Plasma TIMP1 level is a prognostic factor in patients with liver metastases.

Unlabelled: TIMP1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1) regulates extracellular matrix turnover and also promotes cell growth and has anti-apoptotic activity, which promotes malignant processes in tumor tissue. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relation of plasma TIMP1 protein levels with prognosis in patients with liver metastases, with particular regard to possible early-prediction of recurrence of the disease.

Patients And Methods: We studied a group of 87 patients with metastatic liver disease (mostly from colorectal cancer) who underwent surgery for liver metastases, and assessed their preoperative plasma TIMP1 levels.

Levels of cathepsins S and H in pleural fluids of inflammatory and neoplastic origin.

Cathepsins S and H are present in immune cells and tissues and may play a role in the activation of an adoptive immune response. Our goal was to assess their protein levels in pleural fluids from 82 patients who underwent thoracentesis or thoracoscopy for therapeutic or diagnostic reasons and to relate them to an inflammatory, neoplastic or hemodynamic origin. Pleural effusions were also analyzed for a panel of 13 inflammatory or proliferative markers to test possible links to a nonspecific host reaction.