Marek Lankosz
AGH University of Science and Technology, Poland
Title: Evaluation of biochemical biomarkers in ovarian cancers
Biography
Biography: Marek Lankosz
Abstract
The ovarian surface epithelial tumors are a heterogenic group of neoplasms in which a wide spectrum of clinical behavior can be observed. The histopathological scope of these tumors ranges from benign cystic tumors to malignant high-grade carcinomas. The carcinogenesis of the above is a multistep process in which varied genetic pathways can be triggered. This raises the question of possible molecular or elemental differences between various ovarian tumors and creates a need for investigation. The main goal of this study was to investigate the role of elements and molecules in pathogenesis of ovarian cancers as well as to elucidate the metabolic activity of the cystic epithelium and the mechanism that drives the enlargement of cyst by accumulation of only liquid or semiliquid substance inside. The proposed studies would help to know if concentrations of minor- and trace elements and selected molecules in the malignant tissues could be used for differentiation of ovarian tumors. The samples designed to elemental micro-imaging were taken intra operatively from ovarian tumors of different types and degree of malignancy. Fibroma, mucinous cystadenoma, endometrial adenocarcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma and borderline mucinous tumors were used in investigations. Samples of tissue were cut from the material for two purposes: to conduct histopathological analysis and to map the distribution of chemical elements and molecules. X-ray fluorescence micro spectroscopy (XRF) was applied for chemical elemental analysis. The infrared micro spectroscopy was used for investigation of molecular composition of ovarian cancer tissue. It was found that K, Cl, S, Br and Fe are the most significant elements in the general discrimination between types of ovarian cancers. Significant amounts of elements such as Na, P, S, Cl, K, Ca and Fe, were present in all tumor fluids analyzed. There were also small amounts of Mg, Ni, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn and Se. Concentrations of elements are diversified in relation to type of tumor. Changes in metal distribution in the ovarian tissues have been linked to the type of ovarian cancer. With results obtained, it was found that trace metals could be used to correctly identify cancerous tissue and effectively classify the cancer stage. The higher distribution of amide B in cystic tissue compared to neoplastic tissue was found. The concentrations of amide I, amide II and phosphodiester bonds in cancer tissue was higher.