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K Friese

Publications and source records attributed to K Friese.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Immunohistochemical expression of inhibin-alpha in human endometrium and the in vitro secretion of inhibin, estradiol and cortisol in cultured human endometrial glandular cells.

BACKGROUND: Inhibins are multipotent dimeric glycoproteins, composed of an alpha-subunit and one of two possible beta-subunits (betaA or betaB). Aims of this study were (a): the immunohistochemical characterisation of normal human endometrium for the inhibin-alpha subunit; (b) the assessment of the secretion and metabolism of inhibin, E2 and cortisol; (c) the evaluation of any relationship between these three substances in cell culture medium of isolated and cultivated normal human endometrial glandular cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of human endometrium were obtained from 34 premenopausal patients. Nineteen endometrial specimen (proliferative [PP] n=8; early secretory [ES] n=7; late secretory phase [LS] n=4) were brought into cell culture. Fifteen endometrial specimen (PP n=5; ES n=5; LS n=5) were paraffin-fixed and used for the immunohistochemical analysis for inhibin-alpha. Stromal and epithelial cells were separated by collagenase digestions, filtrations, sedimentations and Ficoll-gradient centrifugation. E2 and cortisol were measured with radioimmunoassay (RIA) and inhibin with enzyme-immunoassay (EIA). Statistical analysis was performed with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney rank-sum test and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Inhibin-alpha showed a weak (positive) expression during proliferative phase, which increased significantly as the menstrual cycle continued. In secretory glands the mean inhibin concentration was higher than that from proliferative samples. A significant correlation was observed between inhibin and E2 (p<0.001) as well as cortisol and inhibin (p<0.0001) in glands from proliferative phase. Between inhibin and E2 (p<0.05) as well as inhibin and cortisol (p<0.002) a significant correlation in early secretory glands was also noted. In late secretory phase inhibin and E2 (r2=0.78650; p<0.0001), inhibin and cortisol (r2=0.58326; p<0.001) and E2 and cortisol (r2=0.52880; p<0.001) showed a significant correlation. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, we found a cyclical expression of inhibin-alpha subunit in the endometrium demonstrated by immunohistochemical means. A higher in vitro secretion of inhibin from secretory glands was also observed. In addition, a significant correlation between inhibin with E2 and cortisol in PP and ES glands and a significant correlation between inhibin, E2 and cortisol in LS glands could also be demonstrated. We conclude that inhibin can be associated with E2 and cortisol metabolism, playing an important role in paracrine/autocrine mechanisms in the endometrium and possibly exerting its function through cortisol and E2. The cortisol concentration also correlates with E2, suggesting a link between these steroids in the endometrial function. The correlation of inhibin, E2 and cortisol suggest complex autocrine/ paracrine mechanisms in human endometrial glands, modulated and controlled by all these three substances.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Unilateral ovarian agenesis: report of three cases and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral ovarian agenesis is a rare event and only a few case have been reported. CASE REPORT: We present three additional cases, where patients presented with diffuse lower abdominal pain. During laparoscopy, an unilateral ovarian agenesis was observed in the three cases. DISCUSSION: There are two possible explanations of a unilateral ovarian absence, involving an asymptomatic adnexal torsion or congenital absence. Unknown environmental factors or genetic predisposition could contribute to this kind of anomaly.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Herpes zoster guideline of the German Dermatology Society (DDG).

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella (chickenpox), remains dormant in dorsal root and cranial nerve ganglia and can be reactivated as a consequence of declining VZV-specific cellular immunity leading to herpes zoster (shingles). Patients older than 50 years of age affected by herpes zoster may suffer a significant decrease of quality of life. These patients and immunocompromised individuals are at increased risks for severe complications, involving the eye, the peripheral and the central nervous system (prolonged pain, postherpetic neuralgia). Such complications occur with and without cutaneous symptoms. The German Dermatology Society (DDG) has released guidelines in order to guarantee updated management to anyone affected by herpes zoster. Diagnosis is primarily clinical. The gold standard of laboratory diagnosis comprises PCR and direct identification of VZV in cell cultures. Detection of IgM- and IgA-anti VZV antibodies may be helpful in immunocompromised patients. Therapy has become very effective in the last years. Systemic antiviral therapy is able to shorten the healing process of acute herpes zoster, to prevent or to alleviate pain and other acute and chronic complications, particularly, when given within 48 h to a maximum of 72 h after onset of the rash. Systemic antiviral therapy is urgently indicated in patients beyond the age of 50 years and in patients at any age with herpes zoster in the head and neck area, especially in patients with zoster ophthalmicus. Further urgent indications are severe herpes zoster on the trunk and on the extremities, herpes zoster in immunosuppressed patients and in patients with severe atopic dermatitis and severe ekzema. Only relative indications for antiviral therapy exist in patients younger than 50 years with zoster on the trunk and on the extremities. In Germany acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and brivudin are approved for the systemic antiviral treatment of herpes zoster. These compounds are all well tolerated by the patients and do not differ with regard to efficacy and safety. Brivudin has a markedly higher anti-VZV potency than oral acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir and thus offers a simpler dosing regimen. It must be given only once daily during 7 days in comparison to three and five times dosing per day of valacyclovir, famciclovir and acyclovir, respectively. Brivudin is an antiviral agent with no nephrotoxic properties, which is an advantage when compared to acyclovir. The most important aim of therapy of herpes zoster is to achieve painlessness. Appropriately dosed analgesics in combination with a neuroactive agent (i.e. amitriptylin) are very helpful when given together with antiviral therapy. The additive therapy with corticosteroids may shorten the degree and duration of acute zoster pain, but has no essential effect on the development of postherpetic neuralgia, which is a very difficult condition to treat. Thus early presentation to a pain therapist is recommended in specific cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Complete bilateral crossed ureteral duplication observed during a radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for ovarian cancer. A case report.

Complete bilateral ureteral duplication is a rare malformation. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with ovarian cancer, in which complete crossed bilateral ureteral duplication was observed during a planned radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy operation. If unilateral duplication is observed on one side, the existence of a similar malformation on the opposite side should always be suspected. Although bilateral ureteral duplication is an even rarer malformation than unilateral, it should be always considered as a differential diagnosis.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed2002

Topical antiseptics as an alternative in the treatment of acute vulvovaginal candidosis.

The aim of this prospective, multicenter, randomized, case-control study was to investigate the efficacy of a nonspecific mucosal antiseptic (octenidine dihydrochloride, phenoxyethanol) with proven antifungal effects, in patients with acute symptomatic vaginal candidosis, in comparison with a specific topical antifungal agent (clotrimazole), particularly in respect to non-Candida albicans yeasts. A total of 491 patients from 29 gynecological practices, who had new clinical vaginal mycosis, not treated with antifungal agents in the last 12 months, were included in the study. The diagnosis in each case was confirmed by microscopy or positive culture. The majority of the vaginal mycoses were infections with C. albicans (72%). In 28% of patients a non- Candida species (mainly C. glabrata) contributed to the infection. Except for vaginal discharge, the success of treatment was between 71% and 91% for both clinical and subjective parameters. The control preparation was significantly better than the treatment in the test group. Mycological cure rate on the basis of cultures was 78% in the test group and 87% in the control group. These results were also significantly different. The relatively high proportion of C. glabrata isolates in this study tended to be more successfully treated by the antiseptic (to 72%) than by the administration of clotrimazole (59%). Even though therapeutic success with clotrimazole was overall significantly better than with the test preparation, the success of treatment with the antiseptic used was within the range between 70% and 90% described for topical antifungal agents. Both the good efficacy of the topical antiseptic and the increased prevalence of non-Candida albicans species causing vaginal infections mean that the use of an antiseptic may be considered a suitable alternative therapeutic concept to an appropriate topical antifungal agent in the treatment of acute vaginal candidosis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

Expression of the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen and of its putative carrier protein mucin 1 in the human placenta and in trophoblast cells in vitro.

The Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen (or, more precisely, epitope Galbeta1-3GalNAcalpha-O-) has been known for a long time as a carcinoma-associated antigen. In normal tissues the occurrence of TF antigen is restricted to a few immunologically privileged areas. Here we report on the identification of the TF epitope and its putative carrier protein mucin 1 (MUC1) in human placental tissue, on isolated trophoblast cells in vitro and on trophoblast tumour cell lines BeWo and Jeg3. Cryosections of placental and decidual tissues of the first, second and third trimester were double stained with monoclonal antibodies directed against the TF epitope (IgM) and against MUC1 (IgG). In the first trimester of pregnancy we found strong expression of TF antigen and MUC1 at the apical side of the syncytiotrophoblast directed towards the maternal blood. This expression was consistent in the second trimester of pregnancy, and to a lesser degree in the third trimester. In addition, we found positive staining for TF antigen and MUC1 on extravillous trophoblast cells in the decidua during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Trophoblast tumour cells of the cell line BeWo, which form a syncytium in vitro, were also positive for TF antigen and MUC1, whereas Jeg3 cells, which are unable to form a syncytium, expressed only MUC1. Freshly isolated trophoblast cells from first trimester placentas showed strong staining for MUC1; however, only a few of these cells (less than 1%) were positive for TF antigen, and might consist of digested fragments of the syncytium. In summary, TF antigen and MUC1 are expressed by the syncytiotrophoblast at the feto-maternal interface and by extravillous trophoblast cells invading the decidua, whereas villous cytotrophoblast cells in situ as well as freshly isolated trophoblast cells from first trimester placentas only express MUC1 but not TF antigen.

Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate↗
PubMed2002

Dilead mercury chromate(VI), Pb2HgCrO6.

The structure of Pb(2)HgCrO(6) (space group P-1) can be described as consisting of isolated [CrO(4)](2-) tetrahedra and nearly linear [HgO(2)](2-) dumb-bells, which form layers of composition [HgCrO(6)](4-). These are intercalated with corrugated pseudo-hexagonal Pb(2+) layers. The Pb(2+) cation is stereochemically active and has coordination 3+5.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Microarray analysis of differentially expressed genes in placental tissue of pre-eclampsia: up-regulation of obesity-related genes.

Susceptibility genes present in both mother and fetus most likely contribute to the risk of pre-eclampsia. Placental biopsies were therefore investigated by high-density DNA microarray analysis to determine genes differentially regulated within chorionic villous tissue in pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancy. The pooled RNAs of pre-eclamptic and normotensive subjects were hybridized to the HuGeneFL array representing sequences from approximately 5600 full-length human cDNAs. The differentially expressed genes that were detected could be categorized into nine groups: adhesion molecules, obesity-related genes, transcription factors/signalling molecules, immunological factors, neuromediators, oncogenic factors, protease inhibitors, hormones and growth factor-binding proteins. Among those, the obesity-related genes included putative candidate genes associated with the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. One of the most up-regulated transcripts was the obese gene (43.6-fold change), and this was reflected by elevated leptin protein levels. In the case of feto-maternal contribution of polymorphic genes to pre-eclampsia, expression analysis of placental tissue has lead to numerous target genes waiting for large scale genetic linkage analyses.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Reproductive assistance to HIV-discordant couples--the German approach.

An estimated 35 000 Germans are infected with HIV, and 75% of these are of childbearing age. Couples with one infected partner are faced with the risk of infection of the healthy partner. By using assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and virus-free sperm it is possible to fulfil the desire for children while minimising the risk of acquisition of infection. Therefore since 1991 in Germany ART is offered to couples of HIV-positive males and seronegative females. However, established programmes in different centres were temporarily suspended due to serious doubts about the reliability and safety of the sperm preparation technique (density gradient centrifugation and swim-up). -. Since 1997 processed sperm samples are routinely tested for HIV by highly sensitive detection methods and cryopreserved. Only if the test is negative are the processed spermatozoa used for homologous insemination, in-vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmatic sperm injection. This procedure removes most medical as well as legal considerations. At present 3 reproductive units in Germany offer reproductive assistance to HIV-discordant couples, and a further 9 institutions plan to establish that procedure. From 1991 to 1999, 54 women were treated by ART. 30 pregnancies occurred and 24 children were born. So far no maternal or infant infection was observed after treatment.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Simultaneous immunohistochemical detection of tumor cells in lymph nodes and bone marrow aspirates in breast cancer and its correlation with other prognostic factors.

PURPOSE: We studied the prognostic and predictive value of immunohistochemically detected occult tumor cells (OTCs) in lymph nodes and bone marrow aspirates obtained from node-negative breast cancer patients. All were classified as distant metastases-free using conventional staging methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 484 patients with pT1-2N0M0 breast cancer and 70 with pT1-2N1M0 breast cancer and a single affected lymph node participated in our trial. Ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes and intraoperatively aspirated bone marrow were examined. All samples were examined for OTCs using monoclonal antibodies to cytokeratins 8, 18, 19. Immunohistological findings were correlated with other prognostic factors. The mean follow-up was 54 +/- 24 months. RESULTS: OTCs were detected in 180 (37.2%) of 484 pT1-2N0M0 patients: in the bone marrow of 126 patients (26.0%), in the lymph nodes of 31 patients (6.4%), and in bone marrow and lymph nodes of 23 (4.8%) patients. Of the 70 patients with pT1-2N1MO breast cancer and a single involved lymph node, OTCs were identified in the bone marrow of 26 (37.1%). The ability to detect tumor cells increased with the following tumor features: larger size, poor differentiation, and higher proliferation. Tumors of patients with OTCs more frequently demonstrated lymph node invasion, blood vessel invasion, higher urokinase-type plasminogen activator levels, and increased PAI-1 concentrations. Patients with detected OTCs showed reduced disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OAS) rates that were comparable to those observed in patients who had one positive lymph node. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors revealed that OTCs, histological grading, and tumor size are significant predictors of DFS; OTCs and grading of OAS. CONCLUSION: OTCs detected by simultaneous immunohistochemical analysis of axillary lymph nodes and bone marrow demonstrate independent metastatic pathways. Although OTCs were significantly more frequent in patients with other unfavorable prognostic factors, they were confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for pT1-2N0M0, R0 breast cancer patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Ultrasonographic detection of asymptomatic endometrial cancer in postmenopausal patients offers no prognostic advantage over symptomatic disease discovered by uterine bleeding.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether endometrial carcinoma (EC) screening by transvaginal sonography (TVS) has a prognostic advantage over symptomatic EC. In a retrospective study, 190 postmenopausal patients with symptomatic EC and 123 asymptomatic patients with suspicious endometrium detected by TVS were analysed regarding clinical, socio-economic and histopathological findings. Total bleeding time and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) tumour stage were evaluated with respect to their effect on survival. In 123 asymptomatic patients with suspicious endometrium, 16 (13%) EC, 61 (50%) polyps, 21 (17%) hyperplasias, 23 (19%) atrophias, 1 (0.8%) myoma and 1 (0.8%) metastasis were found. TVS findings in asymptomatic patients resulted in unnecessary operations, which were associated with considerable costs totalling at least 116256. Compared with screened asymptomatic patients, symptomatic patients were significantly (P<0.05) older, more frequently obese, and hypertensive, had a larger proportion of cases living in rural areas and visited their gynaecologists rarely. The bleeding time of symptomatic patients strongly correlated with the tumour stage (P<0.0001). Depending on the bleeding time, the 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates were 77% and 86% (no bleeding), 83% and 98% (<8 weeks), 74% and 90% (8-16 weeks), and 62% and 69% (>16 weeks), respectively. The corresponding tumour stage-related data for disease-free and overall survival were 100% (Ia; both rates), 87% and 95% (Ib), 66% and 93% (Ic), 63% and 78% (II) and 36% (III/IV; both rates), respectively. Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding represents an early symptom of EC, but it is not always perceived as problematic by the patients. There is no prognostic advantage for screened compared with symptomatic patients, who had bleeding of shorter than 8 weeks. Moreover, patients who are at a high risk for EC tend to avoid TVS screening. Finally, endometrial screening often results in unnecessary operations, which are associated with increased morbidity and costs.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Characterization of the room-temperature phase of Tl2MoO4: crystal structure, symmetry mode analysis and second-harmonic generation measurements.

The crystal structure of the glaserite-related compound dithallium(I)-molybdate(VI), which at 293 K crystallizes monoclinic, space group C121 with lattice parameters a = 10.565 (3), b = 6.418 (1), c = 8.039 (2) A, beta = 91.05 (4) degrees, has been determined. The structure was refined as an inversion twin to a final R(F(all)) value of 0.0611 for 1006 unique reflections [R(F(obs)) = 0.0285 for 644 observed reflections]. Second-harmonic generation measurements led to a value of d(eff) = 5.5 +/- 0.5 pm V(-1) as an estimation of the second-harmonic conversion efficiency at phase matching. Symmetry mode analysis shows that, in general, primary modes have the highest amplitudes, yet surprisingly some of the secondary modes assume amplitudes of comparable magnitude. A comparison of the phase at 293 K with that at 350 K (space group P3m1) shows that the main change can be described as a rotation of the molybdate tetrahedra around the trigonal a(b) axis. The molybdate tetrahedra as well as the octahedra around one of the symmetry-independent Tl atoms are more strongly distorted in the monoclinic phase. The coordination number for the other two Tl atoms is decreased from 12 and 10 in the high-symmetry phase to 10 and 9 in the monoclinic phase. Furthermore, the number of common edges between the Tl and Mo coordination polyhedra is reduced and the common face which is observed between them in the high-temperature phase is changed to a common edge in the low-temperature phase. The contribution of the primary symmetry modes leads exactly to this change in the coordination spheres of the atoms.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Effects of adjuvant tamoxifen on the endometrium in postmenopausal women with breast cancer: a prospective long-term study using transvaginal ultrasound.

PURPOSE: To study the value of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) in endometrial screening of postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 247 tamoxifen-treated (20 to 30 mg/d for >/= 2 years) women and 98 controls, the endometrium was prospectively followed-up by means of TVS every 6 months for up to 5 years. Patients with homogeneous endometrium of more than 10-mm thickness were then scanned repeatedly every 3 months. RESULTS: The mean endometrial thickness was 3.5 +/- 1.1 mm before treatment and increased to a maximum of 9. 2 +/- 5.1 mm after 3 years of tamoxifen application (P: <.0001), which was significantly (P: <.0001) thicker compared with controls. Fifty-two asymptomatic patients with thickened or morphologically suspect endometrium underwent hysteroscopy and dilatation and curettage (D&C), resulting in four uterine perforations. Histopathologically, atrophy was found in 38 patients (73.1%), polyps in nine, hyperplasia in four, and endometrial cancer in one case. In 20 screened patients who reported vaginal bleeding, five atrophies (25%), five polyps, four hyperplasias, and two endometrial cancers were found. Before hysteroscopy and D&C were performed, 36 (69.2%) of 52 asymptomatic and four (20%) of 20 symptomatic patients were scanned by repeated TVS over 2 to 30 months. Invasive diagnostic procedures were significantly (P: <.05) more frequent in younger and obese patients. In the controls, one asymptomatic polyp and one symptomatic hyperplasia were found. CONCLUSION: In tamoxifen-treated patients, TVS offered a high false-positive rate, even with a cutoff value of 10 mm for endometrial thickness and repeated TVS scans. Increased iatrogenic morbidity and only one asymptomatic endometrial carcinoma do not warrant endometrial screening by TVS in tamoxifen-treated patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

FasL:Fas ratio--a prognostic factor in breast carcinomas.

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is primarily mediated by Fas ligand (FasL; CD95L) and the Fas receptor (Fas; CD95). In this study, FasL was detected by immunohistochemical analysis in 85% of breast carcinomas and 14% of fibroadenomas randomly chosen, indicating that high expression of FasL might play a role in tumor pathology. FasL and Fas levels as well as FasL:Fas ratios were further ascertained in 215 human breast tumors, including 199 invasive ductal carcinomas, by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and compared with expression levels and ratios found in 25 normal human tissues, in 37 fibroadenomas, and in 5 normal breast tissues. Among breast carcinomas, high FasL mRNA expression seems to be positively correlated with histological grading (n = 212; P<0.0001). A ratio of FasL:Fas mRNA transcripts >1 is found to be significantly associated with decreased patient's disease-free survival (n = 211; P<0.03) and increased mortality (n = 211; P = 0.19). A FasL:Fas ratio >1 is related to tumor progression scored by histological grading (n = 212; P<0.02). The selection process leading to highly aggressive breast tumor variants might be enhanced by FasL-mediated tumor fratricide, eventually a possible target for novel therapeutic strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Immunohistochemical analysis of steroid receptors and glycodelin A (PP14) in isolated glandular epithelial cells of normal human endometrium.

Highly purified fractions of isolated endometrial cells can be useful for investigating endometrial function. After a first collagenase digestion, normal human endometrial stromal and epithelial cells were separated by filtration. Glands were purified further by two collagenase digestion steps, filtration, differential sedimentations, and Ficoll gradient centrifugation. Epithelial cells were polyhedral and grew as islands in a whorl-like wavy pattern around glandular fragments. High cell culture purity was confirmed with the positive immunohistochemical reaction against cytokeratin 7,8,18,19. Isolated human glands had a similar distribution pattern of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) as observed in vivo, suggesting that glands have a functional hormone receptor system at the time of plating. Using a specific monoclonal antibody against glycodelin A (GdA), a characteristic cyclical expression was demonstrated during the menstrual cycle. The GdA reaction was weak in the proliferative phase, increasing significantly till the late secretory phase, suggesting a similar GdA concentration in vitro as observed in vivo glands. In conclusion, this method could be a model for studying endometrial glandular cells from different menstrual phases, endometrial cell interactions, implantation mechanisms, GdA regulation mechanisms, and pharmacological or other influences on ER and PR alteration.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Expression of the apoptosis-inducing ligands FasL and TRAIL in malignant and benign human breast tumors.

Apoptosis-inducing ligands such as Fas ligand (FasL) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) have been found to play an important role in cell regulation. Different malignant tumors show an altered expression of these ligands and their respective receptors compared to normal tissues. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate expression of TRAIL, FasL, and its receptor Fas on protein and mRNA levels in breast carcinomas (n=40), fibroadenomas (n=7), and normal breast tissues (n=5). Immunohistochemical reaction demonstrated that FasL was strongly expressed in breast cancer tissues (34/40) while only one fibroadenoma and one normal breast tissue reacted weakly positive for FasL. All fibroadenomas and normal breast tissues as well as the majority of breast cancer tissues expressed Fas on protein level. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis detected high expression of FasL mRNA in breast cancer tissues and fibroadenomas, whereas fibroadenomas showed the highest Fas mRNA copy numbers, followed by breast cancer tissues and normal breast tissues (P<0.05). Compared to FasL expression, TRAIL could be detected in less breast cancer tissues on protein level (21/40) and was found in only one fibroadenoma and none of the normal breast tissues. Thus, it can be concluded that malignant breast tumors show an altered expression of the two apoptosis-inducing ligands FasL and TRAIL.

Apoptosis↗