Evaluation of Microvascular Density in Glioblastomas in Relation to p53 and Ki67 Immunoexpression.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive tumor in the central nervous system, with a survival rate of less than 15 months despite multimodal therapy. Tumor recurrence frequently occurs after removal. Tumoral angiogenesis, the formation of neovessels, has a positive impact on tumor progression and invasion, although there are controversial results in the specialized literature regarding its impact on survival. This study aims to correlate the immunoexpression of angiogenesis markers (CD34, CD105) with the proliferation index Ki67 and p53 in primary and secondary glioblastomas. This retrospective study included 54 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma at the Pathology Department of County Emergency Clinical Hospital Târgu Mureș. Microvascular density was determined using CD34 and CD105 antibodies, and the results were correlated with the immunoexpression of p53, IDH1, ATRX and Ki67. The number of neoformed blood vessels varied among cases, characterized by different shapes and calibers, with endothelial cells showing modified morphology and moderate to marked pleomorphism. Neovessels with a glomeruloid aspect, associated with intense positivity for CD34 or CD105 in endothelial cells, were observed, characteristic of glioblastomas. Mean microvascular density values were higher for the CD34 marker in all cases, though there were no statistically significant differences compared to CD105. Mutant IDH1 and ATRX glioblastomas, wild-type p53 glioblastomas, and those with a Ki67 index above 20% showed a more abundant microvascular density, with statistical correlations not reaching significance. This study highlighted a variety of percentage intervals of microvascular density in primary and secondary glioblastomas using immunohistochemical markers CD34 and CD105, respectively, with no statistically significant correlation between evaluated microvascular density and p53 or Ki67.

Metabolic Contrasts: Fatty Acid Oxidation and Ketone Bodies in Healthy Brains vs. Glioblastoma Multiforme.

The metabolism of glucose and lipids plays a crucial role in the normal homeostasis of the body. Although glucose is the main energy substrate, in its absence, lipid metabolism becomes the primary source of energy. The main means of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) takes place in the mitochondrial matrix through ß-oxidation. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor (45.6%), with an incidence of 3.1 per 100,000. The metabolic changes found in GBM cells and in the surrounding microenvironment are associated with proliferation, migration, and resistance to treatment. Tumor cells show a remodeling of metabolism with the use of glycolysis at the expense of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), known as the Warburg effect. Specialized fatty acids (FAs) transporters such as FAT, FABP, or FATP from the tumor microenvironment are overexpressed in GBM and contribute to the absorption and storage of an increased amount of lipids that will provide sufficient energy used for tumor growth and invasion. This review provides an overview of the key enzymes, transporters, and main regulatory pathways of FAs and ketone bodies (KBs) in normal versus GBM cells, highlighting the need to develop new therapeutic strategies to improve treatment efficacy in patients with GBM.

General Clinico-Pathological Characteristics in Glioblastomas in Correlation with p53 and Ki67.

Introduction: A glioblastoma is an intra-axial brain tumour of glial origin that belongs to the category of diffuse gliomas and is the most common malignant neoplasia of the central nervous system. The rate of survival at 5 years, from the moment of diagnosis, is not higher than 10%. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, fifty-four patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, from the Pathology Department of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Târgu Mureș, between 2014 and 2017 were included. We studied the clinico-pathological data (age, gender, location, and laterality) and, respectively, the immunoexpression of p53, Ki67, ATRX, and IDH-1 proteins. Results: We observed a statistically significant association between the laterality of the tumour according to the age groups, with the localization on the right side being more frequent in the age group below 65 years of age, while the involvement of the left hemisphere was more prevalent in those over 65 years. Out of the total 54 cases, 87.04% were found to be primary glioblastomas; more than 70% of the cases were ATRX immunopositive; almost 80% of the glioblastomas studied had wild-type p53 profile; and 35% of the cases were found to have a Ki67 index greater than 20%. A statistically significant association between gender and ATRX mutation was found; female cases were ATRX immunopositive in 92% of the cases. Almost 70% of the cases were both IDH-1 and p53 wild-type, and we observed the presence of both mutations in only 3.7% of the cases. Approximately 83% of primary glioblastomas were ATRX positive, respectively, and all IDH-1 mutant cases were ATRX negative. Conclusions: Glioblastomas still represent a multidisciplinary challenge considering their reserved prognosis. In this study, we described the most common clinico-pathological characteristics and IHC marker expression profiles, highlighting a variety of percentage ranges in primary and secondary glioblastomas. Given the small number of studied cases, further prospective studies on larger cohorts are needed in the future to evaluate the role of these immunohistochemical markers as prognostic factors for survival or recurrence.

Iodothyronine Deiodinase 3 Gene Expression in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Pilot Study to Contribute to Risk Assessment.

BACKGROUND: In the realm of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), understanding the molecular landscape and prognostic factors is crucial for effective management. The deiodinase 3 gene (DIO3), known for its role in thyroid hormone regulation and cell proliferation, has emerged as a potential player in GIST pathogenesis. Our study investigated DIO3 expression in GIST samples and its correlation with tumor characteristics, aiming to enhance prognostic stratification and personalized treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a retrospective design, we analyzed data and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples of patients diagnosed with GIST. The study cohort comprised 33 patients, predominantly female, with a median age of 66 years. The tumor characteristics were meticulously documented, including location, size, mitotic count, risk classification, and immunohistochemical markers. Gene expression analysis of DIO3 was conducted using FFPE samples, with a focus on relative quantification and association with immunohistochemical markers and prognostic risk. RESULTS: DIO3 overexpression was observed in 69.70% of tumors, while underexpression was noted in 30.30% of cases. Association analyses revealed intriguing insights. A notable association was identified between DIO3 expression and the frequency of DOG1, suggesting a potential interplay between these markers in GIST pathobiology. Furthermore, increased DIO3 expression was significantly higher in very low/low-risk prognostic patients, hinting at a possible link between DIO3 levels and tumor progression prognosis. CONCLUSIONS:  The intricate interplay between DIO3 expression and GIST characteristics uncovered in this study underscores the potential of molecular markers in refining prognostic assessments and therapeutic strategies for GIST patients.

The Role of Ketone Bodies in Treatment Individualization of Glioblastoma Patients.

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. According to the 2021 WHO CNS, glioblastoma is assigned to the IDH wild-type classification, fulfilling the specific characteristic histopathology. We have conducted a prospective observational study to identify the glucose levels, ketone bodies, and the glucose-ketone index in three groups of subjects: two tumoral groups of patients with histopathological confirmation of glioblastoma (9 male patients, 7 female patients, mean age 55.6 years old) or grade 4 astrocytoma (4 male patients, 2 female patients, mean age 48.1 years old) and a control group (13 male patients, 9 female patients, mean age 53.9 years old) consisting of subjects with no personal pathological history. There were statistically significant differences between the mean values of glycemia (p value = 0.0003), ketones (p value = 0.0061), and glucose-ketone index (p value = 0.008) between the groups of patients. Mortality at 3 months in glioblastoma patients was 0% if the ketone levels were below 0.2 mM and 100% if ketones were over 0.5 mM. Patients with grade 4 astrocytoma and the control subjects all presented with ketone values of less than 0.2 mM and 0.0% mortality. In conclusion, highlighting new biomarkers which are more feasible to determine such as ketones or glucose-ketone index represents an essential step toward personalized medicine and survival prolongation in patients suffering from glioblastoma and grade 4 astrocytoma.

FIP1L1-PDGFRα-Positive Loeffler Endocarditis-A Distinct Cause of Heart Failure in a Young Male: The Role of Multimodal Diagnostic Tools.

The presence of the Fip1-Like1-platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (FIP1L1-PDGFRα) fusion gene represents a rare cause of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), which is associated with organ damage. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the pivotal role of multimodal diagnostic tools in the accurate diagnosis and management of heart failure (HF) associated with HES. We present the case of a young male patient who was admitted with clinical features of congestive HF and laboratory findings of hypereosinophilia (HE). After hematological evaluation, genetic tests, and ruling out reactive causes of HE, a diagnosis of positive FIP1L1-PDGFRα myeloid leukemia was established. Multimodal cardiac imaging identified biventricular thrombi and cardiac impairment, thereby raising suspicion of Loeffler endocarditis (LE) as the cause of HF; this was later confirmed by a pathological examination. Despite hematological improvement under corticosteroid and imatinib therapy, anticoagulant, and patient-oriented HF treatment, there was further clinical progression and subsequent multiple complications (including embolization), which led to patient death. HF is a severe complication that diminishes the demonstrated effectiveness of imatinib in the advanced phases of Loeffler endocarditis. Therefore, the need for an accurate identification of heart failure etiology in the absence of endomyocardial biopsy is particularly important for ensuring effective treatment.

Cardio Protective Effects of Lipid Emulsion against Ropivacaine-Induced Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity-An Experimental Study.

Inadvertent intravascular injection of local anesthetics (LA) during regional anesthesia causes Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST). Theories of lipid rescue in the case of LAST proved that the administration of lipids in LAST has beneficial effects. One possible mechanism of action is based on the lipophilic properties of LA which allow plasma-free LA to be bound by the molecules of Lipid Emulsion (LE). The association LA-LE is shuttled towards organs such as liver and the kidneys, and the half-life of LA is shortened. The main objective of this experimental study was to assess the possible cardio-prophylactic effect of LE administration before the induction of LAST by intravenous administration of Ropivacaine. This was an experimental, interventional, prospective, and non-randomized study. The subjects were divided into groups and received, under general anesthesia, LE 20% first 0.3-0.4 mL, followed by 0.1 mL Ropivacaine 2 mg/mL, or Ropivacaine alone. At the end of the experiment, the subjects were sacrificed, and tissue samples of kidney, heart and liver were harvested for histopathological examination. LE, when administered as prophylaxis in Ropivacaine-induced LAST, had protective cardiac effects in rats. The LE known side effects were not produced if the substance was administered in the low doses used for LAST prophylaxis.

A Rare Case of Histopathologically Confirmed Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease from Romania, Long Route to Diagnosis-Case Report and an Overview of the Romanian CJD Situation.

Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease is a progressive and ultimately fatal disease, representing one of the most common forms of prion diseases. It is a rare pathology presenting with various symptomatology, and the fact that a definite diagnosis can be obtained solely by neuropathological techniques makes it hard to recognize and diagnose. Here we present the clinical and neuropathological features of a 72-year-old woman, who originally presented in a county hospital, then, along with the disease progression, got transferred to a university center in Romania, where CJD-specific tests are rarely performed, and ultimately was diagnosed with the help of international collaboration. The purpose of this case report and review is to summarize the Romanian CJD situation until the present day, to place the Romanian CJD epidemiology in an Eastern European context, and to highlight the diagnostic options and possibilities for clinical practitioners. We would also like to draw attention to the need for a national surveillance system. By presenting the patient's route in Romania from the first presentation to diagnosis, we would like to emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary and international collaboration, by which we managed to cross the regional diagnostic boundaries and create a possible diagnostic pathway for future cases.

Gross-total versus near-total resection of large vestibular schwannomas. An institutional experience.

OBJECTIVE: We will report our experience of the surgical treatment of large vestibular schwannomas (VSs). PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients operated on for Koos grade IV VS between 2007 and 2015 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Emergency County Hospital, Târgu Mures, Romania. We studied the general preoperatory clinical data, the preoperative and postoperative facial nerve status, preoperative hearing on the affected side, and any postoperative complications, including death. RESULTS: Sixty-six cases were included in our study. The mean age was 52.95 years and 66.7% (n=44) of the sample were female. All patients had suffered from tinnitus and this had been followed by loss of serviceable hearing on the affected side in 89.4% (n=59) of cases. Preoperative facial palsy was found in 53% (n=35) of patients. The mean tumor size was 40.35 mm. Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 24 (36.36%) cases, while near-total resection (NTR) was obtained in 42 (63.64%) cases. New-onset facial palsy or degradation of the preoperative facial deficit occurred in 12 (18.18%) cases, most of whom were patients with a GTR (n=9, 37.5%). This was statistically significant. There were no significant postoperative differences between the GTR and NTR groups. There was one death in the GTR group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that near-total tumor removal provides good surgical results and better postsurgical quality of life for patients when compared to gross-total tumor resection. Therefore, this should be the end goal of the resection of large VSs.

PKCθ utility in diagnosing c-KIT/DOG-1 double negative gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnosis value of an immunohistochemical (IHC) panel of three antibodies for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 80 consecutive GISTs without lymph node metastases, the IHC examinations were performed using the antibodies CD117 (c-KIT), DOG-1 and c-theta (PKCθ) protein. The diagnostic value of PKCθ in c-KIT/DOG-1 negative GISTs has been explored in fewer than 10 Medline-indexed papers. RESULTS: The c-KIT, PKCθ and DOG-1 positivity was noted in 92.50% (n = 74), 90% (n = 72) and 76.25% (n = 61) of the cases, respectively. All of the C-KIT negative cases (n = 6) were also DOG-1 negative but displayed PKCθ positivity. All of the DOG-1 positive cases (n = 61) also expressed c-KIT. No correlation between the examined markers and clinicopathological parameters was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The PKCθ sensitivity is similar to c-KIT and superior to DOG-1 sensitivity. All of the c-KIT/DOG-1 negative GISTs seem to express PKCθ. For a proper diagnosis of GIST, the c-KIT/DOG-1/PKCθ panel should be used, with possible therapeutic but not prognostic value.

Paradoxical expression pattern of the epithelial mesenchymal transition-related biomarkers CD44, SLUG, N-cadherin and VSIG1/Glycoprotein A34 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

AIM: To evaluate the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of five biomarkers, commonly involved in epithelial mesenchymal/mesenchymal epithelial transition (EMT/MET), in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). METHODS: In 80 consecutive GISTs the IHC examinations were performed using the EMT-related antibodies E-cadherin, N-cadherin, SLUG, V-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 1 (VSIG1) and CD44. RESULTS: The positivity rate was 88.75% for SLUG, 83.75% for VSIG1, 36.25% for CD44 and 10% for N-cadherin. No correlation was noted between the examined markers and clinicopathological parameters. Nuclear positivity for SLUG and VSIG1 was observed in all cases with distant metastasis. The extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (e-GISTs) expressed nuclear positivity for VSIG1 and SLUG, with infrequent positivity for N-cadherin and CD44. The low overall survival was mainly dependent on VSIG1 negativity (P = 0.01) and nuclear positivity for SLUG and/or CD44. CONCLUSION: GIST aggressivity may be induced by nuclear up-regulation of SLUG and loss or cytoplasm-to-nuclear translocation of VSIG1. SLUG and VSIG1 may act as activated nuclear transcription factors. The CD44, but not N-cadherin, might also have an independent prognostic value in these tumors. The role of the EMT/MET-related transcription factors in the evolution of GISTs, should be revisited with a larger dataset. This is the first study exploring the IHC pattern of VSIG1 in GISTs.

Epithelial-mesenchymal, mesenchymal-epithelial, and endothelial-mesenchymal transitions in malignant tumors: An update.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents conversion of an epithelial cell in an elongated cell with mesenchymal phenotype, which can occur in physiologic and pathologic processes such as embryogenesis (type 1 EMT), wound healing and/or fibrosis (type 2 EMT) and malignant tumors (type 3 EMT). The proliferation rate, metastasizing and recurrence capacity, as also the individualized response at chemotherapics, in both epithelial and mesenchymal malignant tumors is known to be influenced by reversible switch between EMT and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). Although much research work has already been done in these fields, the specific molecular pathways of EMT, relating to the tumor type and tumor localization, are yet to be elucidated. In this paper, based on the literature and personal experience of the authors, an update in the field of EMT vs MET in epithelial and mesenchymal tumors is presented. The authors tried to present the latest data about the particularities of these processes, and also of the so-called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, based on tumor location. The EMT-angiogenesis link is discussed as a possible valuable parameter for clinical follow-up and targeted therapeutic oncologic management. The paper begins with presentation of the basic aspects of EMT, its classification and assessment possibilities, and concludes with prognostic and therapeutic perspectives. The particularities of EMT and MET in gastric and colorectal carcinomas, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinomas, and lung, breast and prostate cancers, respectively in sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors are presented in detail.

Giant gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach: a challenging diagnostic and therapeutically approach.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare but challenging tumors regarding the diagnosis and therapy. The symptomatology depends on the tumor size and location, and can be totally non-specific, as in the present case. We present the case of a 76-year-old female that was hospitalized with postprandial nausea and vomiting. Bulging of the posterior wall of the stomach was seen at endoscopically examination and confirmed by the computed tomography. Surgical resection of the 120×100 mm-sized tumor that involved the posterior gastric wall and gastrocolic ligament, was performed; the posterior wall of the stomach was also partially excised. Histological examination revealed a 120×95×70 mm nodular tumor with solid aspect and large necrotic and hemorrhagic area on cut section. The tumor cells were marked by c-KIT, DOG-1, smooth muscle actin and MSH-2 and were negative for Ki67, maspin, E-cadherin, S-100, and keratin AE1÷AE3. The resection margins were free of tumor cells. No recurrences were reported three years after surgical intervention; no postoperative chemotherapy was performed. This case highlights that a well-conducted trans-disciplinary approach can have real benefits, even in borderline-operable giant potentially-malignant GISTs. New criteria to establish the malignant potential of GIST should be explored.

Correlation of angiogenesis with other immunohistochemical markers in cutaneous basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to establish an immunoprofile of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and to explore as first time in literature the possible correlation between maspin, DOG-1, p16 protein and angiogenesis in these tumors. For SCCs, the histological grade of differentiation was also taken into account. The angiogenesis was quantified in 38 randomly selected cases of SCCs and 17 BCCc, respectively, using the antibodies vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and COX-2, while the microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated with the CD31. RESULTS: In SCCs, maspin cytoplasm to nuclear shift was an indicator of a deeper tissue invasion and dedifferentiation in the invasion front. The poorly differentiated cases, compared to G1÷G2-SCCs, expressed more frequent the markers p16 (30.77% vs. 8%) and VEGF-A (53.85% vs. 32%), regardless the MVD. However, the p16 positivity was more frequent in BCCs than SCCs (52.94% vs. 15.79%). All of the p16-positive carcinomas were located in the head and neck area. DOG-1 marked 21.05% of SCCs and 5.88% of BCCs, being directly correlated with COX-2 positivity. Eccrine glands and hair follicles also expressed DOG-1. CONCLUSIONS: In cutaneous SCCs located in the head and neck area, sun-dependent p16÷VEGF interaction seems to be responsible by tumor dedifferentiation, whereas maspin cytoplasm to nuclear shift might indicate a high degree of invasiveness. This is the first report about DOG-1 positivity in BCCs and eccrine glands, the significance of this pattern being unknown.

First Case Report of a Sporadic Adrenocortical Carcinoma With Gastric Metastasis and a Synchronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach.

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare tumor with high aggresivity that can associate systemic metastases. A 71-year-old man was hospitalized for gastric cancer. The abdominal computed tomography also revealed a tumor above the right kidney. Total gastrectomy and right adrenalectomy were performed. The encapsulated tumor of the adrenal gland weighed 560 grams and presented diffuse tumor architecture under microscope, with capsular, sinusoidal, and vascular invasion. The large tumor cells had a polygonal shape, with slight basophilic, eosinophilic, or vacuolated cytoplasm, pleomorphic nuclei, and a high mitotic rate. In the stomach, the protruded tumor was covered by normal mucosa; under microscope, the tumor cells were observed only in the submucosal layer. In primary adrenal tumor and gastric metastasis the tumor cells were marked by vimentin, inhibin, synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase, and calretinin. Based on these criteria, the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) with gastric metastasis and no lymph node metastases was established. A synchronous 10 × 10-mm-sized gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the stomach, without mitoses, was also identified. So far, as we know, this is the 15th case of ever reported synchronous/metachronous sporadic ACCs; the ACC-related gastric metastases either synchronous ACC and GIST, has not been reported in the literature previously.

The immunohistochemical profile of granular cell (Abrikossoff) tumor suggests an endomesenchymal origin.

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is an uncommon soft tissue neoplasm which has an unclear histogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze its immunophenotype and hypothesize on the histogenesis of GCT. A database of 2,250 soft tissue tumors was examined to identify and characterize the particularities of GCTs. A large panel of antibodies was used. Of the 2,250 tumors, only 15 were GCTs (0.66 %); these were diagnosed in patients whose average age was 37 years. Among them, 5 had malignant potential, the remaining 10 were benign. One of these benign tumors was associated with a metachronous chondrosarcoma with metastases in the lungs. No recurrences were reported in these cases. The benign tumors displayed positivity for S-100, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), CD56, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and inhibin. In the atypical GCTs, NSE, S-100 protein, c-KIT, RET and EMA were positive, while inhibin and CD56 were negative; rare osteoclastic-like histiocytes, marked by CD68, were seen. All cases were negative for CD31, CD34, smooth muscle actin, desmin, maspin, and calretinin. Ovoid bodies expressed CD105, synaptophysin, and HER-2. All the cases were microsatellite-stable tumors. The immunoprofile suggests that the GCT seems to have an endomesenchymal origin. The c-KIT and RET positivity, associated with microsatellite stability, and the immunoprofile of the ovoid bodies have never reported before in GCTs.

Clinical significance of carcinoembryonic antigen expression of acellular mucin pools after preoperative chemoradiotherapy of rectal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Although several studies have shown that the presence of acellular mucin pools in surgical specimens with rectal carcinomas examined after preoperative chemoradiotherapy indicated complete response to therapy, the proper meaning of these pools has yet to be elucidated. The aims of this study were to analyze the immunoprofile of acellular mucin pools and to review the relevant literature. METHODS: In 30 consecutive rectal cancers that were preoperatively treated with chemoradiotherapy, the clinicopathologic features were correlated with the immunoexpression of AE1/AE3 keratin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). RESULTS: Acellular mucin pools were present in all the cases, independently by their preoperative histological aspect. In remnant tumors (n=20), they were present at the invasion front and were marked by CEA. In cases without remnant tumor cells (n=10), they also displayed CEA positivity. In 2 of the 10 cases, isolated tumor cells were identified after multilevel sectioning of paraffin-embedded blocks. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of acellular mucin pools in surgical specimens of rectal cancers cannot be interpreted as an indicator of complete response to radiotherapy if at least 10 multilevel sections are performed in at least three tumor blocks per case, and CEA negativity is not proved.