Differential Mueller matrix imaging of partially depolarizing optically anisotropic biological tissues

Since recently, a number of innovative polarization-based optical imaging modalities have been introduced and extensively used in various biomedical applications, with an ultimate aim to attain the practical tool for the optical biopsy and functional characterization of biological tissues. The techniques utilize polarization properties of light and Mueller matrix mapping of microscopic images of histological sections of biological tissues or polycrystalline films of biological fluids. The main drawback of currently developed laser polarimetry approaches and Mueller matrix mapping techniques is poor reproducibility of experimental data. This is due to azimuthal dependence of polarization and ellipticity values of most matrix elements to sample orientation in respect to incidence light polarization. Current study aims to generalize the methods of laser polarimetry for diagnosis of partially depolarizing optically anisotropic biological tissues. A method of differential Mueller matrix mapping for reconstruction of linear and circular birefringence and dichroism parameter distributions of partially depolarizing layers of biological tissues of different morphological structure is introduced and practically implemented. The coordinate distributions of the value of the first-order differential matrix elements of histological sections of brain tissue with spatially structured, optically anisotropic fibrillar network, as well as of parenchymatous tissue of the rectum wall with an “islet” polycrystalline structure are determined. Within the statistical analysis of polarization reproduced distributions of the averaged parameters of phase and amplitude anisotropy, the significant sensitivity of the statistical moments of the third and fourth orders to changes in the polycrystalline structure of partially depolarizing layers of biological tissue is observed. The differentiation of female reproductive sphere connective tissue is realized with excellent accuracy. The differential Mueller matrix mapping method for reconstruction of distributions of linear and circular birefringence and dichroism parameters of partially depolarizing layers of biological tissues of different morphological structures is proposed and substantiated. Differential diagnostics of changes in the phase (good balanced accuracy) and amplitude (excellent balanced accuracy) of the anisotropy of the partially depolarizing layers of the vagina wall tissue with prolapse of the genitals is realized. The maximum diagnostic efficiency of the first-order differential matrix method was demonstrated in comparison with the traditional methods of polarization and Mueller matrix mapping of histological sections of light-scattering biological tissues.

Mesh retraction correlates with vaginal pain and overactive bladder symptoms after anterior vaginal mesh repair

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim of the present study was to determine possible correlations between mesh retraction after anterior vaginal mesh repair and de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder (OAB), and vaginal pain symptoms.

METHODS

One hundred and three women with symptomatic prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall, stages 3 and 4 based on the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, underwent Prolift anterior™ implantation. At a 6-month follow-up, the patients were interviewed for de novo SUI, OAB, and vaginal pain, and underwent an introital/transvaginal ultrasound examination to measure the mesh length in the midsagittal plane.

RESULTS

Mesh retraction was significantly larger in a subgroup of patients (n = 20; 19.4 %) presenting de novo OAB symptoms on the follow-up assessment compared with those without this complication (5.0 cm vs. 4.3 cm; p < 0.05). Mesh retraction was also significantly larger in a subgroup of patients (n = 23; 22.3 %) reporting postoperative vaginal pain compared with the women who did not report any postoperative vaginal pain (5.3 cm vs. 4.2 cm; p < 0.01). A significant correlation was found between mesh retraction and the severity of vaginal pain (R = 0.4, p < 0.01). Mesh retraction did not differ between patients with de novo SUI symptoms and those without this complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Mesh retraction assessed on ultrasound examination after anterior vaginal mesh repair may correlate with de novo OAB symptoms and vaginal pain.

Serum TRAIL levels in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A pilot study

AIMS

The study attempted to evaluate the kinetics of changes in serum TRAIL levels as a potential predictive and prognostic factor in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) or primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC), eligible for an interval debulking surgery (IDS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

17 patients with primary inoperable EOC or PPC in FIGO Stage IIIC or IV who underwent an exploratory operation were enrolled to the study. Serum TRAIL levels were determined by ELISA method (DIACLONE, Besancon Cedex, France) before and after two courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) based on paclitaxel and platinum analogue (cisplatin or carboplatin). The control group consisted of six healthy volunteers. The median difference in concentration of TRAIL (dTRAIL) between the initial marking and after two courses of NAC in each patient was 192 pg/ml and it was used for dichotomization of the test group.

RESULTS

Suboptimal interval debulking surgery (IDS) was performed in 23.5% (4/17) and optimal IDS in 76.5% (13/17) patients. TRAIL concentration before chemotherapy did not differ significantly between patients with EOC or PPC [1426.96 +/- 321.06 pg/ml (mean +/- SD) (U = 26, p = 0.08)] and the control group [1160.40 +/- 256.39 pg/ml (mean +/- SD. After two courses of NAC serum TRAIL concentration level was 1247.49 +/- 378.46 pg/ml (mean +/- SD). The difference was significant (Z = 2.44, p = 0.0147). Statistical analysis showed that dTRAIL did not significantly influence either extent of IDS (U = 35, p = 0.0962) or time to progression (log-rank test, p = 0.1185), overall survival (log-rank test, p = 0.1973) and response to treatment according to RECIST criteria (U = 35.5, p = 0.9616).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum TRAIL concentration levels changed significantly during NAC. However, it seems that the concentration of this protein has no critical value as a predictive or prognostic factor in patients with EOC or PPC.

DNA adducts in squamous cell cervical carcinomas associated with HPV infection

The aim of the study was qualitative and quantitative evaluation of DNA adducts in squamous cell cervical carcinomas associated with oncogenic HPV infection.

MATERIAL

The study material consisted of oncogenic tissue collected during the surgeries of seven women aged 37 to 52 who were undergoing surgical treatment due to squamous cell cervical carcinoma. The control group consisted of 3 tissue fragments from morphologically normal cervix collected from patients undergoing surgery due to uterine myomas.

METHODS

DNA from the tissues was isolated using Genomic Prep Plus kit from A&A Biotechnology, Austria. Amplification reactions detecting HPV DNA presence in the tissue fragments were performed using specific starters allowing for amplification of conservative genome fragments within L1, E6 and E7 Papilloma viruses. After extraction, the DNA specimens underwent enzymatic digestion to nucleotides and marked on the 5' end using gamma32P-post labeling technique. Division and quantitative evaluation of DNA adducts was performed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on PEI-cellulose plates. Qualitative radioactivity measurements were performed using Bio-Imaging analyzer in quantitative mode.

RESULTS

In all fragments, including the control, HPV 16 and/or 18 DNA was found. Mean adduct content in cervical carcinoma tissues was 289 adducts per 10(9) nucleotides and was higher than mean adduct content in control tissues (57 adducts per 10(9) nucleotides).

CONCLUSIONS

The study results suggest that the content of DNA adducts in squamous cell cervical cancer associated with HPV infection may serve as a molecular marker of oncogenesis in this organ.

Metastases to the products of conception from a maternal bronchial carcinoma. A case report and review of literature

The association of mother's malignancy with metastases to the products of conception is rarely reported. We present 8th case reported in the literature of oat-cell lung carcinoma complicated by an aggressive clinical course and documented placental metastases. Review of all published cases of lung cancer metastasizing to the placenta is also presented. A 44-year-old white pregnant woman at an estimated gestational age of 30 weeks presented with cervical incompetence symptoms and multiple tumors of 2-4 cm in diameter located in the subcutaneous tissue of the chest, including both breasts. The biopsy revealed a metastatic oat-cell carcinoma. Cesarean section was performed immediately. During the procedure, micronodular metastatic infiltration of the liver was noted. Microscopic examination of placenta showed clusters of oat-cell carcinoma calls within the intervillous spaces; no infiltration of villi themselves was noted. The malignant cells were morphologically identical as those of the subcutaneous metastases. The woman succumbed to cancer and died on the 16th postoperative day. Lung cancer metastasizing to the placenta is relatively rarely reported. In all cases only placental metastases were found; the fetus in all cases was spared. Only in one out of 8 reported cases outcome of mother was not fatal. It should be emphasized that not in all cases of maternal malignancy the histological examination of the placental was made Therefore it is possible that the incidence of placental involvement is more often than it is reported.

Influence of antisperm antibodies on T cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins in women with a history of unexplained infertility

beta 1 integrins, receptors responsible for the binding of extracellular matrix proteins, mediate activation, adhesion, migration and differentiation in different tissue compartments. It has been recently demonstrated that integrins are distributed on sperm surface and on T cells, as well. The aim of this study was to establish influence of antisperm antibodies on T cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins in women with a history of unexplained infertility.

[Stromal leydig cell tumor coexisting with ascites]

The stromal Leydig cell tumour (SLCT), a very rare, benign neoplasm was described in 75-year old woman. The patient presented the typical signs of virilisation (hirsutism, masculine alopecia, moderate clitoris enlargement, deep voice) as well as hypertension and insulin independent type of diabetes mellitus (IIDM). Additionally, she had marked ascites (3400 ml as established during surgery). The serum concentration of testosterone before the surgery was elevated up to 7.6 ng/ml. FSH and LH were at very low range (2.5 mIU/ml, 3.4 mIU/ml, respectively) whereas 17 beta-oestradiol was elevated (56 pg/ml). Total abdominal hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH/BSO) and omentectomy were performed. The histopathological findings revealed stromal Leydig cell tumour with Reinke crystalloids. The postoperative follow-up was complicated by venous thrombosis. Five weeks after the surgery only slight regression of the signs of virilisation was observed. Hormonal findings were adequate to the patient age range (FSH--16.7 mIU/ml, LH--21.1 mIU/ml, testosterone--0.19 ng/ml, 17 beta-oestradiol concentration below 10 pg/ml).

[Hydrophobic DNA adducts in relationship to estrogen and progesterone receptors content in human uterine cancer]

OBJECTIVE

Determination of the relationship between hydrophobic DNA adducts (A) and estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor status in uterine cancers.

METHODS

Using the P1 enriched version of 32P-postlabeling for hydrophobic DNA adducts detection on polyethyleneimine (PEI) cellulose thin layer chromatograms (TLC) we examined 11 uterine cancer DNAs. The quantification of the adducts was performed by Cerenkov counting of the spots. ER and PR status was recognized histochemically and H-score estimate was performed for each investigated cancer tissue. Patterns of uterine cancer DNA adducts were compared to the maps of adducts recognized in normal human endometrium.

RESULTS

In three of the studied uterine cancers there was no positive staining of ER and PR; in one case there was a weak ER staining but PR staining was negative. In ER negative tumors the A level was significantly higher than in ER positive cancers (138.1 +/- 64.1 vs. 49.7 +/- 26.8 adducts per 10(9) nucleotides, respectively, p < 0.05). Highest A levels were found in two ER and PR negative G3 metastatic tumors. Finally, in all investigated cancers there was a strong, inverse correlation between ER content and A level (r = -0.67, p < 0.03). In addition, the correlation between PR level and A was of borderline significance (r = -0.6, p = 0.053). The TLC patterns of adducts in uterine tumors were found to be qualitatively similar, but not quantitatively, to those observed in normal human endometrium DNA.

CONCLUSION

The data presented suggest that the hydrophobic DNA adducts could play a role in a sex-steroid hormone independence of human endometrial cancers. The highest accumulation of DNA adducts was recognized in neoplasms displaying the most malignant phenotype.

[Overall genomic DNA methylation in relation to estrogen]

Overall genomic DNA methylation was analyzed using enzymatic digestion into nucleotides, 32P postlabeling, two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on cellulose plates and phosphobioimaging quantitation, in relation to immunohistochemically measured estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status of 15 uterine cancers. Mean 5-methyldeoxycytosine (m5dC) content did not differ between ER-positive and ER-negative neoplasms. Highest values of m5dC were noted both in ER-negative and ER-positive tumors. Additionally, there was no low DNA methylation in ER negative uterine cancer tissues. Decrease of the overall genomic DNA methylation could be related to the increase of ER/PR ratio, however it was not significant in our investigation. The potential role of steroid receptors status in uterine cancer tissue is discussed.

Detection of human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 in human neoplastic endometrium: lack of correlation with established prognostic factors

HPV (types 16 and 18) DNA sequences are present in the majority of precancerous and cancerous lesions of the human uterine cervix. However, data concerning the involvement of HPVs infection in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer are controversial. In the current study we investigated the frequency of the HPV types 16 and 18, detected by PCR amplification using the type 16- and 18-specific primers within the E7 Open Reading Frame (ORF) sequence, in 54 human endometrial carcinomas obtained from women of Polish origin. Moreover, we assessed the possible association of the HPV with the clinicopathological features of the cancer, patients' outcome as well as with the K-ras codon 12 gene point mutations. HPV type 16 was present in eleven out of 54 (20%) endometrial tumors, while HPV type 18 was detected only in three out of 54 (4%) neoplasms analyzed. HPV infection was not related either to the patients' age (r=0.11; p=0.428, Spearman correlation test) or to the clinicopathological parameters and patients' prognosis. A higher incidence of HPV 16/18 was detected in well (G1) differentiated than in moderately (G2) and poorly (G3) differentiated endometrial adenocarcinomas, but the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, none of HPV-positive endometrial carcinomas harbored K-ras codon 12 gene point mutations. Our results suggest that some of the endometrial carcinomas are associated with HPV infection but the presence of the human papillamovirus types 16/18 is not related to the clinicopathological or prognostical features of the neoplasm.

[Comparative clinical analysis of cesarean section technique by Misgav Ladach method and Pfennenstiel method]

Clinical and biochemical parameters were analysed in 55 patients who underwent a caesarean section performed using Misgav Ladach method compared to reference group of 41 patients who underwent caesarean section using Pfannenstiel method. Shortened operation time, shortened hospitalisation time and less postoperative morbidity were observed in the Misgav Ladach group. This kind of method seems to have advantages in comparison to Pfannenstiel method.

Genotoxicity of 3-methylcholanthrene in liver of transgenic big Blue mice

Transgenic mice provide a unique tool for studying the tissue specificity and mutagenic potential of chemicals. Because 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) was found mutagenic in bacteria, clastogenic in bone marrow, and induces DNA adducts in animals, we were interested to determinine whether this xenobiotic provokes (1) cell proliferation, (2) transcriptional activity changes, (3) DNA adducts, and (4) hepatic mutations in transgenic Big Blue mice carrying the lambdaLIZ phage shuttle vector. Big Blue C57/Bl male mice were treated with a single intraperitoneal dose of 80 mg/kg 3MC for 1, 3, 6, 14, or 30 days. Cell proliferation was checked by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine labeling and immunohistochemical detection. The maximal increase of the mitotic index was evidenced after 3 days (2.9 times the control value; P < 0.01). The relative nucleus area, reflecting the transcriptional activity, was also the highest in the treated group after 3 days: 1.86 times the control value, on average (P < 0.01). Four major DNA adducts, determined according to the [(32)P]-postlabeling method, were evidenced in liver DNA of treated mice, 6 days after the treatment: the spot intensities increased in a time-dependent manner. The mutant frequency of liver DNA was the highest after 14 days: 20.3 +/- 2.9 x 10(-5) in the treated vs. 7.6 +/- 2.7 x 10(-5) in the control mice (P < 0.01). Sequencing of the lambda lacI mutant plaques showed mainly G:C --> T:A and C:G --> A:T transversions. In conclusion, 3MC at first induced nuclear enlargement and a slight increase of cell proliferation in liver, followed by parallel formation of DNA adducts and mutations. This study shows how transgenic models allow in vivo evaluation of mechanistically simultaneous endpoints.

Does the degree of cell lesion in breast cancer after inductive chemotherapy have any prognostic value?

During 1991 and 1992, 77 patients with breast cancer were treated with induction chemotherapy using the CMFV and FAC protocols at the Lublin Oncological Centre. The degree of cancer cell damage in the specimens obtained postoperatively was evaluated by microscopy. Complete or substantial damage of neoplastic cells was found in 29% of the cases; whereas minimal to no damage was found in 71% of specimens. After assessing the 5-year survival periods of our patients in relation to the degree of cancer cell damage after induction chemotherapy, a statistically significant correlation was noted. Five-year survival without cancer symptoms was observed in 64% of cases in which the cell damage was estimated as considerable, and only in 34% in which the damage was slight or not notable. A much weaker correlation was observed between the degree of breast cancer cell damage after inductive chemotherapy and clinical response.

Analysis of p53 and K-ras genes and their proteins in a sarcoma botryoides of the uterine cervix

Several data indicate that the activation of oncogenes and growth factors as well as inactivation of the tumor suppressor genes are implicated in the development of human neoplasms, including sarcomas. In the present study we described a case of the extremely rare, but highly malignant neoplasm of the female genital tract known as sarcoma botryoides of the uterine cervix and assessed, using molecular and an immunohistochemical analysis, p53 and K-ras alterations in the tumor. A point mutation in exon 6 of the p53 tumor suppressor gene was found but no K-ras gene point mutations at codons 12, 13 and 61 were detected using molecular analysis. p53 protein was overexpressed in more than half of the neoplastic cells, however, ras p21 protein expression was not immunohistochemically detected. Our data indicate that p53, but not K-ras gene alterations may play a role in the development and progression of sarcoma botryoides of the uterine cervix.

Serum leptin concentrations in women taking oral contraceptives

OBJECTIVES

To investigate serum leptin concentrations in women taking oral contraceptives containing the same gestagen and different doses of ethinyl estradiol.

STUDY DESIGN

30 women received tablets containing 20 microg of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 150 microg of desogestrel (DSG) (Mercilon) whereas another group of 30 women received 30 microg of EE and 150 microg of DSG (Marvelon). Serum leptin concentrations were estimated using a Leptin RIA kit (Linco Research USA) after an overnight fast on the first day of the cycle prior to the onset of therapy as well as after the 3rd and 6th treated cycles.

RESULTS

In both groups a positive correlation between serum leptin and body mass index (BMI) was found (r=0.56; P<0.001 and r=0.67; P<0.001). The initial serum leptin concentration in the Mercilon group was 7.62+/-8.46 ng/ml. This value was not statistically different from values after 3 months (9.31 8.23 ng/ml) and after 6 months (10.53+/-8.03 ng/ml) of treatment. Very similar results were found in patients receiving Marvelon: 8.81+/-6.56 ng/ml initially; 11.62+/-11.16 ng/ml at 3 months, and 10.38+/-7.32 ng/ml at 6 months. The statistical analysis did not reveal any significant difference at each investigated time point in either study group.

CONCLUSIONS

Modern low dose OC containing third generation gestagen and low dose of ethinyl estradiol, does not have any influence on serum leptin or BMI, and therefore does not exert a significant influence on body energy metabolism.

K-ras gene point mutations in human endometrial carcinomas: correlation with clinicopathological features and patients' outcome

In order to evaluate the role of K-ras gene point mutations in the progression of endometrial carcinoma, we applied the polymerase chain reaction/restriction-fragment-length polymorphism technique to 57 tumours surgically removed from women of Polish origin. We assessed the relationship between K-ras gene activation and clinicopathological features as well as patients' outcome. Mutational activation in codon 12 of the K-ras gene was detected in 8 out of 57 (14%) endometrial carcinomas, while in codon 13 of the K-ras gene no point mutations were noted. A correlation between the histological type of the tumour and codon 12 K-ras gene mutation was noted (P < 0.05; Fisher exact test). K-ras gene mutation was not related to the patients' age, surgical stage, histological grade or to the depth of myometrial invasion. A trend towards a poorer prognosis was noted during the follow-up of patients whose tumours had shown K-ras codon 12 point mutations, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.06; log-rank test). Our data indicate that point mutations in codon 12 of the K-ras gene are a rare event in human endometrial carcinomas. The lack of correlation between K-ras point mutations and clinicopathological features (except histological type) supports the hypothesis of a random activation of the K-ras gene in human neoplastic endometrium.

[The evaluation of expression of T-lymphocytes and NK cell surface receptors in women with threatened miscarriage]

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies emphasise an important role of immunological mechanisms in pregnancy maintenance. Therefore, unravelling mechanisms regulating placentogenesis are critical to understanding the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 49 women with threatened abortion and 24 healthy pregnant women. In addition, we studied 17 women with the history of recurrent spontaneous abortion and 10 healthy nonpregnant women in reproductive age with the previous successful pregnancy outcome. CD3, CD45 RO, CD4, CD8, CD16 expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes were studied using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

We determined that there is significantly higher CD4 expression in pregnant recurrent aborters compared to control (p < 0.05). Pregnant recurrent spontaneous aborters, with the successful pregnancy outcome have significantly lower CD16 expression compared to those, who abort (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our studies may indicate that T cell and NK cell can be involved in the pathogenesis of pregnancy loss.

ras p21 immunohistochemical detection in human endometrial carcinomas

Tissue samples of 40 patients with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer were analyzed immunohistochemically on paraffin-embedded specimens to detect ras p21 protein expression. The relationship between p21 protein expression and clinicopathological findings was also analyzed. The intensity and distribution of specific cytoplasmatic staining were evaluated semiquantitatively by counting the immunohistochemical H-score. ras p21 expression was found in 30 (75%) of 40 human endometrial carcinomas, regardless of the clinical stage of the disease. Positive immunostaining for p21 was noted in 68% of stage I-II and in all 8 of the advanced stages (III-IV according to FIGO) of endometrial carcinomas. Myometrial invasion was related to ras p21 immunostaining (p = 0.009), however, no correlation between histological findings and ras p21 expression was observed.

Variations in tRNA modifications, particularly of their queuine content in higher eukaryotes. Its relation to malignancy grading

Literature references dealing with the variations in the modification level of nucleosides in total eukaryotic tRNAs as a function of different physiological status and after drug administration as well as in sequenced cytoplasmic tRNAs between normal and tumor cells and in SV40-transformed cells are reviewed. In addition, special attention is given to guanine replacement of queuine in the first position of the anticodon of tRNAs. A correlation between the level of this undermodification in cancer tissues and the malignancy grading could be found in human ovarian tumors, confirming the results reported in several laboratories for lymphomas and lung cancer tissues. Indeed tRNAs from primary and metastatic human ovarian malignant tumors are Q deficient as compared to tRNAs from normal tissues or benign tumors: thus queuine deficiency increases with malignancy and grading of differentiation.

[Transfer RNA (tRNA) in primary and metastatic endometrial cancer tissue]

Two dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 3' end labeled total tRNA from primary and secondary (metastatic) endometrial cancer was used to obtain mapping of isoacceptors. In tRNA from primary tumor 87 isoacceptors were found whereas in metastatic cancer only 52 spots corresponding to isoacceptors were detected. Normal myometrial tRNA used as a control contained 51 isoacceptors. The isoacceptors specific for neoplasia were observed in both cancer tRNAs.

Deficiency of queuine, a highly modified purine base, in transfer RNAs from primary and metastatic ovarian malignant tumors in women

The tRNAs from rapidly growing tissues, particularly from neoplasia, often exhibit queuine deficiency. In order to check whether different kinds of ovarian tumors display queuine deficiencies we have analyzed tRNA samples from 16 ovarian malignancies. The tRNAs from histologically normal myometrium (4 samples) and myoma (6 samples) were taken as healthy tissue and benign tumor references. Queuine deficiency was determined by an exchange assay using [8-3H]guanine and tRNA:guanine transglycosylase from Escherichia coli. The mean values of queuine deficiencies in tRNAs were: 10.95 +/- 2.21 (SD) pmol/A260 in gonadal and germ cell tumors (5 cases); 23.75 +/- 7.89 pmol/A260 in primary epithelial tumors (9 cases); and 34.58 +/- 7.18 pmol/A260 in metastatic tumors (2 cases). These values displayed statistically significant differences (P = 0.0003, Kruskal-Wallis test). The queuine deficiencies in tRNAs significantly increased when moving from well-differentiated through moderately differentiated to poorly differentiated tumors, with the highest values found in poorly differentiated metastatic tumors (P = 0.0002, Kruskal-Wallis test). Queuine deficiency determination in tRNAs is proposed as a factor for clinical outcome prognosis of ovarian malignancies.

[Hypomodified phenylalanine transfer RNAs (tRNA(Phe)) in uterine myoma tissue of women]

Phenol extracted crude tRNA samples obtained from uterine myoma tissue were additionally purified on DEAE-cellulose column and were finally fractionated on BD-cellulose column. Fractions eluted by ethanol gradient (concentration from 0% to 20%) were hybridized by dot blot technique with DNA probe which consisted of 15 nucleotides fragment complementary to 3' end of the tRNA(Phe). Five separate distinct peaks were found. According to genetic code rules restricted to two the number of tRNA(Phe) isoacceptors, it is assumed that three major peaks representing roughly 70% of total tRNA(Phe) pool, probably are hypomodified.

Unusual deficiency of the modified purine base queuine in transfer ribonucleic acid from the human placenta as tested by enzymatic assay

Transfer ribonucleic acid from rapidly growing tissues, particularly from neoplasia, is partially deficient in queuine, a highly modified transfer ribonucleic acid constituent. By means of an enzymatic assay we also found a queuine deficiency (14%) in human placenta transfer ribonucleic acid despite its high concentrations in the amniotic fluid. Proposed cause and significance of the results are discussed.

Female urinary stress incontinence in terms of connective tissue biochemistry

The role of connective tissue in the aetiology of female stress incontinence has been investigated. Collagen content and extractability as well as estrogen receptor concentration in vesico-vaginal fascia were measured after small tissue biopsies had been obtained during vaginal repair surgery in cases of urinary incontinence. The mean concentration of estrogen receptor in vesico-vaginal fascia among incontinent women was 49.4 +/- 14.8 fmol/mg of protein as compared to 29.6 +/- 13.1 in continent control group (P < 0.03; t-test). The mean hydroxyproline concentration in vesico-vaginal fascia of incontinent women was 13.8 +/- 2.6 micrograms/mg wet weight, whereas in the control group it was significantly higher 20.6 +/- 2.4 (P < 0.001). The role of connective tissue components in the aetiology of female stress incontinence is discussed.

[Analysis of cause and test treatment of amenorrhea in teenagers]

The population of 49 young, secondary amenorrheic women aged 17 to 20 was divided according to reaction on i.m. injection of progesterone in oil. The positive category was subdivided into I--polycystic ovarian disease with elevated serum LH and II--hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction (HPD) with normal (or decreased) level of LH. The negative category consists of subgroup, III--hypothalamic-pituitary failure (HPF) with normal or low serum FSH and IV--ovarian failure with elevated level of FSH (two patients were noted). The bleeding response was obtain in two third of the patients, and also two third of them ovulated after clomiphene citrate treatment, including all six women with POC. The ovulatory response in patients with hypothalamic pituitary failure was noted in more than 40%. The low concentration of serum FSH (below 5 mU/ml) was more frequent in HPF (57%) in comparison with HPD (48%). The resistance to clomiphene citrate treatment was correspondingly 62.5% and 70%. When the ovulation occurred no difference in the regular function of corpus luteum in POC, HPD and HPF patients was noted.

[Methylation of DNA in tissue of ovarian malignant tumors in women]

DNA methylation level from woman ovarian malignant tissues was investigated by 32P postlabeling of the single nucleotides, separation on TLC with followed autoradiography and Cerenkov counting. Slight differences in DNA methylation extent were found in malignant ovarian tumors as compared to normal myometrium and benign uterine tumor [myomas]. Lowest level of m5dC in relation to C and also in relation to total DNA was found in carcinoma embryonal tissue whereas maximal DNA methylation level was obtained in folliculoma tissue. This preliminary report needs further investigation of particularly genes methylation.

Rapid transfer of small RNAs from a polyacrylamide gel onto a nylon membrane using a gel dryer

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