The potential adverse effects of acrylamide on the oxidative stress response, fatty acids profile, and histopathological aspect of the Mediterranean Holothuria forskali respiratory tree.

Acrylamide (ACR), organic compound, has been widely used owing to its broad spectrum of chemical and industrial applications. This study aims at evaluating the response of the antioxidant defense system, fatty acid composition and histopathological aspect in the respiratory trees of Holothuria forskali against ACR exposure under laboratory conditions. Holothuries were exposed to 5, 10, and 20 mg L-1 ACR concentrations for 5 days. A significant increase in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids levels especially the arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4n-6) and its precursor linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n-6) in ACR-treated organisms. Regarding the n-3 levels, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) levels were increased in treated groups despite an acute decrease in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) levels was observed. Our results showed a significant increase in hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and metallothionein levels along with an alteration of the antioxidants status in all treated sea cucumbers. The exposure to ACR prompted the inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The histopathological aspect was marked especially with the infiltration of coelomic cells which confirms our biochemical findings. Our study provided novel insights to create a link between redox status and fatty acid composition disruptions to better understand ACR-triggered toxicity.

Glyphosate exposure modulates lipid composition, histo-architecture and oxidative stress status and induces neurotoxicity in the smooth scallop Flexopecten glaber.

Glyphosate is the most sprayed pesticide across the globe. Its toxicity to non-target marine organisms has recently piqued the scientific community's interest. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the potentially toxic effects of glyphosate on scallops, an ecologically and economically important bivalve group. To do that, specimens of the smooth scallop Flexopecten glaber were exposed to different concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 µg L-1) of the technical-grade glyphosate acid (GLY) for 96 h. The detrimental effects of this pollutant were assayed at cellular and tissular levels. The obtained results showed that the GLY was able to induce oxidative stress in the gills and the digestive gland of F. glaber as revealed by the enhanced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), protein carbonyls (PCO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid peroxides (LOOH) levels and the altered antioxidant defense system (the glutathione GSH content and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity). Additionally, GLY was found to alter the fatty acid profile, to exert a neurotoxic effect through the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and to provoke several histopathological damages in the two organs studied. The obtained results revealed that the pure form of GLY may exert toxic effects on F. glaber even at relatively low concentrations.

Exposure of Mactra corallina to acute doses of lead: effects on redox status, fatty acid composition and histomorphological aspect.

The aim of this study is to elucidate the toxicity induced by PbCl2, administered in graded doses (1; 2.5; 5 mg/L), in the redox state, in the fatty acid composition and in the histological structure of Mactra corallina digestive glands. Our findings showed a progressive accumulation of Pb in the M. corallina digestive glands in all treated groups. After 5 days of treatment with PbCl2, an increase in H2O2, MDA, PCO, GSH, NPSH and MT levels was observed in the digestive glands of treated groups. Moreover, activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as GPx and CAT, increased while SOD activity decreased in all treated groups, indicating a failure of the antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, the cholinergic function was evaluated by assessing the acetylcholinesterase activity, which was inhibited in all the treated digestive glands compared to the control group. In our experiment, the levels of n-3 (Omega-3) and n-6 (Omega-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids were greatly altered in the groups treated with 5 mg/L of PbCl2 (p < 0.001). Indeed, DHA and EPA decreased significantly in the digestive glands treated with 2.5 and 5 mg/L of PbCl2, respectively. On the other hand, under exposure to the medium and high doses (2.5 and 5 mg/L), arachidonic acid (ARA) and linoleic acid (LA) significantly increased (p < 0.001). These changes in PUFA were confirmed by significant modifications in the polyene and peroxidation indices. The histological findings confirmed the biochemical results.HighlightsIntegrated parameters were used to explore the toxic effect of PbCl2 graded doses in Mactra corallina digestive gland.Metals accumulation in digestive glands of M. corallina was greatly dependent to dose of PbCl2.Metabolic and macromolecules damaging of clams digestive glands were more sensitive at higher PbCl2 doses.Fatty acids composition especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and essentials fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in clams digestive glands were intensively altered at higher PbCl2 doses.Inflammation responses revealed in studied tissue.

[Sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma of the parotid gland: Unusual location of a rare mesenchymal tumor]. / Rhabdomyosarcome sclérosant de la parotide : localisation inhabituelle d'une tumeur mésenchymateuse rare.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumour with skeletal muscle differentiation. Its sclerosing variant is a rare entity, which is described in the latest WHO edition of soft tissues in association with the spindle cell subtype, with which it shares clinical, morphological and cytogenetic features. Cytogenetic advances have allowed a prognostic approach to fusiform/sclerosing cell rhabdomyosarcoma by individualizing 3 different genomic prognostic groups. The parotid location of sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma is exceptional with only two reported cases in the literature. It can pose a diagnostic challenge because of its rarity and histological similarities with other malignancies. We report the third case of sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma of the parotid gland, which occurred in a 7-year old girl, who had consulted for a painless swelling of the parotid region of 4 months duration. Gross examination of the partial parotidectomy demonstrated an ill-circumscribed 35×30mm, firm and white glistening tumor. Histologically, it was composed of cords and trabeculae of small round cells, with ovoid and often irregular nuclei. Mitoses were numerous. The cytoplasm was scanty and cell margins were unclear. Tumor cells were set in a prominent hyalinized matrix. Scattered rhabdomyoblastic-like tumor cells were noted. The diagnosis of sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma was performed after the positive immunostaining with desmin, myogenin and smooth muscle actin. No cytogenetic or molecular studies were performed. The patient underwent adjuvant chemo and radiotherapy, without recurrences or distant metastases during the 8-year follow-up.

Selective expression of KCNA5 and KCNB1 genes in gastric and colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Gastric and colorectal cancers are the most common malignant tumours, leading to a significant number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recently, increasing evidence has demonstrated that cancer cells exhibit a differential expression of potassium channels and this can contribute to cancer progression. However, their expression and localisation at the somatic level remains uncertain. In this study, we have investigated the expression levels of KCNB1 and KCNA5 genes encoding ubiquitous Kv2.1 and Kv1.5 potassium channels in gastric and colorectal tumours. METHODS: Gastric and colorectal tumoral and peritumoral tissues were collected to evaluate the expression of KCNB1 and KCNA5 mRNA by quantitative PCR. Moreover, the immunohistochemical staining profile of Kv2.1 and Kv1.5 was assessed on 40 Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) gastric carcinoma tissues. Differences in gene expression between tumoral and peritumoral tissues were compared statistically with the Mann-Whitney U test. The association between the clinicopathological features of the GC patients and the expression of both Kv proteins was investigated with χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: The mRNA fold expression of KCNB1 and KCNA5 genes showed a lower mean in the tumoral tissues (0.06 ± 0.17, 0.006 ± 0.009) compared to peritumoral tissues (0.08 ± 0.16, 0.16 ± 0.48, respectively) without reaching the significance rate (p = 0.861, p = 0.152, respectively). Interestingly, Kv2.1 and Kv1.5 immunostaining was detectable and characterised by a large distribution in peritumoral and tumoral epithelial cells. More interestingly, inflammatory cells were also stained. Surprisingly, Kv2.1 and Kv1.5 staining was undoubtedly and predominantly detected in the cytoplasm compartment of tumour cells. Indeed, the expression of Kv2.1 in tumour cells revealed a significant association with the early gastric cancer clinical stage (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: The data highlight, for the first time, the potential role of Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 in gastrointestinal-related cancers and suggests they may be promising prognostic markers for these tumours.

Mercury disrupts redox status, up-regulates metallothionein and induces genotoxicity in respiratory tree of sea cucumber (Holothuria forskali).

Mercury (Hg) is among the most deleterious contaminant in the aquatic environment and presents a serious risk to humans and ecosystems. This study evaluated the effects of Hg on oxidative stress biomarkers, DNA integrity and histological structure of the respiratory tree of Holothuria forskali exposed to different concentrations of mercury chloride HgCl2 (0.04, 0.08 and 0.16 mg L-1) for 96 h. Exposure of H. forskali to Hg led to oxidative stress with an increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) and protein carbonyls (PCO) levels in the treated groups. Alteration of the antioxidant system was also confirmed by the significant increase in glutathione (GSH), nonprotein thiol (NPSH) and vitamin C contents. Moreover, the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and Catalase (CAT) increased significantly. Our research revealed that total Metallothionein (MTs) content enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the exposure to this metal provoked a decrease in Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Hg genotoxicity was further evidenced by a random DNA degradation that was observed in the treated groups. The histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results. Overall, our results indicated that mercury-induced genotoxicity, oxidative damage and histopathological injuries in the respiratory tree of H. forskali.

Liver biopsy revealing anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a tale for a challenging diagnosis.

A 62-year-old woman presented with a chronic fever and fatigue. Biological investigations showed leukocytosis and elevation of acute phase markers. Liver blood tests showed deterioration with both cholestatic and hepatocellular patterns (there were, respectively, elevations in serum alkaline phosphatase levels as well as in serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases). Viral serologies were negative. Mycobacterial infection and endocarditis were excluded. Results from blood cultures were negative. Autoantibody tests including ANCA (anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody), anti-nuclear, anti-smooth muscle and anti-mitochondria were all negative. A liver biopsy revealed epithelioid granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis. Subsequently, immunological testing was repeated revealing MPO-ANCA (myeloperoxidase-ANCA). A diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis with liver involvement was then made. The patient was started on steroids and her clinical state gradually improved.

A 62-year-old woman presented to the internal medicine department of our university hospital with chronic unresolved fever and an increase in liver function tests. Liver biopsy was performed. Microscopic examination revealed epithelioid granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis. Immunological testing revealed a perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) staining pattern with the presence of MPO-ANCA (Myeloperoxidase-ANCA). A diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis with liver involvement was then made. The patient was started on steroids and her clinical state gradually improved.

Florfenicol induces malformations of embryos and causes altered lipid profile, oxidative damage, neurotoxicity, and histological effects on gonads of adult sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus.

The frequent occurrence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment has engendered negative impacts on non-target organisms. The effects of the veterinary antibiotic florfenicol (FLO) during the embryo-larval development of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus was assessed using four increasing concentrations (1, 2, 5 and 10 mg/L). Furthermore, FLO toxicity to adults was investigated through the analysis of oxidative damage, histopathological alterations, lipid metabolism and acetylcholinesterase activity following an exposure period of 96 h. FLO induced embryotoxicity with estimated EC50 values of 5.75, 7.56 and 3.29 mg/L after 12 h, 24 h and 48 h, respectively. It generated oxidative stress assessed as lipid peroxidation in gonads despite the increased antioxidant activity of catalase (CAT). Neurotoxicity was also evident since the AChE activity significantly decreased. Moreover, FLO affected the lipid metabolism by increasing saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid proportions (MUFA), except in the group exposed to 5 mg/L. The increase in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) proportions were noted with all FLO concentrations. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) decreased, while arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4n-6) increased in sea urchins exposed to 5 and 10 mg/L FLO. Histopathological alterations of gonadal tissues represent an additional confirmation about the toxicity of this antibiotic that might decrease the reproductive performance of this species. Nevertheless, even if reproduction of sea urchins would be partially successful, the embryotoxicity would compromise the normal development of the embryos with consequences on the population.

Seborrheic Keratosis: Report of a Rare Presentation and Reminder of the Current Knowledge of the Problem.

A 75-year-old man presented with an abdominal enlarging painless tumor of the skin evolving over the last 30 years. His past medical history was unremarkable. Physical examination revealed a brownish pedunculated cutaneous mass which had an irregular keratotic warty surface with no discharge or ulceration. The mass was clinically presumed to be a melanocytic tumor, or a verrucous carcinoma. A monoblock excision of the mass was performed with a good outcome. The specimen was then sent to our pathology department to rule out malignancy. Macroscopic examination revealed a brownish tumor of 7.5 × 7 × 1.5 cm which had fissures and cauliflower-like appearance. Final histological report concluded to a giant seborrheic keratosis.

Multiple hydatid cyst disease revealed by an expansive intracranial process: A case report.

Hydatid disease is a real public health problem in developing countries. Cerebral localization is rare; it does not exceed 2%. It is more frequent in children and adolescents. It is often primary in children. In adults, it is less frequent and generally associated with other localizations. We report the case of a 60-year-old Tunisian patient with pulmonary, hepatic and cerebral hydatid cyst, revealed by neurological symptoms with an expansive intracranial process on brain imaging.

Cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma: A case report with review of the literature.

Cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma (CM-TC) is a rare entity that usually occurs in association with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) but may be sporadic. Herein, we present a new case of cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma occurring in a 28-year-old woman with no history of FAP.

A rare case of gastric metastasis originating from primary lung adenocarcinoma: a case report.

Unlike liver and lung, the stomach is rarely a metastatic location for cancers. We report a case of a 62-year-old man known to have lung adenocarcinoma poorly differentiated presented with melena 1 month after diagnosis. Upper endoscopy revealed an ulcerated tumor in the prepyloric antrum. The diagnosis of gastric metastasis from pulmonary cancer was confirmed by the immunohistochemical staining for the thyroid transcriptional factor-1 and the pattern cytokeratine CK7+/CK20-. In conclusion, gastric metastasis from primary lung cancer is a rare phenomenon that every clinician must keep in mind.

A 62-year-old man known to have lung adenocarcinoma poorly differentiated presented with melena 1 month after diagnosis. Upper endoscopy revealed an ulcerated tumor in the prepyloric antrum. The diagnosis of gastric metastasis from pulmonary cancer was confirmed by histology.

A pancreatic metastasis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: a rare case report.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. It is characterized by abrupt development with local and distant metastases. Metastases are essentially present in the lung. Pancreatic metastasis is extremely rare. The authors report that, to their knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient who developed metachronous pancreatic metastasis related to ATC. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman, with a history of thyroidectomy, 2 years prior, for an anaplastic thyroid tumor presented in his regular follow-up computed tomography scan a hypodense lesion of the head of the pancreas. Definite diagnosis of neoplasm was difficult following the computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The patient had a cephalic duodenopanceatectomy with an uneventful recovery. Histopathology concluded in a pancreatic metastasis of ATC metastasis. The patient had uneventful outcomes with a follow-up of 3 months without tumor recurrence. Conclusion: Pancreatic metastases of thyroid carcinomas are extremely rare, particularly for ATC. The diagnosis of metastases is based on a regular follow-up. The prognosis is poor despite curative surgery.

Multifocal nodular lesions in fatty liver mimicking neoplastic disease: a case report.

Usually, fatty hepatic infiltration is diffuse and homogeneous. However, in some cases, it can be localized simulating benign or malignant tumors. We present a case of a 61-year-old female patient with family history of malignancy: sister with lung cancer, an other sister with colon cancer and a mother with breast cancer; who presented with multiple hepatic nodules at the ultrasonography images. CT scan and MRI were not sufficient to pose a certain diagnosis which was later confirmed by liver biopsy.

In some cases, fatty hepatic infiltration may simulate benign or malignant tumors. We present a case of a 61-year-old female patient with family history of malignancy who presented with multiple hepatic nodules at the ultrasonography images. CT scan and MRI were not sufficient to pose a certain diagnosis which was later confirmed by liver biopsy.

Cholesterol Granuloma of the Breast Mimicking Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Cholesterol granuloma of the breast is an infrequent benign lesion with clinical and radiological findings suggestive of cancer. Herein, we present the case of a 52-year-old woman with no significant past medical history, who presented to the outpatient department for her routine breast screening. Physical examination revealed a painless palpable nodule in the upper external quadrant of the left breast, measuring 0.7 cm. On imaging, the mass met the criteria for Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4B. Subsequently, a core needle biopsy of the mass was performed. Despite the alarming radiologic features, microscopic findings were consistent with breast cholesterol granuloma.

Synchronous primary gastric and renal tumors: a case report.

Synchronous multiple primary cancers of the stomach and kidney are very rare, only 45 cases of synchronous multiple primary cancers of the stomach and kidney had been reported in the literature up until 2020. Thus far, no particular risk factors have been identified. We present a case of synchronous multiple primary cancers of the stomach and kidney in a 67-year-old female presenting with a 3-month history of vomiting and abdominal pain. The diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma with signet ring cells was confirmed through upper endoscopy with biopsies, while CT-guided biopsies of the renal tumor confirmed the diagnosis of primary kidney neoplasm.

Having more than one cancer at the same time is known as multiple primary malignancies. Having cancers in both the stomach and kidney at the same time is even rarer, with only 45 cases reported in literature. The exact causes of such cancers occurring together are not yet known. We present a 67-year-old woman who was diagnosed with synchronous multiple primary cancers of the stomach and kidney. She presented with vomiting and abdominal pain. The diagnosis of gastric cancer was confirmed through upper endoscopy with biopsies, while biopsies of the renal tumor confirmed the diagnosis of primary kidney cancer.

Primary splenic lymphoma discovered on massive splenomegaly: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Malignant lymphoma occurs in all the systemic organs. Rarely, large B-cell lymphoma is located in the spleen, making the diagnosis difficult. Herein, we report a patient presenting with massive splenomegaly due to LBCL. Splenectomy was essential to assess the diagnosis and to guide postoperative therapeutics. PRESENTATION OF A CASE: A 47-year-old woman, with no comorbidities, complained of weight loss and abdominal pain. She had a palpable spleen that extended below the navel. CT scan revealed massive splenomegaly and lymph nodes in the spleen hilum. Splenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. Three courses of chemotherapy were given. The patient was in remission after a follow-up of 8 months. DISCUSSION: Massive splenomegaly can be one of the circumstances of the discovery of large B-cell lymphoma. Splenectomy was then essential to confirm the diagnosis and to guide postoperative therapeutics. It also permits reducing hypersplenism and preventing spleen rupture. In patients with high operative risk, splenic needle biopsy should be taken into consideration. Splenic artery embolization before surgery can also be performed in patients having massive splenomegaly to reduce the spleen volume. We highlight the importance of splenectomy to confirm the diagnosis and to relieve the symptoms. Postoperative chemotherapy is essential to prevent relapses. CONCLUSION: Splenectomy is essential in spleen localized large B-cell lymphoma. It permits to confirm the diagnosis, relieve symptoms, and treatment of underlying hematologic malignancies. Postoperative chemotherapy is essential to prevent relapses.

Recurrence with lymph node and brain metastasis of an oncocytic carcinoma of the submandibular gland: A case report.

Oncocytic carcinomas of the salivary glands are rare. The submandibular gland is a rare location. It is usually associated with a poor prognosis and recurrence after treatment. We report a case of a 52-year-old man with a lymph node and brain metastasis recurrence of an oncocytic carcinoma of the submandibular gland.

Post-chemotherapy Gastric Obstruction in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Endoscopic Dilation Can Fix It!

Treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is based on immunochemotherapy with overall good outcomes. Complications related to the treatment or the disease itself can occur during follow-up. We herein report a case of a 37-year-old male who was diagnosed with stage IV gastric DLBCL. Subsequently, he underwent R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin, and prednisone) chemotherapy. After six cycles of treatment, complete remission has been achieved. But afterwards, the patient presented with a symptomatic gastric obstruction related to a tight stenosis in the antro-fundic junction. Endoscopic dilation was performed and multiple macrobiopsies within the stenosis were taken. Pathological examination concluded to the fibrous character of the stricture. In cases of post-chemotherapy obstruction in gastric DLBCL, endoscopic treatment should be attempted carefully in patients with no evidence of active lymphoma. Diagnosis of fibrosis can avoid surgery and its morbidity.

Collision tumor of the appendix incidentally discovered in a patient diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the colon: a case report.

Collision tumor of the appendix is an extremely rare entity, defined as the coexistence of two independent tumors located in the same site without transitional changes. We describe in this report the case of a 75-year-old man who presented with an acute abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Physical examination revealed an abdominal distension with a hypogastric mass. Abdominal computed tomography showed colonic obstruction related to a sigmoid tumor. Therefore, a total colectomy was made. Macroscopic specimen examination showed a sigmoid tumor associated to a cystic dilatation of the appendix tip with mucoid content. Histological examination of the appendix showed the co-existence of two independent tumors located in the tip, without transitional changes: pTis low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasia and grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor. The latter was discovered incidentally during histological examination. We draw attention through our presentation to the importance of a thorough macroscopic and histological examination of the appendix.