Overexpression of GRP78 in complete hydatidiform moles.

OBJECTIVE: Hydatidiform moles, subdivided into partial moles (PM) and complete moles (CM), are abnormal pregnancies with a disturbed invasive behavior. We had previously shown that MMP-2 and p53 proteins are overexpressed in CM versus PM, and that in primary cytotrophoblasts p53 protein is stabilized by complexing to the 78kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) which is involved in cytotrophoblasts invasion process. The present study aims to compare the transcript expression profile of p53, MMP-2 and GRP78 in hydatidiform moles. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed by RT-qPCR and immunostaining on paraffin-embedded tissues of 19 PM, 16 CM and 16 control (CTRL) samples of gestational age 8-12 weeks. RESULTS: Expression of MMP-2 transcript was significantly overexpressed in CM compared to CTRL samples (p=0.031). In contrast, expression of p53 transcript was similar among the samples. This suggests a regulation of p53 in CM at the protein level. GRP78 cDNA was significantly overexpressed in CM compared to CTRL (p=0.021) and to PM (p=0.011). At the protein level, immunostaining of GRP78 was on average stronger in CM than PM samples. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, present data suggest that in CM, p53 is normally expressed at the mRNA level but probably complexes at the protein level with the overexpressed GRP78, leading to accumulation of p53 protein. Moreover, since GRP78 and MMP-2 are increased in CM and known to play key roles in invasion, our results suggest that GRP78 and MMP-2 should be investigated as prognostic markers of hydatidiform moles.

[Trophoblastic diseases: a multidisciplinary approach, a first Swiss center]. / Maladies trophobtastiques: une prise en charge pluridisciplinaire, un premier centre suisse.

Trophoblastic diseases are rare and complex. The Center for trophoblastic diseases, the first in Switzerland, was founded in Geneva in January 2009 to formalize the collaboration between obstetricians-gynecologists, pathologists, geneticists, radiologists and oncologists. At the physician's request and with patient consent, an integrative diagnosis is proposed after centralized review of the histological slides, anti-p57KIP2 immunohistochemistry, and ploidy analysis by QF-PCR (Quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction). The referring physician receives treatment and beta-hCG dosage recommendations. This pluridisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach allows optimal surveillance and treatment of patients.

Cytology of benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma in peritoneal washings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the cytological aspect of peritoneal washings in benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM). METHODS: Three peritoneal washing specimens stained by standard cytological and histological procedures and analysed by light microscopy. RESULTS: The specimens showed an abundance of monomorphous mesothelial cells devoid of atypia or mitoses. The mesothelial cells were calretinin positive. They also showed numerous squamous metaplastic cells arranged in flat sheets or isolated cells. The background contained some inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION: The combination of cytology of the peritoneal washing, histology (cell block and surgical specimen) and clinical history allow differentiation of BMPM from other cystic lesions (cystic lymphangioma and malignant mesothelioma).

Unilateral total and contralateral partial pulmonary agenesis associated with total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage.

A term newborn presented with total right and partial left lung agenesis associated with total anomalous obstructed left pulmonary venous drainage. This unique association with a dramatic prognosis is thought to be due to a developmental insult early in the embryonic formation of the lung and its supporting vasculature.

Penicillium marneffei infection in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. A report of two cases.

We present the cytologic and histologic features of two cases of Penicillium marneffei (PM) infection occurring in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients following a journey to endemic areas. PM closely resembles Histoplasma capsulatum, in both its morphology and tissue reactions. Distinctive histologic features and culture provide the definitive diagnosis. The presence of a PM infection in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient returning from an endemic area should be considered an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defined illness.

Herpetic endometritis after pregnancy.

A case of endometrial herpex simplex virus infection with severe uterine post-partum bleeding is reported. Histopathologic analysis of curettage samples revealed endometrial necrosis and diffuse herpes-type nuclear inclusions in the glandular epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation, and electron microscopy confirmed the diagnosis.

[Cellular (juvenile) fibroadenoma of the breast. A clinico-pathologic and immunohistochemical study of 7 cases]. / Fibro-adénome cellulaire (juvénile) du sein. Etude anatomo-clinique et immunohistochimique de 7 cas.

A review of 82 fibroadenomas, collected over a period of 18 years, from female patients aged below 20 years, revealed 7 cases of cellular (juvenile) variant. The tumors are solitary, with an average diameter of 4 cm, these are characterized by a rich cellular stroma and a prominent glandular epithelium. Cellular fibroadenomas often pose to the pathologist serious problems of differential diagnosis, especially with phyllodes tumors. The patient's age together with the histological criteria that we have underlined should make the diagnosis more obvious. As the cellular fibroadenoma is seen essentially during adolescence, surgeons have tendency to preserve the maximum amount of breast tissue. The 2 cases in which we have observed recurrences were seen after incomplete resection of the primary tumor. Therefore, we are of the opinion that a security zone of mammary parenchyma is mandatory.