[Enzyme patterns in connective tissue proliferations (author's transl)]. / Enzymmuster von Bindegewebswucherungen

In a series of benign or semimalignant connective tissue proliferations (4 desmoids, 1 recurrence of a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, 4 fibromas, 1 neurofibroma, 3 keloids, 3 Dupuytren's contractures) and a normal fascia for comparison the pattern of 18 enzymes from different metabolic pathways was investigated. It should be clarified whether alterations of the enzyme pattern wouldoccur, asthey are found in malignant tumours. The activity of most of the enzymes investigated increased about twofold in the latter of two extirpations (16 months interval) of a recurring desmoid. In the recurrence of a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and in a recurrance of a fibroma a remarkably high activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase was found. High activities of these enzymes are known to be characteristic of experimental tumours of animals and human malignant neoplasms. Therefore it is assumed that these differences from the normal patternof enzyme activity are related to recidivity and may be regarded as first signs of a deviation from benignity. Based on these results further studies haveto be done with the aim to find a biochemical tool for, evaluation and prognosis of the course of these diseases.

Activity of glycolytic enzymes and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in lipoblastic and neurogenic proliferations.

The alterations in specific activity and/or isozyme pattern of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, aldolase, enolase, pyruvate kinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were studied in the tissue specimens of 26 patients with lipoblastic tumors and 28 patients with tumors of neurogenic origin. Although the biochemical data demonstrated that the activities of most enzymes studied were elevated in the specimens of the malignant tumors, only the differences in activity of hexokinase, pyruvate kinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase measured between benign and malignant neurogenic tumors were significant. In malignant tumors, especially those of neurogenic origin, the isozyme pattern of pyruvate kinase showed a shift towards K-type subunits.

Extracellular matrix vessels in human osteogenic neoplasms: an ultrastructural and enzymatic study.

The results of a study of the ultrastructural and enzymatic features of extracellular matrix vesicles in human osteogenic neoplasms are reported. Specimens from three osteosarcomas, a chondrosarcoma, and an osteoblastoma were processed for electron microscopic study and for preparation of vesicular, membrane, and cellular fractions. Electron micrographs of each lesion showed primary mineralization comprised of matrix vesicles and calcifying nodules. There was a distinct pattern of distribution of enzymatic activity among fractions from the osteosarcomas; namely that the highest values for specific activity of alkaline and pyrosphosphatases and adenosine triphosphases (ATPases) in the vesicle fractions and lowest in the cell fractions. This pattern was not consistent in fractions from the other neoplasms. The aforementioned enzymes are considered essential for the onset of mineralization. The data presented establish the role of matrix vesicles in neoplastic calcification and suggest the need for further studies into the diagnostic value of the vesicles.

Poorly differentiated, neuron-specific enolase positive round cell tumor with two translocations t(11;22) and t(21;22).

The authors describe a highly malignant, disseminated round cell tumor originating in the ninth rib of a 14-year-old boy. Extensive studies by means of light and electron microscopic examination, histocytochemistry and immunocytochemistry and cytogenetic analysis revealed an undifferentiated, neuron-specific enolase positive round cell tumor with a unique karyotype: 45,XY,-21,t(11;22)(q23;q11), der(22)t(21;22)(q11.2;p11). Thus, despite the absence of definite morphologic features, such as Homer-Wright rosettes, neurosecretory granules and cytoplasmatic processes, these findings suggest a neuroectodermal origin of this bone tumor.