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Pulmonary surfactant protein A in pleural effusions
N Shijubo1, S Tsutahara, M Hirasawa
1Department of Medicine, Sapporo Medical College, Japan.
Cancer
|June 15, 1992
Summary
Pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) in pleural effusions can help identify lung adenocarcinoma. High SP-A levels were found in lung adenocarcinoma patients, aiding differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary medicine
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) is a lung-specific glycoprotein.
- SP-A expression occurs in about 50% of lung adenocarcinoma tissues.
- SP-A is not typically found in other lung cancer types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine SP-A content in pleural effusions.
- To evaluate SP-A's utility in distinguishing lung adenocarcinoma from other conditions.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used.
- SP-A levels were measured in pleural effusions from various patient groups.
Main Results:
- Approximately 40% of lung adenocarcinoma patients (27/67) showed high SP-A levels (>500 ng/ml) in effusions.
- Low SP-A levels were observed in other lung cancer types, non-lung adenocarcinomas, and tuberculosis effusions.
Conclusions:
- SP-A measurement in pleural effusions can aid in differentiating primary lung adenocarcinoma.
- This biomarker shows potential for distinguishing lung adenocarcinoma from other malignancies and conditions with effusions.