Sulfatides in ovarian tumors: clinicopathological correlates.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of sulfatides in the tissue homogenates of malignant ovarian tumors, benign ovarian tumors, and control tissues and to study the relation between this marker and other clinico-pathological criteria such as the tumor type, grade of differentiation, surgical stage and ovulatory years.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biochemistry, Assuit university hospital.


METHODS
Forty-six patients had malignant ovarian tumors. Sixteen patients had benign ovarian neoplasm. Thirty patients, with normal ovaries, represented the control group.


METHODS
A sample of the tumor or from the normal ovary (the control group) was sent for histopathological and biochemical examination. Sulfatides were measured by a rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric method.


RESULTS
There was a significant rise in benign tumors [median and range 43 (38-53)], than in the control group, 21 (18-31), P-value = 0.000. In malignant tumors, the median value of sulfatides was significantly higher than in benign tumors [127 (71-193), P-value = 0.000]. Sulfatides were significantly higher in patients with more ovulatory years and tumors of advanced stages (stage III/IV) and poor differentiation.


CONCLUSIONS
Sulfatides may play a role in the pathogenesis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors. It may also predict advanced stages in patients who are apparently early stage. It is also a candidate to study of their association with response to chemotherapy.
Makhlouf
A M
AM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt. makhloufsalama@yahoo.com
Fathalla
M M
MM
Zakhary
M A
MA
Makarem
M H
MH
D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018237:Germinoma / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000378:metabolism; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012372:ROC Curve; D018312:Sex Cord-Gonadal Stromal Tumors / Q000378:metabolism; D013433:Sulfoglycosphingolipids / Q000378:metabolism*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D013433:Sulfoglycosphingolipids