Markers of proliferation and invasiveness in somatotropinomas.

Introduction In the search for markers of invasiveness of pituitary adenomas, we studied the expression of Ki-67 antigen, TOPO 2A (topoisomerase 2 alpha), AIP (Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Interacting Protein) and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) in somatotropinomas. Material and Methods We retrospectively studied a group of 31 patients who underwent pituitary tumour surgery. Expression of Ki-67, TOPO 2A, AIP and VEGF in surgical specimens was determined by immunohistochemistry.

[Prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis E virus among students from India living in Bialystok, Poland].

Unlabelled: Many evidences suggest hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections may be more prevalent than previously described and viral hepatitis E cases can be observed in patients who have never visited endemic areas. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of serological markers of HEV infection among students from India living in Poland.

Methodology: Presence of anti-HEV immunoglobulin M-class (anti-HEV-IgM) and total anti-HEV antibodies (anti-HEV-total) was tested using enzyme immunoassays in sera of 45 India citizens studying in Poland.

Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptors in patients with liver cirrhosis: possible association with hepatic function impairment.

Recent studies provided in vivo evidences of an increased angiogenesis in animal model of portal hypertension and cirrhosis which was linked to increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. The aim of study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of VEGF and its receptors in liver cirrhosis and the possible association with the degree of liver insufficiency. Methods.

[Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with autoimmune hepatitis].

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is the chronic inflammatory liver disease of unknown etiology, demonstrating progressive injury of liver, finally leading to insufficiency of this organ. Possible association between clinical forms, course and prognosis of AIH has been considered recently. Aim of this study is to evaluate autoimmune hepatitis exacerbation risk in respect to epidemiological, clinical and laboratory signs demonstrated in patients with freshly diagnosed AIH.