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Biomedical subjects

S Ali

Publications and source records attributed to S Ali.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Ischemic stroke subtypes in Pakistan: the Aga Khan University Stroke Data Bank.

OBJECTIVE: Frequency of ischemic stroke subtypes is influenced by ethnic and geographic variables. Our objective was to identify various stroke subtypes and its determinants at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: We prospectively collected data on ischemic stroke subtypes admitted to The Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi. RESULTS: A total of 596 patients were enrolled in 22 months in the Aga Khan Universtiy Stroke Registry. These included 393 patients with Ischemic stroke, 126 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, 50 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and others. The ischemic stroke group was classified according to the TOAST criteria and comprised of lacunar 168/393 (42.7%); large artery atherosclerosis 106/393 (26.9%); cardioembolic 24/393 (6.1%); undetermined 80/393 (20.3%); and other determined types 15/393 (3.8%). The high proportion of lacunar strokes in our population may be due to high burden of inadequately treated hypertension and diabetes. Clear cut cardioembolic stroke was relatively infrequent in our population. CONCLUSION: Lacunar stroke is the most common subtype of stroke in our patient population. This is most likely secondary to uncontrolled hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Inducive effect of cresoquinone on microbiological transformation of L-tyrosine to 3,4 dihydroxy phenyl L-alanine by Aspergillus oryzae NG-11(P1).

The present work describes the inducive effect of cresoquinone on microbiological transformation of L-tyrosine to 3,4 dihydroxy phenyl L-alanine ( L-DOPA) by Aspergillus oryzae NG-11(P1). Mould mycelium was used for biochemical conversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA because tyrosinases, beta-carboxylases and tyrosine hydroxylases are intracellular enzymes. The maximum conversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA (0.428 mg/ml) was achieved after 60 min of biochemical reaction. To enhance the production of L-DOPA, cresoquinone was added to the reaction mixture. Best L-DOPA biosynthesis results were observed when the concentration of cresoquinone was 3.5 x 10(-6) M (1.686 mg/ml L-DOPA produced with 1.525 mg/ml consumption of L-tyrosine). Cresoquinone not only increased enzyme activity but also enhanced cell membrane permeability to facilitate secretion of enzymes into the reaction broth. Comparison of kinetic parameters revealed the ability of the mutant to yield L-DOPA [Y(p/x) [i.e., mg L-DOPA formed (mg cells formed)(-1)] =7.360+/-0.04]. When the culture grown on various cresoquinone levels was monitored for Q(p), Q(s) and q(p) [ Q(p): mg L-DOPA produced ml(-1) x h(-1); Q(s): mg substrate consumed ml(-1) x h(-1); q(p): mg L-DOPA formed (mg cells)(-1) h(-1)], there was significant enhancement ( P<0.025) of these variables.

Aspergillus oryzae↗
PubMed2002

Influence of cultivation conditions on citrate production by Aspergillus niger in a semi-pilot-scale plant.

The influence of some fermentation parameters on the semi-pilot scale (alteration of growth conditions, e.g., sugar concentration, incubation temperature and initial pH) on citrate production was demonstrated in parent and mutant strains of Aspergillus niger. Raw material from sugar industry (cane molasses) was examined as basal fermentation medium in a stirred stainless-steel 15-L fermentor. After growth on medium with 150 g/L sugar, the parent strain produced 51.2 g/L citric acid; the mutant strain achieved production maximum of 96.2 g/L. Comparing the growth, kinetic (volumetric substrate uptake rate, rate of substrate consumption and volumetric productivity rate) and production parameters it was found that the mutant strain grows more rapidly, with slightly changed morphology (intermediate, shiny round pellets with diameter 0.6-0.7 mm), and exhibits a higher citrate production and higher efficiency of sugar utilization.

Aspergillus niger↗
PubMed2002

Practice audits: reliability of sphygmomanometers and blood pressure recording bias.

It is well established that numerous errors, biases and omissions in recording blood pressure exist. This study had two objectives. Firstly, to measure the accuracy of sphygmomanometers used in general practice and secondly to assess digit bias in blood pressure recording. This study was carried out in the then Northfield PCG, which comprised 18 practices and 67 GPs. A total of 131 mercury and aneroid sphygmomanometers were tested for accuracy by a trained technician in accordance with the methods specified in BS 2743 (1990). Accuracy was defined as an error of greater than 10 mm Hg. The second part of the methodology involved undertaking an audit of the proportion of registered patients aged 35-80 years who had their blood pressure measured within the last 5 years by members of the Primary Health Care Team. The results were that of the mercury and aneroid sphygmomanometers tested, 17% were inaccurate. Of these, 4% recorded an error greater than 10 mm Hg. One percent of mercury and 10% of aneroid sphygmomanometers recorded an error greater than 10 mm Hg respectively. Sixteen (12%) sphygmomanometers were so deteriorated (air leaks, dirt in mercury) that the researcher suggested their immediate withdrawal from service. The results of the blood pressure recording audit suggested digit bias of both systolic and diastolic recordings to the nearest 10 mm Hg. This study suggests that sphygmomanometers used in general practice are very likely to be inaccurate and some may well be so deteriorated that they should be withdrawn from service. The results of the blood pressure audit showed digit bias in systolic and diastolic readings to the nearest 10 mm Hg. The implications for clinical care-both over diagnosis and under diagnosis-although not assessed are likely to be appreciable. PCG Clinical Governance teams in conjunction with Practice Clinical Leads must address these basic issues.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Leucocyte chemotaxis: Examination of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase activation by Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins-1, -2, -3 and -4.

Monocyte Chemoattractant Proteins (MCPs) form a distinct, structurally-related subclass of CC chemokines. They are major chemoattractants for monocytes and T lymphocytes. The MCPs bind to specific G-protein-coupled receptors, initiating a signal cascade within the cell. Though the signal transduction pathways involved in MCP-1-mediated chemotaxis have been studied, the signalling pathways through which MCP-2, -3 and -4 trigger cell migration are not established. In this study, we examined the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation elicited by the MCPs (1-4) and its specific role in chemotaxis. Within 2 min, the MCPs (1-4) elicited a rapid and transient activation of MAPK in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in HEK-293 cells expressing CCR2b. U0126, an inhibitor of MAPK-kinase (MEK) activation, not only prevented extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation but also significantly inhibited the MCP-mediated chemotaxis. PI3K inhibitors Wortmannin and LY294002 also partially inhibited the MCP-induced chemotaxis. However, these compounds did not significantly inhibit ERK1/2 activation. As PI3K inhibitors partially inhibit the MCP-mediated chemotaxis but do not significantly effect ERK1/2 activation, these data suggest that co-ordinated action of distinct signal pathways is required to produce chemokine-mediated chemotaxis.

Cell Line↗
PubMed2002

Diabetes UK funded surveys of the structural provision of primary care diabetes services in the UK.

AIM: To describe diabetes service provision in primary care in the UK. METHODS: Postal questionnaires were sent to all UK primary care organizations (PCOs), and to a sample of general practices in England and all practices in Wales and Scotland. The data collection period ended on 30 April 2001. RESULTS: Seventy-nine per cent of the PCOs and 40% of the practices provided usable information. There is evidence that respondents were not significantly biased in relation to their interest in diabetes care. Diabetes was included as a Health Improvement Programme (or equivalent) priority by 62% of PCOs and had been identified as a clinical governance priority by 27%. Sixty-five per cent had information about the ethnic composition of their general population, 57% had an estimate of the number of people with diabetes. Sixty-nine per cent had a local diabetes register but this was said to cover the entire local population in only 64% of these. At least one audit of diabetes care had been carried out (in the previous 5 years) in 75% and, in 76%, clinical guidelines on diabetes care were made available to practices. In the practices, 80% had a designated lead person for diabetes. Seventy-three per cent had at least one general practitioner with a special interest and 87% at least one nurse. Seventy-two per cent of practices ran specific diabetes clinics and 51% had a screening policy. Eighty-six per cent considered that they had adequate systems in place for the delivery of diabetes care. However, only 6% were able to offer a dedicated diabetes telephone help or advice line and only 9% an evening out of hours clinic. Regular practice meetings were held to discuss diabetes in 35%, whereas 39% had a formal shared care protocol. Fourteen per cent held regular joint meetings with the hospital-based team and in 38% there was membership of Diabetes UK for at least one partner or the practice itself. A third (34%) of responding practices were unsure whether a Local Diabetes Services Advisory Group or equivalent existed in their area. Geographical differences in service provision were identified with, for example, practices in London having fewer components in place that were specifically related to the provision of diabetes care. Single-handed practices, wherever they were situated, had in place fewer staff and facilities specifically for diabetes care.

Diabetes Mellitus↗
PubMed2002

An integrated approach utilizing artificial neural networks and SELDI mass spectrometry for the classification of human tumours and rapid identification of potential biomarkers.

MOTIVATION: MALDI mass spectrometry is able to elicit macromolecular expression data from cellular material and when used in conjunction with Ciphergen protein chip technology (also referred to as SELDI-Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization), it permits a semi-high throughput approach to be taken with respect to sample processing and data acquisition. Due to the large array of data that is generated from a single analysis (8-10000 variables using a mass range of 2-15 kDa-this paper) it is essential to implement the use of algorithms that can detect expression patterns from such large volumes of data correlating to a given biological/pathological phenotype from multiple samples. If successful, the methodology could be extrapolated to larger data sets to enable the identification of validated biomarkers correlating strongly to disease progression. This would not only serve to enable tumours to be classified according to their molecular expression profile but could also focus attention upon a relatively small number of molecules that might warrant further biochemical/molecular characterization to assess their suitability as potential therapeutic targets. RESULTS: Using a multi-layer perceptron Artificial Neural Network (ANN) (Neuroshell 2) with a back propagation algorithm we have developed a prototype approach that uses a model system (comprising five low and seven high-grade human astrocytomas) to identify mass spectral peaks whose relative intensity values correlate strongly to tumour grade. Analyzing data derived from MALDI mass spectrometry in conjunction with Ciphergen protein chip technology we have used relative importance values, determined from the weights of trained ANNs (Balls et al., Water, Air Soil Pollut., 85, 1467-1472, 1996), to identify masses that accurately predict tumour grade. Implementing a three-stage procedure, we have screened a population of approximately 100000-120000 variables and identified two ions (m/z values of 13454 and 13457) whose relative intensity pattern was significantly reduced in high-grade astrocytoma. The data from this initial study suggests that application of ANN-based approaches can identify molecular ion patterns which strongly associate with disease grade and that its application to larger cohorts of patient material could potentially facilitate the rapid identification of validated biomarkers having significant clinical (i.e. diagnostic/prognostic) potential for the field of cancer biology. AVAILIBILITY: Neuroshell 2 is commercially available from ward systems.

Astrocytoma↗
PubMed2002

Community knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections in a rural district of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections in district Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: A needs assessment study employing a community based survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions was conducted in all seven sub-districts of the district. This paper is based on the results of the key informant interviews and the focus group discussions. Thirty interviews and six group discussions were held with members of the community and with the health care providers. RESULTS: There was little awareness regarding causes and prevention of sexually transmitted infections in the community. The situation was slightly better among health care providers. While health care providers believed that the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections is high, the community did not consider themselves at risk. The community believed that these diseases are a problem among a sub-population of male adolescents, especially those who have homosexual relations. However, due to social norms, they rarely discussed such health problems with other family members or elders. Adolescents with any sexual health problems visit hakims and quacks. The community was aware about aetiology and some of the risk factors associated with AIDS and hepatitis, most probably due to the recent public health campaigns against both diseases. CONCLUSION: Considering the suspected high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and the relative lack of knowledge, it is imperative that a public health intervention be initiated. This must include educating not only the community but also the health workers. The governments' initiative to train community workers in reproductive health is a step in the right direction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Utility of participatory rural appraisal for health needs assessment and planning.

BACKGROUND: While poverty and lack of life opportunities are root causes of a high burden of disease and infant and maternal mortality, inadequate health care contributes heavily. Often those who are left without care are those who need it most. Existing health services are managed without taking into account acceptance and need perspectives. This further reduces the effectiveness of and equity in health care. In order to guide the planning of reproductive health services by a national NGO, health needs were assessed in a district in Sindh using a combination of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and qualitative and quantitative research methods. PRA is considered as a better framework to assess, analyse and develop programs with communities. OBJECTIVE: The objective of PRA was to initiate community involvement and to understand the needs of health care from a community perspective. METHODOLOGY: PRA was conducted with groups of men and women from three rural areas in a district of Sindh, Pakistan using a life cycle framework. The community members identified various stages of their life with the associated health issues. RESULTS: This research was empowering to community members as it facilitated community involvement. The respondents took charge of the process of identification of health needs at PRA sessions. PRA helped identify health problems considered prevalent and important by the community. More importantly, it helped potential service providers and the community to initiate community involvement in planning. CONCLUSION: PRA is not only an effective tool for assessment and analysis of health issues but also a vehicle to promote community involvement. Additionally, participatory methods contribute to understand the context of quantitative data generated for planning purposes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Molecular diversity of the plasmid genotypes among Rhizobium gene pools of sesbanias from different habitats of a semi-arid region (Delhi).

Plasmid genotypes of root nodulating rhizobial isolates of Sesbania, sampled from six ecologically distinct habitats, were characterized. Plasmid profile analysis revealed nine different plasmid types having molecular masses ranging from 30 to 300 MDa, distributed among six profile types that grouped the isolates into six plasmid classes. The six plasmid profiles were diverged from each other and lack many common plasmid types among them. Variation in number and types of symbiotic (Sym) plasmid was assessed by hybridization of plasmid profiles with sym gene probes. Relatedness among different plasmid types was assessed by hybridization of total DNAs as well as plasmid profiles of different isolates with labelled intact plasmid. Plasticity of plasmid genotype and possible recombination between different plasmid types is suggested from the results obtained. Structural diversity among sym plasmids was assessed by PCR amplified product profiles using primer corresponding to the reiterated nif promoter consensus element (NPC-PCR). A total of 26 NPC-PCR profile types were recognized. Genetic diversity among sym plasmids of isolates belonging to the same plasmid class and having similar sym plasmid suggested recombinations and rearrangements of sequences within the sym plasmids. Cluster analysis based upon similarity among profile types sorted the isolates across the ecological gradient. We suggest that habitat heterogeneity and plasticity of plasmid genotype together contribute for the generation of genetic diversity leading to strainal differentiation in rhizobia.

Fabaceae↗
PubMed2001

Death due to bioterrorism-related inhalational anthrax: report of 2 patients.

On October 9, 2001, a letter containing anthrax spores was mailed from New Jersey to Washington, DC. The letter was processed at a major postal facility in Washington, DC, and opened in the Senate's Hart Office Building on October 15. Between October 19 and October 26, there were 5 cases of inhalational anthrax among postal workers who were employed at that major facility or who handled bulk mail originating from that facility. The cases of 2 postal workers who died of inhalational anthrax are reported here. Both patients had nonspecific prodromal illnesses. One patient developed predominantly gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The other patient had a "flulike" illness associated with myalgias and malaise. Both patients ultimately developed dyspnea, retrosternal chest pressure, and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Leukocytosis and hemoconcentration were noted in both cases prior to death. Both patients had evidence of mediastinitis and extensive pulmonary infiltrates late in their course of illness. The durations of illness were 7 days and 5 days from onset of symptoms to death; both patients died within 24 hours of hospitalization. Without a clinician's high index of suspicion, the diagnosis of inhalational anthrax is difficult during nonspecific prodromal illness. Clinicians have an urgent need for prompt communication of vital epidemiologic information that could focus their diagnostic evaluation. Rapid diagnostic assays to distinguish more common infectious processes from agents of bioterrorism also could improve management strategies.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2001

Independent effects of intestinal parasite infection and domestic allergen exposure on risk of wheeze in Ethiopia: a nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Why asthma is rare in rural subsistence societies is not clear. We tested the hypotheses that the risk of asthma is reduced by intestinal parasites or hepatitis A infection, and increased by exposure to dust-mite allergen or organophosphorus insecticides in urban and rural areas of Jimma, Ethiopia. METHODS: From 12876 individuals who took part in a study of asthma and atopy in urban and rural Jimma in 1996, we identified all who reported wheeze in the previous 12 months, and a random subsample of controls. In 1999, we assessed parasites in faecal samples, Der p 1 levels in bedding, hepatitis A antibodies, serum cholinesterase (a marker of organophosphorus exposure), total and specific serum IgE, and skin sensitisation to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in 205 cases and 399 controls aged over 16 years. The effects of parasitosis, Der p 1 level, hepatitis A seropositivity, and cholinesterase concentration on risk of wheeze, and the role of IgE and skin sensitisation in these associations, were analysed by multiple logistic regression. FINDINGS: The risk of wheeze was independently reduced by hookworm infection by an odds ratio of 0.48 (95% CI 0.24-0.93, p=0.03), increased in relation to Der p 1 level (odds ratio per quartile 1.26 [1.00-1.59], p=0.05), and was unrelated to hepatitis A seropositivity or cholinesterase concentration. In the urban population, D pteronyssinus skin sensitisation was more strongly related to wheeze (9.45 [5.03-17.75]) than in the rural areas (1.95 [0.58-6.61], p for interaction=0.017), where D pteronyssinus sensitisation was common, but unrelated to wheeze in the presence of high-intensity parasite infection. INTERPRETATION: High degrees of parasite infection might prevent asthma symptoms in atopic individuals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Multimerization of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 is not required for glycosaminoglycan-dependent transendothelial chemotaxis.

Chemokines interact with specific G-protein-coupled cell-surface receptors and with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparan sulphate. Although chemokines often form multimers in solution, this process may be enhanced following interaction with GAGs on the cell surface, or within the extracellular matrix. However, the significance of multimerization for chemokine function remains controversial. In the present study, a fusion protein was prepared between the prototypical human CC chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1; also known as CCL-2) and a large secreted placental alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) moiety. This fusion protein (MCP-1-SEAP) remained monomeric under conditions that promote oligomerization of the native chemokine. Radioligand binding showed that both native MCP-1 and MCP-1-SEAP competed for the same site on the surface of HEK-293 cells expressing the CCR2b chemokine receptor. The interaction between either chemokine species and endothelial cell surface GAGs was antagonized by the addition of the heparan sulphate-like molecule, heparin. Both MCP-1 and MCP-1-SEAP induced a Ca(2+)-flux in the THP-1 monocytic cell line, and were equally effective at promoting transendothelial chemotaxis of mononuclear immune cells, with maximal migration being produced by treatment with 12 nM of either species. In each case this chemotactic response was almost completely antagonized by the addition of heparin. The importance of interaction between either native MCP-1 or MCP-1-SEAP and cell-surface GAGs for transcellular migration was demonstrated by the almost complete absence of leucocyte chemotaxis across monolayers of GAG-deficient mutant cells. In summary, this study shows that multimerization is neither necessary for, nor potentiates, the biological activity of MCP-1. However, the results do clearly demonstrate the importance of the interaction between MCP-1 and cell-surface heparan sulphate for transmonolayer leucocyte chemotaxis.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of analytical techniques to quantify malondialdehyde in milk powders.

Several analytical methods were compared to quantify malondialdehyde (MDA) in milk powders. Modified thiobarbituric acid (TBA) methods, using either visible spectrophotometry (direct absorbance reading or after third derivative transformation of the spectrum) or HPLC, required derivatisation at elevated temperature, which appeared to catalyse artefactual MDA formation and thus overestimate the MDA content. In contrast to the TBA derivatisation method, the measurement of MDA as the dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative by HPLC or as the phenylhydrazone product by GC-MS with a deuterated internal standard resulted in lower estimates in the ranges of 2-17- and 3-30-fold, respectively; apparently due to the milder derivatisation conditions. The estimates of MDA determined by both HPLC-UV and GC-MS techniques result in lower values which are similar in magnitude even though the GC-MS technique is more sensitive.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Xanthine oxidase-derived reactive oxygen metabolites contribute to liver necrosis: protection by 4-hydroxypyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine.

Xanthine oxidase (XO) generates reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) as a by-product while catalyzing their reaction. The present study implicates these ROM in the pathogenesis of liver necrosis produced in rats by the intraperitoneal administration of thioacetamide (TAA; 400 mg/kg b.wt.). After 16 h of TAA administration, the activity of rat liver XO increased significantly compared to that of the control group. At the same time, the level of serum marker enzymes of liver necrosis (aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase) and tissue malondialdehyde content also increased in TAA treated rats. Tissue malondialdehyde concentration is an indicator of lipid peroxidation and acts as a useful marker of oxidative damage. Pretreatment of rats with XO inhibitor (4-hydroxypyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine; allopurinol (AP)) followed by TAA could lower the hepatotoxin-mediated rise in malondialdehyde level as well as the level of marker enzymes associated with liver necrosis. The survival rate also increased in rats given AP followed by the lethal dose of TAA. In either case, the effect of AP was dose-dependent. Results presented in the paper indicate that increased production of XO-derived ROM contributes to liver necrosis, which can be protected by AP.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2001

The p38 MAPK pathway is required for cell growth inhibition of human breast cancer cells in response to activin.

Activin, a member of the TGFbeta family inhibits cell growth in various target tissues. Activin interacts with a complex of two receptors that upon activation phosphorylate specific intracellular mediators, the Smad proteins. The activated Smads interact with diverse DNA binding proteins and co-activators of transcription in a cell-specific manner, thus leading to various activin biological effects. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of action of activin in the human breast cancer T47D cells. We found that activin treatment of T47D cells leads to a dramatic decrease in cell growth. Thus activin appears as a potent cell growth inhibitor of these breast cancer cells. We show that activin induces the Smad pathway in these cells but also activates the p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, further leading to phosphorylation of the transcription factor ATF2. Finally, specific inhibitors of the p38 kinase (SB202190, SB203580, and PD169316) but not an inactive analogue (SB202474) or the MEK-1 inhibitor PD98059 completely abolish the activin-mediated cell growth inhibition of T47D cells. Together, these results define a new role for activin in human breast cancer T47D cells and highlight a new pathway utilized by this growth factor in the mediation of its biological effects in cell growth arrest.

Activins↗
PubMed2001

Analysis of estrogen-responsive finger protein expression in benign and malignant human breast.

The estrogen-responsive finger protein (EFP) gene was originally identified in a screen of genomic DNA for genes containing estrogen-response elements (EREs), and its expression was subsequently shown to be estrogen-regulated and correlated with estrogen receptor (ER)alpha-positive tissues in mice. Human chromosomal mapping localized it to 17q23.1, close to BRCA1, in a region frequently lost in breast cancers. Structurally related proteins have been implicated in a variety of important cellular processes, including carcinogenisis. Given that ER is over-expressed in a large proportion of breast cancers, we reasoned that EFP may play a role in mediating the estrogen-dependent progression of breast cancer. We raised anti-sera to EFP and show that EFP is present in the cytoplasm in mammary cell lines and epithelial cells of normal breast tissue. Furthermore, EFP is present in cell culture medium, suggesting that it may be secreted. Immunohistochemistry of paraffin-embedded breast biopsy specimens showed significantly greater levels of EFP in lactating breast and fibroadenomata compared to normal breast (p<0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), which is likely to be a result of estrogen responsiveness. Levels were reduced in breast cancer (p = 0.02), where no correlation was seen with other immunohistochemical, histopathological or clinical data. The lack of correlation between EFP and ER status of tumors could indicate escape from estrogenic control, pointing to new models of tumor pathogenesis. Increased levels of EFP in lactating breast and the reduction in malignancy suggest a role for EFP in promoting mammary gland differentiation.

Animals↗