that it has been linked with an increased chance of developing endometrial ovarian cancer,representing an earlier stage of neoplastic processes.This is particularly true for women with clear cell carcinoma,low-grade serous carcinoma and endometrioid.However,the carcinogenic pathways between both pathologies remain poorly understood.Current studies suggest a connection between endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers(EAOCs)via pathways associated with oxidative stress,inflammation,and hyperestrogenism.This article aims to review current data on the molecular events linked to the development of EAOCs from endometriosis,specifically focusing on the complex relationship between the immune response to endometriosis and cancer,including the molecular mechanisms and their ramifications.Examining recent developments in immunotherapy and their potential to boost the effectiveness of future treatments.

EZH2 Contributes to Anoikis Resistance and Promotes Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis by Regulating m6A

Objective:Histone modification has a significant effect on gene expression.Enhancer of zeste homolog 2(EZH2)contributes to the epigenetic silencing of target chromatin through its roles as a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase enzyme.The development of anoikis resistance in tumor cells is considered to be a critical step in the metastatic process of primary malignant tumors.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of anoikis resistance in ovarian adenocarcinoma peritoneal metastasis.Methods:In addition to examining EZH2 protein expression in ovarian cancer omental metastatic tissues,we established a model of ovarian cancer cell anoikis and a xenograft tumor model in nude mice.Anoikis resistance and ovarian cancer progression were tested after EZH2 and N6-methyladenosine(m6A)levels were modified.Results:EZH2 expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer omental metastatic tissues than in normal ovarian tissues.Reducing the level of EZH2 decreased the level of m6A and ovarian cancer cell anoikis resistance in vitro and inhibited ovarian cancer progression in vivo.M6a regulation altered the effect of EZH2 on anoikis resistance.Conclusion:Our results indicate that EZH2 contributes to anoikis resistance and promotes ovarian adenocarcinoma abdominal metastasis by m6A modification.Our findings imply the potential of the clinical application of m6A and EZH2 for patients with ovarian cancer.

Primary ovarian choriocarcinoma occurring in a postmenopausal woman:A case report

BACKGROUND Nongestational ovarian choriocarcinoma(NGOC)is a rare but aggressive neoplasm with limited sensitivity to chemotherapy and a very poor prognosis.Few cases of NGOC have been reported,and there is limited information regarding its clinical features,treatment protocols,or prognosis.CASE SUMMARY A postmenopausal woman in her 5th decade of life visited our clinic because of abnormal vaginal bleeding and an abdominal mass.Although she had been menopausal for more than eight years and her last abortion occurred nine years ago,she had an increased level of serumβ-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG).Thus,an ovarian neoplasm of trophoblastic origin was suspected,and exploratory laparotomy was performed.Based on the patient’s clinical history and the histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry results obtained postoperatively,we concluded that she most likely had primary NGOC.Cytoreductive surgery was performed in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy comprising bleomycin,etoposide,and cisplatin.Serumβ-hCG levels decreased to normal after two cycles,and there was no evidence of recurrence after four cycles of chemotherapy.CONCLUSION Even in postmenopausal women,ovarian choriocarcinoma should be considered in the initial differential diagnosis for an adnexal mass.

Identification of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs in human ovarian cancer cells with different metastatic potentials

Objective： To identify differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs （lncRNAs） involved in the metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods： An in vitro invasion assay was performed to validate the invasive capability of SKOV3 and SKOV3.ip1 cell lines. Total R.NA was then extracted, and microarray analysis was performed. Moreover, nine lncRNAs were selected for validation using RT-qPCR. Results： Compared with the SKOV3 cells, the SKOV3.ip1 cells significantly improved in the in vitro invasive activity. Of the 4,956 lncRNAs detected in the microarra~ 583 and 578 lncRNAs were upregulated and downregulated, respectivel~ in SKOV3.ip1 cells, compared with the parental SKOV3 cells. Seven of the analyzed lncRNAs （MALAT1, H19, UCA1, CCAT1, LOC645249, LOC100128881, and LOC100292680） confirmed the deregulation found by microarray analysis. Conclusion： LncRNAs clusters were differentially expressed in ovarian cancer cells with varying metastatic potentials. This result indicates that some lncRNAs might exert a partial or key role in epithelial ovarian cancer metastasis. Further studies should be conducted to determine the roles of these lncRNAs in ovarian cancer metastasis.

EFFECTS OF MUTATION AND EXPRESSION OF PTEN GENEmRNA ON TUMORIGENESIS AND PROGRESSION OFEPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER

Objective To investigate the mutation and expression of tumor suppressor gene-PTEN mRNA and explore their roles in tumorigenesis and progression of ovarian cancer. Methods Mutated exon 5 of PTEN gene was examined in normal ovary(n = 5), ovarian cyst (n =5), ovarian borderline tumor (n = 9), epithelial ovarian cancer(n = 60), and ovarian cancer cell line (n = 1)by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). mRNA expression of PTEN gene was evaluated in corresponding tissues and cell line by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The mutation and mRNA expression of PTEN gene were compared with clini-copathological features of ovarian cancer. Results Mutated exon 5 of PTEN gene was detected only in 5(7.1%)cases of epithelial ovarian cancer. mRNA expression level of PTEN gene in ovarian borderline tumor or ovarian cancer was lower than that in normal ovary or ovarian cyst(P < 0.05). The level of PTEN gene mRNA expression was negatively correlated with clinicopathological staging of ovarian cancer, whereas positively correlated with histological differentiation (P < 0.05). mRNA expression level of PTEN gene in ovarian endometrioid cancer was significantly lower than that in ovarian serous or mucinous cancer (P < 0.05=. Conclusions Mutation of PTEN gene occurs in ovarian cancer. Down-regulated expression of PTEN is probably an important molecular event in tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer. Abnormal expression of PTEN gene is involved in progression of ovarian cancer. Reduced expression of PTEN gene is closely associated with tumorigenesis and pathobiological behaviors of ovarian endometrioid cancer.

Advances in circulating microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal malignant gynecological tumors. More than 70% of patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at advanced stage. The 5-year survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer is less than 30% because of the lack of effective biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment. MicroRNA （miR） is a class of small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression primarily through post-transcriptional repression. Many studies on tissue miR in ovarian cancer have been carried out and show great potential in clinical practice. However, tissue samples are not easily available because sampling causes injur）n Researchers have started to focus on plasma/serum miR, assuming that blood samples may replace tissue samples in miR research in the future. Plasma/serum miR research is still in its early stages. Studies on its function in the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer have achieved some progress, but plasma/serum miR profiling for prognosis and personalized treatment of ovarian cancer remains unknown. A thorough understanding of the function of plasma/serum miR in ovarian cancer will facilitate early diagnosis and improve treatment for ovarian cancer.

Relationship between the Expression of Connexin43 and Bystander Effect of Suicide Gene Therapy in Ovarian Cancer

The relationship of connexin43 (Cx43) and bystander effect in ovarian tumor cells in herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) gene therapy in vitro was explored and the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on the expression of Cx43 and bystander effect investigated. The Cx43 expression was detected by flowcytometry, Western blot, and immunofluorescence in two ovarian tumor cell lines OVCAR3, CaOV3 before and after RA treatment. Bystander effect was determined by the cells growth inhibitory rate with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium. Following exposure to ganciclovir, there was much greater bystander killing in OVCAR3 than that in CaOV3 (P<0.05). The expression of Cx43 was detected in OVCAR3 by flowcytometry and Western blot, but it could not be detected in CaOV3. The expression of Cx43 in both cell lines could be induced by RA. Immunofluoresence staining showed that Cx43 protein of OVCAR3 was located on membrane surface, whereas CaOV3 in cytoplasm. RA could not change the location of Cx43 protein in both cell lines. There is relationship between Cx43 expression and HSV-TK/GCV bystander effect. HSV-TK/GCV bystander effect can be enhanced by RA in ovarian cancer.

Mechanism of drug resistance and reversal with ligustra-zine and cyclosporin A in cisplatin--inducedhuman epithelial ovarian cancer resistant cell line 3Ao/cDDP

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of resistance and reversal effect of ligustrazine and cyclosporin A in cisplatin--induced multidrug resistance ovarian cancer cell line 3Ao/cDDP. Methods: Using the corresponding dose calculated from clinical chemotherapy at 30 mg cisplatin per cycle, we established 3Ao/cDDP with 3Ao exposed at regular intervals and repeatedly to high-level concentration of cisplatin at 10 mg/ml for 24 hours each time. Expressions of LRP, MRP, P-gp, GSTp and TopoII were quantitatively detected with FCM. For drug resistance reversal, cyclosporin A and ligustrazine were administered singly or in combination at the maximal dose without cytotoxicity. Inhibition rates were determined by MTT assay. Results: 3Ao/cDDP was established after 4.5 months, with resistance factor 1.6 which was similar to clinical resistance degree. Low expression levels of MRP and P-gp were found in both 3Ao and 3Ao/cDDP (P>0.05), and LRP and GSTp expression levels in 3Ao/cDDP were significantly higher than those in 3Ao (P<0.005 and P<0.05, respectively), and TopoII in 3Ao/cDDP was significantly lower vs 3Ao (P<0.05). The inhibition rate of cDDP was 20.807±0.015%, cDDP plus ligustrazine 27.421±0.07% (P>0.05 vs cDDP), cDDP plus cyclosporin A 49.635±0.021% (P<0.01 vs cDDP), and cDDP plus ligustrazine and cyclosporin A 58.861±0.014% (P<0.01 vs cDDP). Conclusions: 3Ao/cDDP, induced by cisplatin and established by imitating the characteristics of clinical chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer, was an ideal model for investigation of cisplatin resistance in vitro. Cisplatin resistance in 3Ao/cDDP could be accounted for by higher LRP, GSTp and lower TopoII expression and was not associated with MRP or P-gp. Ligustrazine had no significant reversal effect on cisplatin resistance, but cyclosporin A could reverse the resistance effectively.

Cloning of WWOX Gene and Its Growth-inhibiting Effects on Ovarian Cancer Cells

The growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase(WWOX) gene on ovarian cancer cell line A2780 were investigated.The full length cDNA of human WWOX gene was amplified from normal human ovary tissues.The correct cDNA of full length WWOX was subcloned into eukaryocytic expression vector pCMV.After introduction of WWOX gene into cancer cells with liposome,the WWOX mRNA and protein level in the cancer cells were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and immunoblotting.The growth activities of cancer cells were detected by Trypan blue staining.The clone formation assay in soft agar was employed to observe the proliferation of the cancer cells.Apoptosis was examined by DNA ladder and acridine orange-ethidium bromide fluorescent staining.The results showed that 72 h after WWOX gene transfection,the WWOX expression was increased significantly(P<0.01).The growth of ovarian cancer cells was decreased by 16.41% to 38.49%(P<0.01).The clone formation abilities were reduced(P<0.01).Some cancer cells presented the characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis with obvious ladder bands on electrophoresis.The apoptosis rate was(20.7±6.0)%(P<0.01).It was concluded that over-expression of WWOX gene could induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer cells,which might be potentially useful in the gene therapy of ovarian cancers.

Gynecologic oncologists involvement on ovarian cancer standard of care receipt and survival

AIM： To examine the infuence of gynecologic oncolo-gists （GO） in the United States on surgical/chemothe-rapeutic standard of care （SOC）, and how this translates into improved survival among women with ovarian cancer （OC）.METHODS： Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result （SEER）-Medicare data were used to identify 11688 OC patients （1992-2006）. Only Medicare recipients with an initial surgical procedure code （n = 6714） were included. Physician specialty was identified by linking SEER-Medicare to the American Medical Association Masterfile. SOC was defined by a panel of GOs. Mul-tivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of receiving surgical/chemotherapeutic SOC and proportional hazards modeling to estimate the effect of SOC treatment and physician specialty on survival. RESULTS： About 34% received surgery from a GO and 25% received the overall SOC. One-third of women had a GO involved sometime during their care. Women receiving surgery from a GO vs non-GO had 2.35 times the odds of receiving the surgical SOC and 1.25 times the odds of receiving chemotherapeutic SOC （P 〈 0.01）. Risk of mortality was greater among women not receiving surgical SOC compared to those who did [hazard ratio = 1.22 （95%CI： 1.12-1.33）, P 〈 0.01], and also was higher among women seen by non-GOs vs GOs （for surgical treatment） after adjusting for covariates. Median survival time was 14 mo longer for women receiving combined SOC. CONCLUSION： A survival advantage associated with receiving surgical SOC and overall treatment by a GO is supported. Persistent survival differences, particularly among those not receiving the SOC, require further investigation.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 in Ovarian Epithelial Tumors

Objective： To explore the role of vascular endothelial growth factor-C （VEGF-C） in the process of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in epithelial ovarian tumors. Methods： In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining for VEGF-C were performed in 30 epithelial ovarian carcinomas, 9 borderline tumors and 26 benign tumors. Endothelial cells were immunostained with anti-VEGFR-3 pAb and anti-CD31 mAb, and VEGFR-3 positive vessels and microvessel density （MVD） were assessed by image analysis. Results： VEGF-C mRNA and protein expression were detected in cytoplasm of carcinoma cells. VEGF-C mRNA and protein expression in ovarian epithelial carcinomas were significantly higher than those in borderline tumors and benign tumors （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. In ovarian epithelial carcinomas, VEGF-C protein expression, VEGFR-3 positive vessels and MVD were significantly higher in the cases of clinical stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ and with lymph node metastasis than those of clinical stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and without lymph node metastasis respectively （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. VEGFR-3 positive vessels and MVD were significantly higher in VEGF-C protein positive tumors than negative tumors （P〈0.05）. VEGFR-3 positive vessels was significantly correlated with MVD（P〈0.01）. Conclusion： VEGF-C might play a role in lymphatic metastasis via lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian tumors, and VBEGF-C could be used as a biologic marker of metastasis in ovarian epithelial tumors.

LOSS OF HETEROZYGOSITY ON CHROMOSOME 17p13.3 IN OVARIAN CANCER AND CERVICAL CANCER

Objective: To identify the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 17p13 3 in ovarian cancer and cervical cancer Methods: The frequency of LOH on chromosome 17p13 3 in DNA samples from 24 ovarian cancers, 9 cervical cancers, and 13 non malignant gynecological diseases were determined respectively, using Southern blot method with probe PYNZ 22 Results: LOH on 17p13 3 was found in 12 of 24 (50 0%) ovarian cancers (including a borderline mucinous cystadenoma), 4 of 9 (44 4%) cervical carcinomas, and 1 of 13 (7 7%) non malignant gynecological diseases, which was cervical intraepithelial neoplasm III (CIN III) ( P< 0 01) Conclusion: These results show that LOH on 17p13 3 is associated with ovarian cancer and cervical cancer, suggesting that detection of LOH on 17p13 3 may be helpful to understand the molecular pathogenesis of ovarian cancer and cervical cancer

The Relationship between Methylation and Expression Defect of Tumor Suppressor Gene p16INK4A in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Objective： To evaluate the expression of p16INK4A gene in ovarian cancer and analyze the relation between this alteration and the promoter methylation of p16INK4A DNA. Methods： Seven ovarian cancer cell lines and eighteen ovarian cancer specimens were selected for the study. Genomic DNA and RNA were extracted from fresh tissues and cell lines, DNA was treated with sodium bisulfite and then analyzed with methylation-specific PCR （MSP） to detect p16INK4A methylation. The expression of p16INK4A mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. In addition, the proliferation of methylated cell lines before and after treatment of demethylating agent 5-Aza-2＇-deoxycytidine （5-ADC） was examined with 3-（4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay in vivo. Results： Compared with the control, the expression of p16INK4A mRNA decreased significantly or absolutely defaulted in 10 of 18 （55.56%） ovarian cancer specimens and 71.4% （5/7） ovarian cancer cell lines （P〈0.05）, and the expression of p16INK4A protein also decreased （P〈0.05）. The decrease of p16INK4A was due, in part, to p16INK4A methylation, which was found in the first exon of three cell lines and six ovarian cancer specimens and the rate was 42.86% and 33.33% in ovarian cancer cell lines and specimens respectively. All the methylated cells and tissues showed expression defect of p16INK4A, but the treatment of 5-ADC reactivated the expression of p16INK4A in methylated cells and decreased the proliferation of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion： The expression defect of p16INK4A gene possibly has an important role in the development of ovarian cancer, and this alteration is due, in part, to the methylation of the first exon in p16INK4A.

DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF ADHESION MOLECULES (CD44,CD29,ICAM-1 AND E-CADHERIN) IN OVARIAN CANCER SK-OV-3ip1 CELLS GROWN AS MONOLAYER AND MULTICELLULAR AGGREGATES

Objective: To detect mRNA levels and expression ofCD44, CD54, CD29 and E-cadherin (E-cad) and to discuss their relationship with formation and drug resistance ofovarian cancer SKOV3ip1 multicellular aggregates.Methods: Liquid overlay system was employed to obtainmulticellular aggregates. mRNA levels and expression ofCD44, CD54, CD29 and E-cad were investigated with RTPCR and flow cytometry (FCM) respectively. Results:Compared with monolayer cells, RT-PCR results showed a decrease in CD44 mRNA level by 0.626-fold and a decrease in CD29 mRNA level by 0.792-fold in multicellularaggregates. However, an increase in CD54 mRNA level by 1.815-fold and an increase in E-cadherin mRNA level by1.344-fold were found in multicellular aggregates. Theresults revealed the downregulation of CD44 and CD29 and the upregulation of CD54 and E-cad genes activity. CD44 expression in monolayer cells and multicellular aggregates were 75.995?.046 and 50.700?.351 (%) respectively andthere was a significant decrease in multicellular aggregates (P=0.001). Compared with control cells, no expression of CD54 was detected in monolayer cells (P=0.563) but markedly elevated CD54 expression was detected in multicellular aggregates (15.780?.217) (%) (P<0.01). High expression of CD29 was seen in monolayer cells and also in multicellular aggregates with positive rates of 96.290+1.201 (%) and 92.494?.055 (%). However, the expression of CD29 in multicellular aggregates was significantly reduced (P=0.014). Also no expression of E-cadherin was found in monolayer cells compared with control cells (4.490?.283) (%) (P=0.65) while significantly increased expression in aggregates cells (17.258?5.572) (%) (P=0.003) was observed. Conclusion: Significant differences in mRNA levels and expression of CD44, CD54, CD29 and E-cadherin clearly exist between monolayer cells and multicellular aggregates, which may be associated with the formation of multicellular aggregates and its drug resistance.

WHAT SHOULD BE KEPT IN MIND FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE TOXIC SIDE-EFFECTS INDUCED BY POSTOPERATIVE CHEMO-AND RADIOTHERAPY FOR OVARIAN TUMOR?

Ovarian tumor may occur in women ofany age, but mostly seen in women duringtheir child-bearing period. The disease shouldbe treated mainly by surgical operation,supplemented by radiotherapy and chemo-therapy. However, the above therapies maycause a series of toxic side-effects, such asalopecia, diarrhea, edema, anorexia, nausea,dry mouth, spontaneous perspiration, headache,

OVARIAN METASTASIS IN PATIENT WITH ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA

Objective： To study the clinical pathological characteristics of ovarian metastasis of endometrial carcinoma and the factors affecting prognosis. Methods： Retrospective analysis was made to the clinical pathological outcome of endometrial carcinoma patients receiving surgical treatment in our hospital from January 1990 to December 2002. Results： Among the 191 cases of endometrial carcinoma patients, 17 cases （8.9%） had ovarian metastasis and young patients were more likely to have ovarian metastasis. The multiple factor analysis showed that the independent risk factors of ovarian metastasis in endometrial carcinoma included the depth of myometrial invasion, lymph node metastasis and pathological types. Conclusion： Ovarian metastasis in patients with endometrial carcinoma is associated with poor prognosis, the depth of myometrial invasion, lymph node metastasis and histologic types are independent risk factors affecting the prognosis. For young patients at early stage of the disease, it should be prudent as to whether to retain the ovary.

Effects of an Engineered Anti-HER2 Antibody chA21 on Invasion of Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell In Vitro

Objective： HER-2 plays an important role in the development and progression of ovarian carcinoma. A number of monoclonal antibodies （MAbs） and engineered antibody fragments （such as scFvs） against the subdomain II or IV of HER-2 extracellular domain （ECD） have been developed. We investigated the effect of chA21, an engineered anti-HER-2 antibody that bind primarily to subdomain I, on ovarian carcinoma cell invasion in vitro, and explored its possible mechanisms. Methods： Growth inhibition of SK-OV-3 cells was assessed using a Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The invasion ability of SK-OV-3 was determined by a Transwell invasion assay. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） and its tissue inhibitors （TIMP-2） was detected by immunocytochemical staining, and the expression of p38 and the phosphorylation of p38 were assayed by both immunocytochemistry and Western blot. Results： After treatment with chA21, the invasion of human ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells was inhibited in dose- and time-dependent manners. Simultaneously the expression of p38, phospho-p38, MMP-2 and the MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio decreased, while TIMP-2 expression increased. Additionally, the decrease in phospho-p38 was much greater than that of p38. Conclusion： chA21 may inhibit SK-OV-3 cell invasion via the signal transduction pathway involving MMP-2, TIMP-2, p38 and the activation of p38MAPK.

SCREENING OF DRUG RESISTANCE-RELATED GENES FROM HUMAN OVARIAN CANCER CELL LINE OC3/ADR BY DD-PCR

Objective: To screen novel genes related to adriamycin (Adr) resistance from human ovarian cancer resistance cell line OC3/Adr. Methods: Multidrug resistant ovarian cancer cell line OC3/Adr was induced by intermittent treatment of the human parent cell line OC3 with high concentration Adr. The difference of gene expression was screened by using different display analysis to the acquired Adr-resistance subline OC3/Adr and its parent cell line OC3. Results: OC3/Adr cell line was obtained which was more resistance to Adr than the parent cell line OC3 with the resistance index (RI) of 15.4. The OC3/Adr cell line also showed cross-resistance to other anti-cancer drugs (VP16, CDDP,5FU). It grew slowly and exhibited changes of cell cycle. A number of differentially expressed ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tags, ESTs) were identified at mRNA level between the OC3/Adr and OC3. Four of 18 different ESTs were sequenced. The 431/432 base pair S1 was homologous to human sperm zona pellucida binding protein, while the other two ESTs, S3 and S4, were new gene segments, which were registered to GenBank with the number of AF 117656 and AF 126507 respectively. Particularly, the expression of S2 sequence increased in all the drug-resistance cell lines and S3 sequence overexpressed in human ovarian cancer tissues as compared with benign ovarian tumors. Conclusion: Drug resistance induced by Adr in ovarian cancer OC3/Adr is involved with changes of multiple gene expressions.