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[Hormonal correlations in stomach cancer patients]
Abstract:
The urinary excretion of andro- and glucocorticoidogenesis metabolites was studied in 60 patients with gastric cancer (stages II-III and IV). The androgenous activity showed a significant decrease that was manifested in a reduced excretion of 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) and their androgenicity index (AI). With advance of the disease stage androsterone/ethiocholanolon ratio reduced and became less than 1 in most patients. In patients with stage II-III gastric cancer there occurred a significant increase of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenals and a decrease in patients with stage IV cancer. Comparison with the androgenous activity revealed both an absolute and a relative androgenic insufficiency in patients with gastric cancer. It is suggested that reduced production of androgens effects favourably the catabolic manifestation of the effect of glucocorticoids. Drug-stimulated increase of the production of androgens in the body of patients with gastric cancer is desired.
Insights
Gastric cancer patients exhibit decreased androgen production, indicated by lower 17-ketosteroid (17-KS) excretion. This androgenic insufficiency may influence glucocorticoid effects, suggesting a need for androgen-boosting therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gastric cancer is a significant global health concern.
- Alterations in steroid hormone metabolism, particularly androgens and glucocorticoids, are observed in various cancers.
- Understanding these hormonal changes in gastric cancer is crucial for potential therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the urinary excretion patterns of androgen and glucocorticoid metabolites in gastric cancer patients.
- To assess the relationship between disease stage and the levels of these hormonal metabolites.
- To explore the implications of altered androgen and glucocorticoid function in gastric cancer.
Main Methods:
- Studied urinary excretion of andro- and glucocorticoidogenesis metabolites.
- Analyzed 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) and their androgenicity index (AI).
- Compared hormonal profiles across different gastric cancer stages (II-III and IV) in 60 patients.
Main Results:
- Significantly decreased androgenic activity was observed, evidenced by reduced 17-KS excretion and AI.
- The androsterone/ethiocholanolon ratio decreased with advancing disease stage.
- Glucocorticoid function increased in Stage II-III but decreased in Stage IV gastric cancer patients.
- Patients presented with absolute and relative androgenic insufficiency.
Conclusions:
- Gastric cancer is associated with significant androgen deficiency.
- Reduced androgen production may favorably influence the catabolic effects of glucocorticoids.
- Therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing androgen production in gastric cancer patients are warranted.