The most lethal damage for the cell among all damage is double-strand breaks (DSB) of DNA. DSB cause development of cancer diseases including the triple-negative molecular subtype of breast cancer. The aim of this work was to evaluate the single nucleotide polymorphism -135G>C (rs1801320) of the RAD51 gene encoding DNA repair proteins by homologous recombination (HR) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We assessed the RAD51 -135G>C polymorphism in 50 women with triple-negative breast cancer and in 50 women from the control group. RAD51 polymorphism was analysed by the PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) technique. Our results demonstrated a significant positive association between the RAD51 C/C genotype and TNBC, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 5.95 (p = 0.002). The homozygous C/C genotype was found in 68% of breast cancer cases and 20% of controls. The variant 135C allele of RAD51 increased TNBC risk. This is the first study linking single nucleotide polymorphisms of the RAD51 gene with TNBC incidence in the population of Polish women. In conclusion, RAD51 polymorphisms may be regarded as predictive factors of triple-negative breast cancer in the female population. Large studies are needed to confirm our findings.

IntroductionThe prostate cancer is difficult to predict, and treatment failure is associated with local infiltration, as well as distant metastases. Adhesion and migration abilities to of cancer cells play a major role in formation of metastasis. The participation of β-catenin in pathogene-sis of many types of cancer and benign processes has been an important discovery of recent years.Material and methodsThe studied material was obtained by transrectal, sextant core biopsy from 102 patients hospitalized in Department of Urology, Regional Hospital in Kalisz (2001-2004).The aim of our study was to determine the predictive value of β-catenin immunoexpression in prostate cancer, to analyze the prognostic aspect of some histopathological features and finally to assess the relationship between β-catenin immunoreactivity and the microscopic image of the tumor.Relationships between the investigated variables were analyzed using the Chi2 test of compatibility. We used the Kaplan-Meier curves to assess survival differences between groups of patients. Finally we established which of the studied factors significantly affect the patient outcome, using the method of Cox proportional hazard regression.ResultsIn prostate cancer in comparison with the normal epithelium, both the location and the strength of β-catenin immunoexpression are impaired.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the presence of disorders in β-catenin immunoexpression in prostate cancer cells indicates a high risk of death due to tumor progression and makes it imperative for immediate treatment procedures.

Purpose Equivocal categories (III, IV, V) of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (BSRTC) are characterized by high variability of the estimated risk of malignancy. The aim of the study was to analyze the reproducibility of classification of nodules into an equivocal category and the frequency of malignancy (FoM) observed in such categories. Methods Five experienced cytopathologists from three centers (A, B, C) independently performed reclassification of smears obtained from 213 thyroid nodules with equivocal routine cytology and known results of the postoperative histopathological examination. Results The interobserver agreement among all cytopathologists was poor, with a Krippendorff’s alpha coefficient equaling 0.34. The intra-center agreement was higher than the inter-center (fair vs poor). Pathologists of the center A classified smears into categories II and III significantly less often and categories IV and V more often than pathologists of centers B and C. The joint FoM of nodules classified into any of categories IV–VI (regarded as an indication for surgery) was different among centers (A: 40.0%, B: 66.7%, C: 80.6%). The FoM of category III nodules with features of nuclear atypia (AUS) in center B and C was two times higher than that of other nodules of category III (FLUS), while in center A the FoM was similar. Conclusions The use of published data on the risk of malignancy in nodules of particular BSRTC categories without concern for the uniqueness of the diagnostic center may lead to erroneous conclusions.

Patient: Male, 26Final Diagnosis: SarcoidosisSymptoms: Disseminated lung parenchymal changesMedication: —Clinical Procedure: —Specialty: PulmonologyObjective:Rare diseaseBackground:Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous inflammatory disease that is induced by unknown antigen(s) in a genetically susceptible host. Although the direct link between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection and sarcoidosis can be excluded on the basis of a current knowledge, the non-infectious mechanisms may explain the causative role of mycobacterial antigens. The co-incidence of tuberculosis (TB) and sarcoidosis, and higher incidence of mycobacterial DNA in biological samples of sarcoid patients, have been reported by many authors.Case Report:We present a case in which MTB infection in 1 family member triggered a sarcoid reaction in the infected subject and 2 other non-infected family members. We discuss different aspects of diagnosis and differentiation, as well as up-to-date hypotheses on the possible mechanisms leading to sarcoid inflammation in patients exposed to MTB.Conclusions:This case series documents the possibility of familial spreading of sarcoidosis, and points to MTB as a potential etiological factor.

IntroductionColorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Incidence rates of large intestine cancer indicate a role of environmental and occupational factors. The role of essential elements and their interaction with toxic metals can contribute to the explanation of a complex mechanism by which large intestine cancer develops. Bearing this in mind, determining the levels of essential and toxic elements in tissues (organs), as well as in body fluids, seems to shed light on their role in the mode of action in malignant disease.AimDetermination of the levels of cadmium, zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron in large intestine malignant tissue.Material and methodsTwo intraoperative intestine sections were investigated: one from the malignant tissue and the other one from the normal tissue, collected from each person with diagnosed large intestine cancer. Cadmium, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, and iron levels were determined with atomic absorption spectrometry, and selenium levels by spectrofluorimetric method.ResultsThe levels of copper, selenium, and magnesium were higher in the malignant than in normal tissues. In addition, the zinc/copper and calcium/magnesium relationship was altered in malignant tissue, where correlations were lower compared to non-malignant tissue.ConclusionsThe results seems to demonstrate disturbed homeostasis of some essential elements. However, it is hard to confirm their involvement in the aetiology of colorectal cancer.