Ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system ultrasound evaluation and pathological characteristics of ovarian collision tumor

BACKGROUND Collision tumor are neoplasms,including two histologically distinct tumors that coexist in the same mass without histological admixture.The incidence of collision tumor is low and is rare clinically.AIM To investigate ultrasound images and application of ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system(O-RADS)to evaluate the risk and pathological characteristics of ovarian collision tumor.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed 17 cases of ovarian collision tumor diagnosed pathologically from January 2020 to December 2023.All clinical features,ultrasound images and histopathological features were collected and analyzed.The O-RADS score was used for classification.The O-RADS score was determined by two senior doctors in the gynecological ultrasound group.Lesions with O-RADS score of 1-3 were classified as benign tumors,and lesions with O-RADS score of 4 or 5 were classified as malignant tumors.RESULTS There were 17 collision tumors detected in 16 of 6274 patients who underwent gynecological surgery.The average age of 17 women with ovarian collision tumor was 36.7 years(range 20-68 years),in whom,one occurred bilaterally and the rest occurred unilaterally.The average tumor diameter was 10 cm,of which three were 2-5 cm,11 were 5-10 cm,and three were>10 cm.Five(29.4%)tumors with O-RADS score 3 were endometriotic cysts with fibroma/serous cystadenoma,and unilocular or multilocular cysts contained a small number of parenchymal components.Eleven(64.7%)tumors had an O-RADS score of 4,including two in category 4A,six in category 4B,and three in category 4C;all of which were multilocular cystic tumors with solid components or multiple papillary components.One(5.9%)tumor had an O-RADS score of 5.This case was a solid mass,and a small amount of pelvic effusion was detected under ultrasound.The pathology was high-grade serous cystic cancer combined with cystic mature teratoma.There were nine(52.9%)tumors with elevated serum carbohydrate antigen(CA)125 and two(11.8%)with elevated serum CA19-9.Histological and pathological results showed that epithelial-cell-derived tumors combined with other tumors were the most common,which was different from previous results.CONCLUSION The ultrasound images of ovarian collision tumor have certain specificity,but diagnosis by preoperative ultrasound is difficult.The combination of epithelial and mesenchymal cell tumors is one of the most common types of ovarian collision tumor.The O-RADS score of ovarian collision tumor is mostly≥4,which can sensitively detect malignant tumors.

Uterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumor with the main manifestation of increased human chorionic gonadotropin:A case report

BACKGROUND Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor(ETT)is an extremely rare malignant gestational trophoblastic neoplasm commonly presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding,abdominal pain,and increased human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG).This study reported a case of uterine ETT with the main manifestation being increased hCG.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old female was referred to the Ningbo Maternal and Child Hospital of China in December 2022,complaining of increased hCG levels for 1 month.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed gestational trophoblastic tumor,and hysteroscopic electrotomy and curettage of intrauterine hyperplasia were performed.The patient was diagnosed with uterine ETT through postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical results.Total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy were performed,and hCG levels returned to normal.The patient was without recurrence during the postoperative 3-month follow-up.CONCLUSION This study reported a case of uterine ETT with the main manifestation being increased hCG,highlighting that ETT should be considered in the presence of abnormal hCG.A total laparoscopic hysterectomy is recommended.

Adult-Type Granulosa Cell Tumor with Similar Clinical Findings Seen during Ovarian Cystectomy Performed at the Same Time as Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: An Extremely Rare Case

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major cause of anovulatory infertility. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is a treatment for PCOS that allows the laparoscopic identification of other intra-abdominal lesions and the provision of diagnostic treatment. This study reports a case of PCOS with an ovarian mass in which LOD was aggressively used and a granulosa cell tumor (GCT) was found. A 34-year-old woman with secondary amenorrhea and irregular menstrual cycles presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain of unknown etiology. Imaging studies revealed a 6-cm left ovarian mass with an internal appearance suggestive of a hemorrhage. The patient’s secondary amenorrhea was subsequently diagnosed as PCOS, and LOD was performed to preserve her fertility. Simultaneously, a cystectomy was performed to evaluate the tumor in the left ovary;the diagnosis was adult-type GCT. Although concomitant GCT and PCOS are extremely rare, the two conditions have similar clinical manifestations. In women of reproductive age, the impact of surgery on future fertility should be considered, and the initial surgical technique should be chosen carefully.

Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synergistically enhance the immunosuppressive capacity of human umbilical-cordderived mesenchymal stem cells by increasing PD-L1 expression

BACKGROUND The immunosuppressive capacity of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)is dependent on the“license”of several proinflammatory factors to express immunosuppressive factors such as programmed cell death 1 ligand 1(PD-L1),which determines the clinical therapeutic efficacy of MSCs for inflammatory or immune diseases.In MSCs,interferon-gamma(IFN-γ)is a key inducer of PD-L1 expression,which is synergistically enhanced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α);however,the underlying mechanism is unclear.AIM To reveal the mechanism of pretreated MSCs express high PD-L1 and explore the application of pretreated MSCs in ulcerative colitis.METHODS We assessed PD-L1 expression in human umbilical-cord-derived MSCs(hUC-MSCs)induced by IFN-γand TNF-α,alone or in combination.Additionally,we performed signal pathway inhibitor experiments as well as RNA interference experiments to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which IFN-γalone or in combination with TNF-αinduces PD-L1 expression.Moreover,we used luciferase reporter gene experiments to verify the binding sites of the transcription factors of each signal transduction pathway to the targeted gene promoters.Finally,we evaluated the immunosuppressive capacity of hUC-MSCs treated with IFN-γand TNF-αin both an in vitro mixed lymphocyte culture assay,and in vivo in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis.RESULTS Our results suggest that IFN-γinduction alone upregulates PD-L1 expression in hUC-MSCs while TNF-αalone does not,and that the co-induction of IFN-γand TNF-αpromotes higher expression of PD-L1.IFN-γinduces hUCMSCs to express PD-L1,in which IFN-γactivates the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway,up-regulates the expression of the interferon regulatory factor 1(IRF1)transcription factor,promotes the binding of IRF1 and the PD-L1 gene promoter,and finally promotes PD-L1 mRNA.Although TNF-αalone did not induce PD-L1 expression in hUCMSCs,the addition of TNF-αsignificantly enhanced IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT1/IRF1 activation.TNF-αupregulated IFN-γreceptor expression through activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway,which significantly enhanced IFN-γsignaling.Finally,co-induced hUC-MSCs have a stronger inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation,and significantly ameliorate weight loss,mucosal damage,inflammatory cell infiltration,and up-regulation of inflammatory factors in colitis mice.CONCLUSION Overall,our results suggest that IFN-γand TNF-αenhance both the immunosuppressive ability of hUC-MSCs and their efficacy in ulcerative colitis by synergistically inducing high expression of PD-L1.

Is There Re-staging Surgery Necessity for Borderline Ovarian Tumors

Objective:This study assessed the necessity of surgical re-staging in women with borderline ovarian tumors(BOTs)and evaluated the impact of complete surgical staging,lymphadenectomy,and omentectomy on disease recurrence and survival.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with BOTs.A total of 901 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study,and we evaluated some of the variables and clinical/surgical characteristics of the cases.The effects of the type of surgical procedure,surgical staging,and complete or incomplete staging on recurrence were calculated.The rates of disease-free survival,overall survival,and recurrence were compared according to complete surgical staging.A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify potential prognostic factors,and survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results:The overall recurrence rate was 13.9%,and recurrence was comparable between the complete surgical staging group and the incomplete groups(P>0.05).The performance of complete surgical staging did not show an effect on long-term survival,and complete surgical staging,omentectomy,and lymphadenectomy had no effect on recurrence.In multivariate analyses,only radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were risk factors for the recurrence of BOTs.Furthermore,we found that omentectomy led to a relatively low recurrence rate in patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO)stage>Ⅰ(P=0.022).Conclusion:Our results suggest that complete surgical staging should be considered a standard treatment for patients with advanced stage BOTs but not for those at FIGO stageⅠ.It might be safe to reduce the scope of surgical procedures in patients with early-stage BOTs.However,it is not necessary to perform re-staging operations for BOTs with a macroscopically normal extra-ovarian appearance.

Premature Puberty Revealing an Ovarian Tumor in a Five-Year-Old Girl

Background: Ovarian tumors in the girl child are sometimes revealed by the development of secondary sexual characteristics. The authors report the case of a five-year-old girl in whom the disease was revealed by early puberty. Case presentation: A five-year-old girl with an enlarged abdomen for about four months. The onset of pain and the sensation of a mass prompted the consultation. The development of secondary sexual characteristics (SSC) noted by the family had not been mentioned. The patient was classified as pubertal stage 2 according to the Tanner classification. An abdominal ultrasound and a CT scan showed a large left ovarian mass, an enlarged uterus for the patient’s age and a normal right ovary. The hormonal workup was not contributive. The treatment consisted only of a left salpingo-ovarectomy, without complementary chemotherapy. Anatomic pathological examination of the surgical specimen concluded to a juvenile tumor of the granulosa. The evolution was good with a beginning of regression of the HSC one month after the ovarectomy. Discussion: Granulosa tumors are sometimes secretory cancers, generally with a low potential for malignancy and therefore a very good prognosis. Surgery based on total adnexectomy is the first-line treatment. The large size of the tumor, the presence of ascites and capsular rupture are factors of poor prognosis, hence the importance of early diagnosis. Conclusion: Routine comprehensive physical examination should be de rigueur for abdominal masses in girls, especially in the context of various beliefs that may impede early referral to care.

The role of pro-inflammatory components, carcinoma-associated fibroblasts, and tumorassociated macrophages in ovarian cancer progression and metastasis

Ovarian cancer(OC)is associated with poor outcomes and challenges scientists and clinicians.It is usually diagnosed in advanced stages when it is frequently aggressive,chemoresistant,and metastatic.The most prevalent form of OC is epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC),which displays significant heterogeneity,enhancing the difficulty in managing the disease.Several factors have been associated with the disease’s development and progression,especially those related to the tumor microenvironment(TME).Here,we highlight components of the ovarian TME in the disease development process,including pro-inflammatory pathways activated by interleukins,cytokines and chemokines,cancer-associated fibroblasts,tumor-associated macrophages,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.We compiled evidence identifying TME factors promoting the development,chemoresistance,and metastasis,including cytokines,chemokines,growth factors,and tumor-associated cells.We identify potential targets for treatment and improving outcomes.These targets block or alter pathways associated with OC(especially EOC)progression.

Serum Tumor Markers Combined with 18F-FDG PET/CT Volumetric Metabolic Parameters in the Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most fatal gynecological malignancy, and identifying reliable prognostic indicators can help guide therapeutic treatment. Various tumor marker-guided treatment regimens can considerably improve patient prognosis with a better understanding of the molecular underpinnings of ovarian cancer recurrence and metastasis. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) is a molecular imaging tool that provides anatomical and functional information about the tumor, and its volume-based metabolic parameters allow for quantifiable observation of ovarian cancer recurrence, prognosis, and therapeutic efficacy. The combined utilization of serological and radiologic markers has been found to provide increased clinical benefit. This article reviewed the predictive value of serum tumor markers and 18F-FDG PET/CT volumetric metabolic parameters for the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer.

Value of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging combined with tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND Compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound(US),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and serum tumor markers alone or in combination for detecting ovarian tumors.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of US,MRI combined with tumor markers in ovarian tumors.METHODS The data of 110 patients with ovarian tumors,confirmed by surgery and pathology,were collected in our hospital from February 2018 to May 2023.The dataset included 60 cases of benign tumors and 50 cases of malignant tumors.Prior to surgery,all patients underwent preoperative US and MRI examinations,as well as serum tumor marker tests[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),human epididymis protein 4(HE4)].The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these three methods individually and in combination for ovarian tumors.RESULTS This study found statistically significant differences in the ultrasonic imaging characteristics between benign and malignant tumors.These differences include echo characteristics,presence or absence of a capsule,blood flow resistance index,clear tumor shape,and blood flow signal display rate(P<0.05).The apparent diffusion coefficient values of the solid and cystic parts in benign tumors were found to be higher compared to malignant tumors(P<0.05).Additionally,the time-intensity curve image features of benign and malignant tumors showed significant statistical differences(P<0.05).The levels of serum CA125 and HE4 in benign tumors were lower than those in malignant tumors(P<0.05).The combined use of US,MRI,and tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors demonstrates higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity compared to using each method individually(P<0.05).CONCLUSION US,MRI,and tumor markers each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to diagnosing ovarian tumors.However,by combining these three methods,we can significantly enhance the accuracy of ovarian tumor diagnosis,enabling early detection and identification of the tumor’s nature,and providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.

Construction of Human ScFv Phage Display Library against Ovarian Tumor

In order to construct a single chain fragment variable （ScFv） phage display library against ovarian tumor, by using RT-PCR, the human heavy chain variable region genes （VH） and light chain variable region genes （VL） were amplified from lymphocytes of ovarian tumor patients and subsequently assembled into ScFv genes by SOE. The resulting ScFv genes were electrotransformed into E. coli TG1 and amplified with the co-infection of helper phage M13KO7 to obtain phage display library. The capacity and titer of the resulting library were detected. The phage antibody library with a capacity of approximately 3 × 10^9 cfu/μg was obtained. After amplification with helper phage, the titer of antibody library reached 5 μ 10^12 cfu/mL. Human ScFv library against ovarian tumor was constructed successfully, which laid a foundation for the screening of ovarian tumor specific ScFv for the radioimmunoimaging diagnosis of ovarian tumor.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Possible Genesis of Ovarian Tumors

Background: Prolonged exposure to environmental toxicants like endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been linked to several ovarian pathologies. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may start at any time of life from the fetal stage to adulthood resulting in various health complications The purpose of our study is to compare the concentration levels and association of benzopyrene, bisphenol A and genistein in patients with ovarian tumors and normal control group. We also sort to evaluate the predictive performance of benzopyrene, bisphenol A and genistein in patients with ovarian tumors. Methods: A case-control study was conducted for randomly selected participants involving 30 patients and 30 controls. 30 patients with radiologically diagnosed and histopathological confirmed ovarian tumors were included in the study between January 2022 and December 2022. Urine samples from each group were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Descriptive analysis for normally distributed continuous variables was done accordingly. Concentration levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals were assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. The association of endocrine-disrupting chemicals with pathological ovarian tumors was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of endocrine-disrupting chemicals was analyzed using the ROC curve. Results: Overall, patients were significantly (P = 0.000) older than the healthy controls. Mean years (SD) were 36.7 (7.90) and 28.8 years (4.89) for patients and normal women respectively. Endometriomas had the highest incidence of 50%. The level of benzopyrene and bisphenol A in patients was significantly higher than those in the control group, while the level of genistein was significantly higher in normal controls. Benzopyrene and bisphenol A were significantly associated with ovarian cysts, and the incidence of pathological ovarian cysts was positively correlated to these EDCs, with OR value 64.79 (P = 0.005) for benzopyrene and 9.609 (P = 0.001) for bisphenol A. Genistein was significantly negatively correlated with the incidence of pathological ovarian tumors, with OR value of 0.153 (P = 0.007). Diagnostic performance on the AUC for benzopyrene, bisphenol A and genistein&l.

Identification of serous ovarian tumors based on polarization imaging and correlation analysis with clinicopathological features

Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous female tumors in the world,and serous ovarian cancer(SOC)is of particular concern for being the leading cause of ovarian cancer death.Due to its clinical and biological complexities,ovarian cancer is still considered one of the most di±cult tumors to diagnose and manage.In this study,three datasets were assembled,including 30 cases of serous cystadenoma(SCA),30 cases of serous borderline tumor(SBT),and 45 cases of serous adenocarcinoma(SAC).Mueller matrix microscopy is used to obtain the polarimetry basis parameters(PBPs)of each case,combined with a machine learning(ML)model to derive the polarimetry feature parameters(PFPs)for distinguishing serous ovarian tumor(SOT).The correlation between the mean values of PBPs and the clinicopathological features of serous ovarian cancer was analyzed.The accuracies of PFPs obtained from three types of SOT for identifying dichotomous groups(SCA versus SAC,SCA versus SBT,and SBT versus SAC)were 0.91,0.92,and 0.8,respectively.The accuracy of PFP for identifying triadic groups(SCA versus SBT versus SAC)was 0.75.Correlation analysis between PBPs and the clinicopathological features of SOC was performed.There were correlations between some PBPs(δ,β,q_(L),E_(2),rqcross,P_(2),P_(3),P_(4),and P_(5))and clinicopathological features,including the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO)stage,pathological grading,preoperative ascites,malignant ascites,and peritoneal implantation.The research showed that PFPs extracted from polarization images have potential applications in quantitatively differentiating the SOTs.These polarimetry basis parameters related to the clinicopathological features of SOC can be used as prognostic factors.

Effects of multiple tumor suppressor 1 on the proliferation of human ovarian cancer HO-8910 cells

objective: To investigate the effects of multiple tumor suppressor 1 on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cell lines. Methods: Growth characteristics of HO-8910 (without p16 gene expression ), 8910-p16 (trans fected with p16 gene) and 8910-pcDNA3 (transfected with the vector pcDNA3) cells were studied by comparison of the cell growth curves. DNA synthesis was also compared among the 3 kinds of cells. Results: After trans fected with p16 gene, the 8910-p16 cells were markedly inhibited in both the proliferation and DNA synthesis. There was no significant difference between the 8910-pcDNA3 cells and the HO-8910 cells. Conclusion: Multiple tumor suppressor 1 can inhibit the proliferation and DNA synthesis of human ovarian cancer HO-8910 cells.

Expression and significance of tumor suppressor gene p16 in human ovarian neoplasm

To observe the relationship between tumor suppressor gene p16 expression and ovarian cancer occurrence and development. Metbods: Using ABC immunohistochemistry method, we investigated the expression of p16 in 72 cases of ovarian neoplasm. Results: The positive rates of p16 in malignant, benign, borderline tumors and normal ovarian tissue were 7. 89%, 60.00%, 66. 67% and 83. 33%, respectively (P<0.01). In the cases whose tumors were more malignant and poorly differentiated, and who relapsed and died, the positive stainings were not discovered. Conclusiou: p16 is well related with the occurrence and development of malignant ovarian tumor.

Role of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor-2 in Ovarian Tumor Migration and Invasion

Objective: To elucidate the relation between human tissue factor pathwayinhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) expression and ovarian tumor migration and invasion. Methods: Human TFPI-2expression vector pBos-Cite-neo/TFPI-2 was transfected into ovarian tumor cells line A2780- Afterthe transfected cells were selected by G418, transfected and nontransfected cells were screened forTFPI-2 mRNA and protein by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotanalysis, respectively. The number of transfected or nontransfected cells passing through membraneof Boyden chamber was counted as the basis assessing tumor cells migratory and invasive behaviors.Results: Expression of mRNA and protein of TFPI-2 was detectable in transfected cells. In invasionassay, the number of TFPI-2-expressing cells to traverse a Matrigel-coated membrane was obviouslydecreased compared with that of nonexpressing cells (59.3±6.5 vs 109.7±5.5, P 【 0.01); While inmigration assay, no significant difference through a noncoated membrane was observed amongtransfected and nontransfected cells (114.7±8.6 vs 127.3±7.1, P 】 0.05). Conclusion: Expression ofTFPI-2 may strongly inhibit the invasive ability of ovarian tumor cells in vitro, but has no effecton the migratory ability which provides an experimental basis for genotherapy of human ovariantumor.

Effect of WFDC 2 silencing on the proliferation,motility and invasion of human serous ovarian cancer cells in vitro

Objective:To investigate effect and possible mechanisms of silencing human WFDC2（HE4） gene on biological behavior changes as cell proliferation,apoplosis,movement and invasion of human serous ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3.Methods:Lentiviral WFDC2 gene sequence of small interfering siRNA was stablely transfected into SKOV3 identified by Q-PCR and western-blot. Obtained SKOV3 stable strains with silenced HE4 were measured by proliferation,apoplosis, migration,and invasion.Results:Gene sequencing showed that the oligonucleotides were successfully inserted into the expected site.After silencing HE4 in the SKOV3,proliferation was significandy inhibited（P【0.05）.G0/G1 phase was arrested by the cell cycle（P【0.01） and capacity of the migration and invasion decreased significandy（P【0.01）.Slight early apoptosis ratio and no change of late apoplosis were found without change of Caspase-3 or Bcl-2 protein.Proteins involed in ERK pathway as phosphorylated protein as p-EGFR,p- ERK decreased and protease protein involved in tissue remoding as matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9,MMP-2 and cathepsin B decreased compared with control group.Conclusions:HE4 gene plays an important role in regulating proliferation,apoptosis,migration,invasion of serous ovarian cancer cells by ERK pathway and protease system.Its role in apoptosis needs to be further explored,and it may be a potential target for serous ovarian cancer.

PGC-la induces apoptosis in human epithelial ovarian cancer cells through a PPARy-dependent pathway

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma （PPAR）,） coactivator-1 alpha （PGC-1α） coactivates multiple transcription factors and regulates several metabolic processes. The current study investigated the role of PGC-1α in the induction of apoptosis in human epithelial ovarian cancer cells. The PGC-1α mRNA level between human ovaries and human ovarian epithelial tumors was examined by quantitative RT-PCR. Less PGC- 1α expression was found in the surface epithelium of malignant tumors compared with normal ovaries. Overexpression of PGC-1α in human epithelial ovarian cancer cell line Ho-8910 induced cell apoptosis through the coordinated regulation of Bcl-2 and Bax expression. Microarray analyses confirmed that PGC-1α dramatically affected the apoptosis-related genes in Ho-8910 cells. Mitochondrial functional assay showed that the induction of apoptosis was through the terminal stage by the release of cytochrome c. Furthermore, PG-C- 1 α-induced apoptosis was partially, but not completely, blocked by PPAR）, antagonist （GW9662）, and suppression of PPAR）, expression by siRNA also inhibited PGC-1α-induced apoptosis in Ho-8910 cells. These data suggested that PGC-1α exerted its effect through a PPARγ-dependent pathway. Our findings indicated that PGC-1α was involved in the apoptotic signal transduction pathways and downregulation of PGC-1α may be a key point in promoting epithelial ovarian cancer growth and progression.

Usefulness of human epididymis protein 4 in predicting cytoreductive surgical outcomes for advanced ovarian tubal and peritoneal carcinoma

Objective： Human epididymis protein 4（HE4） is a promising biomarker of epithelial ovarian cancer（EOC）. But its role in assessing the primary optimal debulking（OD） of EOC remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the ability of preoperative HE4 in predicting the primary cytoreductive outcomes in advanced EOC, tubal or peritoneal carcinoma.Methods： We reviewed the records of 90 patients with advanced ovarian, tubal or peritoneal carcinoma who underwent primary cytoreduction at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Peking University People＇s Hospital between November 2005 and October 2010. Preoperative serum HE4 and CA125 levels were detected with EIA kit. A receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve was used to determine the most useful HE4 cut-off value. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant preoperative clinical characteristics to predict optimal primary cytoreduction.Results： OD was achieved in 47.7%（43/48） of patients. The median preoperative HE4 level for patients with OD vs. suboptimal debulking was 423 and 820 pmol/L, respectively（P〈0.001）. The areas under the ROC curve for HE4 and CA125 were 0.716 and 0.599, respectively（P=0.080）. The most useful HE4 cut-off value was 473 pmol/L. Suboptimal cytoreduction was obtained in 66.7%（38/57） of cases with HE4 ≥473 pmol/L compared with only 27.3%（9/33） of cases with HE4 〈473 pmol/L. At this threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value（PPV） and negative predictive value（NPV） for diagnosing suboptimal debulking were 81%, 56%, 67%, and 73%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the patients with HE4 ≥473 pmol/L were less likely to achieve OD（odds ratio =5.044, P=0.002）.Conclusions： Preoperative serum HE4 may be helpful to predict whether optimal cytoreductive surgery could be obtained or whether extended cytoreduction would be needed by an interdisciplinary team.

Expression of Wnt-1,beta-catenin and c-myc in Ovarian Epithelial Tumor and Its Implication

Objective： To investigate the expression of Wnt-1, beta-catenin and c-myc in normal ovarian epithelial cell and malignant ovarian epithelial tumor. Methods： Immunohistochemical staining with SP method was conducted to identify the expression of Wnt-1, beta-catenin and c-myc in 18 samples of normal epithelial tissue and 34 cases of malignant epithelial tumor of ovary. Results： The expression rate of Wnt-1 and c-myc in malignant epithelial tumors was higher than those in normal epithelial cell （P〈0.05）. The abnormal expression rate of beta-catenin in malignant ovarian epithelial tumors was higher than that in normal epithelial cell （P〈0.05）. A significant positive correlation was found between Wnt-1, beta-catenin and c-myc in malignant ovarian epithelial tumor （P〈0.05）. A significant difference of expressions of Beta-catenin and C-myc was found between serous and mucinous tumors （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The abnormal expression of Wnt-1, beta-catenin and c-myc might indicate the malignant transformation in ovarian epithelial tumors.

Malignant peritoneal effusion acting as a tumor environment in ovarian cancer progression: Impact and significance

Until recently, ovarian cancer research has mainly focused on the tumor cells themselves ignoring for the most part the surrounding tumor environment which includes malignant peritoneal effusions. However, one of the major conceptual advances in oncology over the last few years has been the appreciation that cancer progression cannot be explained by aberrations in cancer cells themselves and is strongly influenced by the surrounding tumor environment. The mechanisms of ovarian cancer progression differ from that of other solid tumors because ovarian cancer cells primarily disseminate within the peritoneal cavity.Malignant peritoneal effusion accumulates in the peritoneal cavity during ovarian cancer progression. These exudative fluids act as a unique tumor environment providing a framework that orchestrates cellular and molecular changes contributing to aggressiveness and disease progression. The composition of ascites, which includes cellular and acellular components, constantly adapts during the course of the disease in response to various cellular cues originating from both tumor and stromal cells. The tumor environment that represents peritoneal effusions closely constitute an ecosystem, with specific cell types and signaling molecules increasing and decreasing during the course of the disease progression creating a single complex network. Although recent advances aiming to understand the ovarian tumor environment have focused one at a time on components, the net impact of the whole environment cannot be understood simply from its parts or outside is environmental context.