neurokinin-a and pancreastatin

In this review, we focus on the use of biochemical markers for the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors and exclusion of conditions that masquerade as neuroendocrine tumors. In addition, we outline the use of biochemical markers for follow-up, response to intervention, and determination of prognosis. Previous publications have focused only on markers specific to certain tumor types, but the uniqueness of this chapter is that it presents a new approach ranging from biochemical markers that relate to symptoms to the use of markers that facilitate decision making with regard to optimizing the choices of therapy from the complex arrays of intervention, The sequence of presentation in this chapter is first to provide the usual view, that is, biochemical markers of each tumor type and thereafter the diagnosis of the underlying condition or exclusion thereof and finally the algorithm for their use from the clinical presentation to the suspected diagnosis and the biochemical markers to monitor progression and therapeutic choice. There is also a specific description of the properties of the most important biochemical markers and 2 complications, bone metastasis and carcinoid heart disease, from the biochemical point of view.

Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Chromogranin A; Disease Progression; Humans; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Neurokinin A; Pancreatic Hormones; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) is used for the evaluation of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) but currently requires a 24-hour urine collection.. We developed a gas chromatography mass spectroscopy-based plasma 5-HIAA assay. We compared 24-hour urine 5-HIAA values against plasma 5-HIAA values in 115 mixed-variety patients with NETs and in a subset of 72 patients with only small bowel NETs. We also compared the information gained from urinary and plasma 5-HIAA values with other biomarkers of midgut NET activity to determine the plasma assay's clinical implications.. In a group of 115 patients with all types of NETS, in a subset of patients with midgut NET and in a subgroup of midgut NETS with liver metastasis, the correlation between the urine and fasting plasma 5-HIAA values were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.0001). Comparison of the proportion of normal or abnormal urinary and plasma 5-HIAA values to the proportion of chromogranin, serotonin, neurokinin, or pancreastatin values that were in the normal or abnormal range yielded essentially identical information.. Plasma fasting 5-HIAA values are proportional to urinary 5-HIAA values and yielded identical clinical correlation with other biomarkers.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomarkers; Chromogranin A; Disease Progression; Fasting; Female; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Humans; Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; Intestinal Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Neurokinin A; Pancreatic Hormones; Prognosis; Reference Values; Sensitivity and Specificity; Serotonin

The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of marathon running on the release of gastrointestinal hormones and whether these might be related to gastrointestinal disturbances in marathon runners. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, gastrin, secretin, pancreatic polypeptide, neurokinin A, pancreastatin, insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 were measured before, immediately upon finishing and 30 min after the race. Twenty-six competitors of the 1992 Belfast Marathon volunteered for this study. They had a mean age of 37 years and a mean finishing time of 239 min. Eight of the subjects complained of gastrointestinal distress during the race. The circulating concentration of all the GI hormones measured, except insulin were significantly elevated after the race. There was no significant change in glucose levels at the finish of the race. Statistical analysis revealed no direct relationship between the large increases in hormone levels and the occurrence of GI symptoms. These results show that GI hormone concentrations are affected by marathon running. Mechanisms of release and possible roles are discussed.

Topics: Adult; Chromogranin A; Female; Gastrins; Gastrointestinal Hormones; Glucagon; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Humans; Insulin; Male; Middle Aged; Neurokinin A; Pancreatic Hormones; Pancreatic Polypeptide; Peptide Fragments; Physical Endurance; Protein Precursors; Running; Secretin; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide