title: Atrial natriuretic factor in gynecologic malignancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) levels are different in patients with gynecologic malignancy compared with those in healthy, nonpregnant women, and if differences do exist, whether chemotherapy plays a role.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared the plasma levels of ANF in nonpregnant women free of malignancy (group 1, n = 25) and in patients with malignancy receiving at least one course of platinum-based chemotherapy (group 2, n = 32). To differentiate the contributory role of chemotherapy, another group of patients (group 3, n = 18) was studied before the initiation of chemotherapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ANF values (mean +/- standard error [SE]) in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 7.3 +/- 0.3, 13.8 +/- 0.8, and 14.6 +/- 1.8 fmol/mL of plasma, respectively. Significant differences (P < or = .001) occurred between groups 1 and 2 and 1 and 3, but not between 2 and 3. In comparing groups 2 and 3 for a specific type of cancer, there were no significant differences. The respective values (mean +/- SE) for endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer before chemotherapy were 9.9 +/- 1.7, 15.05 +/- 2.6, and 18.5 +/- 4.3 fmol/mL. After chemotherapy, the values remained at 9.3 +/- 1.5, 15.03 +/- 1.06, and 14.6 +/- 2.2 fmol/mL, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Plasma ANF levels in gynecologic cancer patients were significantly higher than those in healthy, nonpregnant women. Levels were higher before chemotherapy started, thus negating the idea that chemotherapy may initiate the production and release of ANF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, USA.
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Fiorica
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cavanagh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D017671:Platinum Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D017671:Platinum Compounds; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor