Epiplakin expression dynamics during colon carcinogenesis: Correlation with proliferation.

Colorectal cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with a considerable proportion arising from colon adenomas. Understanding the molecules involved in the carcinogenesis process is crucial for improving colon cancer diagnosis and prognosis. While research on the role of epiplakin in cancer remains limited compared to other plakin group proteins, comprehending its expression patterns and correlations can offer valuable insights into colon carcinogenesis. In this study, we analyzed 60 tissue samples, including colon adenocarcinomas, tubular adenomas (low malignancy risk group), tubulovillous adenomas (high malignancy risk group), and adjacent normal colon tissues. Classification and grading were reevaluated by histological examination. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess epiplakin and Ki67 expression. Epiplakin optical density and the Ki67 proliferation index were calculated using ImageJ. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate correlations and significance. Epiplakin expression was significantly decreased in colon adenocarcinomas [optical density median 4.04 (95% CI, 3.98 to 4.24)] and tubulovillous adenomas [4.32 (95% CI, 4.08 to 4.32)] compared to normal colon tissues [4.61 (95% CI, 4.50 to 4.67)] and tubular adenomas [4.87 (95% CI, 4.67 to 4.88)] (P < 0.05). Moreover, adenoma groups exhibited higher proliferation indices (P < 0.05), and a positive correlation was found between epiplakin expression and the Ki67 proliferation index (r = 0.317, P < 0.05). Our study highlights the potential significance of epiplakin in colorectal cancer. Decreased epiplakin expression is associated with colon malignancy progression, suggesting its role as a potential marker.

An unusual case of trisomy 18 associated with paucity of bile ducts.

A case of neonatal cholestasis associated with Trisomy 18 (Edward's syndrome) is presented. A 3-day-old boy was referred to our clinic due to respiratory distress, elevated serum direct bilirubin levels, a systolic heart murmur, growth restriction and micrognathia. Liver biopsy and chromosomal analysis revealed paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts and Trisomy 18. Extrahepatic biliary atresia was reported in only a few patients with Trisomy 18. To our knowledge, we described for the first time a patient with Trisomy 18 and neonatal cholestasis associated with paucity of interlobular bile ducts.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma located in the maxillary sinus.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumour with low metastatic rate and infiltrative growth pattern. The palate is the most common site. Paranasal sinuses are uncommon venues for polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma. Here, we report a polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma case of the maxillary sinus, a very rare location. Although it is a low grade malignancy, progression may develop after a long time. Therefore, polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis even in rare sites in the head and neck.