Differential rates of proliferation and apoptosis in nasal polyps correspond to alterations in DNA spatial distribution and nuclear polarization as observed by confocal microscopy.

The study aimed to investigate the expression of p53, Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in relation to the histologic and nuclear qualitative and spatial characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis (CRP). Imprint smears obtained from surgically removed nasal polyps of 20 patients were studied. The polyps were classified according to their histological characteristics as: hyperplasia (simple and pronounced) and squamous metaplasia. The expression of p53, Bcl-2 and Ki-67 was assessed by immunocytochemistry. DNA spatial distribution and nuclear orientation were studied by staining with propidium iodide and examined by confocal microscopy. Positive immunoreaction for p53, Ki-67 and Bcl-2 was observed in 50, 65, and 50% of polyp's smears, respectively. For each diagnosis, the rates were simple hyperplasia 60, 80 and 30%, pronounced hyperplasia 80, 100 and 40%, metaplasia 0, 0 and 100%, respectively. Abnormal chromatin distribution and nuclear disorientation was observed in three cases of pronounced hyperplasia combined with positive immunoreaction for Ki-67 and p53 and negative immunoreaction for Bcl-2. CRP demonstrated different proliferation and apoptotic rates, according to their histology. Nuclear characteristics observed by confocal microscopy are associated with the immunocytochemical markers of proliferation and apoptosis.

Association between squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and serum folate and homocysteine.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of folate and homocysteine in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and to correlate them with the clinical stage. An attempt was made to associate the results with the effects of smoking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum levels of folate and homocysteine were measured in 150 patients with histologically-proven SCCHN before any treatment and in 150 healthy volunteers (77 smokers and 73 nonsmokers). RESULTS: The study indicated a positive correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia and hypofolatemia and the presence of SCCHN. Folate deficiency and high levels of homocysteine were noted in a large number of healthy smokers. CONCLUSION: If metabolic disorders of the methionine cycle are confirmed as risk factors for SCCHN, folate as a dietary supplement might play a role in chemoprevention and the posttreatment care of SCCHN patients.

Clinical effectiveness of tumor markers in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine and compare the value of the serum tumor markers CYFRA 21-1, TPA-M, SCCA and CEA in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx. Moreover, their possible clinical applications were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The serum levels of CYFRA 21-1, TPA-M, SCCA and CEA were measured in 79 patients with histologically-proven squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx before and after treatment and in 77 healthy volunteers. The association of the results with the clinicopathological characteristics was investigated. RESULTS: The study showed that none of the markers revealed a significant sensitivity; TPA-M indicated a positive correlation with the grade of differentiation. CEA indicated a positive correlation only with distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: Among the four markers, only TPA-M may play a role in monitoring the success of therapy and follow-up in patients with SCC of the larynx.

Metallic foreign body in middle ear: an unusual cause of hearing loss.

This is a rare case report of a foreign metallic body found in the middle ear. During the use of an electric welding by a metalworker, a glowing drop of dissolved metal overrun, burning the skin of his external auditory meatus, perforated the tympanic membrane and finally was implanted around the ossicles as a foreign body. Due to difficulty of the physical examination and the moderate symptoms (hearing loss and sense of fullness), the foreign body was detected six months after the incident, by CT scanning and it was removed by a transcanal approach under general anesthesia. A successful ossiculoplasty-tympanoplasty was followed four weeks later.