Journal Published Online: 17 August 2005
Volume 50, Issue 5

Expression of Seminal Vesicle-Specific Antigen in Serum of Lung Tumor Patients

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Protein markers are commonly used in forensic medicine to establish the origin of human fluids detected in crime scenes. Semenogelins, the major protein constituents of semen coagulum, are the most effective markers for semen detection. Recently, it has been demonstrated that semenogelins are also ectopically expressed in small cell lung carcinomas (SCLC) and in a minority of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). This finding prompted us to look for semenogelin expression in the serum of lung cancer patients. A set of 13 serum samples (3 from SCLC and 10 from NSCLC patients) was screened by enzyme—linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using a commercially available kit. Four of the NSCLC cases showed positive results. Ectopic expression of marker proteins in individuals affected by cancer could represent a potential source of forensic pitfalls.

Author Information

Berti, A
Scientific Investigation Department of Rome, Rome, Italy
Virgili, A
Scientific Investigation Department of Rome, Rome, Italy
D'Errico, G
Scientific Investigation Department of Rome, Rome, Italy
Vespi, G
Scientific Investigation Department of Rome, Rome, Italy
Lago, G
Scientific Investigation Department of Rome, Rome, Italy
Cavazzana, A
University of Pisa, PISA, Italy
Pages: 2
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS2004446
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2004446