Expression and significance of CK5/6, P63, P40, CK7, TTF-1, NapsinA, CD56, Syn and CgA in biopsy specimen of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma / Expresión y significado de CK5/6, P63, P40, CK7, TTF-1, NapsinA, CD56 Syn y CgA en muestras de biopsia de carcinoma de células escamosas, adenocarcinoma y carcinoma de células pequeñas de pulmón

Nine tumor and various potential biomarkers were measured and combined the information to diagnose disease, all patients accepted fiber bronchoscopy brush liquid based cytologyand histopathology examination in order to reliably detect lung cancer. The samples from 314 Chinese lung cancer patients were obtained and CK5/6, P63, P40, CK7, TTF-1, NapsinA CD56, Syn and CgA were measured with the immunohistochemical SP method and analyzed correlation of the expression of these markers with pathological and clinical features of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell lung carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma were 61 cases, 114 cases and 139 cases,CK5/6 and P63 expression were more frequent in squamous cell carcinoma, with sensitivity and specificity of 77.05 % and 96.44 %, 83.61 % and 88.93 %,and compared with adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), The incidences of a positive P40 expression were 100 % in squamous cell carcinoma, with specificity of 98.81 %.CK7, TTF-1 and NapsinA expression were more frequent in adenocarcinoma, with sensitivity and specificity of 85.09 % and 78.69 %, 79.82 % and 93.44 %, 56.14 % and 95.08 %, and compared with squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). TTF-1, Syn, CgA and CD56 expression were more frequent in adenocarcinoma, with sensitivity and specificity of 86.33 % and 93.44 %, 89.21 % and 98.36 %, 74.10 % and 100 %, 96.40 % and 96.72 %. The combined detection of CK5/6, P63 and P40 were more useful and specific in differentiating squamous cell carcinoma. CK7, TTF-1 and NapsinA were more useful and specific in differentiating lung adenocarcinoma. The impaired CD56, TTF-1, Syn and CgA reflects the progression of small cell lung cancer.

Se midieron tumores y utilizaron nueve biomarcadores potenciales y se analizó la información para diagnosticar la enfermedad. A todos los pacientes se les realizó citología en líquido con broncoscopía de fibra y examen histopatológico para detectar de manera confiable el cáncer pulmonar. Se obtuvieron muestras de 314 pacientes chinos con cáncer de pulmón y CK5 / 6, P63, P40, CK7, TTF-1, Napsina A, CD56, Syn y CgA se midieron a través de histoquímica SP y analizaron la correlación de la expresión de estos marcadores con características patológicas y clínicas de carcinoma de células escamosas, adenocarcinoma y carcinoma de células pequeñas en el cáncer de pulmón. El carcinoma de células escamosas, el adenocarcinoma y el carcinoma de células pequeñas fueron 61 casos, 114 casos y 139 casos, respectivamente, la expresión de CK5 / 6 y P63 fueron más frecuentes en el carcinoma de células escamosas, con una sensibilidad y especificidad del 77,05 % y 96,44 %, 83,61 % y 88,93 %, y en comparación con el adenocarcinoma y el carcinoma de células pequeñas, la diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (P <0,05). La incidencia de ap la expresión positiva P40 fue del 100 % en el carcinoma de células escamosas, con una especificidad del 98,81 %. La expresión de CK7, TTF-1 y NapsinA fueron más frecuentes en el adenocarcinoma, con una sensibilidad y especificidad del 85,09 % y 78,69 %, 79,82 % y 93,44 %, 56,14 % y 95,08 %, y en comparación con el carcinoma de células escamosas y la diferencia de carcinoma de células pequeñas fue estadísticamente significativa (P <0,05) .TTF-1, Syn, CgA y la expresión de CD56 fueron más frecuentes en adenocarcinoma, con sensibilidad y especificidad de 86.33 % y 93.44 %, 89.21 % y 98.36 %, 74.10 % y 100 %, 96.40 % y 96.72 %. La detección combinada de CK5 / 6, P63 y P40 fue más útil y específica en la diferenciación del carcinoma de células escamosas. CK7, TTF-1 y NapsinA fueron más útiles y específicos para diferenciar el adenocarcinoma de pulmón. El deterioro de CD56, TTF-1, Syn y CgA refleja la progresión del cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas.

MicroRNA-383-5p inhibits the progression of gastric carcinoma via targeting HDAC9 expression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as post-transcriptional regulators, have been reported to be involved in the initiation and progression of various types of cancer, including gastric cancer (GC). The present study aimed to investigate the role of miR-383-5p in gastric carcinogenesis. Cell viability was analyzed using CCK-8 kit. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining was used to evaluate cell apoptosis. The expression levels of miR-383-5p and histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) mRNA in GC tissues and cell lines were analyzed using RT-qPCR. The protein expression of HDAC9 was detected by western blotting. We found that HDAC9 was up-regulated and miR-383-5p was down-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines. High HDAC9 expression or low miR-383-5p expression was closely related to poor prognosis and metastasis in GC patients. HDAC9 knockout or miR-383-5p mimics led to growth inhibition and increased apoptosis in AGS and SGC-7901 cells. More importantly, we validated that miR-383-5p as a post-transcriptional regulator inhibited HDAC9 expression and was inversely correlated with HDAC9 expression in GC tissues. miR-383-5p had the opposite effects to HDAC9 in gastric carcinogenesis. miR-383-5p played an important role in gastric carcinogenesis, and it is one of the important mechanisms to regulate oncogenic HDAC9 in GC, which might be helpful in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of GC.

Oridonin induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells by enhancement of p53 expression and function

The tumor suppressive role of oridonin, an active compound extracted from Rabdosia rubescens, has been proven in several gastric cancer (GC) cell lines. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of oridonin on another GC cell line, SNU-216, and explore the potential mechanisms. The viable cell numbers, cell migration, survival fraction, and cell viability were, respectively, evaluated by trypan blue exclusion assay, wound healing assay, clonogenic assay, and CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry assay and western blot. The expression of p53 was inhibited by transient transfection, and the efficiency was verified by western blot. qRT-PCR was performed to measure the mRNA expression of p53. Western blot was used to evaluate the protein expression of apoptosis, DNA damage and p53 function related factors. We found that oridonin significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and survivability, and enhanced cell apoptosis in SNU-216 cells. However, it had no influence on HEK293 cell viability. Oridonin also remarkably enhanced the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin on SNU-216 cells, as it significantly increased apoptotic cells and decreased cell viability. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of p53 was significantly up-regulated in oridonin-treated cells, while Mdm2 expression was down-regulated. Furthermore, oridonin enhanced p53 function and induced DNA damage. Knockdown of p53 or employing the caspase inhibitor, Boc-D-FMK, reversed the effect of oridonin on cell viability and apoptosis-related protein expression. The present study demonstrated that oridonin exhibited an anti-tumor effect on GC SNU-216 cells through regulating p53 expression and function.

Radioiodine-induced oxidative stress in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma and effect of supplementation with vitamins C and E and selenium (antioxidants)

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study, in addition to confirming that therapy with 131I causes oxidative stress, was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with vitamins C and E and selenium on this phenomenon by measuring plasma 8-epi-PGF2a, a marker of lipid peroxidation. Subjects and methods Forty patients with thyroid cancer submitted to thyroidectomy, who received 3.7 GBq 131I after levothyroxine withdrawal, were selected; 20 patients did not receive (control group) and 20 patients received (intervention group) daily supplementation consisting of 2000 mg vitamin C, 1000 mg vitamin E and 400 µg selenium for 21 days before 131I. Plasma 8-epi-PGF2a was measured immediately before and 2 and 7 days after 131I. Results A significant increase in plasma 8-epi-PGF2a after 131I was observed in the two groups. The concentrations of 8-epi-PGF2α were significantly higher in the control group before and 2 and 7 days after 131I. The percentage of patients with elevated 8-epi-PGF2α was also significantly higher in the control group before and after 131I. Furthermore, the increase (percent) in 8-epi-PGF2α was significantly greater in the control group (average of 112.3% versus 56.3%). Only two patients (10%) reported side effects during supplementation. Conclusions Ablation with 131I causes oxidative stress which can be minimized by the use of antioxidants.

The destruction complex of beta-catenin in colorectal carcinoma and colonic adenoma / O complexo destruidor de betacatenina no carcinoma colorretal e no adenoma cólico

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the destruction complex of beta-catenin by the expression of the proteins beta-catetenin, adenomatous polyposis coli, GSK3β, axin and ubiquitin in colorectal carcinoma and colonic adenoma. Methods Tissue samples from 64 patients with colorectal carcinoma and 53 patients with colonic adenoma were analyzed. Tissue microarray blocks and slides were prepared and subjected to immunohistochemistry with polyclonal antibodies in carcinoma, adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa, and adenoma tissues. The immunoreactivity was evaluated by the percentage of positive stained cells and by the intensity assessed through of the stained grade of proteins in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells. In the statistical analysis, the Spearman correlation coefficient, Student’s t, χ2, Mann-Whitney, and McNemar tests, and univariate logistic regression analysis were used. Results In colorectal carcinoma, the expressions of beta-catenin and adenomatous polyposis coli proteins were significantly higher than in colonic adenomas (p<0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively). The immunoreactivity of GSK3β, axin 1 and ubiquitin proteins was significantly higher (p=0.03, p=0.039 and p=0.03, respectively) in colorectal carcinoma than in the colonic adenoma and adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa. The immunohistochemistry staining of these proteins did not show significant differences with the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer and colonic adenoma. Conclusions These results suggest that, in adenomas, the lower expression of the beta-catenin, axin 1 and GSK3β proteins indicated that the destruction complex of beta-catenin was maintained, while in colorectal carcinoma, the increased expression of beta-catenin, GSK3β, axin 1, and ubiquitin proteins indicated that the destruction complex of beta-catenin was disrupted.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o complexo de destruição da betacatenina no carcinoma colorretal e no adenoma do colo pela expressão das proteínas betacatenina, adenomatous polyposis coli, GSK3β, axina e ubiquitina. Métodos Amostras de tecidos de 64 doentes com carcinoma colorretal e de 53 pacientes com adenoma do colo foram analisadas. Blocos de tecidos foram submetidos ao estudo imuno-histoquímico com anticorpos policlonais nos tecidos do carcinoma, mucosa não neoplásica adjacente e adenoma. A imunorreatividade foi avaliada pela porcentagem de positividade de células coradas e pela intensidade do grau de coloração das proteínas no citoplasma e no núcleo das células. Na análise estatística, foram utilizados o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman, os testes t de Student, χ2, Mann-Whitney e de McNemar, e a análise de regressão logística univariada. Resultados No carcinoma colorretal, as expressões da betacatenina e da adenomatous polyposis coli foram significativamente maiores do que em adenomas do colo (p<0,001 e p<0,0001, respectivamente). A imunorreatividade das proteínas GSK3β, axina 1 e ubiquitina foi significativamente maior (p=0,03, p=0,039 e p=0,03, respectivamente) no carcinoma colorretal do que no adenoma e na mucosa não neoplásica adjacente. A coloração imuno-histoquímica dessas proteínas não apresentou diferenças significantes em relação às características clinicopatológicas do câncer colorretal e do adenoma. Conclusões Em adenomas, as menores expressões de betacatenina, axina 1 e GSK3β indicaram que o complexo de destruição da betacatenina estava conservado, enquanto que, no carcinoma colorretal, o aumento das expressões da betacatenina, GSK3β, 1 axina, e ubiquitina indicaram que o complexo de destruição de betacatenina estava alterado.

Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 Overexpression Is Associated with Poor Survival in Patients with Resected Muscle Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma

PURPOSE: To examine the usefulness of various receptor tyrosine kinase expressions as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in muscle invasive urothelial cancer (UC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 98 patients with muscle invasive UC who underwent radical cystectomy between 2005 and 2010 in Yonsei Cancer Center. Using formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues of primary tumors, immunohistochemical staining was done for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). RESULTS: There were 41 (41.8%), 44 (44.9%), and 14 (14.2%) patients who have over-expressed HER2, FGFR1, and FGFR3, respectively. In univariate analysis, significantly shorter median time to recurrence (TTR) (12.9 months vs. 49.0 months; p=0.008) and overall survival (OS) (22.3 months vs. 52.7 months; p=0.006) was found in patients with FGFR1 overexpression. By contrast, there was no difference in TTR or OS according to the HER2 and FGFR3 expression status. FGFR1 remained as a significant prognostic factor for OS with hazard ratio of 2.23 (95% confidence interval: 1.27-3.90, p=0.006) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our result showed that FGFR1 expression, but not FGFR3, is an adverse prognostic factor in muscle invasive UC patients after radical cystectomy. FGFR1 might be feasible for prognosis prediction and a potential therapeutic target after thorough validation in muscle invasive UC.

Long non-coding RNA AFAP1-AS1 facilitates tumor growth and promotes metastasis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Long non-coding RNAs can regulate tumorigenesis of various cancers. Dys-regulation of lncRNA-AFAP1-AS1 has not been studied in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). This study was to examine the function involvement of AFAP1-AS1 in tumor growth and metastasis of CRC. METHODS: Relative expression of AFAP1-AS1 in CRC tissues and CRC cells lines was determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Functional involvement of AFAP1-AS1 in tumor proliferation and metastasis was evaluated in AFAP1-AS1-specific siRNA-treated CRC cells and in CRC cell xenograft. Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene expression was determined using western blot. RESULTS: Relative expression of AFAP1-AS1 was significantly elevated in CRC tissues and CRC HCT116 and SW480 cell lines. AFAP1-AS1 knock-down suppressed SW480 cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion. Also AFAP1-AS1 knock-down inhibited tumor metastasis-associated genes expression in terms of EMT. This carcinostatic action by AFAP1-AS1 knock-down was further confirmed by suppression of tumor formation and hepatic metastasis of CRC cells in nude mice. CONCLUSION: lncRNA-AFAP1-AS1 knock-down exhibits antitumor effect on colorectal carcinoma in respects of suppression of cell proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells.

Effect of a Low Iodine Diet vs. Restricted Iodine Diet on Postsurgical Preparation for Radioiodine Ablation Therapy in Thyroid Carcinoma Patients

PURPOSE: The radioiodine ablation therapy is required for patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy. Through a comparative review of a low iodine diet (LID) and a restricted iodine diet (RID), the study aims to suggest guidelines that are suitable for the conditions of Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 101 patients. With 24-hour urine samples from the patients after a 2-week restricted diet and after a 4-week restricted diet, the amount of iodine in the urine was estimated. The consumed radioiodine amounts for 2 hours and 24 hours were calculated. RESULTS: This study was conducted with 47 LID patients and 54 RID patients. The amounts of iodine in urine, the 2-week case and 4-week case for each group showed no significant differences. The amounts of iodine in urine between the two groups were both included in the range of the criteria for radioiodine ablation therapy. Also, 2 hours and 24 hours radioiodine consumption measured after 4-week restrictive diet did not show statistical differences between two groups. CONCLUSION: A 2-week RID can be considered as a type of radioiodine ablation therapy after patients undergo a total thyroidectomy.

A systematic review of the nutritional adequacy of the diet in the Central Andes / Revisión sistemática de la adecuación nutricional del régimen alimentario en los Andes centrales

OBJECTIVE:To examine dietary adequacy in the Andean area, including macro- and micronutrient intakes, with a particular focus on rural communities; to highlight nutrition priorities in the Andes; and to identify opportunities for improvement. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, identifying published and grey literature in English and Spanish related to diet in the central Andean countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Articles reporting data from dietary surveys or nutrition interventions were included. Thirty-four papers or reports published in 1969-2011 were included in the final review. The mean and variation in intakes by sex and age group of all presented nutrients were collated and the mean of means were calculated. RESULTS: Thiamin, niacin, and vitamin C intakes were usually adequate. Intakes of most other micronutrients, including iron, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12, folate, and zinc were low, likely resulting in high levels of inadequacy. Energy intakes were lower than requirements, but it is unlikely to be a common problem, rather, this result was probably due to the known tendency of most dietary survey tools to underreport intake. However, energy from fat intakes was very low, usually less than 20% of the total, and in some settings, less than 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The inadequate intake of some micronutrients is common in many developing countries, but the extremely low intake of dietary fat found in the central Andes is not. Increased consumption of animal-source foods would increase fat intakes, while addressing micronutrient deficiencies; however, the impact on the fragile ecosystem of the Andes needs considering. Indigenous crops, such as lupine bean, quinoa, and amaranth are also rich in fat or micronutrients.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la adecuación del régimen alimentario en la zona andina, incluidas las ingestas de macro y micronutrientes, prestando especial atención a las comunidades rurales; señalar las prioridades nutricionales en los Andes; y establecer las oportunidades de mejora. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una exhaustiva búsqueda bibliográfica, en la que se seleccionaron documentos publicados y procedentes de la literatura gris, en inglés y español, relacionados con el régimen alimentario en los países andinos centrales de Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador y Perú. Se incluyeron artículos que aportaran datos de encuestas alimentarias o intervenciones nutricionales. En el análisis final, se incluyeron 34 artículos o informes publicados desde 1969 a 2011. Se recopilaron las medias y las variaciones de las ingestas de todos los nutrientes presentados según el sexo y el grupo de edad, y se calculó la correspondiente media de las medias. RESULTADOS: Las ingestas de tiamina, niacina y vitamina C eran generalmente adecuadas. Las ingestas de la mayor parte de los restantes micronutrientes, incluidos el hierro, el cinc, la vitamina A, la riboflavina, la vitamina B12 y el folato, eran bajas, lo que probablemente ocasionaba altos niveles de inadecuación. Los aportes energéticos eran inferiores a los requeridos, aunque es poco probable que ello constituya un problema frecuente; más bien, este resultado podría deberse a la tendencia conocida de notificar insuficientemente la ingesta en la mayor parte de las encuestas alimentarias. Sin embargo, el aporte energético procedente del consumo de grasas era muy reducido, generalmente por debajo del 20% del total, y en algunos lugares, por debajo del 10%. CONCLUSIONES: La ingesta inadecuada de algunos micronutrientes es frecuente en muchos países en desarrollo, aunque no es tan frecuente la ingesta extremadamente baja de grasa alimentaria observada en los Andes centrales. Un mayor consumo de alimentos de origen animal aumentaría la ingesta de grasas, al tiempo que abordaría las carencias en micronutrientes; sin embargo, debe tenerse en cuenta su posible repercusión sobre el frágil ecosistema de los Andes. Los cultivos autóctonos, como el frijol de altramuz, la quinoa y el amaranto, son también ricos en grasas o micronutrientes.

Incremento en la expresión del ARNm del receptor c-Met en el cáncer gástrico / Increased expression of the c-Met receptor mRNA in gastric cancer

El cáncer gástrico es una de las patologías malignas más frecuentes en el mundo. En las últimas décadas la atención se ha centrado en posibles alteraciones de factores genéticos que incluyen la activación de proto-oncogenes y/o la inactivación de genes supresores tumorales. El producto del C-MET proto-oncogen y su ligando, el factor de crecimiento del hepatocito (HGF), han sido implicados en la proliferación y migración celular en el cáncer gástrico. En este estudio se analizó a nivel molecular la amplificación del ARNm del receptor c-Met a partir del tejido tumoral gástrico de pacientes a quienes se les practicó gastrectomías, utilizando el método del ácido guanidina-tiocianato-fenol-cloroformo, y el método semicuantitativo de la Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa con Transcriptasa Reversa (RT-PCR), encontrándose que los elevados niveles del ARNm del receptor c-Met en las muestras tumorales de los pacientes están relacionados con mayor invasión en la profundidad de la pared gástrica (r = 0,762, p<0,01), incremento en la metástasis a los ganglios linfáticos (r = 0,766, p<0,01), alta frecuencia en tumores pocos diferenciados o indiferenciados (r = 0,912, p<0,001), aumento en el estadiaje del cáncer gástrico (r = 0,838, p<0,001), y en la sobreexpresión por el método inmunohistoquímico (IHQ) de la estreptavidina-biotina marcada de su receptor a nivel proteico (r = 0,858, p<0,001). La amplificación del ARNm y/o la sobreexpresión a nivel proteico del receptor c-Met, pudieran ser utilizados como factores pronósticos en el cáncer gástrico.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world. In the last decades, the attention has been focused in possible alterations of genetic factors that include proto-oncogene activation and/or the tumor suppressor gene inactivation. The product of the proto-oncogene c-MET and its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), have been implicated in cell proliferation and migration in gastric cancer. In this study we analyzed at the molecular level, the amplification of c-Met receptor mRNA from gastric tumor tissue of patients who underwent gastrectomy, using the acid guanidinium-thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform method and the semiquantitative Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method. It was found that high levels of c-Met receptor mRNA in tumor samples from patients are associated with greater depth of invasion in the gastric wall (r = 0.762, p<0.01), increase in metastases to lymph nodes (r = 0.766, p<0.01), high frequency of poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumors (r = 0.912, p<0.001), increase in the gastric cancer staging (r = 0.838, p<0.001), and the overexpression, by the immunohistochemistry method (IHC) of the labeled streptavidin-biotin, of the c-Met receptor at the protein level (r = 0.858, p<0.001). The amplification of mRNA and/or protein level overexpression of the c-Met receptor could be used as prognostic factors in gastric cancer.

Prima-1 induces apoptosis in bladder cancer cell lines by activating p53

OBJECTIVES: Bladder cancer represents 3% of all carcinomas in the Brazilian population and ranks second in incidence among urological tumors, after prostate cancer. The loss of p53 function is the main genetic alteration related to the development of high-grade muscle-invasive disease. Prima-1 is a small molecule that restores tumor suppressor function to mutant p53 and induces cancer cell death in various cancer types. Our aim was to investigate the ability of Prima-1 to induce apoptosis after DNA damage in bladder cancer cell lines. METHOD: The therapeutic effect of Prima-1 was studied in two bladder cancer cell lines: T24, which is characterized by a p53 mutation, and RT4, which is the wild-type for the p53 gene. Morphological features of apoptosis induced by p53, including mitochondrial membrane potential changes and the expression of thirteen genes involved in apoptosis, were assessed by microscopic observation and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Prima-1 was able to reactivate p53 function in the T24 (p53 mt) bladder cancer cell line and promote apoptosis via the induction of Bax and Puma expression, activation of the caspase cascade and disruption of the mitochondrial membrane in a BAK-independent manner. CONCLUSION: Prima-1 is able to restore the transcriptional activity of p53. Experimental studies in vivo may be conducted to test this molecule as a new therapeutic agent for urothelial carcinomas of the bladder, which characteristically harbor p53 mutations.

Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) receptor in locally advanced breast cancer

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors are overexpressed in most neoplastic cell lines and provide a mechanism for the internalization and concentration of drug-laden nanoemulsions that bind to these receptors. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the administration of standard chemotherapeutic schemes can alter the expression of LDL and LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) receptors in breast carcinoma. Fragments of tumoral and normal breast tissue from 16 consecutive volunteer women with breast cancer in stage II or III were obtained from biopsies before the beginning of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and after chemotherapy, from fragments excised during mastectomy. Tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for both receptors. Because complete response to treatment was achieved in 4 patients, only the tumors from 12 were analyzed. Before chemotherapy, there was overexpression of LDL receptor in the tumoral tissue compared to normal breast tissue in 8 of these patients. LRP-1 receptor overexpression was observed in tumors of 4 patients. After chemotherapy, expression of both receptors decreased in the tumors of 6 patients, increased in 4 and was unchanged in 2. Nonetheless, even when chemotherapy reduced receptors expression, the expression was still above normal. The fact that chemotherapy does not impair LDL receptors expression supports the use of drug carrier systems that target neoplastic cells by the LDL receptor endocytic pathway in patients on conventional chemotherapy.

Prognostic Significance of Angiogenesis by Chalkley Counting in Node Negative Cancer of the Ampulla of Vater

Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Currently, the Chalkley assay with CD34 immunostaining is the proposed standard method for angiogenesis quantification in solid tumor sections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of CD34 and its prognostic significance using the Chalkley method in node negative carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Between January 1997 and December 2006, 56 node negative patients who had curative resection for carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater were retrospectively reviewed. The Chalkley count was expressed as the mean value of the three counts for each tumor and further divided into two groups according to the mean value of the Chalkley count: low or = 4. The mean Chalkley count value was 4.0 (+/- 3.1). In the low Chalkley group, the 1- and 3-yr recurrence rates were 18.3%, 47.6% respectively; in the high Chalkley group, the 1- and 3-yr recurrence rates were 26.5% and 60.6% respectively. Only high Chalkley count had statistical significance as a factor in recurrence of node negative ampulla of Vater carcinoma. Assessment of angiogenesis may have an important role in the prognostic evaluation of node negative cancer of the ampulla of Vater.

Effectiveness of 124I-PET/CT and 18F-FDG-PET/CT for Localizing Recurrence in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Although the prognosis of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is generally encouraging, a diagnostic dilemma is posed when an increasing level of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is noted, without detection of a recurrent tumor using conventional imaging tools such as the iodine-131 whole-body scanning (the [131I] scan) or neck ultrasonography (US). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of [124I]-PET/CT and [18F]-FDG-PET/CT in terms of accurate detection of both iodine- and non-iodine-avid recurrence, compared with that of conventional imaging such as the [131I] scan or neck ultrasonography (US). Between July 2009 and June 2010, we prospectively studied 19 DTC patients with elevated thyroglobulin levels but who do not show pathological lesions when conventional imaging modalities are used. All involved patients had undergone total thyroidectomy and radioiodine (RI) treatment, and who had been followed-up for a mean of 13 months (range, 6-21 months) after the last RI session. Combined [18F]-FDG-PET/CT and [124I]-PET/CT data were evaluated for detecting recurrent DTC lesions in study patients and compared with those of other radiological and/or cytological investigations. Nine of 19 patients (47.4%) showed pathological [18F]-FDG (5/19, 26.3%) or [124I]-PET (4/19, 21.1%) uptake, and were classed as true-positives. Among such patients, disease management was modified in six (66.7%) and disease was restaged in seven (77.8%). In particular, the use of the described imaging combination optimized planning of surgical resection to deal with locoregional recurrence in 21.1% (4/19) of patients, who were shown to be disease-free during follow-up after surgery. Our results indicate that combination of [18F]-FDG-PET/CT and [124I]-PET/CT affords a valuable diagnostic method that can be used to make therapeutic decisions in patients with DTC who are tumor-free on conventional imaging studies but who have high Tg levels.

Three cases of macrofollicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma

The macrofollicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma [MFPTC] is a well-established entity with characteristic large follicles containing pale colloid and lined by cells with nuclear features of papillary thyroid carcinoma [PTC]. In this study, we present three cases of MFPTC, along with a brief review of the literature. For all three of our cases, the histology of the resected specimen showed predominantly macrofollicular structures lined by cells with nuclear characteristics of PTC. Immunohistochemically, the three cases show positivity for galactin-3, cytokeratin-19, and HBME-1. These cases will help us in understanding the distinction from other benign and malignant follicular lesions of the thyroid, which is of utmost importance. The key to diagnosis is a high-power examination of any macrofollicular lesion of the thyroid

GLUT1 expression in malignant tumors and its use as an immunodiagnostic marker

OBJECTIVE: To analyze glucose transporter 1 expression patterns in malignant tumors of various cell types and evaluate their diagnostic value by immunohistochemistry. INTRODUCTION: Glucose is the major source of energy for cells, and glucose transporter 1 is the most common glucose transporter in humans. Glucose transporter 1 is aberrantly expressed in several tumor types. Studies have implicated glucose transporter 1 expression as a prognostic and diagnostic marker in tumors, primarily in conjunction with positron emission tomography scan data. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry for glucose transporter 1 was performed in tissue microarray slides, comprising 1955 samples of malignant neoplasm from different cell types. RESULTS: Sarcomas, lymphomas, melanomas and hepatoblastomas did not express glucose transporter 1. Fortyseven per cent of prostate adenocarcinomas were positive, as were 29 percent of thyroid, 10 percent of gastric and 5 percent of breast adenocarcinomas. Thirty-six per cent of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck were positive, as were 42 percent of uterine cervix squamous cell carcinomas. Glioblastomas and retinoblastomas showed membranous glucose transporter 1 staining in 18.6 percent and 9.4 percent of all cases, respectively. Squamous cell carcinomas displayed membranous expression, whereas adenocarcinomas showed cytoplasmic glucose transporter 1 expression. CONCLUSION: Glucose transporter 1 showed variable expression in various tumor types. Its absence in sarcomas, melanomas, hepatoblastomas and lymphomas suggests that other glucose transporters mediate the glycolytic pathway in these tumors. The data suggest that glucose transporter 1 is a valuable immunohistochemical marker that can be used to identify patients for evaluation by positron emission tomography scan. The function of cytoplasmic glucose transporter 1 in adenocarcinomas must be further examined.

Radioiodine concentration by the thymus in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: report of five cases / Captação do radioiodo pelo timo no carcinoma diferenciado de tireoide: relato de cinco casos

The radioactive iodine has been used with great value as a diagnostic and therapeutic method in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma previously submitted to total thyroidectomy. False-positive whole-body scans may occur due to misinterpretation of the physiologic distribution of the radioisotope or lack of knowledge on the existence of other pathologies that could eventually present radioiodine uptake. Thymic uptake is an uncommon cause of false-positive whole-body scan, and the mechanism through which it occurs is not completely understood. The present paper reports five cases of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who presented a mediastinum uptake of radioiodine in a whole-body scan during follow-up. The patients had either histological or radiological confirmation of the presence of residual thymus gland. It is very important to know about the possibility of iodine uptake by the thymus in order to avoid unnecessary treatment, such as surgery or radioiodine therapy.

O iodo radioativo tem sido utilizado com grande valia como método diagnóstico e terapêutico em pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado de tireoide previamente submetidos à tireoidectomia total. Resultados falso-positivos na pesquisa de corpo inteiro (PCI) podem ocorrer por má interpretação da distribuição fisiológica do radioisótopo ou por não conhecimento da existência de outras patologias que podem eventualmente captar o radioiodo. Captação pelo timo é uma causa incomum de resultado falso-positivo e o mecanismo pelo qual ocorre não é totalmente esclarecido. O presente trabalho relata cinco casos que apresentaram PCI positiva em mediastino durante o seguimento, com comprovação histológica ou tomográfica sugestiva de timo. Ressalta-se a importância do conhecimento dessa possível causa de falso-positivo a fim de se evitar tratamentos desnecessários.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the maxillary sinus: a rare head and neck tumor.

Sarcomatoid carcinomas are rare tumors. These tumors have been reported at other sites, but head and neck origin is extremely uncommon. We report here a rare case of sarcomatoid carcinoma involving the maxilla. Only four such cases with maxillary origin have been discussed in English literature earlier. As compared to squamous cell carcinoma of maxilla, this variant is associated with poor prognosis and advanced disease at presentation, as was also seen in our case. There are no standard recommendations for management owing to the rarity of this histology. Surgery and radiotherapy form the mainstays of treatment. Exploration of the role of chemotherapy and novel targeted therapy agents is warranted in order to improve treatment results.

Estudio de patrones de metilación génica en tumores del tubo digestivo / Gene methylation patterns in digestive tumors

Background: The loss of tumor suppresor gene function damages the defensive mechanisms that protect the indemnity of genetic material. Promoter gene methylation is one of the inactivation mechanisms of suppressor genes. Aim: To study the methylation pattern of a group of genes in biopsy samples of gastrointestinal tumors. Material and methods: Forty eight gastric, 25 gallbladder, 24 colon and 6 pancreas cancer biopsy samples were randomly selected. The methylation pattern of CDH1, FHIT, CDKN2A, APC and MLH1 genes, was studied using a specific polymerase chain reaction test for methylation. Demographic, morphological and follow up variables of patients bearing the tumors were also analyzed. Results: The general methylation frequency of CDH1, FHIT, CDKN2A, APC and MLH1 genes was 64.1, 56, 39.8, 18.1 and 34 percent respectively. In gastric cancer samples there was a correlation between APC gene methylation and well differentiated tumors; between CDH1 methylation and Lauren diffuse type and the presence of three or more metastasic lymph nodes; between FHIT, CDKN2A and CDH1 gene methylation and male gender. In ¡ess differentiated gallbladder tumors, the frequency of CDH1 methylation was higher. There was a tendency towards a lower survival in colon and gastric cancer when MLH1 (p =0.07) y CDKN2A (p= 0.06) were methylated, respectively. Conclusions: An abnormal methylation pattern was associated with morphological features in gastric and gallbladder cancer and with a tendency towards a lower survival in colon and gastric cancer.

Clinial implication of tThe expression of Aurora B in normal endometrium and endometrial carcinoma / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The expression of Aurora B in normal endometria and endometrial carcinomas and its relation with clinicopathologic parameters of endometrial carcinomas were investigated. Streptavidin-biotin peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of Aurora B in 10 cases of normal proliferative phase endometria, 10 cases of normal secretory phase endometria and 72 cases of endometrial carcinomas respectively. According to the 1988 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grade, there were 37 patients in grade 1, 23 in grade 2 and 12 in grade 3 respectively. According to the FIGO stage, there were 59 patients in stage I-II and 13 patients in stage III-IV. Aurora B was expressed in both normal proliferative phase endometria, secretory phase endometria and endometrial carcinomas, but its positive labeling index (PLI) in proliferative phase endometria was significantly higher than that in secretory phase endometria (P1/2 myometrial invasion (all P<0.01). Aurora B exerts its functions in the replication of normal endometrial glandular cells; Expression of Aurora B is significantly correlated with biologic behavior of endometrial carcinoma, indicating that Aurora B may be a promising prognostic factor in endometrial carcinoma.