Angiopoietins 1 and 2 and Tie-2 receptor expression in human ductal breast disease.

Aims:  This study aimed to identify the involvement of the angiopoietin/Tie-2 receptor system in breast cancer development, progression, metastasis and angiogenesis.

Methods And Results: We quantified and correlated angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), Ang-2 and Tie-2 expression in sections of normal human breast, benign and premalignant hyperplastic tissue, pre-invasive and invasive cancer, and compared these findings with our previously published data on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in the same samples. A breast cancer tissue microarray was used to evaluate the prognostic value of these factors.

Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic anterior versus posterior fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Background: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of laparoscopic anterior and posterior fundoplication on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by means of a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Methods: One hundred and three patients were randomised to undergo either anterior (53) or posterior (50) fundoplication. Initial enrollment and subsequent clinical appointments were undertaken 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure using a standardized questionnaire.

Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic Nissen versus Lind fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Objective: To compare the effect of laparoscopic Nissen and Lind fundoplication on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by means of a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Material And Methods: One hundred and twenty-one patients were randomized to undergo either Nissen (61) or Lind (60) fundoplication. Initial enrollment and subsequent clinical appointments were undertaken 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure using a standardized questionnaire.

Endostatin gene variation and protein levels in breast cancer susceptibility and severity.

Background: Endostatin is a potent endogenous anti-angiogenic agent which inhibits tumour growth. A non-synonymous coding polymorphism in the Endostatin gene is thought to affect Endostatin activity. We aimed to determine the role of this Endostatin polymorphism in breast cancer pathogenesis and any influence on serum Endostatin levels in healthy volunteers.