Cysteine cathepsins B, X and K expression in peri-arteriolar glioblastoma stem cell niches.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal brain tumor also due to malignant and therapy-resistant GBM stem cells (GSCs) that are localized in protecting hypoxic GSC niches. Some members of the cysteine cathepsin family of proteases have been found to be upregulated in GBM. Cathepsin K gene expression is highly elevated in GBM tissue versus normal brain and it has been suggested to regulate GSC migration out of the niches. Here, we investigated the cellular distribution of cathepsins B, X and K in GBM tissue and whether these cathepsins are co-localized in GSC niches. Therefore, we determined expression of these cathepsins in serial paraffin sections of 14 human GBM samples and serial cryostat sections of two samples using immunohistochemistry and metabolic mapping of cathepsin activity using selective fluorogenic substrates. We detected cathepsins B, X and K in peri-arteriolar GSC niches in 9 out of 16 GBM samples, which were defined by co-expression of the GSC marker CD133, the niche marker stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and smooth muscle actin as a marker for arterioles. The expression of cathepsin B and X was detected in stromal cells and cancer cells throughout the GBM sections, whereas cathepsin K expression was more restricted to arteriole-rich regions in the GBM sections. Metabolic mapping showed that cathepsin B, but not cathepsin K is active in GSC niches. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that cathepsins B, X and K have distinct functions in GBM and that cathepsin K is the most likely GSC niche-related cathepsin of the three cathepsins investigated.

Simultaneous occurrence of pancreatic mixed acinar-ductal adenocarcinoma and primary follicular lymphoma of the duodenum, accompanied by increased number of IgG4 plasma cells in tumor-free parenchyma as concomitant IgG4-related disease or reaction to tumor? A case report.

Mixed acinar-ductal carcinoma is rare among pancreatic cancers, as is duodenal involvement in follicular lymphoma (FL). Although usually a systemic disease, primary FL of the duodenum occurs, with superficial involvement of the intestinal wall and low risk of progression. We report on a unique case of mixed ductal-acinar carcinoma of the pancreatic head accompanied by low-grade duodenal FL and autoimmune pancreatitis-like changes in adjacent pancreatic parenchyma. To our knowledge this is the first report of concomitant pancreatic mixed acinar-ductal carcinoma and duodenal FL. Clinico-pathological features of this unusual case, possible relationship between the entities and differential diagnosis are discussed.

Variation in dielectric properties due to pathological changes in human liver.

Dielectric properties of freshly excised human liver tissues (in vitro) with several pathological conditions including cancer were obtained in frequency range 100 MHz-5 GHz. Differences in dielectric behavior of normal and pathological tissues at microwave frequencies are discussed based on histological information for each tissue. Data presented are useful for many medical applications, in particular nanosecond pulsed electroporation techniques. Knowledge of dielectric properties is vital for mathematical calculations of local electric field distribution inside electroporated tissues and can be used to optimize the process of electroporation for treatment planning procedures.

Multiple epithelioid hemangiomas with orbital involvement.

Epithelioid hemangioma, also known as angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, is a cutaneous angioproliferative lesion that follows a benign clinical course. It is most frequently localized in the skin of the head and neck region; although it may sometimes arise deeper in soft tissues, orbital involvement is rare. Here we describe a patient who developed multiple epithelioid hemangiomas, including an intraorbital lesion. The histopathological parallels with other reactive and neoplastic lesions as well as therapeutic options are discussed.

Brain meningioma invading and destructing the skull bone: replacement of the missing bone in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas are frequently encountered tumours. In those invading locally into the adjacent tissue, reconstructions may pose a problem. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a benign convexity brain meningioma with invasion into the skull bone and subcutaneous tissue. The tumour was removed completely, together with the infiltrated tissue and the defects were successfully closed with in vivo bone reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The reconstruction of the skull bone is sometimes needed after the benign meningioma excision. Artificial bone may be a suitable material, allowing fast intraoperative reconstruction with excellent brain protection and cosmetic effect during the one-stage procedure.