Journal of Ovarian Research - Latest Articles

mEH Tyr113His polymorphism and the risk of ovarian cancer development

Jian-Hong Zhong — 2013-06-06T00:00:00Z

Background: The causes of ovarian cancer are complex and may be influenced by many factors, including polymorphism in the microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) gene. Previous work suggests an association between the Tyr113His mEH polymorphism rs1051740 and susceptibility to ovarian cancer, but the results have been inconsistent. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. A meta-analysis was performed to examine the association between Tyr113His mEH polymorphism and susceptibility to ovarian cancer. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Five studies involving 2,566 cases and 2,839 controls were included. Although the polymorphism did not affect ovarian cancer risk in the allelic contrast model (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.83-1.17, P = 0.86), the mutant CC genotype was significantly associated with increased risk in the homozygote comparison (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.01-1.43, P = 0.04) and recessive genetic models (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.01-1.41, P = 0.03). The wild-type TT genotype was not associated with higher or lower ovarian cancer risk in the dominant genetic model (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.83-1.29, P = 0.74). These results were robust to sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: The CC genotype of Tyr113His mEH may confer increased risk of ovarian cancer. These conclusions should be verified in large and well-designed studies.

Screening of feature genes of the ovarian cancer epithelia with DNA microarray

Huanchun Ying — 2013-06-05T00:00:00Z

ObjectiveWe aimed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ovarian surface epithelia in order to provide beneficial help for early diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer with DNA microarrays. Methods: We extracted the microarray expression profile GSE14407 from Gene Expression Omnibus database which conducted gene expression profiling analysis of 12 ovarian surface epithelia (OSE) and 12 laser capture microdissected serous ovarian cancer epithelia (CEPI) samples. The DEGs between OSE and CEPI were identified by Limma package of R language. Cluster analysis was employed to compare the differences of gene expression patterns between OSE and CEPI. Furthermore, DEGs were analyzed with Functional classification tool, GenMAPP software and GENECODIS. Results: We identified 1229 DEGs including 592 down-regulated genes and 637 up-regulated genes. Pathway analysis showed that cell cycle was the most significant pathway and the DEGs related with cell cycle were almost up-regulated. Module mining analysis showed that the up-regulated DEGs were related with signal transduction while the down-regulated DEGs were related with lipid metabolism pathway and cytoskeletal structure. Conclusion: The genes related with cell cycle, lipid metabolism and cytoskeletal structure may be the treatment targets for ovarian cancer.

Sensitization of ovarian carcinoma cells to Bcl-xL-targeting strategies through indirect modulation of Mcl-1 activity by MR22388, a molecule of the tripentone family

Julie Tomasina — 2013-06-05T00:00:00Z

Background: Our work has been carried out in the context of the therapeutic failure in ovarian carcinoma, which remains the leading cause of death by gynecologic malignancy. In these tumours, recurrence and subsequent acquired chemoresistance constitute major hurdles to successful therapy. Here we studied the interest of a member of the tripentone chemical family, MR22388, for the treatment of chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells.FindingsMR22388 activity has been assessed in vitro on cisplatin-resistant (SKOV3 and IGROV1-R10) ovarian cancer cell lines by conventional analysis, alone or combined to a BH3-mimetic molecule, ABT-737. MR22388 exerts its activity on cisplatin resistant cells, and we showed that it induces a decrease of the Mcl-1 anti-apoptotic protein expression. Considering our previous work demonstrating that the efficiency of Bcl-xL targeting strategies is conditioned to the concomitant inhibition of Mcl-1 we studied the interest of the association of this MR22388 with ABT-737, and showed that this combination was highly cytotoxic in chemoresistant cells. Conclusions: This work thus opens new perspectives for the use of this promising molecule for the treatment of highly chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells and for sensitization of emerging Bcl-xL targeting strategies such as the use of BH3-mimetic molecules.

Vitamin D and VDR gene polymorphism (FokI) in epithelial ovarian cancer in Indian population

Sudhesna Mohapatra — 2013-05-26T00:00:00Z

IntroductionVitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism, FokI, is reported to increase the risk of many cancers. Role of vitamin D and its receptor polymorphisms in ovarian cancer has not been clearly defined.ObjectiveTo study the levels of serum vitamin D and occurrence of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism (FokI) in cases of ovarian cancer.Material and methodsFokI genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP technique and vitamin D levels were estimated by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Serum vitamin D levels were significantly (p < 0.03) lower in ovarian cancer cases as compared to controls. The homozygous (TT) and heterozygous (CT) genotype predispose to the development of ovarian cancer in Indian population (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.04-5.44) as compared to the homozygous (CC) genotype. Vitamin D deficiency and VDR gene polymorphism (FokI) act non-synergistically (p value < 0.4). Conclusion: Low blood levels of vitamin D and VDR receptor polymorphism (FokI) might be a risk factor for the development of ovarian cancer. Other novel ligands of vitamin D receptor might be responsible for the non-synergistic effect.

Altered expression of miRNAs in a dihydrotestosterone-induced rat PCOS model

Md Munir Hossain — 2013-05-15T00:00:00Z

Background: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous endocrine condition characterized by hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and chronic anovulation. Regulation and interaction of a multitude of genes required for follicular development are found to be altered in PCOS. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) mediate posttranscriptional gene regulation by binding to the 3´ untranslated region of mRNAs to either inhibit or enhance translation. However, the extent and regulation of miRNA expression in PCOS is poorly understood and the current study is the first to describe altered expression of miRNAs in PCOS. Methods: A chronically androgenized [5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated] rat model which recapitulates many of the phenotypes of human PCOS, and miRNA PCR array was used to investigate the expression of 349 miRNAs in DHT treated rat ovaries. The ovarian expression of several selected miRNAs was also analyzed by in situ localization experiment. Results: DHT-treated rats exhibit increased body weight, disrupted estrus cyclicity, decreased insulin sensitivity and decreased ovarian weight, with the latter phenomenon readily rescued by gonadotropin treatment in vivo. In general, 24% of the 349 miRNAs investigated were found to be differentially expressed between DHT-treated and control rats. Most of the differentially expressed miRNAs were found to be predominantly localized in the theca cells of the follicles. In silico analysis of the potential target genes of dysregulated miRNAs revealed their possible involvement in various pathways in the regulation of ovarian function. Conclusion: Our current findings suggest that miRNAs are differentially regulated in hyperandrogenism, a condition possibly involved in the dysregulation of steroid hormone receptors and intra-ovarian factors, and that miRNAs may be involved in the etiology of PCOS.

Safe and targeted anticancer therapy for ovarian cancer using a novel class of curcumin analogs

Kellie Rath — 2013-05-11T00:00:00Z

A diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer is the beginning of a long and arduous journey for a patient. Worldwide, approximately half of the individuals undergoing therapy for advanced cancer will succumb to the disease, or consequences of treatment. Well-known and widely-used chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and doxorubicin are toxic to both cancer and non-cancerous cells, and have debilitating side effects Therefore, development of new targeted anticancer therapies that can selectively kill cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues is essential to develop more effective therapies. We have developed a new class of synthetic curcumin analogs, diarylidenyl-piperidones (DAPs), which have higher anticancer activity and enhanced bio-absorption than curcumin. The DAP backbone structure exhibits cytotoxic (anticancer) activity, whereas the N-hydroxypyrroline (-NOH) moiety found on some variants functions as a cellular- or tissue-specific modulator (antioxidant) of cytotoxicity. The anticancer activity of the DAPs has been evaluated using a number of ovarian cancer cell lines, and the safety has been evaluated in a number of non-cancerous cell lines. Both variations of the DAP compounds showed similar levels of cell death in ovarian cancer cells, however the compounds with the -NOH modification were less toxic to non-cancerous cells. The selective cytotoxicity of the DAP–NOH compounds suggests that they will be useful as safe and effective anticancer agents. This article reviews some of the key findings of our work with the DAP compounds, and compares this to some of the targeted therapies currently used in ovarian cancer therapy.

Lung cancer diagnosis on ovary mass: a case report

Nunzia Losito — 2013-05-10T00:00:00Z

Metastatic neoplasms to the ovary often cause diagnostic problems, in particular those large ovarian masses mimicking primary tumors. Most of these tumors arise from digestive system or breast, while 37-year-old woman diagnosed as right adnexal complex mass, with a subpleural nodule in the apical part of the left lower lobe, at preoperative chest computed tomography scan. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with right salpingo-oophorectomy (ovarian mass 220 × 200 mm), total omentectomy, left ovarian biopsy, peritoneal random biopsies, and peritoneal washings for cytology. Pathologic and immunohistochemical examination of ovarian specimen suggested morphology and expression of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with an intense positivity for Thyroid Transcriptional Factor-1 (TTF-1) and Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) staining. Fine needle biopsy of the lung nodule found epithelioid like malignant cells, confirming the diagnosis of an ovarian metastasis from a primary lung cancer.This report focused on the clinical and pathologic diagnostic challenge of distinguishing secondary from primary ovarian neoplasms. Issues on useful immunohistochemical stains are also discussed.

Live birth in a woman without ovaries after autograft of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue combined with growth factors

Justo Callejo — 2013-05-07T00:00:00Z

Currently, cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos and ovarian tissue is considered the basis of fertility preservation programs for women with cancer and other diseases who are rendered sterile by gonadotoxic drugs or radiation.Numerous studies have confirmed that autograft of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue can restore ovarian function and fertility. A total of twenty-two live births have been reported but we still have to consider this technique as experimental. The main problem is that the implant undergoes ischemia until neoangiogenesis is restored, resulting in significant follicular loss.At the moment, there are numerous publications in different medical fields that publish successful experiences with plasma rich in platelets (PRP) in different clinical situations promoting angiogenesis. Thus, we considered the possibility of using it in the field of ovarian autologous transplantation in order to improve the vascularization of the implant and its quality. For this, both thawed ovarian tissue as practiced pockets on the rear side of the broad ligament which have been placed, have been impregnated with PRP. We can say that the implant treated in this way has had a rapid and successful response.We report a special interesting case because this is the first time that this technique is performed successfully in a woman without ovaries combined with growth factors to promote neoangiogenesis. Obviously, the results of the hormonal response come exclusively from the implanted tissue in these special conditions.

Bone morphogenetic proteins and the polycystic ovary syndrome

E van Houten — 2013-04-30T00:00:00Z

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is defined by two out of the following three criteria being met: oligo- or anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Affected women are often obese and insulin resistant. Although the etiology is still unknown, members of the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) family, including Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), have been implicated to play a role. In this pilot study we aimed to measure serum BMP levels in PCOS patients. Methods: Twenty patients, fulfilling the definition of PCOS according to the Rotterdam Criteria, were randomly selected. Serum BMP2, -4, -6 and −7 levels were measured using commercially available BMP2, BMP4, BMP6 and BMP7 immunoassays. Results: Serum BMP2, serum BMP4 and serum BMP6 levels were undetectable. Three patients had detectable serum BMP7 levels, albeit at the lower limit of the standard curve. Conclusions: BMP levels were undetectable in almost all patients. This suggests that with the current sensitivity of the BMP assays, measurement of serum BMP levels is not suitable as a diagnostic tool for PCOS.

Nadir CA-125 level as prognosis indicator of high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Xia Xu — 2013-04-25T00:00:00Z

PurposeThe capacity of nadir CA-125 levels to predict the prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to explore whether the nadir CA-125 serum levels could predict the durations of overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HG-SOC) from the USA and PRC.Materials and methodsA total of 616 HG-SOC patients from the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC, USA) between 1990 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The results of 262 cases from the Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research (JICR, PRC) between 1992 and 2011 were used to validate the MDACC data. The CA-125 immunohistochemistry assay was performed on 280 tissue specimens. The Cox proportional hazards model and the log-rank test were used to assess the associations between the clinicopathological characteristics and duration of survival. Results: The nadir CA-125 level was an independent predictor of OS and PFS (p < 0.01 for both) in the MDACC patients. Lower nadir CA-125 levels (≤10 U/mL) were associated with longer OS and PFS (median: 61.2 and 16.8 months with 95% CI: 52.0–72.4 and 14.0–19.6 months, respectively) than their counterparts with shorter OS and PFS (median: 49.2 and 10.5 months with 95% CI: 41.7–56.7 and 6.9–14.1 months, respectively). The nadir CA-125 levels in JICR patients were similarly independent when predicting the OS and PFS (p < 0.01 for both). Nadir CA-125 levels less than or equal to 10 U/mL were associated with longer OS and PFS (median: 59.9 and 15.5 months with 95% CI: 49.7–70.1 and 10.6–20.4 months, respectively), as compared with those more than 10 U/mL (median: 42.0 and 9.0 months with 95% CI: 34.4–49.7 and 6.6–11.2 months, respectively). Baseline serum CA-125 levels, but not the CA-125 expression in tissues, were associated with the OS and PFS of HG-SOC patients in the MDACC and JICR groups. However, these values were not independent. Nadir CA-125 levels were not associated with the tumor burden based on second-look surgery (p = 0.09). Patients who achieved a pathologic complete response had longer OS and PFS (median: 73.7 and 20.7 months with 95% CI: 63.7–83.7 and 9.5–31.9 months, respectively) than those with residual tumors (median: 34.6 and 10.6 months with 95% CI: 6.9–62.3 and 4.9–16.3 months, respectively). Conclusions: The nadir CA-125 level was an independent predictor of OS and PFS in HG-SOC patients. Further prospective studies are required to clinically optimize the chances for a complete clinical response of HG-SOC cases with higher CA-125 levels (>10 U/mL) at the end of primary treatment.