Possible role of ovarian epithelial inflammation in ovarian cancer. (1/132)

Ovarian cancer is a commonly fatal disease for which prevention strategies have been limited, in part because of a lack of understanding of the underlying biology. This paper reviews the epidemiologic literature in the English language on risk factors and protective factors for ovarian cancer and proposes a novel hypothesis that a common mechanism underlying this disease is inflammation. Previous hypotheses about the causes of ovarian cancer have attributed risk to an excess number of lifetime ovulations or to elevations in steroid hormones. Inflammation may underlie ovulatory events because an inflammatory reaction is induced during the process of ovulation. Additional risk factors for ovarian cancer, including asbestos and talc exposure, endometriosis (i.e., ectopic implantation of uterine lining tissue), and pelvic inflammatory disease, cannot be directly linked to ovulation or to hormones but do cause local pelvic inflammation. On the other hand, tubal ligation and hysterectomy act as protective factors, perhaps by diminishing the likelihood that the ovarian epithelium will be exposed to environmental initiators of inflammation. Inflammation entails cell damage, oxidative stress, and elevations of cytokines and prostaglandins, all of which may be mutagenic. The possibility that inflammation is a pathophysiologic contributor to the development of ovarian cancer suggests a directed approach to future research  (+info)

Prospective study of talc use and ovarian cancer. (2/132)

BACKGROUND: Perineal talc use has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer in a number of case-control studies; however, this association remains controversial because of limited supporting biologic evidence and the potential for recall bias or selection bias in case-control studies. In this study, we conducted a prospective analysis of perineal talc use and the risk of ovarian cancer. METHODS: The Nurses' Health Study is a prospective study of 121 700 female registered nurses in the United States who were aged 30-55 years at enrollment in 1976. Talc use was ascertained in 1982 by use of a self-administered questionnaire: after exclusions, 78 630 women formed the cohort for analysis. Three hundred seven epithelial ovarian cancers subsequently diagnosed in this cohort through June 1, 1996, were confirmed by medical record review and met inclusion criteria. Proportional hazards models by use of pooled logistic regression were used to derive relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In 1982, 40.4% (n = 31 789) of the cohort reported ever using talc, and 14.5% (n = 11 411) reported ever using talc daily. We observed no overall association with ever talc use and epithelial ovarian cancer (multivariate RR = 1.09; 95% CI = 0.86-1.37) and no increase in risk of ovarian cancer with increasing frequency of use. There was a modest elevation in risk for ever talc use and invasive serous ovarian cancer (multivariate RR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.02-1.91). The risk of epithelial ovarian cancer for talc users was not greater among women who had never had a tubal ligation (multivariate RR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.71-1.32). CONCLUSION: Our results provide little support for any substantial association between perineal talc use and ovarian cancer risk overall; however, perineal talc use may modestly increase the risk of invasive serous ovarian cancer.  (+info)

Effectiveness of silver nitrate compared to talc slurry as pleural sclerosing agent in rabbits. Influence of concomitant intrapleural lidocaine. (3/132)

The ideal agent for producing pleurodesis has not been identified. Talc, the most commonly used, poses several problems. Another possibility is silver nitrate, which was widely used in the past. PURPOSE: To determine the influence of the intrapleural instillation of lidocaine in producing a pleurodesis with silver nitrate, to define the effect of lidocaine in the maturation of the collagen fibers, and to confirm that the pleurodesis after silver nitrate is stronger than after talc. METHODS: We studied three groups of 8 rabbits. Two groups received 0.5% silver nitrate; in one we had previously injected 0.5 ml of 2% lidocaine. The third group received 400 mg/kg talc (2 ml). The animals were sacrificed 28 days after the injection, and the pleural spaces were assessed grossly for evidence of pleurodesis and microscopically for evidence of inflammation and fibrosis. The total amount of pleural collagen and the distribution of thick and thin collagen fibers were quantified. Collagen was identified using picrosirius red stain. RESULTS: In the two groups that received silver nitrate (without lidocaine: 3.5 + 03 and with lidocaine: 3.2 + 0.3), the macroscopic pleurodesis (scale 0 - 4) was significantly (p = 0.001) better than that resulting from talc (1.6 + 0.2). The mean degree of pleural fibrosis induced by silver nitrate (3.5 + 0.2) was significantly (p = 0.004) higher than that induced by talc (1.9 + 0.1). The previous instillation of lidocaine resulted in a tendency for decreased amounts of fibrosis (3.1 + 0.4). The mean amount (10(3)mm2) of pleural collagen was significantly (p = 0.009) greater in the rabbits that received silver nitrate (116.9 + 22.7) than in those that received talc (10.7 + 3.4). The injection of lidocaine slightly reduced the collagen (80.1 + 30.3). The distribution of collagen fibers did not differ among the groups. CONCLUSION: This rabbit model clearly confirms that intrapleural silver nitrate is more effective than talc for producing pleurodesis. The previous intrapleural instillation of lidocaine results in a decreasing trend in the amount of collagen, but does not change the effectiveness of the pleural fusion or modify the process of collagen maturation.  (+info)

Exposure to nitrosamines, carbon black, asbestos, and talc and mortality from stomach, lung, and laryngeal cancer in a cohort of rubber workers. (4/132)

There is sufficient evidence for an excess occurrence of stomach and lung cancer among rubber workers. However, evidence for causal associations with specific exposures is still limited. A cohort of 8,933 male German rubber workers was followed for mortality from January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1991. Work histories were reconstructed using routinely documented cost center codes. For each cost center code, calendar time-and plant-specific levels of exposure to nitrosamines, asbestos, talc (low, medium (m), and high (h)), and carbon black (two levels) were estimated by industrial hygienists. Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models, with the lowest exposure level used as the reference category. Exposure was lagged 10 years to account for latency. Exposure-response relations between exposure to asbestos and lung cancer mortality (RRm = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.9, 1.9; RRh = 2.0, 95% CI: 0.9, 4.1) and between exposure to dust (talc and asbestos combined) and stomach cancer mortality (RRm = 1.8, 95% CI: 0.9, 3.8; RRh = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.0, 7.1) were observed. Exposure to nitrosamines was not associated with mortality from stomach or lung cancer. These results suggest that the increased mortality from lung and stomach cancer among rubber workers is associated with exposure to asbestos and dust, respectively.  (+info)

Risk factors for uterine leiomyoma: a practice-based case-control study. II. Atherogenic risk factors and potential sources of uterine irritation. (5/132)

In this case-control study, the authors analyzed associations of uterine leiomyoma with atherogenic risk factors and potential sources of uterine irritation. The study included 318 case women with uterine leiomyoma that was first confirmed between 1990 and 1993 in the Baltimore, Maryland, area and 394 controls selected from women visiting the same gynecologists' offices for routine reasons. Telephone interviews were conducted with 77.8% of eligible cases and 78.0% of eligible controls. Compared with participants with no hypertension history, increased risks were observed among participants with any history of hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0, 2.8), hypertension requiring medication (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1, 4.1), hypertension diagnosed at ages less than 35 years (for hypertension requiring medication, OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.0, 7.6), and hypertension of 5 or more years' duration (for hypertension requiring medication, OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 8.2). Estimates of associations with diabetes history were very imprecise but followed similar patterns. Adjusted associations were observed with pelvic inflammatory disease (three or more episodes vs. none: OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 0.9, 15.9), chlamydial infection (history vs. no history: OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 0.8, 13.7), and use of an intrauterine device when it caused infectious complications (use vs. no use: OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.8, 16.3). Risk of uterine leiomyoma was also associated in a graded fashion with frequency of perineal talc use (daily use vs. no use: OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4, 3.1). The authors conclude that nonhormonal factors may influence risk of uterine leiomyoma.  (+info)

Inflammatory microcrystals induce murine macrophage survival and DNA synthesis. (6/132)

The interaction of particulates with resident macrophages is a consistent feature in certain forms of crystal-induced inflammation, for example, in synovial tissues, lung, and the peritoneum. The mitogenic activity of basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals on synovial fibroblasts has been considered relevant to the synovial hyperplasia observed in crystal-induced arthritis. The aim of the study was to determine whether microcrystals such as these could enhance macrophage survival and induce DNA synthesis, thus indicating that they may contribute to the tissue hyperplasia. Murine bone-marrow-derived macrophages were treated in vitro with microcrystals, the cell numbers were monitored over time, and DNA synthesis was measured as the incorporation of [methyl-(3)H]thymidine (TdR). We report here that BCP, monosodium urate, talc, and, to a lesser extent, CPPD crystals promote macrophage survival and DNA synthesis; the latter response is particularly striking in the presence of low concentrations of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF, CSF-1). Enhanced macrophage survival or proliferation may contribute to the synovial hyperplasia noted in crystal-associated arthropathies, as well as to talc-induced inflammation and granuloma formation. The crystals studied join the list of particulates having these effects on macrophages, indicating the generality of this type of response.  (+info)

The value of small-bore catheter thoracostomy in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions. (7/132)

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusions can cause severe debilitating symptoms and impair the quality of life. Treatment is often palliative, usually consisting of sequential thoracenteses or tube thoracostomy with or without sclerotherapy. Large-bore thoracostomy tubes have traditionally been used for drainage and sclerotherapy. More recently, the use of small-bore catheters has been studied. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of small-bore catheter (Pleuracan) thoracostomy combined with talc sclerotherapy for palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusions. METHODS: Between May 1998 and March 2000, 24 consecutive patients presenting at our inpatient clinic were studied. Follow-up radiography at the end of the 1st month (immediate response) and 3rd month (long-term follow-up) after talc pleurodesis was performed to assess the response rates. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients included, 2 patients did not show lung expansion after pleural drainage. Two patients died within 30 days after talc pleurodesis and 1 did not undergo 30-day postpleurodesis radiography. The remaining 19 patients made up the study group to assess the response rates (8 men, 11 women). Overall response rates of talc pleurodesis via small-bore catheter were found to be 84.2% [complete response (CR): 68.4%, partial response (PR): 15.8%] at 30-day and 78.6% (CR: 57.2%, PR:2 1.4%) at 90-day follow-up, respectively. One patient reported moderate pain during catheter placement. Four patients experienced mild to moderate pleuritic chest pain, shortness of breath, or both within 4 h after instillation. Seven of the 22 patients (31.8%) had a transient fever (< or =39.0 degrees C) 6-24 h after talc instillation that lasted less than 24 h and was successfully treated with acetaminophen. One patient had significant subcutaneous emphysema that resolved in 24 h. Four patients died because of tumor progress (2 patients in the 1st month and 2 patients between 30 and 90 days). CONCLUSION: Pleurodesis can successfully be performed via a small-bore catheter in patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion. To validate the results of the study, a prospective randomized study, comparing this device (Pleuracan) and a 'standard' 16- to 24-french chest drain, should be performed.  (+info)

A cohort mortality and nested case-control study of French and Austrian talc workers. (8/132)

OBJECTIVES: To study whether the mortality from non-malignant and malignant respiratory diseases of workers employed in French and Austrian talc mines and mills is related to their long term occupational exposure. METHODS: Two historical cohorts were set up comprising all male subjects who had been working continuously for at least 1 year in a series of talc producing companies in France and Austria. The French cohort consisted of those employed at a site in the French Pyrenees and working between 1 January 1945 and 31 December 1994. The Austrian cohort consisted of the workers employed between 1 January 1972 and 31 December 1995 in one of four industrial sites in the Austrian Alps. The mortality within the cohorts was compared with local death rates. Two nested case-control studies focusing on non-malignant and malignant respiratory diseases were set up to estimate possible dose-response relations with cumulative exposure to talc dust based on an industry specific job exposure matrix. RESULTS: Mortality from lung cancer was in small excess in both cohorts (France, standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 1.23, 21 cases observed, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.76 to 1.89; Austria, SMR 1.06, seven observed, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.19). A non-significant excess mortality was found for all non-malignant respiratory diseases in the French cohort due to a significant excess for pneumoconiosis (SMR 5.56, three observed, 95% CI 1.12 to 16.2). The case-control study of non-malignant respiratory disease showed an increased mortality in the highest exposure groups (odds ratio (OR) 2.5 for a cumulative exposure > or = 800 y.mg/m(3)) with a significant trend (OR/100 y.mg/m(3) 1.08) with cumulative exposure to talc. On the contrary, no increasing trend could be found in the case-control study of lung cancer. This result must be interpreted considering the small cohort size. Adjustment on smoking and exposure to quartz did not influence these results to any extent. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality from non-malignant respiratory disease was found to be related to high cumulative exposure to talc dust. The small excess in lung cancer does not seem to be attributable to talc.  (+info)

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