The effect of cellular nuclear function alteration on the pathogenesis of shoulder adhesive capsulitis: an immunohistochemical study on lamin A/C expression.

BACKGROUND: The network of intermediate filament proteins underlying the inner nuclear membrane forms the nuclear lamina. Lamins have been associated with important cellular functions: DNA replication, chromatin organization, differentiation of the cell, apoptosis and in maintenance of nuclear structure. Little is known regarding the etiopathogenesis of adhesive capsulitis (AC); recently, a dysregulating fibrotic response starting from a subpopulation has been described within the fibroblast compartment, which suddenly turns on an activated phenotype. Considering the key role of A-type lamins in the regulation of cellular stability and function, our aim was to compare the lamin A/C expression between patients with AC and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was performed between January 2020 and December 2021. Tissue samples excised from the rotator interval were analysed for lamin A/C expression by immunohistochemistry. Patients with AC were arbitrarily distinguished according to the severity of shoulder flexion limitation: ≥ 90° and < 90°. Controls were represented by samples obtained by normal rotator interval excised from patients submitted to shoulder surgery. The intensity of staining was graded, and an H-score was assigned. Statistical analysis was performed (Chi-square analysis; significance was set at alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: We enrolled 26 patients [12 male and 14 female, mean age (SD): 52.3 (6.08)] and 15 controls [6 male and 9 female, mean age (SD): 57.1 (5.3)]. The expression of lamin A/C was found to be significantly lower in the fibroblasts of patients with adhesive capsulitis when compared with controls (intensity of staining: p: 0.005; H-score: 0.034); no differences were found regarding the synoviocytes (p: > 0.05). Considering only patients with AC, lamin A/C intensity staining was found to be significantly higher in samples where acute inflammatory infiltrate was detected (p: 0.004). No significant changes in levels of lamin A/C expression were documented between the mild and severe adhesive capsulitis severity groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the activity of lamin A/C in maintaining nuclear structural integrity and cell viability is decreased in patients with adhesive capsulitis. The phase of the pathogenetic process (freezing and early frozen) is the key factor for cell functionality. On the contrary, the clinical severity of adhesive capsulitis plays a marginal role in nuclear stability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Nuclear lamin A in rotator cuff tear margin tenocytes: an antiapoptotic and cell mechanostat factor.

BACKGROUND: The network of intermediate filament proteins underlying the inner nuclear membrane forms the nuclear lamin. A- and B-type lamins are the major components of the nuclear lamina. Lamins function in many nuclear activities. The role of lamin A and transcription factors (NF-kB) as anti-apoptotic is well documented. Recently, lamin A has also been considered as a mechanosensor protein that is able to maintain nuclear integrity from mechanical insults. We aimed to verify how lamin A expression varies in healthy cuff cells and in those with different-sized tears where various mechanical stresses are present. METHODS: Forty-three patients with rotator cuff tear (RCT) [23M-20F, mean age (SD): 63.5 (6.1)] were enrolled. Tissue samples excised from the most medial point of tear margins were analyzed for lamin A expression by immunohistochemistry. Controls were represented by samples obtained by normal supraspinatus tendons excised from patients submitted to reverse shoulder prosthesis implant [8M-7F, mean age (SD): 67.9 (7.1)]. The intensity of staining was graded, and an H-score was assigned. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Our study revealed a moderate intensity of lamin A in the healthy cuff tendons, a higher expression of this protein in the small tears, and a significant decrease of lamin A with increasing tear size (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study emphasizes the importance of early repair of small RCTs since nuclear stability is maintained, and the cellular function is protected by lamin A overexpression. High re-tear of massive cuff repair could be due to cellular apoptosis and nuclear modifications induced by lamin A lack. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Ingenol mebutate therapy in erythroplasia of Queyrat: a new approach.

BACKGROUND: Erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ) is a rare squamous cell carcinoma in situ, usually occurring on the glans penis, the prepuce, or the urethral meatus. Therapy is mandatory because it can progress to invasive carcinoma in up to 30% of cases. Treatment options include 5-fluorouracil, curettage, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, laser, partial or total penectomy, and microsurgery, as also with imiquimod and photodynamic therapies. METHODS: Between 2015 to 2018 we treated five patients, with histologically confirmed EQ, with ingenol mebutate (IM) 0.015% gel applied for 3 days consecutively. RESULTS: Three patients showed complete response at one year follow up. Two patients showed partial response after two months, so they received a second course of therapy with IM. At one-year follow-up, one of them showed complete response, the other partial response. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrated that IM may be considered as an effective and safe treatment option in EQ. IM offers various advantages such as easy and fast application, rapid complete remission, better compliance, few side effects and excellent cosmetical results. The authors call for further exploitation in bigger trials.

Shear wave elastography in varicocele patients: Prospective study to investigate correlation with semen parameters and histological findings.

AIMS: Shear wave elastosonography (SWE) is a non-invasive ultrasound imaging modality used to assess the mechanical properties of tissues such as rigidity and elasticity. In this prospective study, we investigated the effect of laparoscopic varicocelectomy on the elasticity, degree of fibrosis and function of the testes through SWE and we evaluated the correlation with semen parameters and histology findings. METHODS: Male patients with monolateral left varicocele and progressive alteration of the semen quality were enrolled prospectively. Patients were evaluated before varicocelectomy, 3 and 6 months after surgery with semen analysis, ecocolordoppler US and SWE. In all patients, a left testicular biopsy was performed at the time of varicocelectomy and it was repeated after 6 months in 55% of patients in order to investigate the histological findings and to correlate with SWE results. RESULTS: The study was conducted on 82 patients. SWE showed a statistically significant difference between left and right testicles. Three months after surgery the mean left testicular volume increased, mean left SWE features decreased, and sperm count increased (P values < .0001). The SWE parameters, testicular volume and semen analysis values showed a statistically significant positive correlation between the pre and postoperative results (P value < .0001). The histological alterations were significantly changed 6 months postoperative with a complete morphology recovery in accordance with SWE results. CONCLUSIONS: SWE showed a statistically significant positive correlation with testicular volume, semen analysis and histological findings. This study represents the first investigation that correlates the varicocele, the testis volume, the quality of the seminal fluid ant the histological findings with the ultrasound and SWE values.

Targeting SMYD3 to Sensitize Homologous Recombination-Proficient Tumors to PARP-Mediated Synthetic Lethality.

SMYD3 is frequently overexpressed in a wide variety of cancers. Indeed, its inactivation reduces tumor growth in preclinical in vivo animal models. However, extensive characterization in vitro failed to clarify SMYD3 function in cancer cells, although confirming its importance in carcinogenesis. Taking advantage of a SMYD3 mutant variant identified in a high-risk breast cancer family, here we show that SMYD3 phosphorylation by ATM enables the formation of a multiprotein complex including ATM, SMYD3, CHK2, and BRCA2, which is required for the final loading of RAD51 at DNA double-strand break sites and completion of homologous recombination (HR). Remarkably, SMYD3 pharmacological inhibition sensitizes HR-proficient cancer cells to PARP inhibitors, thereby extending the potential of the synthetic lethality approach in human tumors.

Robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in patient with type I papillary renal cancer recurrence after 5 years of follow-up.

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) is a rare cancer and is the second most frequent histologic type among all renal cell carcinoma, accounting for up to 15%. A 72-year-old man underwent a right radical nephrectomy 7 years ago with final histopathology diagnosis of type 1 PRCC with negative surgical margins. Five years after surgery, computed tomography scan imaging showed the presence of multiple masses suspicious for node recurrences disease localized in the renal lodge, in the inter-aorto-caval space, at the iliac vessels bifurcation and right common iliac vessels. Patient underwent a robotic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. The histopathological examination confirmed the recurrence of type I papillary renal cancer in all the specimens. No further recurrences have been observed at 24-month follow-up after surgery. This report is the first describing a robot-assisted minimally invasive surgical excision for type I papillary renal cancer nodal and renal fossa recurrences.

Primary vaginal leiomyosarcoma: A case report with complete morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

OBJECTIVE: Primary vaginal leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are rare, easily recurrent tumours with an unknown etiology; the prognosis is poor and there is no consensus guideline on their management. CASE REPORT: A nodular, 25 × 23 x 28 mm-mass, infiltrating the urethra, was found in a 58-year-old woman. A biopsy showed a LMS of the vagina that was positive for vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, caldesmon, desmin, p16 and p53. An anterior pelvic exenteration was performed. The sample was fixed and prepared for light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, confirming the diagnosis of LMS. CONCLUSIONS: Best outcomes occur when the tumour is small, localized, and can be removed surgically with wide, clear margins, as in this case. As there are different kinds of malignant mesenchymal tumours, biopsy followed by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy still represents a good diagnostic choice and surgical resection is generally the gold standard in these cases.

Emerging role of secreted miR-210-3p as potential biomarker for clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma metastasis.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising molecules in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of urological tumours. Recently, our group performed two independent studies highlighting that miR-210-3p may be a useful biomarker not only for diagnosis but also for post-surgery clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) management. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to further explore the effectiveness of miRNA as non-invasive biomarker for clinical outcomes and ccRCC response to the treatment. METHODS: We analyzed miR-210-3p levels in neoplastic and healthy tissue and in urine specimens collected at surgery and during follow-up of 21 ccRCC patients by RTqPCR. RESULTS: Firstly, we confirmed that the expression of miR-210-3p was upregulated in tumor tissues and in urine samples of analyzed cohort. Of note is that miR-210-3p expression was significantly reduced in urine samples from disease-free patients during follow-up (from 3 to 12 months) compared to the baseline levels observed at the time of surgery. In a small subgroup of patients presenting metastatic progression (such as bone, intestinal or lung metastasis), the urine levels of miR-210-3p correlated with responsiveness to the therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study highlights the relevance of secreted miR-210-3p as powerful non-invasive prognostic and predictive biomarker for the evaluation of clinical outcomes and treatment response during ccRCC follow up.

On the role of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of calcific uremic arteriolopathy: a case-based discussion.

Calciphylaxis is a rare disease characterized by ectopic calcification of skin arterioles resulting in ischemia, thrombosis and necrosis. Since end stage renal disease patients are those mainly affected, the term calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) is also suggested. Early clinical manifestations are subtle, while overt necrotic ulcers may quickly spread and become infected so as to result in ominous outcome. Diagnosis might not be easy due to the number of other ischemic and non-ischemic skin lesions observed in uraemia. Skin biopsy, has been proposed as the diagnostic test and is often considered, but not systematically performed due to the hypothetical risk of further spreading of the lesions. Such ambiguity could be responsible for misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. We review here five consecutive cases recorded in our Unit, all submitted to skin biopsy but with inconsistent results which generated some clinical frustration. Thus, we decided to carefully re-evaluate all of them together with pathologists and dermatologists. However, even after this ex-post discussion, we could not reach a complete agreement on the final diagnosis. In the meanwhile, papers were published in the literature that started to shed some light on the role of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of CUA.

The attempt of spontaneous repair of rotator cuff tear: The role of periostin.

The development of a periostin-rich microenvironment in areas associated with insult, orchestrating pathways of repair and rebuilding, is documented. Literature lacks information regarding the presence of periostin in the context of rotator cuff tear (RCT). 55 consecutive patients with RCT were enrolled. Immunohistochemical periostin detection was performed on tissue samples excised from tear margins. Our study documented the presence of periostin in the margins of RCT. It is plausible that, when a tear occurs, multiple stimuli, both mechanical and inflammatory, lead to the development of a periostin-rich microenvironment as an attempt to tendon healing.

Successful treatment with pollen extract of hematospermia in patients with xanthogranolomatous prostatitis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to report our experience in the management of hematospermia observed in 16 patients suffering from xanthogranulomatous prostatitis. METHODS: Recurrent episodes of hematospermia were the onset symptom in all patients, and in 25% of patients it was combined with fever. All patients reported PSA value elevation and the digital rectal examination (DRE) revealed an increase of the gland size and of its consistency in all cases. In all patients, the hematospermia was treated with the oral administration of two tablets of pollen extract in a single (1 g) dose daily for 30 days. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were observed between 2008 and 2016, referring hematospermia, progressive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and serum PSA level increase. To exclude the prostate cancer presence all patients were submitted to transperineal TRUS guided biopsy. In all the patients complete resolution of hematospermia was achieved treatment with pollen extract. All patients were subsequently treated for LUTS (alpha-adrenergic blockers), but none reported any significant improvement of symptoms. Basing on these pieces of evidence, after 90 days of alpha-blockers therapy, all patients underwent bipolar TURP. Histological examination of resected prostatic tissue revealed in all patients the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous prostatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with xanthogranulomatous prostatitis especially experience irritative symptoms, sometimes combined with fever or hematospermia. Hematospermia as the onset symptom has not been reported so far. The administration of the pollen extract for 30 days was associated with a complete resolution of hematospermia.

Argonaute 2 drives miR-145-5p-dependent gene expression program in breast cancer cells.

To perform their regulatory functions, microRNAs (miRNAs) must assemble with any of the four mammalian Argonaute (Ago) family of proteins, Ago1-4, into an effector complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). While the mature miRNA guides the RISC complex to its target mRNA, the Ago protein represses mRNA translation. The specific roles of the various Ago members in mediating miRNAs activity, however, haven't been clearly established. In this study, we investigated the contribution of Ago2, the only human Ago protein endowed with nuclease activity, to the function of tumor-suppressor miR-145-5p in breast cancer (BC). We show that miR-145-5p and Ago2 protein are concomitantly downregulated in BC tissues and that restoration of miR-145-5p expression in BC cells leads to Ago2 protein induction through the loosening of Ago2 mRNA translational repression. Functionally, miR-145-5p exerts its inhibitory activity on cell migration only in presence of Ago2, while, upon Ago2 depletion, we observed increased miR-145/Ago1 complex and enhanced cell motility. Profiling by microarray of miR-145-5p target mRNAs, in BC cells depleted or not of Ago2, revealed that miR-145-5p drives Ago2-dependent and -independent activities. Our results highlight that the Ago2 protein in cancer cells strictly dictates miR-145-5p tumor suppressor activity.

Parathyroid Autotransplantation During thyroid Surgery. Where we are? A Systematic Review on Indications and Results.

Introduction: Hypoparathyroidism still represents an important concern in thyroid surgery. Careful dissection with identification and preservation of parathyroid glands in situ remains the best way to maintain gland vitality and avoid post-operative failure. Nevertheless, parathyroid glands are still inadvertently removed in up to 11% of cases. Parathyroid autotransplantation may represent the only way to restore parathyroid gland functionality in case of inadvertent removal or devascularization during thyroid surgery. Despite this, there is still no agreement on the effectiveness of this procedure. The present systematic review is focused on the mainly debated matters regarding the procedure, indications, technique and results. Methods: This review has been carried out according to PRISMA statement and checklist. The research item was: (((parathyroid autotransplantation[Title]) OR parathyroid reimplantation[Title]) NOT hyperparathyroidism[Title]) AND english[Language]. Results: A total of 31 studies have been found according to limitations already described, reporting from 4 to 890 procedures, with a total amount of 4088 PA. Among these studies, there are only 7 prospective case-series evaluations, 2 prospective randomized trials, while the other 22 studies are retrospective evaluations. The main concerns are: when and how to perform autotransplantation; in which anatomical site; which result to be expected, and how to manage and control the graft. Conslusions: Parathyroid autotransplantatin is an important tool to avoid or minimize the risk for hypoparathyroidism following thyroid surgery in selected cases. Parathormone assay can help the surgeon to determine when reimplantation is indicated or not. Further studies could theoretically give definitive results.

Sclerostin is expressed in the atherosclerotic plaques of patients who undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Sclerostin (SC) is a monomeric glycoprotein expressed by osteocytes that affects bone formation. Recent studies have suggested a potential role for this protein in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate SC expression in atherosclerotic plaques of patients affected by severe atherosclerotic disease who underwent carotid endarterectomy. We also evaluated possible differences in SC expression between patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 46 patients aged 55 to 80 years (mean, 71.1 ± 6.7 years, 36 men, 15 patients with T2D) who underwent carotid endarterectomy. Immunohistochemical levels of SC were evaluated in the atherosclerotic plaques by double-staining immunochemistry, and serum SC levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Sclerostin was present in the atherosclerotic plaques of all subjects investigated and increased significantly in the media compared with the intima (P < 0.0001) as well as in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) compared with the infiltrating macrophages (P < 0.0001). However, no significant difference in SC expression was observed between patients with and without T2D. No correlation was found between serum and immunohistochemical levels of SC; significantly increased SC serum levels were detected in males compared with females (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated, for the first time, the expression of SC in VSMCs of atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting a potential role for this protein in the development of atherosclerosis. Further studies are needed to understand if the role played by SC is detrimental or protective in the atherosclerotic disease process.