Chiung-Ru Lai

Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

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Publications (43)89.74 Total impact

  • Article: A challenge in the management of a patient with ovarian cancer associated with extensive endometriosis.
    Taiwanese journal of obstetrics & gynecology 06/2012; 51(2):324-5.
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    Chapter: The Role of the Pap Smear Diagnosis: Atypical Glandular Cells (AGC)
    Chiung-Ru Lai, Chih-Yi Hsu, Anna Fen-Yau Li
    02/2012; , ISBN: 978-953-307-987-5
  • Article: Degenerative necrotic endometrial debris in Papanicolaou smears. The role in the prediction of endometrial pathology.
    Chiung-Ru Lai, Chih-Yi Hsu, Anna Fen-Yau Li
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    ABSTRACT: A retrospective review was done to evaluate the importance of degenerative endometrial debris accompanied with benign-looking endometrial cells in Papanicolaou (Pap) smears. In total, 306 patients were divided into 2 groups according to the absence (group 1) or presence (group 2) of endometrial debris. Eighty-one (26.5%) patients received histologic follow-up. The biopsy rate for premenopausal patients in group 2 was the highest (24/48 [50%]). Multivariate analysis showed that presence of endometrial debris rather than menopausal status was more related to the biopsy procedure. Malignancy was found more often in group 2 (16/39 [41%]) than in group 1 (2/42 [5%]). A malignant result was also more closely related to endometrial debris rather than menopausal status. Thus, we suggest that benign endometrial cells in Pap smears should be reported and the presence of degenerative endometrial debris is important. Patients with degenerative endometrial debris need comprehensive evaluation, regardless of menopausal status.
    American Journal of Clinical Pathology 02/2012; 137(2):290-4. · 2.60 Impact Factor
  • Article: Impact of body mass index and viral load on liver histology in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B.
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    ABSTRACT: The impact of overweight and obesity on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unclear. This study was to examine the relationship among body mass index, viral load and liver histology in HBeAg-negative CHB. The study retrospectively investigated 136 HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients who had undergone liver biopsies in Taiwan. Factors associated with significant liver histology were analyzed. Definitions of overweight and obesity for the Asian population were body mass index≥23 kg/m(2) and ≥25 kg/m(2), respectively. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the 136 patients were 22.8%, 52.2%, and 12.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified obesity, AST>40 U/L, HBV DNA>20,000IU/mL and platelet count<150 × 10(9)/L as independent factors associated with significant liver fibrosis. Similarly, overweight/obesity, ALT>80 U/L, HBV DNA>1,000,000IU/mL, and platelet count<150 × 10(9)/L were independent predictors of significant hepatic necro-inflammation. By stratification, high BMI and high viral load patients had more advanced stage and grade of liver histology. Body mass index and HBV viral loads may have synergistic effect on disease progression in HBeAg-negative CHB. Both controlling body weight and anti-viral therapy are important in the management of CHB.
    Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) 05/2011; 30(5):647-52. · 3.27 Impact Factor
  • Article: Synchronous breast invasive ductal carcinoma and endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma: case report.
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    ABSTRACT: Diagnosis of synchronous primary cancers in one patient is a relatively rare event. The well-known synchronous primary cancers of women are combined ovarian and endometrial cancers, especially when both are the endometrioid cell type. Although breast cancer and endometrial cancer are two common female malignancies, they often occur during the postmenopausal period. Therefore, the possibility of concomitant breast cancer and endometrial cancer in a younger woman (premenopausal) is often neglected. The reported case is an example of this situation. A 37-year-old woman was diagnosed with synchronous breast invasive ductal carcinoma and endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Since this condition is rarely reported, the correlated risk factors are worthy of our attention and the strategy for prevention is highlighted.
    Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research 04/2011; 37(9):1246-9. · 0.94 Impact Factor
  • Article: Uterine adenosarcoma detected by conventional papanicolaou smear: A case report with emphasis on integrating the immunocytochemical staining
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    ABSTRACT: Adenosarcoma is a rare uterine malignant tumor composed of benign to atypical epithelial element and a usually low-grade sarcomatous component. Although it is well known histologically, its cytological features are rarely described in the literature. We report a case of uterine adenosarcoma being the first one that was accurately diagnosed before operation by the conventional Papanicolaou (Pap) smear with emphasis on the contribution of the integrated immunocytochemical staining. A 46-year-old woman with abnormal vaginal bleeding and a protruding mass from her cervical os. Her Pap smear revealed: (a) presence of endometrial necrotic debris in the background, which indicated the presence of an endometrial lesion, (b) presence of both abnormal endometrial glandular cells (compact and tight clusters with slight hyperchromasia, increased nucleus/cytoplasm (N/C) ratio, apparent nucleoli and moderate vimentin stain) and abnormal stromal cells (loose aggregates of spindle to polygonal cells with hyperchromasia, increased N/C ratio and very strong vimentin staining). The characteristic degenerative necrotic debris indicating endometrial lesion plus the application of immunocytochemistry, which can increase the detection rate of endometrial lesion by the Pap smears. Awareness of the cytological findings of adenosarcoma can aid to make a correct preoperative diagnosis of this rare disease. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011; © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
    Diagnostic Cytopathology 03/2011; · 1.16 Impact Factor
  • Article: Uterine adenosarcoma detected by conventional papanicolaou smear: A case report with emphasis on integrating the immunocytochemical staining.
    Chiung-Ru Lai, Chih-Yi Hsu, Anna Fen-Yau Li
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Adenosarcoma is a rare uterine malignant tumor composed of benign to atypical epithelial element and a usually low-grade sarcomatous component. Although it is well known histologically, its cytological features are rarely described in the literature. We report a case of uterine adenosarcoma being the first one that was accurately diagnosed before operation by the conventional Papanicolaou (Pap) smear with emphasis on the contribution of the integrated immunocytochemical staining. A 46-year-old woman with abnormal vaginal bleeding and a protruding mass from her cervical os. Her Pap smear revealed: (a) presence of endometrial necrotic debris in the background, which indicated the presence of an endometrial lesion, (b) presence of both abnormal endometrial glandular cells (compact and tight clusters with slight hyperchromasia, increased nucleus/cytoplasm (N/C) ratio, apparent nucleoli and moderate vimentin stain) and abnormal stromal cells (loose aggregates of spindle to polygonal cells with hyperchromasia, increased N/C ratio and very strong vimentin staining). The characteristic degenerative necrotic debris indicating endometrial lesion plus the application of immunocytochemistry, which can increase the detection rate of endometrial lesion by the Pap smears. Awareness of the cytological findings of adenosarcoma can aid to make a correct preoperative diagnosis of this rare disease. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
    Diagnostic Cytopathology 03/2011; 40(10):920-4. · 1.16 Impact Factor
  • Article: Comparative analysis of noninvasive models to predict early liver fibrosis in hepatitis B e Antigen-negative Chronic Hepatitis B.
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    ABSTRACT: Portal or bridging fibrosis is an indication for antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). An early marker predictive of liver fibrosis in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative CHB patients can alert clinicians to plan for treatment before disease progression. To predict early and significant liver fibrosis (Ishak score ≥2) in HBeAg-negative CHB by validating several noninvasive markers derived from CHC. One hundred seventy-seven consecutive treatment-naive HBeAg-negative CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy were divided into a training group (n=121) and a validation group (n=56). Factors associated with liver fibrosis were analyzed. Multivariate analysis identified Lok's model ≥0.87, cirrhosis discriminant score greater than 4, and positive alanine aminotransferase ratio platelet score as independent factors associated with liver fibrosis in the training group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that Lok's model was better than cirrhosis discriminant score in predicting liver fibrosis in both the training and the validation groups. In patients with hepatitis B virus DNA greater than 2000 IU/mL or greater than 20,000 IU/mL, Lok's model showed equal prediction value (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.709 and 0.704, respectively). Lok's model could also discriminate high and low hepatitis B virus DNA loads. In general, liver biopsy can be avoided in one-third (58 of 177) of patients by Lok's model. Lok's model ≥0.87 can be an early marker of liver fibrosis in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Lok's model has clinical applications not only for CHC, but also for HBeAg-negative CHB.
    Journal of clinical gastroenterology 03/2011; 45(3):278-85. · 2.21 Impact Factor
  • Article: Correlation between clinical indication for treatment and liver histology in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: a novel role of alpha-fetoprotein.
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    ABSTRACT: It is unclear whether clinical indication for antiviral treatment is in agreement with histological indication in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to clarify this relationship and identify factors associated with liver histology. We investigated 152 consecutive, treatment-naïve, HBeAg-negative CHB patients who had undergone liver biopsies at a tertiary medical centre in Taiwan. Clinical indications for treatment included a serum alanine aminotransferase level more than twice the upper limit of normal and an hepatitis B virus DNA level > 2000 IU/ml. Factors associated with the histological indication (Ishak's grade > or = 7 and/or stage > or = 2) were analysed. The association between the clinical and the histological indications was significant (P=0.011). However, the agreement was poor (kappa value=0.197). In patients satisfying the clinical indication, age > 52 years [odds ratio (OR)=2.669, P=0.042], serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level > 7 ng/ml (OR=7.070, P<0.001) and platelet count < 130 x 10(9)/L (OR=11.720, P=0.025) were identified to be independent factors associated with histological indication. In patients who did not satisfy the clinical indication, multivariate analysis revealed that only an AFP level > 7 ng/ml (OR=10.345, P=0.021) was independently associated with histological indication. Combining the clinical indication and/or AFP level > 7 ng/ml to predict liver histology, the sensitivity and the negative predictive value could improve from 86 to 94.4% and 66.7 to 81% respectively. AFP level is associated with liver histology in HBeAg-negative CHB. Serum AFP level can serve as a surrogate indicator to identify patients who need antiviral treatment.
    Liver international: official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver 09/2010; 30(8):1161-8. · 3.82 Impact Factor
  • Article: Core antigen expression is associated with hepatic necroinflammation in e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with low DNA loads.
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    ABSTRACT: Intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen (HBcAg) is a hallmark of viral replication in hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of HBcAg in HBeAg-negative CHB. One hundred six HBeAg-negative CHB patients who underwent ultrasonographically guided liver biopsy were reviewed for their HBV DNA load and clinical and histological data. Factors associated with the expression of intrahepatic HBcAg were analyzed. Among the patients, 35 (33%) were positive for HBcAg by immunohistostaining. In patients whose HBV DNA loads were higher than 10(7) copies (cp)/ml, nearly one-half (52%) had detectable HBcAg. Compared with HBcAg-negative patients, HBcAg-positive patients had higher serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and HBV DNA levels and more-severe hepatic necroinflammation. High serum ALT level (>160 U/liter) and HBV viral load were the determinants of HBcAg expression in multivariate analysis. Large amounts of HBcAg expression were frequently detected in patients with high DNA loads, and the patterns of HBcAg distribution were not related to histological activity or HBV DNA levels. In patients with lower HBV DNA loads, the expression of HBcAg was the key factor associated with active hepatic necroinflammation (hazard ratio = 11.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42 to 89.26; P = 0.022). In conclusion, the expression of HBcAg is not frequent in HBeAg-negative CHB. The expression of intrahepatic HBcAg indicates active hepatic necroinflammation, even in patients with low HBV DNA load. Both HBV viral load and HBcAg expression have implications in the pathogenesis of HBeAg-negative CHB.
    Clinical and vaccine immunology: CVI 06/2010; 17(6):1048-53. · 2.37 Impact Factor
  • Article: Anti-Cytokeratin CAM5.2 (BD) does not act as a substitute of the CK8/18 monoclonal antibody. Comment on: 'Expression of c-MET, low-molecular-weight cytokeratin, matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -2 in spinal chordoma'. Histopathology 2009; 54; 607-613.
    Histopathology 05/2010; 56(6):810; author reply 810-1. · 3.08 Impact Factor
  • Article: Brain metastasis of ovarian epithelial carcinoma.
    Taiwanese journal of obstetrics & gynecology 03/2010; 49(1):101-4.
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    Article: Fibrosis and AST to platelet ratio index predict post-operative prognosis for solitary small hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma.
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    ABSTRACT: Although advanced liver fibrosis is crucial in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for patients with chronic hepatitis B, whether it is associated with the recurrence of HCC after resection remains obscure. This study was aimed to compare the outcomes for patients with minimal or advanced fibrosis in solitary small hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC. This study enrolled 76 patients with small (<5 cm) solitary HBV-related HCC who underwent resection. The outcomes of patients with minimal and advanced fibrosis in non-tumor areas were compared. Serum markers were tested to assess the stage of hepatic fibrosis and to predict prognosis. Fourteen patients with an Ishak fibrosis score of 0 or 1 were defined as having minimal fibrosis; the remaining 62 patients were defined as having advanced fibrosis. During a follow-up period of 77.0 ± 50.7 months, 41 patients died. The overall survival rate was significantly higher (P = 0.018) and recurrence rate was lower (P = 0.018) for patients in the minimal fibrosis group. Aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index (APRI) exhibited the most reliable discriminative ability for predicting advanced fibrosis. The overall survival rate was significantly higher (P = 0.003) and recurrence rate was lower (P = 0.005) for patients with an APRI of 0.47 or less. For patients with solitary small HBV-related HCC who underwent resection, minimal fibrosis is associated with a lower incidence of recurrence and with better survival. APRI could serve as a reliable marker for assessing hepatic fibrosis and predicting survival.
    Hepatology International 01/2010; 4(4):691-9. · 2.64 Impact Factor
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    Article: The relationship between human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus infections in relation to age of patients with cervical adenocarcinoma.
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    ABSTRACT: To examine the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in relation to age of patients with cervical adenocarcinoma. Thirty samples of human cervical adenocarcinoma tissue were collected from the surgical pathology archive at Taipei Veterans General Hospital from 1996 to 2008. All samples were examined for EBV, HPV-16 and HPV-18 E6 DNA by conventional and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. HPV-16 DNA was detected in 10 cases (33.3%), HPV-18 DNA in 12 cases (40%), and EBV DNA in three cases (10%); there were negative findings in seven cases (23.3%). EBV combined with HPV-16 or HPV-18 was also detected in one case each. No link could be demonstrated between HPV and EBV in endocervical lesions. When 20 patients 45 years old were compared with 10 patients > 45 years old, HPV-18 E6 DNA was detected in 45% vs. 30% (9/20 vs. 3/10), HPV-16 E6 DNA in 40% vs. 20% (8/20 vs. 2/10), EBV DNA in 10% vs. 10% (2/20 vs. 1/10), and no virus DNA was detected in 10% vs. 50% (2/20 vs. 5/10). HPV and EBV were significantly more common in younger women (p < 0.001). HPV-18 plays a major role in adenocarcinomas at any age. A high prevalence of HPV DNA is significantly associated with cervical adenocarcinoma, especially in younger women. The results do not support a role for EBV in cervical adenocarcinogenesis or any relationship between EBV and HPV infection in adenocarcinoma.
    Taiwanese journal of obstetrics & gynecology 12/2009; 48(4):370-4.
  • Article: Prognostic nomogram for overall survival in stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
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    ABSTRACT: On the basis of outcome data from concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locally advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma, the authors developed a nomogram for predicting survival outcome. Two hundred fifty-one eligible patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIB-IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix who underwent CCRT were included for the construction of the nomogram. Predictor variables included age, serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen, tumor size, parametrium invasion, hydronephrosis, bladder/rectum invasion, and lymph node metastases. Internal validation of the nomogram was performed. A nomogram for predicting the 5 year overall survival for these patients was constructed on the basis of a Cox regression model from 7 parameters. The concordance index was 0.69. This nomogram is a predictive tool, upon external validation, that can be used to counsel patients in predicting outcomes. The discriminatory ability of the nomogram indicates that this population should not be considered homogeneous with respect to risk of death.
    American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 11/2009; 202(2):174.e1-7. · 3.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Importance of delivered cycles and nomogram for intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.
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    ABSTRACT: Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy has gained enthusiasm in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Despite having a better survival advantage than intravenous (IV) chemotherapy, IP chemotherapy still poses significant morbidity and complications. Identifying the subset of patients who could best benefit from IP chemotherapy, and those who would least benefit from this treatment, thus avoiding potential complications, is critical. Between January 2001 and December 2007, 367 patients with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer underwent randomized trial for IP/IV chemotherapy were recruited to construct a nomogram, which is a graphical representation of Cox proportional hazards model adopting six weighted risk factors including age, CA125, IP/IV delivery, stage, histology, and upper abdominal metastases. The nomogram was internally validated for discrimination and calibration. The concordance index was used for quantifying the predictive ability of overall survival with bootstrapping to correct for bias. The cycles of completed IP chemotherapy had an impact on overall survival (> or =5 vs. < or =4 cycles, P=0.02). A nomogram for predicting median survival and 5-year survival probability was constructed with a concordance index of 0.72. Upper abdominal tumor metastases (P<0.001) and colon resection (P=0.02) predicted increased chances for early discontinuation of IP chemotherapy. At least five IP cycles are needed to achieve better survival. Nomogram can help to identify the subset of patients who can least benefit from IP chemotherapy, thus avoiding potential IP complications and help to facilitate discussion between patient and physician, risk stratification, and help to guide clinical care.
    Gynecologic Oncology 10/2009; 114(3):415-9. · 3.89 Impact Factor
  • Article: Overexpression of Aurora B is associated with poor prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer patients.
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    ABSTRACT: Recent studies have indicated that Aurora B expression is related to cell proliferation and prognosis in many cancers, but its association with epithelial ovarian carcinoma is not fully understood. Therefore, we examined the Aurora B kinase expression in epithelial ovarian cancer patients. Using immunohistochemistry, the expression levels of Aurora B and phosphohistone H3 (Ser(10)) (mitosis-specific marker) were measured in 156 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. The expression levels of Aurora B at the protein and messenger RNA levels were examined using Western blotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In total, 53 tumorous ovarian samples (34.0%) showed Aurora B overexpression, which was significantly higher than that found in the 15 normal ovarian tissue samples (0%, p = 0.006). The overexpression of Aurora B was also significantly higher in cases showing phosphohistone H3 (Ser(10)) overexpression (44.3% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.03). In addition, the expression of Aurora B in poorly and moderately differentiated carcinomas of the ovary was significantly higher than in well-differentiated carcinomas (53.6% vs. 28.2% vs.10.0%, respectively, p = 0.02). The overexpression of Aurora B was significantly higher in cases with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.01) and a positive ascites cytology (p = 0.008). Overall, the Aurora B overexpression group demonstrated a significantly shorter progression-free survival (p = 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.023) than the Aurora B low expression group using univariate analysis (log-rank statistic). Aurora B is an effective predictor of aggressive epithelial ovarian carcinoma in terms of differentiation, metastasis, and prognosis.
    Archiv für Pathologische Anatomie und Physiologie und für Klinische Medicin 10/2009; 455(5):431-40. · 2.49 Impact Factor
  • Article: Thalidomide decreases intrahepatic resistance in cirrhotic rats.
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    ABSTRACT: Increased intrahepatic resistance (IHR) within cirrhotic liver is caused by increased endotoxemia, cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), vasoconstrictor thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)), and disrupted microvasculatures. We evaluated the effects of thalidomide-related inhibition of TNF-alpha upon the hepatic microcirculation of cirrhosis in rats. Portal venous pressure (PVP), hepatic TNF-alpha, expression of thromboxane synthase (TXS), and leukocyte common antigen (LCA) were measured in bile-duct-ligated (BDL) rats receiving 1 month of thalidomide (BDL-thalido rats). Portal perfusion pressure (PPP), IHR, and hepatic TXA(2) production were measured in the isolated liver perfusion system. Intravital microscopy was used to examine hepatic microvascular disruptions. In BDL-thalido rats, PVP, PPP, IHR, hepatic TXA(2) and TNF-alpha, hydroxyproline content, expression of TXS and LCA, and LPS-induced leukocyte recruitment were significantly decreased. Conversely, hepatic microvascular density and perfused sinusoids were significantly increased. Thalidomide decreased PVP and IHR by reducing hepatic TXA(2) and improving hepatic microvascular disruptions in rats with biliary cirrhosis.
    Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 04/2009; 380(3):666-72. · 2.48 Impact Factor
  • Article: Expression of Aurora kinase A and B in normal and malignant cervical tissue: high Aurora A kinase expression in squamous cervical cancer.
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    ABSTRACT: Aurora kinases such as Aurora A and B are key regulators of mitosis and tumorigenesis and have been reported to be overexpressed in various malignancies. However, the expression of Aurora kinases in normal and neoplastic cervical tissues remains undetermined. Immunohistochemical expression of Aurora A and B kinase was examined in 20 normal cervix, 35 cervical intraepithelial neoplasm 3 (CIN 3) and 95 cervical cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n=76) and adenocarcinoma (AC) (n=19). Expression of Aurora A and B kinase was confirmed by Western blot. The correlation between Aurora A and B kinases expression and the clinico-pathological parameters was analyzed by statistical analysis. The Aurora A and B expression was significantly increased in carcinoma and CIN 3, compared with normal cervix. However, expression of Aurora A and B showed no significant correlation between CIN 3 and cervical cancer. The nuclear expression of Aurora A showed a significantly positive correlation with the expression of Aurora B (P=0.018). The percentage of Aurora A overexpression between SCCs and ACs showed a significant difference (50% vs. 21.1%, P=0.023). However, there was no correlation of Aurora A and B expression with patient survival. According to our study, Aurora A and B overexpression is a relatively early phenomenon in the genesis of malignant epithelial neoplasm tumorigenesis. Based on the results of this study, it would be interesting to know whether Aurora kinases play a role in pathogenesis of cervical dysplasia and SCC patients.
    European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology 01/2009; 142(1):57-63. · 1.97 Impact Factor
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    Article: Expression analysis of apoptosis-related markers TP53, BCL-2, BAX and c-MYC in female genital tract sarcomas.
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    ABSTRACT: Most female genital tract sarcomas are highly malignant and fatal. Their aggressive growth pattern and poor response to chemotherapy are the major causes of death. Deregulation of the apoptosis pathway is related to tumorigenesis and chemodrug resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression status and relationship of the apoptosis-related markers TP53, BCL-2, BAX and c-MYC in this group of tumors. In addition, correlations of these markers with clinicopathologic findings and their prognostic significance were also examined. Paraffin blocks of female genital tract sarcoma tissue from 54 patients were obtained after pathology review. Protein expression of TP53, BCL-2, BAX and c-MYC was examined using immunohistochemical staining with standard procedures. A semiquantitative method was used to assess the staining result where scoring 1-3 was negative and 4-9 was positive for expression. The mutual relationships between TP53, BCL-2, BAX and c-MYC were examined. Associations between expression of the apoptotic markers and tumor stage as well as outcome were also analyzed. We found that all 4 of the apoptosis-related markers were frequently expressed in female genital tract sarcomas. Of the 54 cases, 24 (44%) were positive for TP53, 23 (43%) for BCL-2, 25 (46%) for BAX, and 30 (56%) for c-MYC. A significant positive association was observed between BAX and c-MYC (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference for the expression status of the 4 markers in early and late stage tumors. In prognostic analysis, overexpression of TP53, late stage, and age were significant prognostic factors in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Since changes in TP53, BCL-2, BAX and c-MYC frequently occur in female genital tract sarcomas, deregulation of apoptosis appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of this group of tumors. This mechanism may occur early in tumorigenesis and include the c-MYC/BAX apoptotic pathway or BCL-2. However, TP53 mutation may play a crucial role in this process, and clinically, it could be used as a prognostic indicator.
    Journal of the Chinese Medical Association 01/2009; 71(12):628-34. · 0.79 Impact Factor