Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and the Cu/Zn ratio as ancillary diagnostic tools in distinguishing between the classical and follicular variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma

The most common histological variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), classical (CPTC) and follicular (FPTC), have different diagnostic features, molecular biology, and prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) endopeptidase which degrades the components of the extracellular matrix is essential in the invasive growth and metastasizing of malignant tumors. The serum copper (Cu)/zinc (Zn) ratios are sensitive diagnostic and prognostic indicators in oncology since Cu- and Zn-dependent enzymes play important roles in the genesis and the progression of tumors. The aim of this study was to examine the expressions of MMP-9 in tissues of CPTC and FPTC, as well as to determine the Cu/Zn ratios in the same samples. MMP-9 was determined immunohistochemically, and the concentrations of copper and zinc in thyroid tissue were determined by means of flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained revealed significantly higher expressions of MMP-9 in CPTC in comparison with FPTC, as well as higher Cu/Zn ratios in CPTC than in FPTC. Thus, determining MMP-9 activities and the Cu/Zn ratios could improve the accuracy of the standard histopathological diagnosis of these two types of PTC.

Analytical application of acidic victoria blue 4R mixture with KBrO3 for the kinetic determination of traces of antimony(III) by spectrophotometry

The present paper describes a simple, selective and sensitive kinetic method for the determination of trace amounts of Sb(III) in the presence of Sb(V) based on its inhibition effect on the redox reaction between bromate and Victoria blue 4R (V.B. 4-R) in hydrochloric acid media. The reaction was followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the decrease in the absorbance of V.B. 4-R at 596.3 nm. Optimum operating conditions regarding reagent concentrations were established. The optimized conditions yielded a theoretical detection limit of 1.30·10‒8 g cm–3 Sb(III) based on the 3S0 criterion. The method allows the determination of Sb(III) in the range of 5·10‒8 ‒ 1.1·10‒6 g cm–3. The effects of certain foreign ions the reaction rate were determined for an assessment of the selectivity of the method. The kinetic parameters of the reaction were reported, and the rate equations were suggested. The results were validated statistically and through recovery studies. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of Sb(III) in various model and real samples.