BackgraundAcute-phase response proteins (APRP), cytokines and hormones have been claimed to be an independent prognostic factor of malignancies, however the basis for their association with prognosis remains unexplained. We suggest that in colon malignancies, as similar to pancreatic and lung cancers, changes in APRP are associated with angiogenesis.MethodsC-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, midkine, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin serum levels are studied in 126 colon cancer patients and 36 healthy subjects.ResultsWe found statistically significant difference and correlations between two groups. We found significantly higher serum CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, VEGF-A, VEGF-C and leptin concentrations in patients relative to controls (p < 0.001). We found lower levels of the serum albumin, midkine, adiponectin and ghrelin in patients compared to control subjects (p < 0.001).ConclusionsCachexia in patients with colon cancers is associated with changes in APRP, cytokines and hormone concentrations. These biomarkers and cachexia together have a direct relationship with accelerated angiogenesis. This may lead to a connection between the outcomes in malignancies and the biomarkers.

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Serum DKK-1 levels may be a potentially useful novel serologic marker for gastric cancers.

OBJecTIVe: There is no consensus on superiority of peritoneal dialysis catheter placement methods to each other in the literature.Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences in complications between laparoscopic and percutaneous PD catheter placement methods performed in our hospital. mATerIAl and meTHODS: Forty patients with ESRD files were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the placement method of PD catheters; namely, the Percutaneous Group (PG) and the Laparoscopic Group (LG). reSulTS: Dialysate leakage was seen only in one patient in PG (3.33%) while it was not seen in LG (p= 0.75). Malposition was detected only in five patients in PG (16.7%) and it was not seen in LG (p= 0.22). Catheter dysfunction occurred in four patients in PG (13.3%) while it was not seen in LG (p= 0.30). Hemoperitoneum did not develop in PG while it appeared in one patient (10%) in LG (p=0.25). Early peritonitis was detected in four patients in PG (13.3%) and in one (10%) patient in LG (p = 0.78). Exit site infection developed only in 10 patients (33.3%) from PG; however, it did not develop in LG (p=0.04). cONcluSION: Percutaneous PD catheter placement was preferred in our center, and fewer complications were observed with laparoscopic methods. We recommend laparoscopic PD catheter placement in patients with morbid obesity, prior abdominal surgery, herniation or malposition developing due to the percutaneous method and where percutaneous fixation is not possible.

Abstract:Background: Gastric cancer is the second commonest cause of cancer-associated deaths in the world. Its molecular markers can be useful not only for the diagnostic pursuit but also for prognostic purposes. Endoglin was proposed as a marker of neovascularization in solid malignancies. A circulating form of endoglin is referred to as soluble endoglin (sol-end).The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical importance of serum level of soluble form of sol-end in gastric cancer patients. Materials and methods: Serum levels of sol-end were measured in 69 healthy controls and in 60 gastric adenocarcinoma patients with ELISA and serum levels of sol-end were compared with clinicopathological features and outcomes in gastric cancer patients. Results: Serum levels of sol-end in gastric adenocancer patients were signifi cantly higher than in control patients (p<0.001). The serum levels of sol-end did not differ relative to clinical and pathologic criteria. Conclusion: Presented data suggest that serum levels of sol-end do not seem to be a valuable tool in the assessment of gastric cancer prognosis (Tab. 1, Ref. 11). Full Text in PDF www.elis.sk.