ISSN:
1432-1335
Keywords:
Key words Cellular retinoic-acid-binding protein
;
Retinoic acid
;
Vitamin A
;
Vitamin A metabolism
;
Cervical intra-epithelial neoplasm
;
CIN III
;
AbbreviationsCRABP cellular retinoic-acid-binding protein
;
RA retinoic acid
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Purpose: The appearance of the cervical mucosa is regulated by different factors including retinoic acid. Hormone-dependent alteration of the cervix uteri mucosa is accompanied by a decrease or increase of cytoplasmatic retinoic-acid-binding protein (CRABP). To elucidate whether this hormone-dependent alteration of CRABP is preserved in the case of neoplasms of the cervix uteri, we measured the level of total and apo-CRABP in normal and neoplastically transformed cervical cells. Methods: In a prospective pilot study, standardised biopsies of normal epithelium and cervical intra-epithelial neoplasm grade 3 (CIN III) were taken from 24 patients. A newly developed method was used to determine the intra-epithelial level of apo- and total CRABP. Results: The concentration of total CRABP in normal squamous epithelium compared with that in intra-epithelial neoplasm grade 3 is very significantly lower in the CIN III areas (normal: 3.66 ± 1.46 pmol/mg wet weight ± SD; CIN III 1.43 ± 0.59 pmol/mg P 〈 0.01). In addition CRABP in the apo form is lower in normal than in neoplastic epithelium (Wilcoxon test for paired non-parametric values: P 〈 0.05; mean for all patients: normal: 1.65 + 0.82 pmol/mg; CIN III: 1.14 ± 0.23 pmol/mg). Conclusion: From our results we conclude that, in neoplastically transformed cells, the hormone-dependent CRABP cycle is interrupted. Whether this has consequences for the further development of the neoplastic cells has to be elucidated.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004320050008
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