Complementary value of electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer: A potential role for electron microscopy in the era of targeted therapy.

With the identification of therapeutic targets for lung adenocarcinoma, it has become mandatory to distinguish it from other entities. Some cases remain classified as non-small cell lung carcinoma, not otherwise specified (NSCLC-NOS) with immunohistochemistry. Electron microscopy (EM) can be useful, allowing the identification of glandular differentiation. The aim of this study was to determine the complementary value of immunohistochemistry and EM.Forty-eight NSCLC-NOS cases were selected (PSMAR-Biobank, Barcelona, Spain). Immunohistochemistry (TTF-1, p40) was performed. Tissue was retrieved from paraffin blocks. Results were compared to the final diagnosis, derived from combination of light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, EM, molecular studies and resection specimen.Immunohistochemistry concurred with final diagnosis in 36 cases (75%, Kappa = 0.517). EM agreed with final diagnosis in 35 (72.9%, Kappa = 0.471). Immunohistochemistry had a sensitivity = 73%, specificity = 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) = 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) = 52.4% for adenocarcinoma. All adenocarcinoma cases not solved by immunohistochemistry (n = 10) were classified by EM, and vice versa. Data from EM were identical to those of immunohistochemistry: sensitivity = 73%, specificity = 100%, PPV = 100% and NPV = 52.4%. Combining both techniques, 47 cases were coincident with final diagnosis (97.9%, Kappa = 0.943).EM can provide valuable information in subtyping NSCLC-NOS, being particularly useful when immunohistochemistry is inconclusive. EM could be considered as a complementary tool for decision-making in NSCLC-NOS.

Effect of ivelip and sodium nitroprusside on 5-HT, glutathione and lipid peroxidation in normal and malnourished rat brain.

We examined the effect of experimental malnutrition and diet supplementation of parameters of central nervous system damage. Wistar rats were fed during 30 days and classified as malnourished (MN, 7% protein content diet) or well-nourished (WN, 23% protein content diet), were grouped and treated as follows: I-control; II-SNP (20 microg/kg); IIl-Ivelip (280 mg/kg) and IV-Ivelip + sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), tryptophan (Trp) and serotonin (5-HT) were assessed in brain by liquid chromatography. TBARS and GSH levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in MN vs. WN rats that did not receive Ivelip. No significant differences were observed in TBARS and GSH among rats that received Ivelip or SNP. The weight of rats decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all MN groups in relation to the WN groups. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in MN and WN groups that received Ivelip. 5-HT levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in all MN groups. Trp levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the WN + Ivelip group vs. control. Early malnutrition induces changes in the metabolism of biogenic amines and this condition may promote oxidative injury of the brain.

Antioxidant effects of selenium in rat brain and the stimulating role of nitric oxide.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antioxidant effect of selenium on Na+, K(+)-ATPase in rat brain in the presence of nitric oxide. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (70 g) were treated as follows: group 1 received 1 microg of i.p. sodium nitroprus-side per kg (SNP), group 2 received 5 microg sodium selenite during 20 days, group 3 received sodium selenite 5 microg + SNP 1 microg and the control group received vehicle 50 microl (0.9% NaCl), same period and route. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed and their brain dissected into cortex, hemispheres, cerebellum and brain stem in order to determine lipid peroxidation (TBARS), Na+, K+ ATPase and total ATPase in each section. Blood hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and prostate weight were also assessed. RESULTS: A significant increase of Hb in blood and of proteins in cortex and hemisphere was detected, but TBARS values fell due to the effect of sodium selenite in all examined regions, except for cerebellum. ATPase activity declined in all groups and regions with and without NTP. We conclude that diet supplementary selenium to inhibit NO generation can be a useful treatment in chronic inflammatory diseases.