C-Met expression pattern in uterine leiomyoma.

AIM: Growth factors take place in the formation and growth of uterine leiomyomas (LMs). Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) contribute to the pathophysiology of LMs when they bind with a specific membrane receptor and transmit a signal into the cell. Little is known about hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor system c-Met in formation and growth of uterine LMs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the c-Met receptor expression on human myometrium and uterine LMs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on human myometrium and uterine LMs. Expression of c-Met receptor was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Overexpression of c-Met was found in all LM cases and in none of normal myometrium samples c-Met overexpression was seen. CONCLUSION: HGF and c-Met receptor complex seem to have role in development of uterine LMs.

The prognostic importance of proliferative activity and oestrogen receptor expression in stage I endometrial carcinomas.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of steroid hormone receptor proliferation index in endometrial adenocarcinoma. In this study, the correlation between oestrogen receptor expression, proliferation index and FIGO grade, age, myometrial invasion, tumour size and menopause status was evaluated in 40 patients with endometrial carcinoma. For this purpose, all tumours were stained immunohistochemically with oestrogen receptor and Ki-67 monoclonal antibodies. Oestrogen receptor expression and proliferation indices were found to be statistically associated with grade, age, menopausal status, vascular invasion and tumour size ( p < 0.001). Quantitative assessment of tumour proliferation and expression of oestrogen receptor were found to be important prognostic indicators in endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Microscopic nephrocalcinosis and hypercalciuria in nephrotic syndrome.

Focal calcification is an occasional tubular abnormality seen in minimal-change nephrotic syndrome. Nephrocalcinosis was also reported in premature infants as a consequence of hypercalciuria resulting from long-term furosemide therapy. We describe 4 nephrotic children (3 minimal change, 1 diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis) with transient hypercalciuria and intraluminal calcifications in renal histopathological specimens without radiologic evidence of renal calcification. These children were resistant to corticosteroid therapy and were receiving furosemide therapy along with albumin for management of oedema. Two of the children also had urinary infection. We were concerned that children with nephrotic syndrome are at risk for nephrocalcinosis, and urinary calcium and pH should be monitored carefully during prolonged furosemide use, especially in children with nephrotic syndrome with reduced initial responsiveness to corticosteroid therapy. HUM PATHOL 31:1363:1367.