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Senescence has been described as a stable cell proliferation arrest resulting from the progression of primary human fibroblasts through a finite number of population doublings in vitro. Accelerated telomere shortening was observed in... more
Senescence has been described as a stable cell proliferation arrest resulting from the progression of primary human fibroblasts through a finite number of population doublings in vitro. Accelerated telomere shortening was observed in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction, in placentas of diabetic mothers and trisomy 21 amniocytes. We hypothesized that under conditions of stress, telomeres in placentas will be shorter and there will be more cells with the senescence phenotype. The two study groups included placental biopsies from 7 cases of trisomy 21 and amniocytes from 10 cases of trisomy 21. The control groups consisted of placental biopsies from 6 cases and amniocytes from 10 pregnancies with a normal karyotype. The samples were analyzed for the presence of senescent cells based on the number of fragments in each cell. A significantly higher percentage of cells in the senescent state, based on a higher percentage of cells with more fragmentations, were found in the amniocytes (20.8%) and in trophoblasts (94.3%) from placentas with trisomy 21 compared to the control groups. Among other genetic instability parameters, trisomy 21 amniocytes and trophoblasts express a higher prevalence of senescent cells than were previously reported.
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ABSTRACT No abstract is available for this article.
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This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy for early prenatal diagnosis of uterine cavity lavage at the level of the internal os and to assess the rate of maternal contamination. In phase I, uterine cavity lavage was performed in... more
This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy for early prenatal diagnosis of uterine cavity lavage at the level of the internal os and to assess the rate of maternal contamination. In phase I, uterine cavity lavage was performed in 38 women scheduled for pregnancy termination between 6 and 12 weeks. In addition to short‐ and long‐term cultures, one‐colour FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) with Y and X probes was used for fetal sexing. Two‐colour FISH was used in all known male fetuses for the assessment of maternal contamination. In phase II, lavage was performed on 16 women. Fetal sex was diagnosed with direct labelled X and Y probes and common numerical chromosomal aberration was attempted with 18 and 21 direct labelled probes. Fetal sexing was successful in all cases in phases I and II. Out of 34 patients in which tissue was obtained, only FISH was done in six. Long‐term cell cultures were successful in the other 28 cases, but complete karyotyping in 19 (56 per cent)...
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We report two second trimester pregnancy terminations in the same woman following intrauterine ultrasonic findings of hydrops fetalis, polyhydramnios, lack of fetal movements, and short, fixed malformed limbs. One fetus also showed a... more
We report two second trimester pregnancy terminations in the same woman following intrauterine ultrasonic findings of hydrops fetalis, polyhydramnios, lack of fetal movements, and short, fixed malformed limbs. One fetus also showed a cystic mass at the back of the head. Radiographic and anatomic studies of the fetuses demonstrated multiple pterygia, flexion contracture of multiple joints, abnormal facial appearance, cleft palate, pulmonary hypoplasia, and gracile bones. The cystic mass of the back of the head was found to be a cystic hygroma.These findings are consistent with the lethal variant of multiple pterygium syndrome. Early prenatal diagnosis of this condition is possible using ultrasonography.
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Objectives: Infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have increased morbidity and mortality. The decision whether to induce labor at term or to expectantly manage these pregnancies is controversial. The aim of this study was to... more
Objectives: Infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have increased morbidity and mortality. The decision whether to induce labor at term or to expectantly manage these pregnancies is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of these two management strategies in term pregnancies. Study design: This retrospective cohort study compared neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality of IUGR fetuses (estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile) between induced and spontaneous labors. Results: Records of 669 IUGR newborns were reviewed; 499 were delivered through spontaneous labor and 170 were delivered through induced labor. Epidemiology and early perinatal outcomes between the two groups were similar. The cesarean section rate was significantly higher (P<0.005) in the induced group. Conclusions: Expectant management for term IUGR pregnancies seems to be safe, with lower rates of cesarean deliveries. A large, prospective, randomized controlled tr...
Research Interests: Obstetrics, Medicine, Israel, Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy, and 13 moreHumans, Female, Young Adult, Clinical Sciences, Newborn Infant, Adult, Fetal Growth Restriction, Retrospective Studies, Preterm Labor, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Fetal Weight, Paediatrics and reproductive medicine, and Fetal Growth Retardation
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Laparoscopic surgery is currently the preferred diagnostic and treatment modality for ectopic pregnancy (EP). Cornual pregnancy, a rare and dangerous form of EP, is usually treated by cornual resection or hysterectomy. We report the first... more
Laparoscopic surgery is currently the preferred diagnostic and treatment modality for ectopic pregnancy (EP). Cornual pregnancy, a rare and dangerous form of EP, is usually treated by cornual resection or hysterectomy. We report the first case to be treated by laparoscopic surgery. A 27 year old, gravida 3 para 2, was diagnosed with a nine week right cornual pregnancy. Laparoscopy revealed a 3 x 4 cm bulge into the right cornual area. Both fallopian tubes were otherwise normal. The uterus was fixed by a grasping forceps and the right tube and ovarian ligament were coagulated to reduce the blood supply. The gestational area was entered via a 1 cm incision using unipolar scissors and electrocoagulation. The pregnancy contents were suctioned; cavity margins and placental bed were coagulated until hemostasis was secured. The uterus contracted. The posterior leaf of the broad ligament was flapped over the incision site and attached by coagulation points. Postoperative course was uneventful. A hysterosalpingogram performed 4 months post surgery revealed a normal uterine cavity and blocked right tube.
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We studied 2001 foetuses during the period of minimal solar activity of solar cycle 21 and 2265 foetuses during the period of maximal solar activity of solar cycle 22, in all women aged 37 years and over who underwent free prenatal... more
We studied 2001 foetuses during the period of minimal solar activity of solar cycle 21 and 2265 foetuses during the period of maximal solar activity of solar cycle 22, in all women aged 37 years and over who underwent free prenatal diagnosis in four hospitals in the greater Tel Aviv area. There were no significant differences in the total incidence of chromosomal abnormalities or of trisomy between the two periods (2.15% and 1.8% versus 2.34% and 2.12%, respectively). However, the trend of excessive incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in the period of maximal solar activity suggests that a prospective study in a large population would be required to rule out any possible effect of extreme solar activity.
Research Interests: Incidence Geometry, Biology, Biometeorology, Medicine, Israel, and 15 moreAtmospheric sciences, Pregnancy, Population, Humans, Solar Activity, Female, Male, Adult, Prenatal Diagnosis, Chromosome Disorders, Mosaicism, Chromosomal abnormalities, Prospective Study, Chromosome aberrations, and Solar Cycle
In twelve twin pregnancies with normal amniotic fluid volume, the urine output of each twin was lower than in fetuses from singleton pregnancies, and the combined urine output of both twins was between the 50th and 95th centile for... more
In twelve twin pregnancies with normal amniotic fluid volume, the urine output of each twin was lower than in fetuses from singleton pregnancies, and the combined urine output of both twins was between the 50th and 95th centile for singletons. In three twin pregnancies at 21-24 weeks of gestation with acute polyhydramnios, presumed to be due to the twin-twin transfusion syndrome, the urine output of the smaller fetus was zero and that of the larger was above the 95th centile for normal singleton pregnancies. These three pregnancies were managed by repeated amniocenteses and rapid drainage of large volumes of amniotic fluid. With advancing gestation, there was a tendency for normalization of urine output in the twins.
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Research Interests: Cognitive Science, Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Pregnancy, and 15 moreHumans, FISH, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Placenta, Female, Gene Dosage, Enzyme, Clinical Sciences, Early human dispersal, Pregnancy Complication, Gestational Age, Gestation, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Case Control Studies, and Fetal Growth Retardation
Individuals with trisomy 21 have an increased risk of developing leukemia and premature dementia. They also have a higher rate of telomere loss. The aim of the study was to compare telomere length and the hTERC gene copy number, which... more
Individuals with trisomy 21 have an increased risk of developing leukemia and premature dementia. They also have a higher rate of telomere loss. The aim of the study was to compare telomere length and the hTERC gene copy number, which encodes the telomerase RNA subunit, in amniocytes of trisomy 21 conceptions and normal pregnancies. A quantitative fluorescence-in-situ protocol (Q-FISH) was used to compare telomere length in amniocytes cultured from 11 trisomy 21 conceptions and from 14 normal pregnancies. Quantification was conducted using novel computer software. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to assess the percentage of cells with additional copies of hTERC. We found that the immunofluorescence intensity, which represents telomere length, was significantly lower in amniocytes from trisomy 21 conceptions compared to the control group. The trisomy 21 group had a higher number of cells with additional copies of hTERC. This observation could be one of the cytogenet...
Research Interests: Genetics, Dementia, Biology, Down Syndrome, In Situ Hybridization, and 15 moreCytogenetics, Humans, FISH, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Female, Aneuploidy, Amniotic Fluid, Amniocentesis, Gene Dosage, Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Fluorescent in situ hybridization, Genetic Instability, Control Group, Case Control Studies, and Cell culture techniques
Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocytosis (ET) are clonal chronic myeloproliferative disorders originating from a multipotent stem cell. Bone marrow examinations reveal chromosomal abnormalities in 15-43% of PV patients and 5%... more
Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocytosis (ET) are clonal chronic myeloproliferative disorders originating from a multipotent stem cell. Bone marrow examinations reveal chromosomal abnormalities in 15-43% of PV patients and 5% of ET patients, but no specific recurring abnormality has been found to date. We aimed to find cytogenetic aberrations in PV and ET by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), a relatively new molecular cytogenetic technique. In this study, CGH analysis was performed on peripheral blood leukocytes of 12 PV patients and 8 ET patients. One patient (8.3%) with PV had an abnormal karyotype with a deletion in 7q11.2 and one patient with ET (12.5%) had a gain in 18p. Peripheral blood analysis by CGH revealed a low frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities in PV and ET patients. However, using CGH we were able to detect two cytogenetic aberrations that were not reported previously in these disorders.
Research Interests: Genetics, Biology, Comparative Study, Low Frequency, Cytogenetics, and 15 moreCancer Genetics, Humans, Female, Male, Exploration, Bone marrow, Genome, Aged, Karyotype, Hydroxyurea, Chromosomal abnormalities, Comparative Genomic Hybridization, Chromosomal abnormality, Essential Thrombocythemia, and Chromosome aberrations
To evaluate possible genomic instability and possible random aneuploidy, we applied comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescence in situ techniques, and evaluated telomerase activity in 16 cases of Ewing sarcoma (EWS) and compared... more
To evaluate possible genomic instability and possible random aneuploidy, we applied comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescence in situ techniques, and evaluated telomerase activity in 16 cases of Ewing sarcoma (EWS) and compared the results to 7 controls. Common secondary aberrations (gains of chromosomes 8 and 12) were found in the study group. There was a direct correlation between the detection of random aneuploidy and development of tumor relapse (P = 0.0047). Other detectable abnormal parameters (secondary) and high telomerase activity were also more common among the cases with relapse but did not reach a statistical significance (probably because of the small sample size). In EWS, the detection of random aneuploidy seems to be a sensitive parameter in the prediction of tumor relapse.
Research Interests: Biology, Adolescent, Medicine, Cancer Genetics, Instability, and 15 moreComplication, Humans, Child, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Female, Male, Exploration, Aneuploidy, Chromosome, Adult, Genomic instability, Ewing sarcoma, Life tables, Comparative Genomic Hybridization, and Disease Free Survival
ABSTRACT In this study we evaluated the replication pattern and cell-cycle dynamics of cells from patients considered to have a premalignant condition (monoclonal gammopathy, or MGUS) and patients with multiple myeloma (MM), as well as... more
ABSTRACT In this study we evaluated the replication pattern and cell-cycle dynamics of cells from patients considered to have a premalignant condition (monoclonal gammopathy, or MGUS) and patients with multiple myeloma (MM), as well as healthy controls. We applied the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique with the TP53, RB-1 and 21q22 loci on the patient’s cells. Asynchrony was determined by the presence of one single and one set of double dots in the same cell. The rate of asynchronic replication was significantly higher in the cells from MM patients, with intermediate value in the cells from MGUS, while the lowest rate was in cells from controls. We suggest that these results may reflect the changes in gene replication and cell-cycle progression that occur in premalignant and malignant cells.
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Telomeric regions of the human genome are of particular interest, because rearrangements of these regions are difficult to identify by conventional chromosome banding technology. With the advent of molecular cytogenetic techniques such as... more
Telomeric regions of the human genome are of particular interest, because rearrangements of these regions are difficult to identify by conventional chromosome banding technology. With the advent of molecular cytogenetic techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), it has been possible to investigate the terminus in cytogenetically visible terminal deletions and telomere rearrangements. We investigated telomere capture and aneuploidy rates in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, as well as in healthy control subsets. Using a FISH technique, we estimated the random aneuploidy and telomere capture of the 21q22, SNRPN, and 15qter loci. Higher aneuploidy rates were found in the leukocytes of CLL and CML patients, compared with the control group, for the 21q22 and SNRPN loci. There was no difference in the aneuploidy rate between the CML and CLL groups. Telomere capture was found in the two groups (CLL and CML), but not in the control group. We propose that the telomere capture phenomenon is much more common than has been reported in the literature; however, its prognostic significance is yet to be established.
Research Interests: Biology, Leukemia, Medicine, Cancer Genetics, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and 13 moreHumans, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Aneuploidy, Aged, Middle Aged, Human Genome, Trisomy 21, Chronic myeloid leukemia, Fluorescent in situ hybridization, Telomere, Control Group, and Bone Marrow Cells
Research Interests: Genetics, Biology, Medicine, Humans, Female, and 6 moreMale, Pedigree, Recurrence, Clinical Sciences, Anencephaly, and Syndrome
An unusual case of Verrucose Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is described. The tumor characteristics, as well as its aggressively malignant potential nature are presented. The unique response to irradiation therapy is discussed, hence the... more
An unusual case of Verrucose Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is described. The tumor characteristics, as well as its aggressively malignant potential nature are presented. The unique response to irradiation therapy is discussed, hence the great difficulty in treating the tumor and the importance of early diagnosis to achieve a good prognosis. The literature regarding this unique tumor is reviewed.
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Research Interests: Obstetrics, Adolescent, Medicine, Abortion, Pregnancy, and 12 moreHumans, Female, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amniotic Fluid, Tel Aviv, Adult, Maternal Age, Public health systems and services research, Retrospective Studies, Cesarean Section, Prostaglandin E2, and Paediatrics and reproductive medicine
We describe a rare case of a pregnancy that occured in a patient with scleroderma, and ended in poor fetal outcome.
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Incorporation of maternal serum unconjugated estriol into the calculation of risk may increase the yield of serum screening performed during pregnancy for detection of fetal chromosomal and structural anomalies. The differential diagnosis... more
Incorporation of maternal serum unconjugated estriol into the calculation of risk may increase the yield of serum screening performed during pregnancy for detection of fetal chromosomal and structural anomalies. The differential diagnosis of very low and undetectable levels of unconjugated estriol in maternal serum is discussed, with special emphasis on the prenatal diagnosis of X-linked ichthyosis. The prenatal detection of these findings dictates skilled genetic counseling, targeted sonographic evaluation and examination of fetal karyotype and fetal cDNA for Xp 22.32 with amniotic fluid levels of cortisol, STS, and ASC.
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The study investigates the effect of sperm preincubation with FF on the fertilization rate in an IVF program. The oocytes inseminated with FF pretreated semen showed a significantly higher rate of fertilization. The percentage of cleavage... more
The study investigates the effect of sperm preincubation with FF on the fertilization rate in an IVF program. The oocytes inseminated with FF pretreated semen showed a significantly higher rate of fertilization. The percentage of cleavage and polypronuclear occurrence did not differ from the controls.
Research Interests: Andrology, Biology, Fertility, Medicine, In Vitro, and 15 moreHumans, In Vitro Fertilisation, Fertility and Sterility, Female, Sperm, Male, Clinical Sciences, Public health systems and services research, Fertilization in Vitro, Semen, Spermatozoa, Sperm Motility, Follicular Fluid, Follicular phase, and Paediatrics and reproductive medicine
Research Interests: Medicine, Humans, In Vitro Fertilisation, Fertility and Sterility, Female, and 11 moreHormones, Embryo Transfer, Clinical Sciences, Public health systems and services research, Fertilization in Vitro, Endometrium, ovum, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Paediatrics and reproductive medicine, Gonadotropin, and Luteal phase
To establish the predictive role of preovulatory ovarian ultrasonography in the occurrence of multiple pregnancy after hMG and hCG treatment for anovulatory infertility. Prospective. Outpatient Infertility Clinic. Ninety-five anovulatory... more
To establish the predictive role of preovulatory ovarian ultrasonography in the occurrence of multiple pregnancy after hMG and hCG treatment for anovulatory infertility. Prospective. Outpatient Infertility Clinic. Ninety-five anovulatory women who conceived after gonadotropin therapy. Induction of ovulation by hMG and hCG monitored by plasma E2 measurements and ovarian ultrasonography. All follicles visualized on the day of hCG administration were recorded and divided into the following four groups: group I, 10 to 12 mm; group II, 13 to 15 mm; group III, 16 to 18 mm; and group IV, 19 mm and larger. The sonographic findings were statistically evaluated to 80 singletons and 45 multiple pregnancies. No statistical correlation was found to exist between the number of follicles from the different groups and the number of fetuses. The number and sizes of follicles visualized on the day of hCG administration have no predictive value regarding the occurrence of a multiple pregnancy.
Research Interests: Obstetrics, Infertility, Medicine, Prospective studies, Pregnancy, and 15 moreHumans, Fertility and Sterility, Female, Ovulation, Ovulation Induction, Anovulation, Clinical Sciences, Gynecology, Adult, Ovary, Estradiol, Clomiphene, Paediatrics and reproductive medicine, Gonadotropin, and Chorionic gonadotropin
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This study was undertaken in an attempt to determine the significance of elevated maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (MShCG), in the presence of an otherwise normal screen with respect to fetal malformations, chromosomal... more
This study was undertaken in an attempt to determine the significance of elevated maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (MShCG), in the presence of an otherwise normal screen with respect to fetal malformations, chromosomal aberrations, and pregnancy outcome. Targeted ultrasound findings and perinatal outcome of 298 women in whom serum hCG was &gt; or = 2.5 MOM and who were screen-negative for Down syndrome (the study group) were compared with a control group of 229 women in whom serum hCG as well as the other parameters were within the normal range. Genetic amniocentesis was performed in 125 women from the study group. Ultrasonically detected malformations were significantly more frequent among the study group (12 vs. 1, P = 0.01). Pregnancy complications were similar in the two groups, with the exception of pre-eclampsia-toxaemia, which was significantly more frequent in the study group (5 vs. 0, P = 0.02). There was one case of an abnormal karyotype (47,XXY). Although genetic amniocentesis does not appear warranted, isolated elevated MShCG levels during the second trimester screening was associated with an increased risk of fetal anomalies detected by ultrasound and of toxaemia of pregnancy.
Research Interests: Genetics, Obstetrics, Medicine, Down Syndrome, Pregnancy, and 15 moreHumans, Female, Karyotyping, Amniocentesis, Clinical Sciences, Gynecology, Adult, Fetus, Congenital abnormalities, Case Control Studies, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Chromosome aberrations, mass Screening, Paediatrics and reproductive medicine, and Chorionic gonadotropin
Various non‐invasive techniques for prenatal diagnosis have been under investigation. We evaluated the success of fetal sexing using a non‐invasive technique for obtaining fetal cells, uterine cervix brushing, in combination with FISH.... more
Various non‐invasive techniques for prenatal diagnosis have been under investigation. We evaluated the success of fetal sexing using a non‐invasive technique for obtaining fetal cells, uterine cervix brushing, in combination with FISH. Thirty pregnant women who completed between 6 and 10 weeks of gestation and who were scheduled to undergo pregnancy termination were included in the study. A Pap smear cytobrush was inserted through the external os to a maximum depth of 2 cm and removed while rotating it a full turn. The material that was caught on the brush was spread on four microscope slides. Two‐color FISH was used for fetal sexing. Following pregnancy termination, a placental sample was used for full karyotyping. In 29/30 cases FISH diagnosis was confirmed by chromosomal analysis. The only male case in which a Y chromosome was not seen was from a pregnancy of 6 weeks 6 days gestational age. One case was mosaic of 46,XY/47,XXY (25%). In most cases (7/13) the Y chromosome was alrea...
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Cytogenetic and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) studies were performed on several formalin-fixed tissues obtained from four fetuses diagnosed at amniocentesis as 45,XO-Turner syndrome. Three of the four were phenotypically normal... more
Cytogenetic and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) studies were performed on several formalin-fixed tissues obtained from four fetuses diagnosed at amniocentesis as 45,XO-Turner syndrome. Three of the four were phenotypically normal and one had malformations. The three phenotypically normal cases were found to have an additional normal cell line, which may explain their ability to survive, at least to the time of pregnancy termination well into the second trimester. The abnormal 45,XO fetus was not found to be mosaic in all of the tissues examined. In 45,XO cases in which no malformation is detected, the possibility of mosaicism should be raised and thus the counselling should be modified accordingly.
Research Interests: Biology, Medicine, Cytogenetics, Pregnancy, Humans, and 15 moreFISH, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Female, Aneuploidy, Amniocentesis, Phenotype, Clinical Sciences, Prenatal Diagnosis, X chromosome, Fetus, Mosaicism, Turner Syndrome, DNA probes, Cell count, and Paediatrics and reproductive medicine
Most allelic pairs of DNA replicate synchronously during the S phase of the cell cycle. However, some genes frequently replicate asynchronously, i.e. genes on the X chromosome and imprinted genes. Earlier studies demonstrated an... more
Most allelic pairs of DNA replicate synchronously during the S phase of the cell cycle. However, some genes frequently replicate asynchronously, i.e. genes on the X chromosome and imprinted genes. Earlier studies demonstrated an asynchronous pattern of replication in some precancerous and invasive squamous carcinoma of the cervix as well as in multiple myeloma. A high rate of asynchronous pattern
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A close association usually exists between replication timing of a given locus and its transcriptional activity: expressed loci replicate early whereas silent ones replicate late. Accordingly, alleles that show concomitant expression... more
A close association usually exists between replication timing of a given locus and its transcriptional activity: expressed loci replicate early whereas silent ones replicate late. Accordingly, alleles that show concomitant expression replicate synchronously, while those displaying an allele-specific mode of expression show temporal differences in their replication timing, i.e., they replicate asynchronously. We aimed in our study to see whether the cancer phenotype is accompanied by a relaxation in the temporal control of allelic replication. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to determine the level of synchronization in replication timing of four pairs of homologous loci in samples of malignant cells derived from patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and lymphoma and in samples from healthy individuals. Four loci, HER2 mapped to 17q11.2-q12, a locus at 21q22, TP53 mapped to 17q13.1, and MYC mapped to 8q24 were studied. In each sample we analyzed two chromosomal regions, either 17q11.2-q12 and 21q22 or 17p13.1 and 8q24. The results showed distinct differences between healthy individuals and CML/lymphoma patients: all samples derived from noncancerous subjects showed high levels of synchrony in replication timing of alleles, whereas those of cancer patients displayed a large temporal difference in replication timing, indicating early and late replicating alleles. Thus, as judged by four unrelated loci, malignancy is associated with changes in the replication pattern of homologous loci.
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Research Interests: Cognitive Science, Andrology, Biology, Immunohistochemistry, Medicine, and 15 moreIn Situ Hybridization, Pregnancy, Humans, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Placenta, Female, Aneuploidy, Clinical Sciences, Early human dispersal, Pregnancy Complication, Gestation, Placental Insufficiency, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Environmental factor, and Fetal Growth Retardation
The efficacy of a preoperative single-dose of co-trimoxazole in reducing postoperative urinary tract infection and febrile morbidity after abdominal hysterectomy was evaluated in a randomized placebo-controlled study of 90 patients... more
The efficacy of a preoperative single-dose of co-trimoxazole in reducing postoperative urinary tract infection and febrile morbidity after abdominal hysterectomy was evaluated in a randomized placebo-controlled study of 90 patients undergoing surgery. Among the co-trimoxazole patients, 6.2% developed urinary tract infection compared to 31% in the placebo group (p less than 0.001) and 12.5% febrile morbidity compared to 38% in the placebo patients (p less than 0.025). No adverse side effects of co-trimoxazole were observed and this regimen seems both safe and effective.
Research Interests: Chemotherapy, Medicine, Humans, Placebo, Female, and 15 moreUrinary Tract Infections, Hysterectomy, Length of Stay, Middle Aged, Adult, Urinary System, Regimen, Random Allocation, Clinical Trials as Topic, Adverse effect, Surgical wound infection, Sulfamethoxazole, Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, Drug combinations, and Trimethoprim
Research Interests: Fluorescence Microscopy, Biology, Intellectual Disability, Medicine, Down Syndrome, and 15 moreCancer Genetics, Pregnancy, Humans, Female, Supernumerary, Aneuploidy, Amniotic Fluid, Trisomy 21, Genetic Instability, Telomere, Abnormality, Chromosomal abnormalities, Diploidy, Case Control Studies, and Acute Leukemia
Chromosome aberrations are detected in only 50% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), owing usually to the low mitotic rate exhibited by the neoplastic lymphocytes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a simple... more
Chromosome aberrations are detected in only 50% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), owing usually to the low mitotic rate exhibited by the neoplastic lymphocytes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a simple method for identifying numerical abnormalities of the target chromosome in interphase nuclei. Therefore, we used the FISH procedure with chromosome 12-specific a-satellite probe to evaluate 19 patients with CLL. Trisomy 12 was detected in interphase cells of 12 patients (63%). Cytogenetic analysis, performed in nine patients, yielded trisomy 12 in four (44%). FISH detected three patients with trisomy 12 in whom conventional cytogenetic method yielded a normal karyotype. FISH is a simple, reliable, and sensitive method for detection of trisomy 12 in patients with CLL.
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Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the presence of a BCR-ABL fusion gene, which is the result of a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, and is cytogenetically visible as a shortened chromosome 22... more
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the presence of a BCR-ABL fusion gene, which is the result of a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, and is cytogenetically visible as a shortened chromosome 22 (Philadelphia). Research during the past two decades has established that BCR-ABL is probably the pathogenetic pathway leading to CML, and that constitutive tyrosine kinase activity is central to BCR-ABL capacity to transform hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate was introduced into the treatment regimen for CML in 1998. During the last few years, reports on chromosomal changes during imatinib treatment have been described. In this study, we evaluated the random aneuploidy rate with chromosomes 9 and 18 in bone marrow from treated and untreated patients. We found higher aneuploidy rates in both treated and untreated patients compared to the control group. In three patients who were treated with imatinib mesylate for more than 1.5 years, triploidy also appeared in some nuclei. To our knowledge, this is the first report on new chromosomal changes such as random aneuploidy and triploidy under imatinib treatment, but more studies are needed to investigate the long-term effect of the imatinib treatment on genetic instability.
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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been recently recognized as a potential cause of B-cell lymphoma. Both chronic hepatitis B and C with or without cirrhosis represent major preneoplastic conditions, and the majority of hepatocellular carcinomas... more
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been recently recognized as a potential cause of B-cell lymphoma. Both chronic hepatitis B and C with or without cirrhosis represent major preneoplastic conditions, and the majority of hepatocellular carcinomas arise in these pathological settings. According to the aneuploidy-cancer theory, carcinogenesis is initiated by random aneuploidy, which is either induced by carcinogens or arises spontaneously. The aim of this study was to evaluate random aneuploidy rate in HCV patients during chronic infection and remission (past infection eradicated), compared with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients and healthy controls. To determine random aneuploidy, we applied the FISH technique with probes for chromosomes 9 and 18. Significantly higher random aneuploidy rate was found in the HCV-infected and lymphoma patients than in the control group; the past HCV group in remission had intermediate rates, between those of the control group and the chronically infected patients. Patients who have eradicated HCV infection may nonetheless carry higher risk for future malignancy and therefore need long-term follow-up.
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Chromosomal aberrations can be detected in 50% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A role for tumor suppressor genes in the genesis of lymphoid tumors has been reported. In B-CLL, p53 gene mutations were found in 10-15%... more
Chromosomal aberrations can be detected in 50% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A role for tumor suppressor genes in the genesis of lymphoid tumors has been reported. In B-CLL, p53 gene mutations were found in 10-15% of the patients. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect p53 deletion in B-CLL. We also correlated the cytogenetic findings with the clinical course. In situ hybridization to interphase nuclei showed monallelic p53 deletion in 6 of 23 patients (26%). The percentage of cells with one p53 signal ranged from 12 to 100. A statistically significant correlation between p53 deletion and progression of CLL was demonstrated. We conclude that FISH is a sensitive and reliable method to detect deletion of specific genes (i.e., p53) in CLL. The finding of p53 deletion is associated with disease progression.
Research Interests: Biology, Leukemia, Medicine, Cytogenetics, Cancer Genetics, and 14 moreHumans, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Female, Male, Statistical Significance, Aged, Middle Aged, Tumor Suppressor Gene, Fluorescent in situ hybridization, Disease Progression, Interphase, alleles, and Chromosome aberrations
Telomeres of tumor nuclei tend to form aggregates (TA). The same phenomenon was also observed in premalignant states. The aim of this study was to estimate TA formation in leukocytes of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) at... more
Telomeres of tumor nuclei tend to form aggregates (TA). The same phenomenon was also observed in premalignant states. The aim of this study was to estimate TA formation in leukocytes of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) at different disease stages (diagnosis, treatment, relapse, and remission). The peptide nucleic acid Telomere Kit was used to evaluate TA formation, using two-dimensional fluorescence microscopy. A higher rate of TA was found in all the NHL stages (including remission) than in the control group. Significantly higher TA formation was also observed in the relapse group, compared to the diagnosis group. It may be possible that patients with higher TA numbers are prone to relapse. From our previous results involving replication pattern, random aneuploidy rate, and (recently) TA formation, it can be concluded that the patients in remission are at higher risk of developing relapse than the normal population throughout their life span. The genetic instability parameters remain in the cells of these patients, who must continue to be monitored throughout their life.
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In this study we evaluated the aneuploidy rate of cells from patients considered to have a premalignant condition (monoclonal gammopathy or MGUS) and patients with multiple myeloma, as well as healthy controls. By applying a fluorescence... more
In this study we evaluated the aneuploidy rate of cells from patients considered to have a premalignant condition (monoclonal gammopathy or MGUS) and patients with multiple myeloma, as well as healthy controls. By applying a fluorescence situ hybridization technique, we estimated the random aneuploidy rate of alpha-satellite (centromeres) probes from chromosomes 9 and 18. The monosomy and total aneuploidy rates were higher in the two study groups compared to the control group. The monosomy rate was significantly higher in the MGUS group compared to the group with chromosome 18 alpha-satellite probes, a finding that was reported before in preneoplastic conditions. Our results support the cancer aneuploidy theory that carcinogenesis is initiated by a random aneuploidy, which is induced either spontaneously or by a carcinogen. The resulting karyotype instability sets a chain reaction of aneuploidization, which generates even more abnormal and eventually cancer-specific combinations and rearrangements of chromosomes.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Genetics, Biology, Medicine, Humans, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, and 13 moreMyelodysplastic Syndrome, Female, Multiple Myeloma, Male, Aged, Middle Aged, Fluorescent in situ hybridization, Time Factors, White Blood Cell, Acute Myelocytic Leukemia, Time Course, Chromosome deletion, and Peripheral blood
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Obstetrics, Immunohistochemistry, Oxidative Stress, Medicine, Biopsy, and 15 moreTelomerase, Pregnancy, Humans, Fluorescence in situ hybridization, Placenta, Preeclampsia, Female, Gynecology, Telomere, Reverse Transcriptase, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Pre Eclampsia, Paediatrics and reproductive medicine, Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase, and Fetal Growth Retardation
pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction Tal Biron-Shental, Yudith Sharon, Dvora Kidron, Moshe D. Fejgin, Aliza Amiel Meir Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kfar Saba, Israel, Meir Medical... more
pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction Tal Biron-Shental, Yudith Sharon, Dvora Kidron, Moshe D. Fejgin, Aliza Amiel Meir Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kfar Saba, Israel, Meir Medical Center, Genetic Institute, Kfar Saba, Israel, Meir Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Pathology, Kfar Saba, Israel, Meir Medical Center, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Genetic Institute, Kfar Saba, Israel OBJECTIVE: Telomeres are nucleoprotein structures sited at the termini of the chromosomes that protect them from end to end fusion and degradation. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) correlates with placental telomere shortening and with senescence. Senescence is associated with changes in the nuclear chromatin known as senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHFs). Shortened and therefore unstable chromosomes can be stabilized by transfer of telomeres from other chromosomes. This process is termed telomere capture. Our aim was to assess mechanisms of telomere shortening in placentas from pregnancies complicated with IUGR. STUDY DESIGN: Placental biopsies derived from 13 pregnancies complicated with IUGR and from 12 gestational-age matched uncomplicated pregnancies. Clinical and histopathological characteristics were collected to ensure IUGR was secondary to placental insufficiency. We estimated the percentage of trophoblasts with SAHFs and the expression of the telomere capture mechanism using Dapi staining and FISH technique. RESULTS: Significantly increased expression of SAHFs (p 0.013) and significantly increased appearance of the telomere capture mechanism (p 0.023) were observed in placental biopsies from pregnancies complicated with IUGR compared to the control samples. (table). CONCLUSION: These results support and explain the observations of telomere shortening in IUGR placentas. We suggest that these findings may play a role in the pathophysiology of IUGR, perhaps by promoting senescence in trophoblasts of IUGR placentas.