Fulminant ectopic Cushing's syndrome caused by metastatic small intestine neuroendocrine tumour - a case report and review of the literature.

Cushing's syndrome (CS) secondary to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) producing tumours is a severe condition with a challenging diagnosis. Ectopic ACTH-secretion often involves neuroendocrine tumours (NET) in the respiratory tract. ACTH-secreting small intestine neuro-endocrine tumours (siNET) are extremely rare entities barely reported in literature. This review is illustrated by the case of a 75-year old woman with fulminant ectopic CS caused by a ACTH-secreting metastatic siNET. Severe hypokalemia, fluid retention and refractory hypertension were the presenting symptoms. Basal and dynamic laboratory studies were diagnostic for ACTH-dependent CS. Extensive imaging studies of the pituitary and thorax-abdomen areas were normal, while [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET-CT revealed increased small intestine uptake in the left iliac fossa. The hypercortisolism was well controlled with somatostatin analogues, after which a debulking resection of the tumour was performed. Pathological investigation confirmed a well-differentiated NET with sporadic ACTH immunostaining and post-operative treatment with somatostatin analogues was continued with favourable disease control.

Evaluating the accuracy of three international guidelines in identifying the risk of malignancy in pancreatic cysts: a retrospective analysis of a surgical treated population.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The international consensus Fukuoka guideline (Fukuoka ICG), The European evidence-based guideline on pancreatic cystic neoplasms (European EBG) and the American Gastroenterological Association institute guideline on the diagnosis and management of asymptomatic neoplastic pancreatic cysts (AGA IG) are 3 frequently cited guidelines for the risk stratification of neoplastic pancreatic cysts. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of detecting malignant cysts by strictly applying these guidelines retrospectively to a cohort of surgically resected pancreatic cysts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 72 resected cysts were included in the analysis. Invasive carcinoma, high grade dysplasia and neuro-endocrine tumour were considered as "malignant cysts" for the purpose of the study. RESULTS: 32% of the resected cysts were malignant. The analysis showed that the Fukuoka ICG, European EBG and AGA IG had a sensitivity of 66,8%, 95,5%, 80%; a specificity of 26,8%, 11,3%, 43,8%; a positive predictive value of 31,8%, 35%, 47,1% and a negative predicted value of 61,1%, 83,3%, 77,8% respectively. The missed malignancy rate was respectively 11,3%, 1,5%, 7,7% and surgical overtreatment was respectively 48,4%, 59,1%, 34,6%. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective analysis, the European EBG had the lowest rate of missed malignancy at the expense of a high number of "unnecessary" resections. The Fukuoka ICG had the highest number of missed malignancy. The AGA IG showed the lowest rate of unnecessary surgery at the cost of a high number of missed malignancy. There is need to develop better biomarkers to predict the risk of malignancy.

Regression of multiple hepatocellular adenomas after cessation of oral contraceptive pills: a case report and review of the current literature.

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is an uncommon benign liver neoplasm usually solitary and identified incidentally on imaging. We report a case of a 50-year old female who was diagnosed with multiple hepatic adenomas of the inflammatory subtype. After discontinuation of oral contraception a decrease of both the number and size of the liver lesions was seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without the need of further intervention. The major challenge in the clinical management of patients with multiple HCAs resides in the risk assessment for future complications. In the case of multiple HCAs subtype seemed to be more relevant than the actual number of lesions. Because little is known about the natural evolution in patients with multiple HCAs, we performed a review of the current literature with focus on the different subtypes and their clinical relevance.

The PDGFRα-laminin B1-keratin 19 cascade drives tumor progression at the invasive front of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) expressing the biliary/hepatic progenitor cell marker keratin 19 (K19) have been linked with a poor prognosis and exhibit an increase in platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) and laminin beta 1 (LAMB1) expression. PDGFRα has been reported to induce de novo synthesis of LAMB1 protein in a Sjogren syndrome antigen B (La/SSB)-dependent manner in a murine metastasis model. However, the role of this cascade in human HCC remains unclear. This study focused on the functional role of the PDGFRα-La/SSB-LAMB1 pathway and its molecular link to K19 expression in human HCC. In surgical HCC specimens from a cohort of 136 patients, PDGFRα expression correlated with K19 expression, microvascular invasion and metastatic spread. In addition, PDGFRα expression in pre-operative needle biopsy specimens predicted poor overall survival during a 5-year follow-up period. Consecutive histological staining demonstrated that the signaling components of the PDGFRα-La/SSB-LAMB1 pathway were strongly expressed at the invasive front. K19-positive HCC cells displayed high levels of α2ß1 integrin (ITG) receptor, both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro activation of PDGFRα signaling triggered the translocation of nuclear La/SSB into the cytoplasm, enhanced the protein synthesis of LAMB1 by activating its internal ribosome entry site, which in turn led to increased secretion of laminin-111. This effect was abrogated by the PDGFRα-specific inhibitor crenolanib. Importantly LAMB1 stimulated ITG-dependent focal adhesion kinase/Src proto-oncogene non-receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. It also promoted the ITG-specific downstream target Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2, induced K19 expression in an autocrine manner, invadopodia formation and cell invasion. Finally, we showed that the knockdown of LAMB1 or K19 in subcutaneous xenograft mouse models resulted in significant loss of cells invading the surrounding stromal tissue and reduced HepG2 colonization into lung and liver after tail vein injection. The PDGFRα-LAMB1 pathway supports tumor progression at the invasive front of human HCC through K19 expression.

Combined or Serial Liver and Lung Transplantation for Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Series.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular tumor with variable biological and clinical behavior. There is increasing experience with liver transplantation (LiTx) for hepatic EHE, even in cases of extrahepatic disease localization. Until now, no cases of lung transplantation (LuTx) had been reported for pulmonary EHE. This report describes three cases of EHE with multifocal disease in patients who underwent either serial or combined LiTx and LuTx.

Septuagenarian and octogenarian donors provide excellent liver grafts for transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Wider utilization of liver grafts from donors ≥ 70 years old could substantially expand the organ pool, but their use remains limited by fear of poorer outcomes. We examined the results at our center of liver transplantation (OLT) using livers from donors ≥ 70 years old. METHODS: From February 2003 to August 2010, we performed 450 OLT including 58 (13%) using donors ≥ 70 whose outcomes were compared with those using donors <70 years old. RESULTS: Cerebrovascular causes of death predominated among donors ≥ 70 (85% vs 47% in donors <70; P < .001). In contrast, traumatic causes of death predominated among donors <70 (36% vs 14% in donors ≥ 70; P = .002). Unlike grafts from donors <70 years old, grafts from older individuals had no additional risk factors (steatosis, high sodium, or hemodynamic instability). Both groups were comparable for cold and warm ischemia times. No difference was noted in posttransplant peak transaminases, incidence of primary nonfunction, hepatic artery thrombosis, biliary strictures, or retransplantation rates between groups. The 1- and 5-year patient survivals were 88% and 82% in recipients of livers <70 versus 90% and 84% in those from ≥ 70 years old (P = .705). Recipients of older grafts, who were 6 years older than recipients of younger grafts (P < .001), tended to have a lower laboratory Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (P = .074). CONCLUSIONS: Short and mid-term survival following OLT using donors ≥ 70 yo can be excellent provided that there is adequate donor and recipient selection. Septuagenarians and octogenarians with cerebrovascular ischemic and bleeding accidents represent a large pool of potential donors whose wider use could substantially reduce mortality on the OLT waiting list.

Potentiation of adverse effects of cold by warm ischemia in circulatory death donors for porcine liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Wider use of donors after circulatory death (DCD) could reduce mortality on the liver transplantation waiting list. We previously reported that pig livers exposed to ≥ 30 minutes of warm ischemia followed by 4 hours of cold ischemia are at high risk of primary graft nonfunction. We sought to determine how prolonged cold ischemia, after a short, normally well-tolerated period of warm ischemia affects graft function and recipient survival using a porcine model of liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Livers were transplanted after exposure to no warm plus 4 hours cold ischemia (group 1); 15 minutes of warm and 4 hours of cold ischemia (group 2); no warm and 8 hours of cold ischemia (group 3); or 15 minutes of warm and 8 hours of cold ischemia (group 4). Recipient survival, graft dysfunction incidence, liver function (prothrombin time), hepatocellular damage (aspartate aminotransferase), sinusoidal cell function (hyaluronic acid), and inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α) were recorded after transplantation. Biopsies were scored for ischemia-reperfusion injury. RESULTS: Day 4 survival in group 4 was 0% versus 100%, 83%, and 100% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Recipients in group 4 exposed to short warm but prolonged cold ischemia displayed severe graft dysfunction, the highest peak transaminase, the greatest inflammatory response, more sinusoidal endothelial cell dysfunction and, the worst histologic score for ischemia-reperfusion injury. CONCLUSIONS: Liver grafts from DCD donors, even when exposed to short periods of warm ischemia, did not tolerate prolonged cold ischemia well and should be transplanted without delay.

Glycyrrhizin in patients who failed previous interferon alpha-based therapies: biochemical and histological effects after 52 weeks.

Chronic hepatitis C patients often fail to respond to interferon-based therapies. This phase III study aimed at confirming the efficacy and safety of glycyrrhizin in interferon + ribavirin-based therapy non-responders. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, comparison of glycyrrhizin, administered intravenously 5×/or 3×/week, and 5×/week placebo for 12 weeks to 379 patients, was followed by a randomised, open comparison of glycyrrhizin i.v. 5×/versus 3×/week for 40 weeks. Primary endpoints were: (1) the proportion of patients with ≥50% ALT (alanine aminotransferase) reduction after 12 weeks double-blind phase, and (2) the proportion of patients with improvement of necro-inflammation after 52 weeks as compared with baseline. The proportion of patients with ALT reduction ≥50% after 12 weeks was significantly higher with 5×/week glycyrrhizin (28.7%, P < 0.0001) and 3×/week glycyrrhizin (29.0%, P < 0.0001) compared with placebo (7.0%). The proportion of patients with improvement in necro-inflammation after 52 weeks was 44.9% with 5×/week and 46.0% with 3×/week, respectively. Glycyrrhizin exhibited a significantly higher ALT reduction compared to placebo after 12 weeks of therapy and an improvement of necro-inflammation and fibrosis after 52-weeks treatment. Generally, glycyrrhizin treatment was well tolerated.

Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension is associated with poor survival: results of a long-term cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a rare disease in the Western world. As a result, little is known about the clinical characteristics and outcome of these patients. Survival in these patients is considered to be similar to that of the general population. AIM: To investigate the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, outcome and determinants of survival in Western INCPH patients. METHODS: Multicentre cohort study of INCPH patients. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were followed for a median time of 90 months (range 24-310). Initial manifestations leading to the diagnosis of INCPH were related to portal hypertension in 82% of the patients. Histological signs of portal blood supply disturbances were present in nearly all patients. During follow-up, 12 of 62 patients developed liver decompensation, of which four were considered for liver transplantation. One patient died in the context of variceal bleeding. Hepatocellular carcinoma was not observed during follow-up. A total of 23 patients died during follow-up, only four of them due to liver related mortality. The Kaplan-Meier estimates for overall survival were 100% (95% CI 95-100%), 78% (95% CI 67-89%) and 56% (95% CI 40-72%) at 1, 5 and 10 years respectively. Survival for INCPH was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) compared to survival of the general population. Ascites was an independent predictor of poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to the general population, survival in INCPH patients is poor. Mortality is related to associated disorders and medical conditions occurring at older age. Patients rarely die due to liver related complications. Patients with ascites have a poor prognosis.

Characterisation of the hepatic progenitor cell compartment in normal liver and in hepatitis: an immunohistochemical comparison between dog and man.

The liver progenitor cell compartment in the normal canine liver and in spontaneous canine acute (AH) and chronic hepatitis (CH) was morphologically characterised and compared to its human equivalents. Immunohistochemistry was performed for cytokeratin-7 (CK7), human hepatocyte marker (Hep Par 1), multidrug resistance-associated protein-2 (MRP2), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) on paraffin and frozen sections from canine and human tissues. Normal liver showed similar morphology and immunohistochemical reaction of the progenitor cell compartment/canal of Hering in man and dog. In addition, a ductular reaction, comparable in terms of severity, location and immunohistochemical characteristics, was observed in canine and human AH and CH. CK7 was a good marker for canine progenitor cells, including intermediate cells, which were positively identified in cases of AH and CH. In both species, BCRP was expressed in both hepatocytes and bile ducts of the normal liver, and in ductular reaction in AH and CH. MRP2 detected bile canalicular membranes in man and dog. These findings underline the similarities between canine and human liver reaction patterns and may offer mutual advantage for comparative research in human and canine spontaneous liver diseases.

Rescue of a marginal liver graft by sequential treatment with molecular adsorbent recirculating system and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a case report.

A 53-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) using a marginal graft. Persistent cholestasis post-OLT was successfully treated using a molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS). Afterwards, the patient developed refractory ascites, which was controlled by a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). TIPS reduction and eventually occlusion was necessary due to the development of encephalopathy. Despite TIPS occlusion, the ascites did not relapse probably because of the onset of other adaptive mechanisms. MARS and TIPS used sequentially were capable of rescuing a liver graft, thereby avoiding the morbidity and mortality associated with early retransplantation and sparing a liver graft from the donor pool.

Stem and progenitor cells for liver repopulation: can we standardise the process from bench to bedside?

There has been recent progress in the isolation and characterisation of stem/progenitor cells that may differentiate towards the hepatic lineage. This has raised expectations that therapy of genetic or acquired liver disease might be possible by transplanting stem/progenitor cells or their liver-committed progeny. However, it is currently impossible to determine from the many documented studies which of the stem/progenitor cell populations are the best for therapy of a given disease. This is largely because of the great variability in methods used to characterise cells and their differentiation ability, variability in transplantation models and inconsistent methods to determine the effect of cell grafting in vivo. This manuscript represents a first proposal, created by a group of investigators ranging from basic biologists to clinical hepatologists. It aims to define standardised methods to assess stem/progenitor cells or their hepatic lineage-committed progeny that could be used for cell therapy in liver disease. Furthermore standardisation is suggested both for preclinical animal models to evaluate the ability of such cells to repopulate the liver functionally, and for the ongoing clinical trials using mature hepatocytes. Only when these measures have been put in place will the promise of stem/progenitor-derived hepatocyte-based therapies become reality.

Embryology of extra- and intrahepatic bile ducts, the ductal plate.

In the human embryo, the first anlage of the bile ducts and the liver is the hepatic diverticulum or liver bud. For up to 8 weeks of gestation, the extrahepatic biliary tree develops through lengthening of the caudal part of the hepatic diverticulum. This structure is patent from the beginning and remains patent and in continuity with the developing liver at all stages. The hepatic duct (ductus hepaticus) develops from the cranial part (pars hepatica) of the hepatic diverticulum. The distal portions of the right and left hepatic ducts develop from the extrahepatic ducts and are clearly defined tubular structures by 12 weeks of gestation. The proximal portions of the main hilar ducts derive from the first intrahepatic ductal plates. The extrahepatic bile ducts and the developing intrahepatic biliary tree maintain luminal continuity from the very start of organogenesis throughout further development, contradicting a previous study in the mouse suggesting that the extrahepatic bile duct system develops independently from the intrahepatic biliary tree and that the systems are initially discontinuous but join up later. The normal development of intrahepatic bile ducts requires finely timed and precisely tuned epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, which proceed from the hilum of the liver toward its periphery along the branches of the developing portal vein. Lack of remodeling of the ductal plate results in the persistence of an excess of embryonic bile duct structures remaining in their primitive ductal plate configuration. This abnormality has been termed the ductal plate malformation.

Pharmacological IKK2 inhibition blocks liver steatosis and initiation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic-steatohepatitis (NASH) leading to fibrosis, end-stage cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is an increasing health problem in the Western world. Thus, the need for new therapeutic approaches is increasing. IKK2 plays a key role in the development of NASH by mediating inflammation and insulin resistance. AIM: Here the beneficial effects of a pharmacological IKK2 inhibitor (AS602868) on initial stages of NASH progression were tested. METHODS: Mice were fed with a high sucrose diet (HSD) and daily-administered AS602868 and vehicle. The impact of AS602868 on NASH progression was studied using biochemical, histological and molecular markers. RESULTS: AS602868 treatment prevented HSD-induced weight gain and visceral fat accumulation. In adipose tissue, AS602868-treated mice exhibited a lower degree of infiltrated macrophages along with reduced proinflammatory cytokine production. Further analysis demonstrated that AS602868 treatment efficiently inhibited nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation in liver non-parenchymal cells and as a consequence attenuated the inflammatory response in the liver. Accordingly, in HSD/AS602868 mice, liver and adipose tissue adiponectin levels remained at levels comparable with those of control chow-fed mice, while they were decreased in HSD/vehicle animals. Additionally, AS602868 improved lipid beta-oxidation mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and PPARgamma. Systemic pharmacological IKK2 inhibition by AS602868 treatment efficiently prevented liver steatosis and inflammation, and improved antioxidant response. All this contributed to attenuation of NASH progression as evidenced by lower hepatocyte apoptosis and early stages of liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate that AS602868-mediated IKK2 inhibition represents a new therapeutic approach to prevent dietary-induced NASH progression.

Squamous cell carcinoma antigen in human liver carcinogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) is a serine protease inhibitor that can be overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at both molecular and protein level, but no data are available on its expression in pre-malignant stages. AIM: To assess SCCA expression by immunohistochemistry in HCC and its nodular precursors in cirrhotic livers. METHODS: 55 nodules from 42 explanted livers were evaluated: 7 large regenerative nodules (LRNs), 7 low-grade dysplastic nodules (LG-DNs), 10 high-grade DNs (HG-DNs), and 31 HCC. SCCA expression was semiquantitatively scored on a four-tiered scale. RESULTS: SCCA hepatocyte immunostaining was always restricted to the cytoplasm, mainly exhibiting a granular pattern. Stain intensity varied, ranging from weak to very strong. Within the nodules, positive cells were unevenly distributed, either scattered or in irregular clusters. The prevalence of SCCA expression was 29% in LRNs, 100% in DNs and 93% in HCC. A significant difference emerged in both prevalence and score for LRNs versus LG-DNs (p<0.039), HG-DNs (p = 0.001), and HCC (p = 0.000). A barely significant difference (p = 0.49) was observed between LG-DNs and HG-DNs, while no difference in SCCA expression was detected between HG-DNs and HCC. Cirrhotic tissue adjacent to the nodules was positive in 96% of cases, with a significant difference in the score (p = 0.000) between hepatocytes adjacent to HCC and those surrounding LRNs. DISCUSSION: This study provides the first evidence that aberrant SCCA expression is an early event in liver cell carcinomatous transformation.

Role of endogenous opioids in modulating HSC activity in vitro and liver fibrosis in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Endogenous opioids modulate the growth of nervous and non-nervous cells. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main cell phenotype involved in liver fibrogenesis, display molecular markers of neuronal cells and respond to neurotransmitters. AIM: To evaluate the role of endogenous opioids on liver fibrogenesis. METHODS: Activated rat HSCs (passage 1-3) were used to evaluate cell proliferation and intracellular signalling pathway activation. Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) administration. RESULTS: Opioid receptors showed a different pattern of expression when measured in quiescent and activated (in vitro and in vivo) HSCs. The activation of opioid receptors increased HSC proliferation and collagen accumulation. Opioid receptor stimulation induced a calcium-dependent protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha)/extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway activation that mediated the effect of endogenous opioids on HSC proliferation and collagen synthesis. In DMN-treated rats, the opioid antagonist naloxone reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin expression (as a marker of HSC activation) and collagen deposition, both measured by morphometry after 5 weeks of treatment. In both DMN-treated rats and human liver biopsies from chronic liver diseases, opioid receptors were observed in HSCs in area of active fibrogenesis. The endogenous opioid met-enkephalin increased its expression in zone 3 hepatocytes close to the area of necrosis after DMN administration and in the cellular target of chronic liver injury in human biopsies, and stimulated HSC proliferation and collagen synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Endogenous opioids released during chronic liver injury participate in the process of liver fibrogenesis by stimulating HSC proliferation and collagen production in a paracrine manner.

Hemodynamic, biochemical, and morphological characteristics during preservation of normal porcine livers by hypothermic machine perfusion.

In renal transplantation, hypothermic machine perfusion optimizes preservation of marginal grafts, assesses their quality prior to transplantation, improves outcome, and may contribute to an increased number of transplantations. Recently, hypothermic machine perfusion has become increasingly popular given the organ shortage and the "obligatory" utilization of marginal organs. Increasing mortality on the liver transplantation waiting list makes it urgent to develop machine perfusion systems for livers, trying to better preserve marginal livers and perhaps to recover currently discarded livers are for clinical transplantation without an increased risk of graft nonfunction. However, data on machine perfusion of livers and perfusion parameters capable of predicting viability are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the baseline hemodynamic and metabolic profiles and morphology of livers during hypothermic machine perfusion in a porcine model. We used protocol similar to hypothermic machine perfusion of kidneys. Hemodynamic analysis revealed higher vascular resistance in the hepatic artery versus the portal vein. The arterial resistance gradually decreased during perfusion (similar to kidneys), suggesting progressive relaxation of the arterial vasculature, and perhaps better penetration of the microcirculation by the perfusion solution. During hypothermic machine perfusion, transaminases were gradually (but modestly) released, and livers displayed unequivocal signs of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. After 24 hours, livers appeared morphologically well preserved. In conclusion, this study showed that hypothermic machine perfusion was feasible. During hypothermic machine perfusion, was easily assessed hemodynamic, biochemical, and morphological parameters.

Effect of nutritional supplement challenge in patients with isolated high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate, through a prospective follow-up study, the effects of a dietary supplementation challenge in men with isolated high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). METHODS: The effects of a 6-month supplementation challenge with selenium, vitamin E, and soy isoflavonoids in men diagnosed with isolated HGPIN on biopsy were evaluated. A total of 100 patients entered the study. Of the 100 men, 29 were excluded because they refused additional biopsies or were noncompliant with the protocol, 71 underwent repeat biopsies at 3 months, and 58 underwent a third set at 6 months. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was recorded at inclusion and before each set of biopsies. The study endpoint was defined as the diagnosis of PCa at 3 months or the histopathologic status at 6 months. RESULTS: At the study endpoint, PCa had been found in 24 men (33.8%), HGPIN in 34 (47.9%), and no HGPIN or carcinoma in 13 (18.3%). The PCa risk throughout the study period was 25.0% in the group with a stable or decreasing PSA level (n = 48, 67.6%) and 52.2% in the group with an increasing PSA level (n = 23, 32.4%). This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0458). Isolated HGPIN remaining at the first repeat biopsy and the percentage of initial cores with HGPIN were significant predictors of PCa at additional biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that a decrease in the PSA level while taking a selenium, vitamin E, and soy isoflavonoids supplement predicts for a significantly lower risk of PCa in future biopsies. The percentage of initial biopsy cores with HGPIN and isolated HGPIN remaining at the first repeat biopsy are significant predictors of PCa in future biopsies.

High-grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma has a higher angiogenic activity than low-grade renal cell carcinoma based on histomorphological quantification and qRT-PCR mRNA expression profile.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CC-RCC) is a highly vascularised tumour and is therefore an attractive disease to study angiogenesis and to test novel angiogenesis inhibitors in early clinical development. Endothelial cell proliferation plays a pivotal role in the process of angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to compare angiogenesis parameters in low nuclear grade (n=87) vs high nuclear grade CC-RCC (n=63). A panel of antibodies was used for immunohistochemistry: CD34/Ki-67, carbonic anhydrase IX, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Vessel density (MVD - microvessel density), endothelial cell proliferation fraction (ECP%) and tumour cell proliferation fraction (TCP%) were assessed. mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis stimulators and inhibitors were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. High-grade CC-RCC showed a higher ECP% (P=0.049), a higher TCP% (P=0.009), a higher VEGF protein expression (P<0.001), a lower MVD (P< 0.001) and a lower HIF-1alpha protein expression (P=0.002) than low-grade CC-RCC. Growth factor mRNA expression analyses revealed a higher expression of angiopoietin 2 in low-grade CC-RCC. Microvessel density and ECP% were inversely correlated (Rho=-0.26, P=0.001). Because of the imperfect association of nuclear grade and ECP% or MVD, CC-RCC was also grouped based on low/high MVD and ECP%. This analysis revealed a higher expression of vessel maturation and stabilisation factors (placental growth factor, PDGFB1, angiopoietin 1) in CC-RCC with high MVD, a group of CC-RCC highly enriched in low nuclear grade CC-RCC, with low ECP%. Our results suggest heterogeneity in angiogenic activity and vessel maturation of CC-RCC, to a large extent linked to nuclear grade, and, with probable therapeutic implications.