Arch Med Sci
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Previous studies have hypothesized fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) as a potential biomarker of the inflammation associated with liver diseases, which is also receiving considerable attention for its potential application concerning the management of obesity and co-morbidities. This study aimed to analyze the response of FGF-21 after a weight loss intervention and the relationships with other putative inflammatory liver biomarkers. ⋯ These results demonstrated interactions of some liver inflammatory mediators, specifically M30 and PAI-I with FGF-21. Thus, more investigation about FGF-21 is required given that this protein could be a biomarker of the obesity-inflammation-liver process.
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Surgical oncology strives to remove the primary cancer tumor together with its local lymphatic tissue. One of the techniques improving the staging of lymph nodes is sentinel node biopsy. The most common agent used in SNB is indocyanine green (ICG). Indocyanine green is characterized by its high affinity for human serum albumin (HSA). In practice, the visualization of the sentinel node is enhanced by attaching a relatively large carrier to the ICG molecule. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the covalent linking of ICG to a nanocolloid would extend the time of detection of the dye as it binds to HSA, assessed by fluorescence measurements in vitro. ⋯ Properly selected proportions of human albumin protein and ICH allowed higher and longer luminescence to be achieved. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to establish the optimal concentration ratio.
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Detection of abnormalities in the KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes is extremely important for proper qualification of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients for therapy with anti-EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) monoclonal antibodies. However, data about prevalence of mutations in these genes, in different localizations of CRC tumors, are limited. ⋯ Our study showed that the occurrence of mutations in the KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes is not accidental and depends on the location of CRC tumors.
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Every year over 25 million women worldwide experience menopause symptoms. Menopause leads to the occurrence and intensification of many psychological and somatic disorders including body composition change. Myostatin may play a crucial role in the remodeling of muscle and fat tissue. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the level of body fat and the concentration of myostatin protein in serum of peri- or postmenopausal women. ⋯ Decreased level of myostatin is related to higher level of body fat in peri- and postmenopausal women.
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Gigantomastia is a rare condition characterised by excessive breast growth. The pathophysiology of mammary enlargement varies depending on the type of gigantomastia: gestational, juvenile virginal, or idiopathic. The study aimed at examining the receptor status (oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR)) of breast tissue in adult women with juvenile or idiopathic gigantomastia. ⋯ Gigantomastia is not caused by increased expression of ERα and PR. Analysing abnormal sensitivity of these receptors to hormones may be crucial in establishing the increased risk of breast cancer in women with gigantomastia.