Search

Abstract: Objective:: The objective of this study was to detect any ovarian changes in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients. Methods:: In all, 51 patients with breast cancer were enrolled in the study, which was conducted in the SSK (Social Security Agency) Aegean Maternity Hospital between January 1999 and December 2002. The patients’ demographic and medical data were reviewed. All patients taking part in the study received tamoxifen therapy, but the duration was not uniform. Gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasonography (TVU) were performed in each case. Any ovarian cysts or masses were identified, and serum Ca-125 levels were recorded. Results:: Of the 51 tamoxifen-treated patients enrolled in this study, 24 were still premenopausal and 27 were postmenopausal when they were monitored for breast cysts during the tamoxifen treatment started after the diagnosis of breast cancer. Their average age was 53.7 (range 31–64) years. The mean duration of tamoxifen therapy was 23.5 (range 8–49) months. Ovarian cysts were diagnosed in nine (17.6%) patients and required surgery in two of these; pathological examination revealed serous cysts of the ovary in both. Conclusion:: In cases with ovarian cyst formation during tamoxifen treatment of breast cancer, discontinuation of tamoxifen followed by monitoring is quite a reasonable way to proceed in most cases. Surgical intervention should be carried out when cysts are >5cm in diameter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, and DNA damage frequently occurs in cells exposed to such stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate DNA damage and oxidative stress in mildly pre-eclamptic women and their offspring. Study design: We studied 25 mildly pre-eclamptic mothers, 20 healthy controls, and their infants. Mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Results: DNA damage, and TOS and OSI levels were significantly increased, and TAS levels significantly decreased, in maternal and cord blood samples of the mildly pre-eclamptic group. A positive correlation between the extent of DNA damage and diastolic blood pressure was evident in pre-eclamptic mothers and there was a negative correlation between the extent of DNA damage and TOS. Conclusion: Both oxidative stress and DNA damage are elevated in mildly pre-eclamptic patients and their offspring. Increased oxidative stress may be important in inducing DNA damage in pre-eclamptic patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]