Clinical and histopathological parameters in transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies associated with tumor upgrading after radical prostatectomy: A comparative analysis of risk groups.

BACKGROUND: Thanks to technological advances, prostate cancer (PCa) can be diagnosed at a younger age. It is known that most of these patients are in the low-intermediate risk group, and the histological grade of the tumor increases in half of those undergoing radical prostatectomy (Rp) compared to their diagnostic biopsies. This is especially important in terms of active surveillance (AS) and/or the timely evaluation of curative treatment options in patients diagnosed at an early age. Our aim was to investigate clinical and histopathological parameters that may be associated with an increase in the histological grade of the tumor in patients with acinar adenocarcinoma who were diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-Bx) and underwent Rp. METHODS: A total of 205 patients with classical acinar adenocarcinoma diagnosed by TRUS-Bx without metastasis and who underwent Rp were grouped according to the D'Amico risk classification. Age at diagnosis, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density, prostate volume, Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score, clinical stage, Gleason Grade Group (GGG), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in tumor-free cores (HGPIN) (single and ≥2 cores), perineural invasion (PNI), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was obtained. Additionally, GGG, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, surgical margin positivity, and tumor volume obtained from Rp were evaluated. Comparisons were made between the case groups in which the tumor grade increased and remained the same, in terms of age, serum PSA, PSA density, HGPIN in tumor-free cores (single and ≥2 cores), PNI, and LVI in all biopsies (with or without tumors), as well as risk groups. In addition, the relationships of HGPIN in tumor-free cores (single and ≥2 cores), PNI, and LVI on TRUS-Bx with age, serum PSA and PSA density, tumor volume, surgical margin positivity, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and risk groups were examined separately. RESULTS: Of the patients, 72 (35.1%) were in the low-risk group, 95 (46.3%) in the intermediate-risk group, and 38 (18.5%) in the high-risk group. Most of the patients with an increased histological grade (n = 38, 48.1%) were in the low-risk group (p < 0.05) and had an advanced median age. HGPIN in single and ≥2 tumor-free cores and PNI were more common in these patients (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.05, respectively). According to the multivariable analysis, advanced age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.087, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.029-1.148, p < 0.05), high serum PSA (OR: 1.047, 95% CI: 1.006-1.090, p < 0.05), HGPIN in ≥2 tumor-free cores (OR: 6.346, 95% CI: 3.136-12.912, p < 0.001), and PNI (OR: 3.138, 95% CI: 1.179-8.356, p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for a tumor upgrade. Furthermore, being in the low-risk group was an independent risk factor when compared to the intermediate- and high-risk groups (OR: 0.187, 95% CI: 0.080-0.437, p < 0.001 and OR: 0.054, 95% CI: 0.013-0.230, p < 0.001, respectively). The HGPIN diagnosis was more common in the low- and intermediate-risk groups. Advanced age at diagnosis, high serum PSA and PSA density values were associated with PNI on TRUS-Bx. High serum PSA and PSA density values were associated with LVI on TRUS-Bx. Surgical margin positivity was higher in cases with PNI and LVI detected by TRUS-Bx. HGPIN in ≥2 tumor-free cores, PNI, and LVI on TRUS-Bx were associated with a higher rate of lymph node metastases. CONCLUSIONS: In patients diagnosed with acinar adenocarcinoma, the presence of HGPIN even in a single tumor-free core on TRUS-Bx was found to be significant in terms of showing an increase in the histological tumor grade in Rp. The diagnosis of HGPIN in ≥2 tumor-free cores on TRUS-Bx was determined as an independent risk factor for an increased Gleason score after Rp. Furthermore, an advanced age, a high serum PSA value, being in the low-risk group, and the presence of PNI were associated with a tumor upgrade. HGPIN in ≥2 tumor-free cores, PNI, and LVI were also associated with lymph node metastasis. Therefore, the diagnosis of HGPIN should be signed out on pathological reports.

Epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the bladder and concomitant urothelial carcinoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (EMPNST) of the bladder is a rare entity with devastating features. These tumors are thought to originate from malignant transformation of pre-existing schwannomas of pelvic autonomic nerve plexuses, and unlike the conventional malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), are not associated with neurofibromatosis. The tumor has distinctive morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular features. Additionally, it tends to be more aggressive and have a higher mortality. This is the first case that presents with a synchronous urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and the epithelioid variant of MPNST in the literature. It's also the second reported case of EMPNST originating from the bladder wall. CASE SUMMARY: In this case report, we present the detailed clinical course of a 71-year-old patient with EMPNST of the bladder alongside a literature review. CONCLUSION: During the management of EMPNST cases, offering aggressive treatment modalities to the patient, such as radical cystectomy, is appropriate for the best chance to contain the disease, regardless of the tumor stage and the extent of local disease at initial diagnosis.

Olfactory Neuroepithelium in Olfactory Cleft Polyps: Do They Have Any Effect on Olfaction Results After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Objective: How the presence of olfactory structures in olfactory cleft polyps (OCPs) affect olfaction function outcomes after surgical removal has not yet been investigated. In this study we aimed to assess the presence of olfactory structures in OCPs and correlate these findings with olfactory outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Methods: Twenty seven patients with OCP underwent preoperative topical and systemic steroid treatment and ESS. Biopsies from the middle meatal polyps (MMPs) and OCPs were immunohistochemically analyzed for olfactory marker protein (OMP). The smell diskettes olfaction test was applied to patients at baseline, after steroid treatment (AST) and after ESS. Results: OCPs exhibited OMP staining more commonly and intensely compared to MMPs (p=0.008), however, there were no correlations between OMP staining scores and any of the olfaction scores (p>0.05). Steroid treatment increased smell function significantly (p<0.001), however, there were no significant differences between AST and after ESS smell scores (p=0.17). There were significant correlations between smell gains AST and final smell gains after ESS (r=0.665, p<0.001). Conclusion: OCPs contain olfactory neuroepithelium more commonly and intensely than MMPs in nasal polyp patients. However, surgical importance of this finding is controversial because removal of these polyps did not decrease smell function postoperatively in our study. Nasal polyp patients who will take steroid treatment pre-operatively must be informed that the success of ESS on olfaction depends on the response of the steroid treatment and ESS AST might not have additional favorable effect on smell function.

Mixed Epithelial and Stromal Tumor Family of Kidney (Adult Cystic Nephroma, Mixed Epithelial and Stromal Tumor): Retrospective Clinicopathological Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Tumors belonging to the mixed epithelial stromal tumor family (MESTF) are rare; thus clinicopathological experience about them are limited. Each epithelial and stromal component shows different patterns in these tumors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Clinicopathological features of 11 MESTF cases that were diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 at a single center were evaluated. RESULTS: Ten of the 11 patients were female (F:M = 10:1). The mean age of the females was 47 (31-63) years; the male patient was 45 years old. The mean tumor diameter was 6.7 (3.5-19) cm. All tumors had varying proportions of cystic and solid components. Eight cases were well circumscribed, and the others had distinct but irregular borders. Two of the tumors with irregular borders were bulging into the renal sinus. The epithelial component was dominant in most cases. In the epithelial component, macrocyst, microcyst, and tubules were the most common patterns and the most common types of lining epithelium were flat, cuboidal and hobnail. The stromal component was variable in most cases and included hypocellular (mostly collagenous) and cellular areas. In most cases, the cellular stroma had an ovarian-like appearance. Among the other features observed, hyalinization and dystrophic calcification were common. The positivity for estrogen and progesterone receptor in the stromal component was observed in almost all female cases. CONCLUSION: MESTF, which has distinctive features, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic kidney tumors.

A clinical scoring system for the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

Objective: To develop a scoring system using clinical evaluation methods to predict the presence of adenomyosis. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 232 patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disorders was prospectively enrolled. A detailed anamnesis was obtained and physical/pelvic examinations with trans-vaginal ultrasound imaging were performed one day before the hysterectomy. The diagnosis of adenomyosis was based on histopathologic examination. Findings were compared between patients with (n=55) and without (n=166) adenomyosis. Factors associated with adenomyosis were assessed with regression analysis and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. The variables found to be significant were chosen for the scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was carried out to find the cut-off values for these variables. Results: Number of parity, dyspareunia and dysmenorrhea visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, age of menarche, presence of uterine tenderness and detection of heterogeneous myometrium and myometrial cysts during ultrasonography were found to be the significant parameters. OR for the presence of myometrial heterogeneity, myometrial cysts, uterine tenderness were 27.2, 3.6 and 9.3 respectively. Cut-off values were calculated; 3 for parity (OR=2.8), 13-years for menarche (OR=1.6), 2 for dyspareunia VAS scores (OR=1.9) and 4 for dysmenorrhea VAS scores (OR=1.2). The total sum of maximum OR that a patient can obtain was calculated as 47.6 and this value was assumed to predict the presence of adenomyosis 100%. The multiplication of the sum of the OR in a patient by 2.1 (100/47.2) was found to have a predictive ability for the presence of adenomyosis. Conclusion: A scoring system is developed to predict adenomyosis non-invasively based on clinical evaluation.

Olfactory neuroepithelium in the middle turbinate: is there any impact on olfaction function after lateral marsupialization for concha bullosa surgery?

INTRODUCTION: The effect of the quantity of olfactory neuroepithelium in the middle turbinate on the postoperative olfactory function for middle turbinate concha bullosa patients has not yet been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the olfactory structures in the middle turbinate by immunohistochemical analysis of the olfactory marker protein and to correlate the immunostaining results with the olfaction test results for patients with middle turbinate concha bullosa. METHODS: Surgical materials of 18 middle turbinate concha bullosa patients who had undergone lateral marsupialization surgery were immunostained with olfactory marker protein antibodies. Smell diskettes olfaction test was applied to all of the study group patients both preoperatively and three months postoperatively. A visual analog scale was used to quantify the sense of nasal obstruction. RESULTS: It was observed that the postoperative smell scores and the nasal obstruction visual analog scale values were significantly improved as compared to the preoperative values (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the smell score gain and the visual analog scale gain values (r = 0.682). Results also indicated no significant correlation between the olfactory marker protein staining scores and the smell scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This first paper demonstrated that the quantity of the olfactory mucosa in the middle turbinate was not a determining factor for the postoperative smell function degree for middle turbinate concha bullosa patients. The underlying cause of the olfactory deficit for middle turbinate concha bullosa patients seems to be obstruction related rather than the middle turbinate's olfactory mucosa containing status.

Altered VEGF, Bcl-2 and IDH1 expression in patients with adenomyosis.

PURPOSE: Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disease resulting from the myometrial invasion of the endometrial gland and stroma. In the current study, angiogenesis, apoptosis and energy metabolism were investigated in adenomyosis. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using paraffin archival tissues. Three groups were included in the study: Group I and Group II; ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues of patients with adenomyosis, respectively, and Control Group; endometrial tissue of individuals without adenomyosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1A) levels were evaluated as angiogenic markers. Bcl-2, caspase-9 and caspase-3 levels were investigated as apoptotic indicators, and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit C (SDHC) and fumarate hydratase (FH) levels were also examined as energy metabolism markers. Gene expression levels of all parameters were determined by RT-PCR. RESULT: VEGF expression levels were found to be increased in Group I according to the control group and Group II. Bcl-2 expression levels were found to be increased in the Group I compared to the Group II. It was determined that expression levels of IDH1 were decreased in the Group I and Group II compared to the Control Group. There was no significant difference in the other examined parameters. Although we did not find a significant difference in HIF-1A levels between the groups, we found a positive correlation between VEGF and HIF-1A in the Group I. CONCLUSION: These results point out that VEGF, HIF-1A, Bcl-2 and IDH1 may be associated with the etiology of adenomyosis.

Clinical course of the untreated calcified big cerebellar liponeurocytoma.

Cerebellar liponeurocytoma (CLN) is a very rare tumor of central nervous system, classified as glioneuronal tumor by the latest classification of World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016. There are limited data in the literature about biologic behavior, growth pattern and radiological features of this tumor. In this case report, we operated a big calcified CLN patient who had denied any surgical procedures suggested by an another institute and had been followed for 4 years.

Metachronous Synovial Sarcoma After Treatment of Mixed Germ Cell Tumor in a Child with Complete Gonadal Dysgenesis.

Patients with complete XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD) show a high predisposition to germ cell tumors (GCT). Patients with coexistence of GCT and GD have been reported previously. Here we present a 15-year-old girl with mixed GCT and GD who also developed an intra-abdominal synovial sarcoma one year after the treatment. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of synovial sarcoma associated with XY GD.

What does the Data of 354,725 Patients from Turkey Tell Us About Cervical Smear Epithelial Cell Abnormalities? - The Epithelial Cell Abnormality Rate is Increasing - Quality Control Studies and Corrective Activity are Musts.

OBJECTIVE: There is no other screening program close to the success rate of PAP test. Cervical cytology constitutes a large workload so that quality control in cervical cytology is important for the quality assurance of pathology laboratories. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this study, we collected the cervical cytology results from all over Turkey and discussed the parameters influencing the quality of the PAP test. The study was conducted with Turkish gynaecopathology working group and 38 centers (totally 45 hospitals) agreed to contribute from 24 different cities. The study was designed to cover the cervical cytology results during 2013. The results were evaluated from the data based on an online questionnaire. RESULTS: The total number of Epithelial Cell Abnormality was 18,020 and the global Epithelial Cell Abnormality rate was 5.08% in the total 354,725 smears and ranging between 0.3% to 16.64% among centers. The Atypical squamous cells /Squamous intraepithelial lesion ratios changed within the range of 0.21-13.94 with an average of 2.61. When the centers were asked whether they performed quality assurance studies, only 14 out of 28 centers, which shared the information, had such a control study and some quality parameters were better in these centers. CONCLUSION: There is an increase in the global Epithelial Cell Abnormality rate and there are great differences among centers. Quality control studies including the Atypical squamous cells/Squamous intraepithelial lesion ratio are important. Corrective and preventive action according to quality control parameters is a must. A cervical cytology subspecialist in every center can be utopic but a dedicated pathologist in the center is certainly needed.

Histopathological evaluation of melatonin as a protective agent in heart injury induced by radiation in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Melatonin is a hormone which is known to be a powerful cardioprotective agent due to its free radical-scavenging properties. This study was carried out to evaluate whether melatonin administration prior to irradiation would have a protective effect on cardiac histopathological changes in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups. Single dose of 18 Gy radiation and sham radiation exposure were used in related groups. 50mg/kg dose of melatonin were injected intraperitonally 15 min prior to radiation exposure. Analyses and assessments were performed 6 months after radiation exposure. RESULTS: Severe myocardial fibrosis was observed prominently in three regions: the apex, tips of papillary muscles and adjacent to the atrioventricular valves. Inflammation was found to be more in irradiated groups. Increased inflammation and fibrosis were in concordance. The number of mast cells was found to be decreased in irradiated groups. Myocyte necrosis and fibrosis were diminished with melatonin while vasculitis was prevented. CONCLUSIONS: Elementary pathological lesions of radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) are fibrosis, vascular damage, vasculitis and myocyte necrosis. Development of vasculitis was prevented by the use of melatonin. Fibrosis and necrosis were prominently decreased. Prevention of RIHD with the use of melatonin at the long term is encouraging according to the histopathological results.

Human papillomavirus genotype distribution and E6/E7 oncogene expression in Turkish women with cervical cytological findings.

BACKGROUND: Infection with certain human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes is the most important risk factor related with cervical cancer. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of HPV infection, the distribution of HPV genotypes and HPV E6/E7 oncogene mRNA expression in Turkish women with different cervical cytological findings in Mersin province, Southern Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 476 cytological samples belonging to women with normal and abnormal cervical Pap smears were enrolled in the study. For the detection and genotyping assay, a PCR/direct cycle sequencing approach was used. E6/E7 mRNA expression of HPV-16, 18, 31, 33, and 45 was determined by type-specific real-time NASBA assay (NucliSENS EasyQ(®)HPV v1.1). RESULTS: Of the 476 samples, 106 (22.3%) were found to be positive for HPV DNA by PCR. The presence of HPV was significantly more common (p<0.001) in HSIL (6/8, 75%) when compared with LSIL (6/14, 42.9%), ASC-US (22/74, 29.7%) and normal cytology (72/380, 18.9%). The most prevalent genotypes were, in descending order of frequency, HPV genotype 66 (22.6%), 16 (20.8%), 6 (14.2%), 31 (11.3%), 53 (5.7%), and 83 (4.7%). HPV E6/E7 oncogene mRNA positivity (12/476, 2.5%) was lower than DNA positivity (38/476, 7.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data present a wide distribution of HPV genotypes in the analyzed population. HPV genotypes 66, 16, 6, 31, 53 and 83 were the predominant types and most of them were potential carcinogenic types. Because of the differences between HPV E6/E7 mRNA and DNA positivity, further studies are required to test the role of mRNA testing in the triage of women with abnormal cervical cytology or follow up of HPV DNA positive and cytology negative. These epidemiological data will be important to determine the future impact of vaccination on HPV infected women in our region.

Toxic-inflammatory effects of prostoglandin analogs on the ocular surface.

PURPOSE: To investigate the toxic-inflammatory effects of prostaglandin analogs on the ocular surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three rats were divided into four groups. Bimatoprost 0.03% (I), latanoprost 0.005% (II), and travoprost 0.004% (III) were applied during 6 months; a control group (IV) received no treatment. Dysplasia and keratinization were evaluated on the ocular surface. In the subepithelial area, the number of lymphocytes and mast cells were counted morphologically, and collagen staining densities were compared subjectively in groups. RESULTS: The ratio of keratinization was 3/12 and 1/10, in groups I and II. The lymphocyte cell counts were 1.4 ± 0.19, 2.2 ± 0.39, 2.27 ± 0.33, and 1.87 ± 0.35 (p > .05). The mast cell counts were 2.58 ± 0.5, 5.4 ± 1.1, 5.7 ± 0.58, and 3.0 ± 0.59. They were significantly higher in groups II and III than in group I (p < .05). Mean collagen density scores were 1.00 ± 0.85, 2.00 ± 0.00, and 1,73 ± 0.70. Group II and III scores were higher than group I scores (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Latanoprost and travoprost seem to have more toxic-inflammatory effects on the ocular surface than bimatoprost.

Reversible minimal change nephrotic syndrome and glomerular IgA deposition associated with nonparenteral heroin abuse: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report for the first time a case of reversible minimal change nephrotic syndrome with immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposition associated with heroin. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 29-year-old male heroin abuser who developed nephrotic syndrome was admitted to our clinic. Renal biopsy revealed minimal change disease with IgA deposition. Because spontaneous complete remission was observed after cessation of heroin, a diagnosis of minimal change nephrotic syndrome with IgA deposition associated with heroin abuse was considered. CONCLUSION: This case showed minimal change nephrotic syndrome with IgA deposition that had a benign clinical course.

Inhibin-A immunoreactivity in nervous system lesions.

To evaluate inhibin-A immunoreactivity and its utility in the differential diagnosis of nervous system neoplasms and non-neoplastic lesions. An immunohistochemical study of 252 central and peripheral nervous system tumors and 40 non-neoplastic lesions was undertaken. Brain lesions included the basic spectrum of astrocytic, oligodendroglial, and ependymal neoplasms, as well as glioneuronal, pineal parenchymal, choroid plexus, and embryonal. Meningeal neoplasms, basic peripheral nerve tumors, and uncommon sellar lesions were also assessed. Non-neoplastic lesions included demyelinating disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, organizing infarct, and reactive gliosis. Diffuse cytoplasmic, membranous, and perinuclear cytoplasmic staining patterns were observed. Significant immunoreactivity was noted in glioblastoma (12 of 20), pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (6 of 10), ganglioglioma (8 of 10), meningioma (14 of 20), and hemangioblastoma (10 of 10). Peripheral nerve and sellar tumors as well as non-neoplastic lesions were entirely immunonegative. In our study that investigated the inhibin-A immunoreactivity in a broad spectrum of nervous system lesions, inhibin-A positivity was established in various low-grade and high-grade central nervous system tumors. Thus, inhibin-A is not a specific marker of hemangioblastoma and may be of limited utility in the differential diagnosis of astrocytic and meningothelial neoplasms. Its pathophysiologic role in these various tumors remains to be determined. Further evaluation of the possible significance of staining patterns and degrees of reactivity relative to pathobiology and/or prognosis significance is required.

Nephrotic syndrome associated with gemcitabine use in a patient with ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Here we present a patient who developed nephrotic syndrome associated with gemcitabine use. CASE REPORT: Gemcitabine therapy was initiated following tumor recurrence in a patient with ovarian cancer, who was previously treated twice with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Radiological findings waned and tumor marker concentrations decreased after gemcitabine treatment. However, edema and ascites development was observed on the fifth treatment cycle. Laboratory results revealed increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, decreased serum albumin concentrations, and increased 24-hour urinary protein excretion. Renal biopsy findings were compatible with membranous glomerulonephritis. Gemcitabine administration was stopped and the cyclophosphamide and steroid therapy were initiated. The symptoms and findings disappeared after the cessation of gemcitabine and immunosuppressive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Gemcitabine treatment may be associated with proteinuria to the extent of nephrotic syndrome.

[Incidental pathologies found in neck dissection: an unusual case report]. / Boyun diseksiyonunda bulunan tesadüfi patolojiler: Nadir bir olgu sunumu.

During the pathologic examination of neck dissection specimens, unexpected findings within lymph nodes may occasionally be uncovered. Such findings may include the presence of a second primary tumor or inflammatory disease, the discovery of which may have implications on management and prognosis. Incidental papillary thyroid carcinoma and necrotizing granulomatous inflammation were found in addition to squamous cell carcinoma metastasis in the pathological study of the neck dissection specimen in a 70-year-old male patient with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic features of this rare association were discussed in the light of the current literature.

Expression of glucose transporter protein-1 (Glut-1) in ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

PURPOSE: To examine the expression of glucose transporter protein-1 (GLUT-1) in ocular surface squamous neoplasia and to study its relationship with degree of neoplasia and cell proliferation index (Ki-67 labeling index). METHODS: Twelve cases diagnosed as ocular surface squamous neoplasia (4 invasive and 8 intraepithelial tumors) at Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, were included in this study. There were 3 squamous cell carcinomas, 1 basosquamous cell carcinoma, and 8 conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasms. Immunohistochemically, GLUT-1 and Ki-67 antibody staining were performed. RESULTS: GLUT-1 membranous immunoreactivity was seen in all tumors except in 1 case. GLUT-1 immunostaining was observed in all layers of the neoplastic epithelium of squamous cell carcinoma. Intense staining for GLUT-1 was determined in the upper two thirds of the severe dysplastic squamous epithelium. Although immunoreactivity for Ki-67 nuclear antigen was present throughout the epithelium, it was higher in the lower two thirds. Ki-67 labeling index ranged between 6% and 80%, and the mean value was 35% for invasive tumors and 20% for intraepithelial tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Marked GLUT-1 and Ki-67 immunoreactive cells throughout the neoplastic epithelium of ocular surface squamous neoplasia were observed. In most cases, it was observed that GLUT-1 expression was severe in cases having >10% Ki-67 labeling index. These findings indicate that glucose uptake was increased in dysplastic cells, especially by GLUT-1. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the subject in the literature, and further studies with more cases are needed with GLUT-1 and other GLUT members.

Does pinealectomy affect the recovery rate after spinal cord injury?

Previous reports documented demonstrated that melatonin, a free radical scavenger, is important in protecting against oxidative stress-induced tissue damage after spinal cord injury (SCI). This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of pinealectomy (PX) and administration of exogenous melatonin after SCI in rats. These animals were randomized into six groups, each having 12 rats. Group 1 underwent laminectomy alone. Group 2 underwent laminectomy followed by SCI and received no medication. Group 3 underwent laminectomy followed by SCI and received melatonin. Group 4 underwent PX and laminectomy alone. Group 5 underwent PX and laminectomy followed by SCI and received no medication. Group 6 underwent PX and laminectomy followed by SCI and received melatonin. Melatonin (100 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally immediately after trauma to the rats in the groups 3 and 6. PX caused a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), xanthine oxidase (XO) levels and decrease in GSH levels as compared with the control group. Trauma to the spinal cord results in significantly higher oxidative stress. Melatonin administration significantly reduced MDA, XO and NO levels, and increased GSH levels in the spinal cord after trauma. Exogenous melatonin treatment after trauma attenuated tissue lesion area and accelerated motor recovery rate. These findings suggest that reduction in endogenous melatonin after PX makes the rats more vulnerable to trauma and exogenous melatonin administration has an important neuroprotective effect on the level of the spinal cord.