Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, is often overexpressed in solid carcinomas. We have previously reported that the expression of activin A is associated with lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer. In the current study, our goal was to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the aggressive behavior of tumors expressing high levels of acti...

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect functional warm-up (FWU) in different musical rhythms on anaerobic performance mentally retarded individuals from morning evening. Fourteen (7 male, 7 female) moderately and mildly ID aged 11-14 years participated study. In study, participants received no music (NM), a low phase (LMP) (80-90 bpm), modarate rhythm (MMP) (130-140 high (HMP) (170-...

Background. Recent reports indicate that matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and CC-chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) are potential disease markers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The objective of this study was to perform direct comparisons of these two biomarkers with three well-investigated serum markers of IPF, Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), surfactant protein-A (SP-A), and SP-D. Methods. ...

AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the pleural mesothelial barrier and of the biological markers that facilitate or eliminate the passage of molecules through the pleura. METHODS AND MATERIAL Pleural fluid samples from sixty-five patients with heart failure were analyzed. The biological markers studied were lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine deami...

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP's) 3, 10 and 11 (also known as stromelysins 1, 2 and 3, respectively), and matrix metalloproteinase 7 (also known as matrilysin), produced by stromal fibroblast-like cells in the vicinity of various malignancies, are suspected to have an ability to degrade components of extracellular matrix, thus promoting spread of the tumor. MMP's also have been found in epithel...

PURPOSE To investigate the relationships among the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, androgen receptor (AR), and clinicopathological factors in hormone-naïve prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted with132 cases of hormone-naïve prostate cancer treated by prostatectomy and prostate needle biopsy. An immunohistochemical study using antibodies against β-catenin, matrix metalloprote...

BACKGROUND No validated renal cell carcinoma (RCC) marker is known for detection of asymptomatic disease in selected populations or for prognostic purposes or treatment monitoring. We identified immunogenic proteins as tumor markers for RCC by combining conventional proteome analysis with serological screening, and we investigated the diagnostic clinical value of such markers in serum. METHOD...

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in bone remodeling and tumor spreading. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy primarily localized within the bone marrow and characterized by its capacity to destroy bone matrix and to disseminate. We have reported recently that human myeloma cells were able to induce the conversion of pro-MMP-2 produced by the tumoral environmen...

BACKGROUND The relationship between the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP) and left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (LV-RR) after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been sufficiently examined. METHODS AND RESULTS In 25 patients with successful reperfusion after an AMI and 15 normal control subjects, the serum MMP-2 and TIMP-2 level...