DECREASED NIDOGEN-2 CONCENTRATIONS AND IMPAIRED OXIDANT/ANTIOXIDANT BALANCE IN SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Cancer is the second most common cause of death following cardiovascular diseases in the world. Disruption of the integrity of the basement membrane creates an invasion-permissive environment, often promoting cancer cell proliferation. Also, reactive oxygen species and the coupled oxidative stress have been associated with cancer formation. We aimed to measure NID-2, LPO, NT and TAC levels in gynecological cancer, and evaluate oxidant and antioxidant status in these diseases. NID-2 and oxidative stress parameters were measured in 28 patients with endometrial cancer, 45 patients with ovarian cancer, other gynecological cancers including cervical, vulvar and vaginal and 30 matching healthy controls. LPO and TAC were assayed with spectrophotometric methods. NID-2 and NT were quantitated by the Elisa method. In endometrial cancer group, NID-2 levels were lower as compared with controls (p <0.01). When compared to controls, the following were higher: LPO in endometrial cancer (p < 0.05), ovarian cancer (p < 0.01) and others (p < 0.01); NT in endometrial cancer (p < 0.01). When compared to endometrial cancer group, the following were higher: LPO in ovarian cancer (p <0.01), others (p <0.01); NT in ovarian cancer (p < 0.01), others (p < 0.01); TAC in ovarian cancer (p < 0.05). When compared to ovarian cancer group, NT were higher in others (p < 0.05). These findings support the idea that loss of NID-2 and impaired oxidant/antioxidant balance may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer. This study shows a decrease of serum NID-2 concentrations and an increase of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in endometrial cancer. Also, there is an increased oxidative stress in patients with ovarian cancer and other gynecological cancer.