Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze and compare the possible effect of cervical conization and the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) on female sexual function up to one year after intervention, as existing studies provide incoherent results. Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent either LEEP (n = 35) or surgical conization of the cervix (n = 44). Patients completed the questionnaire before the intervention and at three, six, and twelve months after the end of the postoperative period. The questionnaire included the Polish version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire of Cancer Patients with the module Cervix-24. Results: In the LEEP group, significant deterioration was observed in the FSFI orgasm subscale after three and six months in comparison to the baseline (3.98 ± 2.08 vs. 3.19 ± 2.29 vs. 3.09 ± 2.24; p < 0.02). The difference in the orgasm subscale compared to the baseline score was not reported after twelve months of follow-up. In the surgical conization group, significant deterioration was observed in the general FSFI score between the baseline and three months after (22.37 ± 12.38 vs. 20.82 ± 12.02; p < 0.003) and in the arousal subscale between the baseline and three months after (3.69 ± 2.14 vs. 3.01 ± 2.02; p < 0.001). In the orgasm subscale, there was a significant improvement between three and twelve months of observation (3.05 ± 2.22 vs. 3.63 ± 2.29; p < 0.003). A significant deterioration was observed in the sexual activity subscale of the EORTC QLQ-C30 + CX24 between baseline and after three months (49.42 ± 36.12 vs. 39.09 ± 36.81; p < 0.03). All reported deteriorations had a tendency to resolve within twelve months of observation. Conclusions: Both LEEP and surgical conization of the cervix seem to have a mild, transient negative impact on female sexual function, which normalizes one year after the procedure. Long-term consequences of both procedures are similar. Further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to confirm these findings.

Ion channels are proteins that regulate the flow of ions across cell membranes, playing a vital role in cervical cancer development and progression. These channels serve as both potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, offering new opportunities for cancer treatment. Moreover, ion channels are crucial molecular indicators and possible therapeutic targets due to their role in the development of cervical cancer. Our review focuses on the various types of ion channels which are associated with cervical cancer (CCa), including sodium, calcium, and potassium channels. In our review, we clarify their diagnostic and prognostic value, as well as their relationship to the prognosis and stage of the disease. We also examine how ion channels contribute to the metastasis of cervical cancer, specifically in relation to their influence on cell motility, invasion, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment. By examining preclinical and clinical research involving ion channel blockers and modulators, we also highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting ion channels. We have demonstrated the available assays and imaging methods based on ion channel activity as examples of emerging diagnostic breakthroughs that show promise for enhancing the early detection of cervical cancer. Additionally, the possibility that ion channel modulator-based combination therapy could improve the efficacy of traditional treatments is investigated. To demonstrate the potential of ion channels in cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment, our review highlights the current challenges and the promising role in cervical cancer diagnostics and therapy.

Introduction Material and methods Results Conclusions

Introduction and aims of the study: According to the available data salpingectomy allows removal of carcinogenesis favourable environment withmaintenanceof ovarian hormonal function. The aim of the study was to examine prevalence and attitudes towards preventative surgical technique in decreasing the risk of ovarian cancer in Poland.

Background: Determining the distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types in histologic low-(LSIL) and high-grade (HSIL/CIN2+) squamous intraepithelial lesions through a diagnostic process in a cervical cancer prevention provides one of the key etiological factors behind further progression and persistence. Incorporating novel high-grade cervical lesion biomarkers such as p16/Ki67 dual staining (DS) alongside HPV typing has become important in detecting cervical precancers. Methods: Among 28,525 screening tests and 602 histology results, 559 cases with HR-HPV and histology results obtained from colposcopic biopsy were retrospectively analyzed, together with DS status. The χ2 test with Bonferroni correction evaluated the differences in HR-HPV type prevalence and DS positivity across three histologic study groups. Results: A statistically significant difference in the prevalence of HPV 16 was observed between negative and HSIL/CIN2+ (p = 0.00027) groups, as well as between the LSIL/CIN1 and HSIL/CIN2+ groups (p = 0.00041). However, no significant difference was found between the negative and LSIL/CIN1 groups. Similarly, the DS positivity difference was significant between the negative and HSIL/CIN2+ (p < 0.0001) and between the LSIL/CIN1 and HSIL/CIN2+ groups (p < 0.0001), but there was no significant difference between the negative and LSIL/CIN1 groups. Conclusions: The study highlights the heterogeneous nature of HPV-related cervical pathologies, and the distinct risks associated with different cervical lesion grades, emphasizing the importance of HR-HPV type distribution and DS status.

Background: The benign ovarian cysts are common sonographical findings in women of reproductive age. The main goal of clinical practice is proper qualification to treatment. As well as diagnosing pelvic pain.

Background: Patients treated with hemato-oncological malignancies (HO) or undergoing cellular therapies such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) were significantly affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite the success of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, immunocompromised patients remain at increased risk for severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19), rendering this group of population a high priority for additional prevention and treatment options. Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab (TIXA/CILGA, AZD7442, Evusheld®) is a combination of two fully human, long-acting monoclonal antibodies. TIXA/CILGA have been approved as pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment in patients at risk of severe disease with impaired vaccine response. Our objective was to describe the efficacy and safety among immunocompromised pediatric patients. Methods: This was an observational multicenter cohort study of immunocompromised pediatric patients receiving TIXA/CILGA conducted at nine Polish centers of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation. We analyzed patients in two groups; those treated with HO and those undergoing cellular therapies: HSCT or CAR-T cells. In addition, two other cohorts were identified: patients given TIXA/CILGA as pre-exposure prophylactic and therapeutic intervention. Results: A total of 78 patients were evaluated during the study period: 69 (88.5%) received TIXA/CILGA as pre-exposure prophylaxis and 9 (11.5%) as a treatment strategy. A total of 52 (66.6%) patients were treated with standard chemotherapy at HO departments; 21 (27%) underwent HSCT, and 5 (6.4%) received CAR-T cell therapy. All children with COVID-19 receiving TIXA/CILGA presented a mild degree of severity. The most common clinical manifestations were fever, cough and coryza. At least one adverse event (AE) was reported in two (3.8%) patients excluding standard injection site reactions. Reported AEs were mild or moderate in intensity. One child reported mild myalgia and one reported moderate bone pain and weakness. Conclusions: In our observational multicenter cohort study, we explored the use of TIXA/CILGA as pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment for COVID-19 among immunocompromised pediatric patients. While our findings suggest a potential benefit in preventing and managing COVID-19 in this vulnerable population, it is important to note the study’s non-comparative design. Our results highlight the need for well-designed clinical trials to confirm these observations and further assess the efficacy and safety of TIXA/CILGA in immunocompromised children.

Introduction and aims of the study: Power morcellation is a surgical technique enabling removal of presumably benign uterine mass during a laparoscopic procedure, which was widely used until 2014. Nowadays special precautions are advised in order to decrese the risk of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis and spread of occult malignancy. The aim of this study was to analyse power morcellation use among Polish gynaecologists.

Testin is a protein expressed in normal human tissues, being responsible, with other cytoskeleton proteins, for the proper functioning of cell–cell junction areas and focal adhesion plaques. It takes part in the regulation of actin filament changes during cell spreading and motility. Loss of heterozygosity in the testin-encoding gene results in altered protein expression in many malignancies, as partly described for cervical cancer. The aim of our study was the assessment of the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of testin in cervical cancer and its analysis in regard to clinical data as well the expression of the Ki-67 antigen and p16 protein. Moreover, testin expression was assessed by Western blot (WB) in commercially available cell lines. The IHC analysis disclosed that the expression of testin inversely correlated with p16 (r = −0.2104, p < 0.0465) and Ki-67 expression (r = −0.2359, p < 0.0278). Moreover, weaker testin expression was observed in cancer cases vs. control ones (p < 0.0113). The WB analysis of testin expression in the cervical cancer cell lines corresponded to the IHC results and showed a weaker expression compared to that in the control cell line. When we compared the expression of testin in cervical cancer cell lines, we found a weaker expression in HPV-negative cell lines. In summary, we found that the intensity of testin expression and the number of positive cells inversely correlated with the expression of Ki-67 (a marker of proliferation) and p16 (a marker of cell cycle dysregulation). This study shows that the combined assessment of testin, Ki-67 and p16 expression may improve cervical cancer diagnostics.

In the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, cells lose their epithelial phenotype and gain mesenchymal features. This phenomenon was observed in the metastatic phase of neoplastic diseases, e.g., cervical cancer. There are specific markers that are expressed in the EMT. The aim of this study was to determine the localization of and associations between the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of TWIST, SNAIL, and SLUG proteins in precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. The IHC analysis disclosed higher expressions of EMT markers in precancerous lesions and cervical cancer than in the control group. Moreover, stronger expression of TWIST, SNAIL, and SLUG was observed in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) vs. CIN1, CIN3 vs. CIN2, and CIN2 vs. CIN1 cases (p < 0.05). In cervical cancer, IHC reactions demonstrated differences in TWIST, SNAIL, and SLUG expression in grade 1 (G1) vs. grade 2 (G2) (p < 0.0011; p < 0.0017; p < 0.0001, respectively) and in G1 vs. grade 3 (G3) (p < 0.0029; p < 0.0005; p < 0.0001, respectively). The results of our study clearly showed that existing differences in the expression of the tested markers in precancerous vs. cancerous lesions may be utilized in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. Further studies on bigger populations, as well as in comparison with well-known markers, may improve our outcomes.

Abstract Every human body is made up of billions of cells, and every cell consists of thousands of microscopic structures. Thanks to the presence of the cytoskeleton, which is built by microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments, cells are able to fulfill their main function. Dozens of genes encode a large family of cytoskeletal proteins, which form 10-nanometer-long microfilaments, called cytokeratins. The study was carried out on seven mature human placentas without significant pathology - all eligible mothers were healthy. The collection of basic anthropometric data preceded the dissection of the placentas. Paraffin blocks were made in the usual manner, and hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were made afterward. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed and the expression of the studied markers was evaluated independently by two observers. Evaluation of microscopic material revealed the absence of expression of antibodies for cytokeratin 5/6 in placental tissues. Moreover, strong expression of cytokeratin 7 was demonstrated in the villi trophoblast in all types of villi. Immunohistochemical reactions were observed in the mesenchyme within the blood vessel wall, as well as in the extravascular tissue. The human placenta is an organ that only exists during the intrauterine period of human development and undergoes rapid changes and dynamic growth during pregnancy. These types of processes define selected placental cells as ‘pseudo-tumorigenic tissue’ because of the numerous similarities trophoblast cells have to tumor cells. The use of tissue microarray (TMA) in combination with immunohistochemistry (IHC) may be a valuable approach to validate the predictive and diagnostic utility of various biomarkers in non-cancerous tissues like placental tissue.

Uterine fibroids are the most common mesenchymal uterine neoplasms; their prevalence is estimated in 40%–60% of women under 35 and in 70%–80% of women over 50 years of age. The current research aims to focus on the etiopathogenesis of uterine fibroids, the factors that affect their growth, and markers with diagnostic and prognostic properties. The MCM (minichromosome maintenance) protein family consists of peptides whose primary function is participation in the molecular mechanism of creating replication forks while regulating DNA synthesis. The aim of this work was to determine the proliferative potential of uterine fibroid cells based on the expression of the Ki-67 antigen and the MCMs—i.e., MCM-3, MCM-5, and MCM-7. In addition, the expression of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR) receptors was evaluated and correlated with the expression of the abovementioned observations. Ultimately, received results were analyzed in terms of clinical and pathological data. Materials and methods: In forty-four cases of uterine fibroids, immunohistochemical reactions were performed. A tissue microarray (TMA) technique was utilized and analyzed cases were assessed in triplicate. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against Ki-67 antigen, ER, PgR, MCM-3, MCM-5, and MCM-8 on an automated staining platform. Reactions were digitalized by a histologic scanner and quantified utilizing dedicated software for nuclear analysis. Assessment was based on quantification expression of the three histiospots, each representing one case in TMA. Results: In the study group (uterine fibroids), statistically significant stronger expression of all the investigated MCMs was observed, as compared to the control group. In addition, moderate and strong positive correlations were found between all tested proliferative markers. The expression of the MCM-7 protein also correlated positively with ER and PgR. With regard to clinical and pathological data, there was a negative correlation between the expression of MCMs and the number of both pregnancies and births. Significant reductions in MCM-5 and MCM-7 expression were observed in the group of women receiving oral hormonal contraceptives, while smoking women showed an increase in MCM-7, ER, and PgR. Conclusions: Uterine fibroid cells have greater proliferative potential, as evaluated by expression of the Ki-67 antigen and MCMs, than unaltered myometrial cells of the uterine corpus. The expression of MCM-7 was found to have strong or moderate correlations in all assessed relations. In the context of the clinical data, as well evident proliferative potential of MCMs, further studies are strongly recommended.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers in women worldwide. The 5-year survival rate is 65%; nevertheless, it depends on race, age, and clinical stage. In the oncogenesis of cervical cancer, persistent HPV infection plays a pivotal role. It disrupts the expression of key proteins as Ki-67, p16, involved in regulating the cell cycle. This study aimed to identify the potential role of testin in the diagnosis of cervical precancerous lesions (CIN). The study was performed on selected archival paraffin-embedded specimens of CIN1 (31), CIN2 (75), and CIN3 (123). Moderate positive correlation was observed between testin and Ki-67 as well as testin and p16 expression in all dysplastic lesions (r = 0.4209, r = 0.5681; p < 0.0001 for both). Statistical analysis showed stronger expression of the testin in dysplastic lesions vs. control group (p < 0.0001); moreover, expression was significantly higher in HSIL than LSIL group (p < 0.0024). In addition, a significantly stronger expression of testin was observed in CIN3 vs. CIN1 and CIN3 vs. CIN2. In our study, expression of Ki-67, p16, and testin increased gradually as the lesion progressed from LSIL to HSIL. The three markers complemented each other effectively, which may improve test sensitivity and specificity when used jointly.

BACKGROUND/AIM:Comparison of the expression of Ki-67, MCM3, 5, 7 and MTI/II proteins using immunohistochemistry (IHC) on whole section (WS) and tissue microarray (TMA) of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) samples.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 51 archival paraffin blocks of LSCC were used. TMAs were prepared from 1.5 mm core punches. IHC reactions were performed using antibodies against Ki-67, minichromosome maintenance proteins (MCM3, 5, 7) and metallothionein (MTI/II).RESULTS:Spearman rank correlation test revealed moderate positive correlation in the case of Ki-67: WS vs. TMA (r=0.38, p=0.07) and strong positive correlation in regard to the rest of tested markers: MCM3, WS vs. TMA (r=0.49, p=0.0004); MCM5, WS vs. TMA (r=0.61, p<0.0001); MCM7, WS vs. TMA (r=0.59, p<0.0001); MTI/II, WS vs. TMA (r=0.66, p<0.0001). Mann Whitney U-test showed no significant differences in the case of Ki-67 and MCM5. Moreover, Bland-Altman test showed a low level of bias in regard to Ki-67, WS vs. TMA and MCM5, WS vs. TMA.CONCLUSION:TMA may be an effective and reliable method of assessment of Ki-67 and MCM5 expression in LSCC.

BACKGROUND/AIM:Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. In previous work, we presented results of physical activity in primary prevention in a model of induced mammary gland cancer. In the present study, we assessed the influence of physical activity on sex hormone levels (estradiol and progesterone) and the expression of their receptors (ER, PR), as well as the level of apoptosis of tumor cells in secondary prevention.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Fifty 1-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injection of 180 mg/kg body weight of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) for tumor induction. Three months after the administration of MNU, rats were divided into four groups: low-intensity, moderate-intensity, and high-intensity physical training groups (combined as PT) and a sedentary control (SC) group. Physical training was conducted 5 days per week with a three-position treadmill according to a precisely described protocol. The entire training was completed by 32 rats from which tissue and blood were collected for further analysis. Immunohistochemistry for ER and PR expression, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling method for detection of apoptosis, and enzyme-linked fluorescent assay for detection of plasma hormone levels (estradiol and progesterone) were performed. Statistical analysis used p<0.05 as the significance level.RESULTS:Significantly stronger expression of ER and PR was found in the SC in comparison to the PT group (p=0.035 and p=0.036, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in estradiol or progesterone concentrations between SC and PT groups. Apoptosis was non-significantly increased in the PT group in comparison with the SC group. Stronger apoptosis in the PT group correlated positively with the level of training intensity (r=0.35, p=0.05).CONCLUSION:Physical training may reduce ER and PR expression in breast cancer cells, and reduce cell sensitivity to pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of estrogens, ultimately leading to apoptosis.

Periostin (POSTN) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that belongs to the group of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Due to the molecular structure, cellular interactions, tissue locations as well functions of POSTN, we realize that its pivotal role is organization and regulation of ECM microenvironment. In available databases there is a lack of data summarizing current knowledge about POSTN expression in the field of gynecology and obstetrics. We conducted a search in PubMed of the National Library of Medicine and Google Scholar. Databases were extensively searched for all original and review articles/book chapters published in English until December 2019 and related to periostin expression. All relevant articles were reviewed and presented as appropriate. In the field of POSTN expression there is only one paper evaluating its involvement in cervical cancer cell metabolism and only two studies analyzing its myometrial commitment: maintenance during pregnancy and induction of parturition in physiology as well control of fibroids biology in pathology. Much more attention has been devoted to the expression of described protein in the endometriosis, and above all in ovarian cancer. Finally, a few studies carried out among pregnant women were presented. In this review study we presented current knowledge about periostin expression in the field of gynecology and obstetrics. Many achieved results are interesting and further studies are needed to verify some hypotheses. Structure, signaling pathways as well many functions of periostin are well-described. However, as it was clearly shown there is a lot of unknown issues which are waiting to be explored.

The human large intestine in the living adult has a total length of about 1300 mm, ranging from 1100 to 2108 mm. The development of the gut continues after birth, up to the age 4–5. The large intestine ascends at the beginning in the right abdominal quadrant, then it traverses the abdominal cavity, and finally it descends to the anus. The left and right colic flexures are the basic flexions between the transverse, ascending and descending colon, respectively. Additionally, there are secondary bendings between intestinal segments. The angles between the neighbouring parts can vary between examined subjects. Most of the angulations can be found in the transverse (range 2–9) and sigmoid colon (range 1–9), making them the most troublesome parts to pass with a colonoscope.

Testin is a protein expressed in almost all normal human tissues. It locates in the cytoplasm along stress fibers being recruited to focal adhesions. Together with zyxin and vasodilator stimulated protein it forms complexes with various cytoskeleton proteins such as actin, talin and paxilin. They jointly play significant role in cell motility and adhesion. In addition, their involvement in the cell cycle has been demonstrated. Expression of testin protein level correlates positively with percentage of cells in G1 phase, while overexpression can induce apoptosis and decreased colony forming ability. Decreased testin expression associate with loss by cells epithelial morphology and gain migratory and invasive properties of mesenchymal cells. Latest reports indicate that TES is a tumor suppressor gene which can contribute to cancerogenesis but the mechanism of loss TES gene expression is still unknown. Some authors point out hypermethylation of the CpG island as a main factor, however loss of heterozygosity may also play an important role [4, 5]. The altered expression of testin was found in malignant neoplasm, i.a. ovarian, lung, head and neck squamous cell cancer, breast, endometrial, colorectal, prostate and gastric cancers [1-9]. Testin participate in the processes of tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis [10]. Many researchers stated involvement of testin in tumor progression, what suggest its potential usage in immunotherapy [7, 11]. Understanding the molecular functions of testin may be crucial in development personalized treatment. In the present manuscript up-to-date review of literature can be found.

Uterine leiomyomas (LMs), currently the most common gynecological complaint around the world, are a serious medical, social and economic problem. Accurate diagnosis is the necessary prerequisite of the diagnostic-therapeutic process. Statistically, mistakes may occur more often in case of disease entities with high prevalence rates. Histopathology, based on increasingly advanced immunohistochemistry methods, is routinely used in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases. Markers of the highest sensitivity and specificity profiles are used in the process. As far as LMs are concerned, the crux of the matter is to identify patients with seemingly benign lesions which turn out to be suspicious (e.g., atypical LM) or malignant (e.g., leiomyosarcoma (LMS)), which is not uncommon. In this study, we present the current state of knowledge about the use of immunohistochemical markers in the differential diagnosis of LM, atypical LM, smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), and LMS, as well as their clinical predictive value.

The human large intestine in the living adult has a total length of about 1300 mm, ranging from 1100 to 2108 mm. The development of the gut continues after birth, up to the age 4-5. The large intestine ascends at the beginning in the right abdominal quadrant, then it traverses the abdominal cavity, and finally it descends to the anus. The left and right colic flexures are the basic flexions between the transverse, ascending and descending colon, respectively. Additionally, there are secondary bendings between intestinal segments. The angles between the neighbouring parts can vary between examined subjects. Most of the angulations can be found in the transverse (range 2-9) and sigmoid colon (range 1-9), making them the most troublesome parts to pass with a colonoscope. Colonoscopy (usually performed in the left lateral or supine position) is one of the most important examination of the large intestine mucus membrane. During this procedure the endoscope is passed through the colon into the cecum or terminal ilium. The individual anatomical features (tortuosity, supernumerary loops and elongation) may slow down or interfere with the progress of the scope. We summarize current knowledge on the human large intestine from the fetal period to adulthood and carve out some aspects that are currently less known to colonoscopists.