Prognostic and predictive significance of inflammatory markers in patients with locally advanced unresectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with first-line chemotherapy FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine/Nabpaclitaxel.

BACKGROUND: Advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a disease with a dismal prognosis, significantly limited therapeutic options, and few innovative drugs. Inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of PDAC. Systemic inflammatory indexes reflect the anti-tumor inflammatory capacity of and are of prognostic and predictive value in the treatment of patients with PDAC. METHODS: In our retrospective study, we investigated the prognostic and predictive significance of inflammatory markers in chemonaive patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPDAC), in relation to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests in univariate analysis. We used multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine the impact of inflammatory markers on survival time. RESULTS: The present clinical study included 46 patients with LAPC and mPDAC treated with FOLFIRINOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin) or GEM/Nab-P (gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel) as first-line chemotherapy regimens. Performance status (PS) ECOG 0-1, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)≤2.09 and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI)≥49.09 were associated with significantly longer OS in the analyzed patient cohort, Multivariate analysis confirmed PS, NLR and PNI as independent prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSION: In our cohort of patients with advanced PDAC, PS, NLR and PNI were confirmed as independent prognostic factors for OS (Tab. 9, Fig. 2, Ref. 82). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: pancreatic cancer, inflammatory markers, tumor microenvironment, chemotherapy.

Pre-Operative Mechanical Bowel Preparation Does Not Affect the Impact of Anastomosis Leakage in Left-Side Colorectal Surgery-A Single Center Observational Study.

Despite rapid advances in colorectal surgery, morbidity and mortality rates in elective gastrointestinal surgery play a significant role. For decades, there have been tempestuous discussions on preventative measures to minimize the risk of anastomotic dehiscence. When mechanical bowel preparation before an elective procedure, one of the key hypotheses, was introduced into practice, it was assumed that it would decrease the number of infectious complications and anastomotic dehiscence. The advancements in antibiotic treatment supported the concomitant administration of oral antibiotics and mechanical bowel preparation. In the prospective study conducted at our clinic, we performed left-side colorectal procedures without prior mechanical preparation. All patients enrolled in the study underwent the surgery and were observed in the 3rd Surgical Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, from January 2019 to January 2020. As a control group, we used a similar group of patients with MBP. Our observed group included 87 patients with tumors in the left part of their large intestine (lineal flexure, descendent colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum). Dixon laparoscopic resection was performed in 26 patients. Sigmoid laparoscopic resection was performed in 27 patients. In 12 patients, the procedure was started laparoscopically but had to be converted due to adverse anatomical conditions. The conservative approaches mostly included Dixon resections (19 patients), sigmoid colon resections (5 patients), left-side hemicolectomies (6 patients), and Miles' tumor resections, with rectal amputation (4 patients). Our study highlighted the fact that MBP does not have an unequivocal benefit for patients with colorectal infection, which has an impact on the development of anastomotic dehiscence.

Invasive and metastatic hydatidiform moles in Slovakia in 1993‒2022.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective analysis of invasive and metastatic hydatidiform moles (HM) in the Slovak Republic (SR)‒epidemiology, patient characteristics and treatment outcomes. BACKROUND: Invasive and metastatic mole is a highly curable type of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Both invasive and metastatic HM may be cured by hysterectomy without adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Nineteen cases of histopathologically confirmed HM (10 invasive and 9 metastatic) were treated in SR from 1993 to 2022. Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment modality (hysterectomy only ‒ 8; hysterectomy and chemotherapy ‒ 11). The parameters included in the analysis were patient age, antecedent pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin level, tumor size and time to remission. RESULTS: The incidence of invasive and metastatic HM in the SR was 1:121,253 pregnancies, or 1:86,589 live births. The overall cure rate was 100%, without recurrence. Hysterectomy was performed as first-line therapy in 14 patients, with a cure rate of 57.1%. 4 out of 8 patients (50%) with metastatic moles, who underwent first-line hysterectomy, were cured without chemotherapy. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in all selected parameters. CONCLUSION: First-line hysterectomy may lead to remission without adjuvant chemotherapy or reduce the number of chemotherapies in invasive and metastatic HM (Tab. 4, Fig. 2, Ref. 21).

Multiple bronchial carcinoids associated with Cowden syndrome.

Cowden syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic condition due to the various germline mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome ten (PTEN) tumour suppressor gene. As a result, CS is characterised by an increased risk of developing various benign and malignant tumours, such as thyroid, breast, endometrial and urogenital neoplasms, as well as gastrointestinal tract tumours. However, the neuroendocrine tumour association with CS is not elucidated yet. We present a case of a 46-year-old male patient diagnosed with testicular seminoma and follicular thyroid cancer in his medical history. Our patient met the clinical diagnostic criteria of Cowden syndrome. Genetic analysis established the clinical diagnosis; a known heterozygous PTEN mutation was detected [PTEN (LRG_311t1)c.388 C > T (p.Arg130Ter)]. Incidentally, he was also seen with multiple pulmonary lesions during his oncological follow-up. A video-assisted thoracoscopic left lingula wedge resection and later resections from the right lung were performed. Histological findings revealed typical pulmonary carcinoid tumours and smaller tumorlets. Somatostatin receptor SPECT-CT, 18F-FDG-PET-CT and 18F-FDOPA-PET-CT scans and endoscopy procedures could not identify any primary tumours in other locations. Our patient is the first published case of Cowden syndrome, associated with multifocal pulmonary carcinoids. Besides multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, we propose Cowden syndrome as another hereditary condition predisposing to multiple pulmonary tumorlets and carcinoid tumours.

Short tandem repeats genotyping of gestational choriocarcinoma - our experiences.

OBJECTIVE: This short communication demonstrates how short tandem repeat genotyping can identify the origin of gestational choriocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The origin of gestational choriocarcinoma in our three cases was determined using the short tandem repeats genotyping technique, which involved quantitative fluorescent PCR and fragmentation analysis. RESULTS: In Case 1 despite no medical history of molar pregnancy, DNA analysis indicated that the choriocarcinoma originated from a homozygous complete hydatidiform mole. We conclude, that the patient's complete abortion 10 years prior to the choriocarcinoma diagnosis was an undiagnosed complete hydatidiform mole. In Case 2 and Case 3 the clinically presumed origin of choriocarcinoma was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Determining the origin of choriocarcinoma is essential for clinical application, as it affects the FIGO scoring system for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, which determines the patient's prognosis and treatment approach.

Sinus pilonidalis-elastic ligature as an optimal outpatient treatment.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of pilonidal sinus shows a steadily rising tendency, especially in the patient age group of up to 40 years. Treatment of this condition is often protracted involving lengthy sick leave and an increased risk of recurrence. The optimal treatment of pilonidal sinus remains open to debate, but it should focus on decreasing the length of hospitalization, promoting a rapid return to daily life, maintaining low pain levels, and keeping costs at a minimum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study conducted between 2017 and 2021, we focused on treatment of pilonidal sinus. We performed 50 elastic ligature procedures with a median observation time of 30 months. The patients were divided into three groups according to the characteristics of pilonidal sinus: (1) acute primary abscess; (2) acute recurrent abscess; and (3) chronic fistula. RESULTS: Out of a total of 50 patients with a subsequent 30-month follow-up, we observed complete recovery in 47 patients and recurrence in three patients. Return to work was possible immediately after the operation, with an average total treatment time of 1 month for complete healing of the defect. CONCLUSION: The current results suggest that the technique of elastic ligature is a desirable solution for pilonidal sinus, because of the initial low costs, no need for hospitalization, and good patient tolerance.

New Possible Ways to Use Exosomes in Diagnostics and Therapy via JAK/STAT Pathways.

Exosomes have the potential to be the future of personalized diagnostics and therapy. They are nano-sized particles between 30 and 100 nm flowing in the extracellular milieu, where they mediate cell-cell communication and participate in immune system regulation. Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) secreted from different types of cancer cells are the key regulators of the tumor microenvironment. With their immune suppressive cargo, TDEs prevent the antitumor immune response, leading to reduced effectiveness of cancer treatment by promoting a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Involved signaling pathways take part in the regulation of tumor proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Signal transducers and activators of transcription factors (STATs) and Janus kinase (JAK) signaling pathways are crucial in malignancies and autoimmune diseases alike, and their potential to be manipulated is currently the focus of interest. In this review, we aim to discuss exosomes, TDEs, and the JAK/STAT pathways, along with mediators like interleukins, tripartite motif proteins, and interferons.

New trends in criteria indicative of neoadjuvant oncological therapy of lower and middle rectal cancers.

The indication for primary surgical resection or neoadjuvant therapy in lower and middle rectal cancers is often disputable. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of local recurrence of rectal cancer as for a period of at least 4 years after radical resection. The second aim was to evaluate and compare the results of preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) staging with definitive histology.From September 2013 to December 2017, we, at the 3rd Surgical Department Comenius University, Bratislava, prospectively evaluated patients with lower and middle rectal cancers with the distal tumor border being in a 12-cm distance from the anal verge. All patients underwent MR examination at the same MRI department and were operated on at the 3rd Surgical Department, Comenius University, Bratislava. Inclusion criteria included parameters based on MRI examination, i.e., T-staging of T1-T3b, negative extramural vascular infiltration (EMVI), negative circumferential margin (CRM), no mesorectal fascia infiltration with a distance of more than 2 mm. We did not take lymph node staging into account in the indication for primary surgical resection. We performed a radical primary resection procedure (R0 resection) in all patients. The group consisted of 87 patients, of whom 49 were men and 38 were women. The mean age of the patients was 66 years (min. 36 - max. 86 years). Our study also shows significant differences in preoperative T and N staging as compared to definitive histology. The incidence of local recurrence during a period of at least 4 years after surgery was 6.76 %. Study also shows that the indication for preoperative radiotherapy for lower and middle rectal cancers based on N status is inaccurate and leads to unnecessary indications for preoperative radiotherapy which may decrease the patients´ quality of life and increase the post­operative complications. We have also shown that leaving out the N-based radiotherapy from indications does not lead to an increase in the number of local recurrences in lower and middle rectal cancers (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 22). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: rectal cancer, neoadjuvant therapy, local recurrence.

DNA analysis of partial hydatidiform mole revealing triandric monogynic tetraploidy.

The authors present a case of a partial hydatidiform mole where DNA analysis (STR - short tandem repeat genotyping) showed a triandric monogynic tetraploid genome composition with a XXXY gonosomal complement. This genetic finding clinicopathologically correlates with a partial hydatidiform mole, although it is rare in comparison with the typical, diandric monogynic triploid partial moles. The genetic analysis definitively confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a partial mole. To exclude the possibility that molar pregnancy represented retained products of conception after elective pregnancy termination, STR profiles from molar pregnancy and previous products of conception were compared. Short tandem repeats genotyping is a useful molecular genetic method in the differential diagnosis of partial hydatidiform moles, where clinical-pathological findings are frequently ambiguous.

Radical gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant therapy.

OBJECTIVES: This study focuses on the evaluation of the effectiveness of radical gastrectomy with D2 node dissection after neoadjuvant therapy in the patients with gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is a widespread type of cancer, and it is the third leading cause of death in the cancer patients. Metastases most often occur in the lymph nodes and therefore, in addition to gastrectomy, lymph node dissection is often performed in the patients. We are distinguishing between D1, 2 and 3 dissections. As with other cancers, the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy is being considered, which aims to improve the patient's prognosis and thus the 5-year survival rate. METHODS: Within the study, we evaluated a group of the patients diagnosed with gastric cancer (n = 41). The average age of the patients was 62.3 years (20-72 years). 68.3 % (n = 28) patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy before surgery, the remaining 31.7 % (n = 13) underwent only radical gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy. In all the cases, an open operational approach was implemented. CONCLUSION: Lymphadenopathy was found in 85.4 % of the patients. Complications occurred in both groups, but in the group with neoadjuvant therapy their share was lower (14.3 % vs 23.1 %), while in the group without neoadjuvant treatment the proportion of duodenal leaks was higher, as well as the number of reoperations. In total, an average of 30 ± 8 lymph nodes were harvested. A lower number of T3-4 cases was found in the neoadjuvant group (17.9 % vs 61.6 %), confirming that the tumour size was significantly smaller in the neoadjuvant group than in the group, who did not undergo it and underwent only surgical treatment. Relapse was found in 29.3 % of the patients after neoadjuvant treatment and in 38.5 % of the patients without neoadjuvant treatment. Also, mortality due to relapse was higher in the group without neoadjuvant treatment (30.8 % vs 21.7 %). The average survival was 25 months (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 60).

Results of treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in the Slovak Republic in the years 1993-2017.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia epidemiology and treatment results in the Slovak Republic in the years 1993-2017. METHODS: Retrospective analysis results of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia treatment in the Centre for gestational trophoblastic disease in the Slovak Republic in Bratislava in the years 1993-2017 according to prognostic scoring and staging system FIGO/WHO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics/World Health Organization). RESULTS: The Centre for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease was created in the Slovak Republic in the year 1993, after the split of former Czechoslovakia. A total of 100 patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia were treated in this Centre in the years 1993­2017. According to prognostic scoring and staging system FIGO/ WHO, 74% patients were at a low risk and 26% of patients were at a high-risk of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. There were 56, 2, 32 and 10% patients in stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The total curability and mortality rates were 96 and 4%, respectively. The curability rate 100% was achieved in stages I­III and in all placental site trophoblastic tumours, and the curability rate 60% was achieved in stage IV. In the years 1993 ­2017, the incidences were 1 in 59,315 pregnancies and 1 in 42,299 deliveries for choriocarcinoma, 1 in 489,348 pregnancies and 1 in 348,965 deliveries for placental site trophoblastic tumours, 1 in 139,814 pregnancies and 1 in 99,704 deliveries for invasive mole, and 1 in 39,947 pregnancies and 1 in 28,487 deliveries for persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. In the Czech Republic in the same period of time, there were treated 281 (301) patients with the curability rate 98.6% (98.7%). CONCLUSION: The results of the treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in the Slovak Republic are comparable with those achieved by leading centers specialized for the treatment of this disease in Europe and in the world. Early detection and centralisation of the treatment are crucial points for successful treatment, as the high curability rate of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is achieved by effective therapy.

Partial hydatidiform moles with unclear histopathological profile - importance of genetic diagnostics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was the genetic characterization of a set of cases with an unclear morphological profile of the placental tissue suspected of a partial hydatidiform mole. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This work presents the results of a genetic analysis of a group of 10 patients with various clinical manifestations of reproductive loss, where a partial hydatidiform mole was suspected on the basis of a histopathological examination. The composition of the genome of the products of conception was determined by short tandem repeats (STR) genotyping using a commercial kit;Devyser Compact v3 (Devyser). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Out of 10 analyzed cases, five had diandric monogynic triploid genome, characteristic for a partial mole. Aneuploidies of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y were excluded in four cases and Pataus syndrome was dia-gnosed in one case. In the case of an unclear histopathological profile, consultative DNA analysis (ideally STR genotyping) can significantly help the pathologist in the differential dia-gnosis of a partial mole. The histopathological profile of a partial hydatidiform mole may be in some cases incomplete and unclear, especially in the early weeks of gestation, which can lead to false negativity of the examination. On the other hand, other pathologies, for example aneuploides or digynic triploidy, may produce a histopathological profile similar to a partial mole, which leads to false positivity. Accurate dia-gnosis of a partial hydatidiform mole using molecular genetic methods contributes to the determination of adequate dispensary care for patients.

Ibrutinib treatment of mantle cell lymphoma complicated by progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
.

OBJECTIVE: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, caused by reactivation of John Cunningham polyomavirus, affecting mainly patients in an immunocompromised state. Recently, drug-associated PML is gaining attention as more cases of PML in connection with the use of various immunomodulatory drugs emerge. Over the last couple of years, sporadic reports have occurred about a possible association between PML and the use of a new immunomodulatory drug, ibrutinib (Imbruvica), primarily indicated for the treatment of various B-cell malignancies. CASE REPORT: Herein, we report a case of a 62-year-old female patient with bilateral mantle cell lymphoma of conjunctiva diagnosed at IVA clinical stage (according to the Ann Arbor staging of lymphomas) of the disease. As a first line of treatment, the patient was given 6 cycles of rituximab-based chemotherapy followed by a complete remission. Seven years later, the patient relapsed, at which point the treatment with ibrutinib was initiated. Three weeks after the initial dosage, the patient started to show signs of progressive neurological symptomatology and died 4 months thereafter due to bilateral bronchopneumonia. Due to unspecific MRI signs and negative PCR results, the diagnosis of PML was confirmed only postmortem. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates a possible severe adverse effect of the immunomodulatory drug ibrutinib and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in its diagnosis. Since PML is a rare but highly fatal disease, it is of utmost importance to be aware of the possible connection with the use of this drug to prevent missed or delayed diagnosis, considering that timely therapeutic intervention is crucial for improved prognosis.

How many cell types form the epithelial lining of the human uterine tubes? Revision of the histological nomenclature of the human tubal epithelium.

INTRODUCTION: Many widely used international histological textbooks claim that the epithelium of the human uterine tube consists of two, three, and, eventually, four types of cells. Most discrepancies among these textbooks relate to debates regarding the presence or absence of basal cells, whether the peg/intercalary cells and secretory cells are the same or distinct cell populations, and if the epithelium contains a population of immunologically active cells (T- and B-lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages and dendritic cells) or dispersed endocrine cells. METHODS: Uterine tubes were obtained from 22 women (average age: 46.73 y) undergoing gynecological surgery. The women were in fertile age, mostly in the middle of the menstrual cycle (ovulation phase). Tissue samples were processed for immunohistochemistry using primary antibodies against proliferation markers (Ki67 and PCNA), immune system cells (CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD45RO, CD56, CD68, granzyme B and S100) and disperse endocrine cells (chromogranin A and synaptophysin). RESULTS: Most of the mature tubal epithelial cells, ciliated cells, and secretory cells were mitotically active (PCNA+), a population of basal undifferentiated cells was not identified. The dividing cells had a narrow-shaped nucleus (Ki67 positive). These cells were morphologically identical to - by the terminology mentioned - intercalary cells, assuming they represented actually dividing cells (epitheliocytus tubarius mitoticus). The tubal "basal cells" displayed small, hyperchromatic nuclei and very pale cytoplasm (clear cytoplasmic halo). They were located in the epithelium adjacent to the basement membrane, were non-mitotically active and their immunophenotype corresponded to intraepithelial regulatory T-lymphocytes (CD3+, CD8+, CD45RO+, CD4-, CD20-, CD56- and granzyme B-). Intraepithelial B-lymphocytes were only rarely identified. Intraepithelial NK cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and dispersed endocrine cells were not identified. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend replacing the term "epitheliocytus tubarius basalis" in the Terminologia Histologica with the term "lymphocytus T intraepithelialis tubarius", which represents intraepithelial regulatory T-cells (CD8+, CD45RO+) of the uterine tube. Additionally, we propose that intercalary/peg cells are actively dividing cells, instead of effete or degenerating cells. Finally, the histological nomenclature should be corrected in a way that peg/intercalary cells are not considered synonymous terms for secretory cells.

A disintegrin and metalloprotease 23 hypermethylation predicts decreased disease-free survival in low-risk breast cancer patients.

A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 23 (ADAM23), a member of the ADAM family, is involved in neuronal differentiation and cancer. ADAM23 is considered a possible tumor suppressor gene and is frequently downregulated in various types of malignancies. Its epigenetic silencing through promoter hypermethylation was observed in breast cancer (BC). In the present study, we evaluated the prognostic significance of ADAM23 promoter methylation for hematogenous spread and disease-free survival (DFS). Pyrosequencing was used to quantify ADAM23 methylation in tumors of 203 BC patients. Presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in their peripheral blood was detected by quantitative RT-PCR. Expression of epithelial (KRT19) or mesenchymal (epithelial-mesenchymal transition [EMT]-inducing transcription factors TWIST1, SNAI1, SLUG and ZEB1) mRNA transcripts was examined in CD45-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells. ADAM23 methylation was significantly lower in tumors of patients with the mesenchymal CTC (P = .006). It positively correlated with Ki-67 proliferation, especially in mesenchymal CTC-negative patients (P = .001). In low-risk patients, characterized by low Ki-67 and mesenchymal CTC absence, ADAM23 hypermethylation was an independent predictor of DFS (P = .006). Our results indicate that ADAM23 is likely involved in BC progression and dissemination of mesenchymal CTC. ADAM23 methylation has the potential to function as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target.

Recently discovered interstitial cells "telocytes" as players in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas.

Uterine telocytes are interstitial cells characterized by a very long cytoplasmic prolongations, which form a 3D network, functionally integrating a wide variety of different cells. Leiomyomas (uterine fibroids) are benign tumors, which pose a huge threat concerning various health problems in women affected by this condition. The exact cause of leiomyomas development is, however, still largely unknown. Therefore, in an attempt to clarify their etiology, we performed an immunohistochemical characterization of telocytes in leiomyomas as well as in normal myometrium. Tissue samples of intramural leiomyomas from 26 women (age 46.26 ±â€¯11.07) were immunohistochemically stained for the expression of c-kit (CD117) antigen, one of the markers of telocytes. C-kit (CD117) antigen is useful for a routine immunohistochemical identification of uterine telocytes in histological sections of myometrium. In normal, healthy myometrium the c-kit positive telocytes occupy approximately 2.2% of the area of a tissue slide, contrasting with no detectable c-kit positive cells within leiomyomas. As telocytes are thought to be key players in the regulation of tissue homoeostasis, our data suggest that uterine telocyte loss may have important implications in the pathogenesis of leiomyomas. In addition, we supposed to summarize three hypotheses on the association of the cells telocytes loss within the myometrium and formation of leiomyomas. These hypotheses include the loss of telocytes' functions as "sex hormone sensors" and regulators of smooth muscle cells cycle; the role of telocytes as progenitor cells for the development of leiomyomas; and the hypothesis of decreased angiogenesis after telocytes' loss with subsequent hypoxia (as a key factor for leiomyomas development).

Down-regulation of traditional oncomiRs in plasma of breast cancer patients.

Deregulated expression of microRNAs has the oncogenic or tumor suppressor function in cancer. Since miRNAs in plasma are highly stable, their quantification could contribute to more precise cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy prediction. We have quantified expression of seven oncomiRs, namely miR-17/92 cluster (miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19a and miR-20a), miR-21, miR-27a and miR-155, in plasma of 137 breast cancer (BC) patients. We detected down-regulation of six miRNAs in patients with invasive BC compared to controls; however, only miR-20a and miR-27a down-regulations were statistically significant. Comparing miRNA expression between early and advanced stages of BC, we observed statistically significant decrease of miR-17 and miR-19a. We identified down-regulation of miR-17 and miR-20a in patients with clinical parameters of advanced BC (lymph node metastasis, tumor grade 3, circulating tumor cells, higher Ki-67-related proliferation, hormone receptor negativity and HER2 amplification), when compared to controls. Moreover, decreased level of miR-17 was found from low to high grade. Therefore, miR-17 could represent an indicator of advanced BC. Down-regulated miR-27a expression levels were observed in all clinical categories regardless of tumor progression. Hence, miR-27a could be used as a potential diagnostic marker for BC. Our data indicates that any changes in miRNA expression levels in BC patients in comparison to controls could be highly useful for cancer-associated pathology discrimination. Moreover, dynamics of miRNA expression changes could be used for BC progression monitoring.

Ki67, PCNA, and MCM proteins: Markers of proliferation in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

The proliferative activity of tumour cells represents an important prognostic marker in the diagnosis of cancer. One of the methods for assessing the proliferative activity of cells is the immunohistochemical detection of cell cycle-specific antigens. For example, Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins are standard markers of proliferation that are commonly used to assess the growth fraction of a cell population. The function of Ki67, the widely used marker of proliferation, still remains unclear. In contrast, PCNA and MCM proteins have been identified as important participants of DNA replication. All three proteins only manifest their expression during the cell division of normal and neoplastic cells. Since the expression of these proliferative markers was confirmed in several malignant tumours, their prognostic and predictive values have been evaluated to determine their significance in the diagnosis of cancer. This review offers insight into the discovery of the abovementioned proteins, as well as their current molecular and biological importance. In addition, the functions and properties of all three proteins and their use as markers of proliferation in the diagnosis of breast cancer are described. This work also reveals new findings about the role of Ki67 during the mitotic phase of the cell cycle. Finally, information is provided about the advantages and disadvantages of using all three antigens in the diagnosis of cancer.

Expression of SOCS1 and CXCL12 Proteins in Primary Breast Cancer Are Associated with Presence of Circulating Tumor Cells in Peripheral Blood.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are independent prognostic factors in the primary and metastatic breast cancer patients and play crucial role in hematogenous tumor dissemination. The aim of this study was to correlate the presence of CTCs in peripheral blood with the expression of proteins in tumor tissue that have a putative role in regulation of cell growth and metastatic potential. This prospective study included 203 primary breast cancer patients treated by definitive surgery. CTCs were detected by quantitative real-time PCR for the expression of epithelial (CK19) or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-inducing transcription factor genes (TWIST1, SNAIL1, SLUG, and ZEB1). Expression of APC, ADAM23, CXCL12, E-cadherin, RASSF1, SYK, TIMP3, BRMS1, and SOCS1 proteins in primary breast tumor tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. CTCs with epithelial markers were found in 17 (9.2%) patients. Their occurrence was associated with inhibition of SOCS1 expression (odds ratio [OR] = 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03-0.13; P < .001). CTCs with positive epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers were detected in 30 (15.8%) patients; however, no association with analyzed protein expressions was found. Overall, CTCs were detected in 44 (22.9%) patients. Presence of any CTC marker was significantly associated with positive CXCL12 expression (OR = 3.08; 95% CI, 1.15-8.26; P = .025) and lack of SOCS1 expression (OR = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.04-0.25; P < .001) in patient's tumor tissues. As both CXCL12 and SOCS1 proteins are involved in cytokine signaling, our results provide support for the hypothesis that aberrant signaling cross talk between cytokine and chemokine responses could have an important role in hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells in breast cancer.

Intermediate trophoblast--A distinctive, unique and often unrecognized population of trophoblastic cells.

The trophoblast forms an outer layer of the blastocyst in the developing placenta and fetal membrane chorion. It is composed of different types of cells. Two main cell types are cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts. The third type of trophoblastic cells, often "forgotten" in most of histological and embryological textbooks, is morphologically and functionally between the first and second one, therefore, it is called the intermediate trophoblast. There is no mention of it in the internationally accepted Terminologia Embryologica. This term is not universally used by pathologists as some of them prefer the name extravillous trophoblast. This review provides an overview of morphology, localization, function and immunohistochemistry of different types of intermediate trophoblast cells. An indisputable reason for categorizing these cells as a distinct group is the fact that they are a source of various forms of gestational trophoblastic disease.