The activities of urinary alpha-esterases in bilharziasis and their possible role in the diagnosis of bilharzial bladder cancer in Egypt

Schistosome related cancers: a possible role for genotoxins

Schistosomiasis has long been associated with cancer. This association is most prevalent between Schistosoma hematobium and bladder cancer. Numerous theories have been proposed to explain the causal link between the parasite infestation and the ensuing neoplasia. One theory that has not received as much attention as others, however, is the role of genotoxins in the neoplastic process. Considering the substantial amount of supportive evidence for the cocarcinogenic effects of schistosomes, concern for the health effects resulting from exposure of infested individuals to either exogenous or endogenous genotoxins is certainly warranted.

Effect of gossypol on liver metabolic enzymes in male rats

The effects of gossypol on liver metabolism were examined in male rats. Gossypol acetic acid was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 5 mg/kg daily, 5 days/week for 2 weeks. The rats were killed 24 h after the last injection. The liver/body weight ratio (-42%), concentration of liver glutathione (-34%), activities of liver alpha-naphthtylacetate esterase (-30%) and DNase (-39%) were significantly decreased when compared to controls. Hepatic beta-glucuronidase (+37%), RNase (+35%) and serum alkaline RNase (+23%) activities were significantly increased. No changes were found in serum transaminases (SGPT, SGOT) or in hepatic RNA and DNA concentration. Elevation of liver and serum RNase activities suggest that gossypol treatment produces some catabolic effects. The depletion of hepatic glutathione and the elevation of beta-glucuronidase activity indicate that gossypol is hepatotoxic when given at this dose for 2 weeks.

Preliminary identification of a tumor-associated glycoprotein in bilharzial bladder cancer urine

A tumor-associated antigen was preliminarily identified in urine from bilharzial (squamous-cell carcinoma) bladder cancer patients. Monospecific rabbit antisera were made by immunization with concentrated bladder cancer urine and exhaustive absorption with insoluble normal human serum and urine. The urine tumor-associated antigen was identical to an antigen from 3M KCl bladder tumor extract by immunodiffusion. The antigen in urine was found in nine of 10 bladder cancer patients and was absent from normal urine and serum by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. The antigen was a concanavalin-A-binding glycoprotein which was anodal on immunoelectrophoresis. It was stable up to 2 years at -20 degrees C and did not cross-react with carcinoembryonic antigen or with Schistosoma haematobium antigens.