Circulating cytokeratin 18 fragment m65-a potential marker of malignancy in colorectal cancer patients.

Soluble cytokeratin 18 fragments (M30, M65) are released from human cancer cells during cell death and hold potential as biomarkers in colorectal cancer characterized by frequent metastatic spread. A total of 62 colorectal cancer and 27 control patients were included in the study. M65 (necrosis and apoptosis) and M30 (apoptosis) were quantified preoperatively (n = 62) and postoperatively (n = 31) using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Immunomagnetic CD45 depletion does not improve cytokeratin 20 RT-PCR in colorectal cancer.

Background: Cytokeratin 20 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (CK20 RT-PCR) of blood and bone marrow specimens has been suggested for assessment of hematogenously disseminated tumor cell (DTC) spread in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Considerable discrepancies among the studies reported indicate a need for better evaluation procedures. We investigated whether mononucleated cell (MNC) enrichment by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation followed by immunomagnetic depletion of CD45-positive cells (extended enrichment) allows better detection of DTC-associated CK20 mRNA compared to MNC enrichment by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation alone (Ficoll enrichment).

A rare case of interstitial pneumonitis after tandem high-dose melphalan conditioning and autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma.

A 57-yr-old woman with multiple myeloma received an autologous tandem transplant at a 4-month interval. She was conditioned twice with 225 mg/m2 melphalan. After the second transplant, interstitial pneumonitis (IP) ensued.

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in bone marrow edema syndrome of the hip.

The aim of this study was to evaluate bone metabolism in patients with bone marrow edema syndrome of the hip. In 37 consecutive patients undergoing core decompression of the femoral head, biochemical markers of bone metabolism were measured in aspirates from cancellous bone and in samples obtained simultaneously from peripheral blood. The diagnosis was made by means of radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and core biopsy specimens.

Decreased cutaneous vitamin D-synthesis in heavily melanized individuals: a rare cause for pathologic fractures of the hip.

Painful pathological fractures of the femoral neck and the subtrochanteric region of the femur are reported in two women originating from India. After exclusion of renal or intestinal causes, laboratory data on bone metabolism, scintigraphic and radiographic examinations were characteristic for the presence of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Based on vitamin deficiency and low calcium absorption, disturbed mineralization of bone and increased osteoclastic resorption have apparently led to osteomalacia and subsequent fracturing.

Comparison of biochemical markers of bone metabolism in serum and femur aspirates.

In 27 patients undergoing arthroscopy of the knee for treatment of meniscal diseases, biochemical markers of bone metabolism were measured in cancellous bone, and levels were compared with concentrations obtained from peripheral blood. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and collagen Type I metabolites (procollagen Type I N-terminal peptide and carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptide) were studied simultaneously in serum and in the distal femur using a radioimmunoassay. Although levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin did not differ between serum and cancellous bone, concentrations of collagen Type I metabolites were elevated significantly in healthy cancellous bone.