Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies in Poland, with well-established risk factors. Genetic instability and molecular alterations responsible for endometrial carcinogenesis have been systematically investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate, by means of cDNA macroarrays, the expression profiles of genes encoding extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in ECs. Tissue specimens were collected during surgical procedures from 40 patients with EC, and control tissue was collected from 9 patients with uterine leiomyomas. RNA was isolated and RT-PCR with radioisotope-labeled cDNA was performed. The levels of ECM protein gene expression in normal endometrial tissues were compared to the expression of these genes in EC specimens. Statistically significant differences in gene expression, stratified by clinical stage of the ECs, were detected for aggrecan, vitronectin, tenascin R, nidogen and two collagen proteins: type VIII chain α1 and type XI chain α2. All of these proteins were overexpressed in stage III endometrial carcinomas compared to levels in stage I and II uterine neoplasms. In conclusion, increased expression of genes encoding ECM proteins may play an important role in facilitating accelerated disease progression of human ECs.

No abstract

To analyze the coexistence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and K-ras gene activation in cervical neoplasia, we investigated 31 (seven pre-invasive and 24 invasive) cervical carcinomas for "low-risk" (types 6 and 11) and "high-risk" (types 16 and 18) HPVs and K-ras point mutations using PCR-based technology. "Low-risk" HPVs were not detected in the group investigated; however, 20 of 31 (64%) cases were HPV 16 positive, while HPV 18 was found in only three (9.7%) samples (HPV 6/11 v. HPV 16/18, p < 0.0001; HPV 16 v. HPV 18, p < 0.0001; Fisher's exact test). There was a K-ras codon 12 point mutation in two of 31 (6.4%) neoplasms, with none of the cases showing a K-ras codon 13 point mutation. Two moderately differentiated squamous carcinomas showed K-ras exon 2 gene alterations. Interestingly, none of the pre-invasive cervical carcinomas displayed K-ras gene point mutations. The mean patient age did not differ significantly in the number of HPV-positive and -negative cases. A coexistence of "high-risk" human papillomavirus DNA with K-ras gene alterations was observed in three of 31 (9.7%) neoplasms (one IIA and two IB moderately differentiated cervical carcinomas). Our results suggest that "high-risk" HPVs coexist with K-ras gene alterations in a subset of moderately differentiated carcinomas of the cervix uteri.

No abstract

20102 Endometrial cancer is one of the most common neoplasms of reproductive system. According to data accumulated in last decades it has been concluded that microsatellite instability and PTEN, K-ras, β-catenin gene mutations are crucial for endometrial cancer etiopathogenesis. Moreover, it is well known that all genes encoded proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation or surrounding tissues infiltration contribute to tumor and metastases development. It has been stressed that different factors such as VEGF, which play a key role in neoplastic angiogenesis are also very important for tumor growth. Complexity of molecular mechanisms leading to endometrial cancer development implies that only experiments utilizing array technique can collect enough data to understand all relationships between different molecular pathways during tumor development and to identify new clinically usable markers of neoplasm. Using MacroArray technique we analyzed expression profile of neoplastic tissue derived from 40 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer. After data collection all genes present on chip were assigned to different groups according to their role in oncogenesis and artificial neuronal network analysis were performed in order to individuate genes those expression was significantly different in neoplastic tissue regarding to controls. Such procedure allowed us to give shape to preliminary gene expression profile typical for neoplastic tissue and to estimate protein expression of the most significant predictors of neoplastic transformation. Comparison of obtained data with tumor grade can reveal new markers of endometrial cancer useful in routine diagnostic procedures. No significant financial relationships to disclose.