5 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
To the best of the investigators knowledge, exhaustive characterization of the low and high abundant proteins and glyco-proteins of the Follicular Fluid (FF) has not yet been achieved. Such an analysis may provide critical molecular data on the role of the FF in oocyte maturation and may identify specific changes in the FF proteome of patients with gynecologic problems, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Specific Aims 1. To perform a comprehensive analysis of normal human FF using sensitive mass spectrometry in combination with conventional approaches for proteomic evaluation and using HPLC and Western blot for glyco-proteomic analysis. 2. Characterize differential proteomic and glyco-proteomic patterns of the FF in normal women compared to lean and obese women with PCOS. 3. To supplement the differential proteomic and glyco-proteomic analysis with steroid hormone analysis in all FF samples.
This study is only collecting specimens from current patients of PENN Fertility Care. The purpose of this investigation is to assess if markers of oxidative stress that are known to be associated with other medical conditions can be detected in women undergoing infertility treatment and normal women of similar age. Oxidative stress may affect a woman's eggs or the follicular cells that surround and nurture them. Other markers of to be investigated include markers of cellular aging and DNA structural changes. Presence of these markers will be compared in blood and urine samples taken during infertility treatment, and follicular fluid at the time of IVF (if applicable).
The researchers propose to investigate the causes, incidence, and time-related events of chromosomal and physiologic abnormalities as they relate to patient diagnosis, fertility drugs utilized, and in vitro laboratory culture conditions.
RATIONALE: Collecting and storing samples of tissue, blood, and body fluid from patients with cancer to study in the laboratory may help the study of cancer in the future. PURPOSE: This research study is collecting and storing blood and tissue samples from patients being evaluated for hematologic cancer.
RATIONALE: Pemetrexed disodium may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Studying samples of cerebrospinal fluid and blood from patients with cancer in the laboratory may help doctors learn how pemetrexed disodium works in the body and identify biomarkers related to cancer. PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying the side effects and how well pemetrexed disodium works in treating patients with leptomeningeal metastases.