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Interleukin-1 in the Ovulatory Process:
A Hypothesis
Eli Y. Adashi (Professor)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecoloy,
University of Utah Health Services Center,
Salt Lake City, USA
Summary
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is hypothesised to have a role in ovulation, an 'inflammatory-like' phenomena.
- IL-1 has been shown to promote ovulation-associated processes such as prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis in non-ovarian tissues.
- Recent research indicates the existence of an intraovarian IL-1 system, which is hormonally-dependent and replete with ligands, receptors, and receptor antagonist.
- Gonadotropin-dependent midcycle induction of ovarian IL-1 gene expression has been demonstrated in recent experiments.
- Current research suggests that IL-1 may have a key role in the ovulatory process, although ongoing research is required to fully elucidate the potential role of this cytokine messenger.
Editor's Comment
IL-1, a prominent representative cytokine (cell-cell communicator), has been extensively evaluated in the context of the ovary. This comprehensive review article summarises findings concerning its possible role in the process of ovulation.
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The Autoimmunity of Pre-Eclampsia
Remote from Term
Pankaj D. Desai (Assistant Professor)
Consultant Gynaecologist & Assistant Professor,
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
Medical College,
Baroda, India
Summary
- Pre-eclampsia remote from term runs a fulminant course and women manifesting this condition remain susceptible to recurrence in subsequent pregnancies.
- A distinct correlation has been demonstrated between pre-eclampsia remote from term and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
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Prevention is better than cure, since full-blown pre-eclampsia remote from term is difficult to control.
- Immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drug therapy forms the cornerstone of management.
Editor's Comment
Pre-eclampsia remote from term can be a life-threatening condition accounting for gross obstetrical morbidity and mortality. Immediate therapeutic measures as well as preventive methods must be instituted to tackle this problem.
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An Approach to Diagnosis and Staging of Breast Cancer
Vinod K. Malik (Professor)
Saket Goel (Senior Resident)
Department of Surgery, MAMC and LNJP Hospital,
New Delhi, India
Summary
- Timely diagnosis of suspected breast cancer can significantly improve prognosis.
- The stage of cancer and its biological behaviour determine the occurrence of metastatic spread.
- Ultrasonography (USG) is frequently the only test required to evaluate adolescents and young adults below age 30 years.
- Nuclear bone scans or computerised axial tomography (CT) scans of chest and abdomen are not indicated in stage I and II disease, in the absence of clinical/biochemical evidence of metastases.
Editor's Comment
Mammography, USG, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and/or excision biopsy form the cornerstone of breast cancer diagnosis. The role of CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in the clinical staging of breast cancer is currently being assessed.
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