Activin B in patients with granulosa cell tumors: serum levels in comparison to inhibin.
BACKGROUND
Activins and inhibins are polypeptide hormones/growth factors of primarily gonadal origin. In the ovary, activins and inhibins are primarily synthesized by granulosa cells. Serum inhibin measurements have been used for the follow-up of patients with granulosa-cell tumors (GCT) after surgery.


METHODS
We have employed a recently developed assay to study whether activin B (A) measurements can be used as a marker of progression of GCTs. Additionally, these measurements have been compared with simultaneously run inhibin measurements using a commercial assay. Serum samples of three patients suffering from GCTs (all stage Ia) were collected at primary surgery and at controls thereafter.


RESULTS
In patient AM, serum inhibin levels have remained elevated while A levels are low; there has been no evidence of a residual tumor. In patient AR, there has been no clinical evidence of a residual tumor, and both serum A and inhibin levels have remained low. In patient PP, a residual tumor was found 6 years after primary surgery; at the time A levels were elevated, while inhibin levels remained low.


CONCLUSIONS
We introduce A as a promising new marker for postoperative follow-up of patients suffering from GCTs.
Vihko
Kimmo K
KK
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Central Hospital, Finland. kimmo.vihko@tyles.fi
Bläuer
Merja
M
Puistola
Ulla
U
Tuohimaa
Pentti
P
D028341:Activins / Q000097:blood*; D000293:Adolescent; D001681:Biological Assay; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006106:Granulosa Cell Tumor / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
C044147:activin B; D028341:Activins; D007265:Inhibins