Chromoblastomycosis by Exophiala jeanselmei associated with squamous cell carcinoma

Chromoblastomycosis is a subcutaneous, chronic, granulomatous mycosis that occurs more frequently in tropical and subtropical countries. Herein, we describe a case of a 90-year-old female patient with diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis by Exophiala jeanselmei with a 22-year evolution who developed a squamous cell carcinoma. In the meantime, She underwent two misdiagnoses and an unnecessary operation. This case is also the fifth case of E. jeanselmei caused CBM in history.     

Thyroid carcinoma with papillary and squamous features: Report of a case with histogenetic considerations

We present a case of an 82-year-old female with a painless left latero-cervical swelling, which increased in size over the course of 6 months, compressing adjacent organs. The histopathological examination, following dissection of the left thyroid lobe and ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes, yielded two intermingled morphologically distinct histotypes that included conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with cystic features. The clinical presentation, the immunophenotype, and the genotype, especially of the malignant squamous component with partial expression of TTF1, marked expression of p63 and mutation of BRAF, were consistent with the diagnosis of a papillary thyroid carcinoma with squamous component. The possibility of a squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin metastasizing to a primary papillary thyroid carcinoma cannot be completely ruled out. This particular presentation of thyroid carcinoma carries a poor prognosis in 20% of cases, with high recurrence rates and distant metastasis.     

An immunohistochemical study of the extracellular matrix in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its association with invasive and metastatic potential

The expression of extracellular matrices (ECMs) laminin (LN), type IV collagen (IV C), heparansulphate proteoglycan (HS-PG), fibronectin (FN), tenascin (TN), decorin and vitronectin (VN) was examined immunohistochemically in 112 primary tumours and 29 metastatic cervical lymph nodes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In highly invasive primary tumours, the expression of LN, IV C and HS-PG in the basement membrane along the tumour-stroma borderline and the expression of decorin and VN in the tumour stroma at the invasive site were all significantly decreased. The expression of FN and TN in the tumour stroma at the same site was markedly increased. In peritumour stroma in metastatic lymph nodes, LN, IV C, HS-PG, decorin and VN were weakly expressed, while FN and TN were strongly expressed. Thus, the staining pattern of the ECMs in the metastatic lymph nodes was similar to that in highly invasive primary tumours. Furthermore, in primary tumours of metastatic cases, the expression of LN, IV C, HS-PG, decorin and VN obviously decreased, while the expression of FN and TN increased when compared with those of the non-metastatic cases. The investigation of ECMs in OSCC was valuable in predicting tumour behaviour.     

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma with lymphoid stroma

Summary We treated a 70-year-old Japanese man with squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus with evidence of lymphoid stroma. The tumour consisted of a main lesion invading the muscular layer of the oesophagus, in association with wide areas of carcinoma in situ. The tumour stroma of the lesion was nondesmoplastic and was uniformly infiltrated mainly by abundant lymphocytes and plasma cells. Immunohistochemically, the lymphocytes consisted of a large number of T lymphocytes and a small number of B lymphocytes. S-100 protein positive cells were marked in the tumour cell nests and necrotic change of tumour cells was frequent. Abundant infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells was also wide-spread beneath the carcinoma in situ, together with the lymphoid follicles. Carcinoma with lymphoid stroma can occur not only in the breast, uterine cervix, nasopharynx and stomach but also in the oesophagus.     

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach: a case report and literature review

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the stomach is rare. Its pathogenesis is also unclear and there are conflicting reports about it in the past. Only about 100 cases have been reported so far in the literature. The current study discusses a new case of gastric squamous cell carcinoma, from a 50-year-old Chinese male patient diagnosed via subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction and D2 lymphadenectomy. In the stomach, an ulcerated mass in the antrum, measuring 12×8×6 cm, was observed. Further, pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed a well-differentiated SCC. Observations indicated tumor cell invasion into the serosa, and encroachment into perigastric regional lymph node. A follow-up abdominal CT scan three months later revealed tumor invasion into the ascending colon. We assume that this invaded mass was transferred from the gastric squamous cell carcinoma. Interestingly, the patient is still alive.     

Expression of MMP9 and CD147 in invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and their implication

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and CD147 play a role in invasion and metastasis of many types of human malignancies. The correlation of the expression of MMP9 and CD147 with invasion and metastasis of invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the uterine cervix has not been examined. In the present study, RT-PCR assay was used to detect the expression level of MMP9 mRNA semiquantitatively, and immunohistochemical stain was adapted to evaluate the score of CD147 on the cell membrane or in the cytoplasm of tumor cells of 65 cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and 21 cases of chronic cervitis tissues. MMP9 and CD147 expression in correlation with invasion, metastasis, and differentiation of invasive SCC of the uterine cervix was analyzed statistically. We found that MMP9 and CD147 expression was elevated significantly in tumor tissue compared to the control (cervical epithelium of chronic cervitis) (P<0.01). In the comparison of MMP9 and CD147 expression in 47 cases with lymph node metastasis and 18 cases without lymph node metastasis, there was a significantly higher expression of MMP9 and CD147 in the group with lymph node metastasis (P<0.05 for MMP9, P<0.01 for CD147). MMP9 expression was significantly higher in 24 cases of poor differentiation than in 41 cases of moderate differentiation (P<0.05). No difference was found in CD147 expression between poor and moderate differentiation (P>0.05). No significant difference in MMP9 and CD147 expression levels was obtained between 26 cases of FIGO stage I tumors and 39 cases of stage II tumors (P>0.05 for MMP9, P>0.05 CD147). There was no correlation between MMP9 or CD147 expression levels and the resected tumor size (P>0.05). The positive correlation (r=0.568, P<0.001) of MMP9 expression and CD147 score was seen in the tumor tissues of 65 cases. The data in this study show that MMP9 and CD147 expression are correlated with invasion, metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, and that MMP9 expression is correlated with poor differentiation of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.     

骨桥蛋白在食管鳞癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的观察骨桥蛋白（OPN）在食管鳞癌组织、癌旁组织和转移淋巴结的表达状况,探讨OPN在食管鳞癌中表达的临床意义。方法运用免疫组化S-P法检测44例食管鳞癌组织、癌旁组织和20例转移淋巴结免疫组化染色。结果OPN在食管癌组织、癌旁组织及转移淋巴结中的表达率分别为86．3％、0％和100％。癌组织中OPN主要表达于肿瘤细胞的细胞浆中。OPN的表达与肿瘤TNM分期、淋巴结转移状态有关,而与肿瘤位置、肿瘤直径、浸润深度及病理学分级无关。OPN在癌组织、癌旁组织及转移淋巴结表达强度亦存在显著性差异。结论食管鳞癌组织中OPN主要由肿瘤细胞产生。OPN与肿瘤的浸润、转移有关,反映了肿瘤的生物学特性。     

Sodium azide induces necrotic cell death in rat squamous cell carcinoma SCC131

Sodium azide (NaN₃) is widely used in industry and agriculture, and also in laboratories as a potent preservative. NaN₃ induces cell death when applied to cultured cells. However, whether the mode of cell death is apoptosis or necrosis remains a subject of debate. There have been no previous reports on NaN₃-induced cell death in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and so we studied the mode of cell death induced by NaN₃ using the rat SCC cell line, SCC131. In this experiment, SCC131 cells died 48–72 h after NaN₃ treatment with concentrations greater than 5 mM. The NaN₃ treatment reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling and DNA ladder detection assay indicated that no DNA fragmentation occurred. In addition, phosphatidyl serine did not appear on the cell surface, according to the findings of dye-uptake bioassay and flow cytometric analysis of Annexin V labeling. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that the NaN₃-treated cells showed mitochondrial swelling and rupture of the cell membrane. In conclusion, NaN₃ induces necrotic cell death in SCC131. This experimental model may be used in the study of necrotic cell death.     

Reduced expression of claudin-7 correlates with invasion and metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Claudins are transmembrane proteins that seal tight junctions, bind with peripheral protein zonula occludens (ZO)-1, and are known to play an important role in several normal tissues and cancers. However, the role of claudin-1 and claudin-7 expressions in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remains to be clarified. In the present study, we confirmed the expressions of claudin-1, claudin-7, and ZO-1 in the prickle cell layer of the normal human esophageal squamous epithelium. The expressions of claudin-1 and claudin-7 at the invasive front of the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed immunohistochemically to clarify their role in tumor progression. Reduced expression of claudin-7 at the invasive front of the esophageal cancer was significantly associated with the depth of invasion (P = .004), stage (P = .038), lymphatic vessel invasion (P = .001), and lymph node metastasis (P = .014). In contrast, significant association was not detected between claudin-1 expression and clinicopathologic factors except for histologic differentiation of the tumor (P = .0029). Comparison of claudin-7 expression at the invasive front of the primary tumor and its corresponding metastatic lymph nodes revealed significant reduction in claudin-7 expression in the metastatic lymph nodes (P = .007). These results suggest that the reduced expression of claudin-7 at the invasive front of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma may lead to tumor progression and subsequent metastatic events. Thus, claudin-7 can be a novel marker for the prediction of lymph node metastasis.     

Clinicopathologic significance of CXCR4 expressions in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AimsThis study was designed to investigate the biological function of CXCR4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and to explore the underlying mechanism to provide potential targets for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsA total of 101 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were included, and the relationship between CXCR4 and clinicopathological factors was analyzed. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to observe numbers of autophagosomes in TE-1 cell line and the ability of proliferation and invasion were evaluated meanwhile.ResultsCXCR4 is overexpressed in ESCC specimens and is associated with poor differentiation and lymphocyte metastasis. In the survival analysis, CXCR4 predicted a poor overall survival prognosis. The number of autophagosomes in the siR-CXCR4 group was decreased compared with negative group (P < 0.05), while was increased in the pcDNA3.1-CXCR4 group (P < 0.05).Western blot result show upregulation of LC3II, the ratio of LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 in pcDNA3.1-CXCR4 group and decreased expression of LC3II, the ratio of LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 in siR-CXCR4 group. Transwell assay show CXCR4 overexpression promote the invasion of TE-1 cells and was attenuated by autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine.On the contrary, invasion cell numbers decreased in siR-CXCR4 group and was rescued by autophagy inducer Rapamycin.ConclusionCXCR4 is an indicator of poor prognosis for ESCC. CXCR4 promote autophagy and regulate cell invasion through autophagy in ESCC. Our study provides new insights for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and CXCR4 may serve as a therapeutic target for ESCC.     

Comparative analysis of the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p53, bax, and bcl-2 in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Several epidemiologic studies have shown the malignant transformation potential of oral lichen planus; however, this potential is subject of much controversy. To evaluate the expression of proteins related to the cell proliferation and apoptosis processes in oral lichen planus, we compared oral lichen planus with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Twenty-four cases of each lesion were submitted according to streptavidin-biotin technique to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p53, bax, and bcl-2 proteins. χ² test showed no statistically significant differences between the expression of p53, bax, and bcl-2 in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma (P > .05). However, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was significantly lower in oral lichen planus than in oral squamous cell carcinoma (P < .05). No statistically significant differences between the expression of p53, bax, and bcl-2 in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma were observed, which may be an evidence of the potential of malignant transformation of oral lichen planus.     

CCR10 and CCL27 are overexpressed in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

C-C chemokine receptor (CCR)10 is a specific receptor for chemokine ligand (CCL)27, a selective chemoattractant for skin-associated memory T cells to cutaneous sites. In melanoma, CCR10 increases the ability of neoplastic cells to grow, invade tissues, disseminate to lymph nodes, and escape the host immune responses. In this study, we investigated the expression of CCR10 and its ligand CCL27 in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). CCR10 and CCL27 were expressed in SCC, actinic keratosis (AK), Bowen's disease, and seborrheic keratosis (predominantly prickle cell type), but not in seborrheic keratosis (predominantly basal cell type) and basal cell carcinoma. Furthermore, CCR10 and CCL27 were overexpressed in SCC relative to Bowen's disease, an early stage of SCC. Consistently, a human SCC cell line, A253 cells, and HaCaT cells exhibited CCL27 production that was strongly induced by tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. Finally, A253 cells expressed stronger intracellular CCR10 compared to HaCaT cells by flow cytometry. These results suggest that CCR10 and CCL27 overexpression in SCC is related to the progression of SCC and is useful for the diagnosis of SCC.     

Differential expression of Yes-associated protein is correlated with expression of cell cycle markers and pathologic TNM staging in non-small-cell lung carcinoma

Yes-associated protein, a downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, has been linked to progression of non-small-cell lung carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate expression of Yes-associated protein in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Associations of Yes-associated protein expression with clinicopathologic parameters, expression of cell cycle-specific markers, and epidermal growth factor receptor gene amplification were also analyzed. In a univariate analysis of the 66 adenocarcinomas, high nuclear expression of Yes-associated protein was significantly correlated with expression of cyclin A and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Multivariate analysis, including age and sex, showed that cyclin A expression was independently correlated with nuclear expression of Yes-associated protein in adenocarcinomas. Furthermore, high nuclear expression of Yes-associated protein was also a significant predictor of epidermal growth factor receptor gene amplification for adenocarcinoma. For the 102 squamous cell carcinomas, univariate analysis revealed that high cytoplasmic expression of Yes-associated protein was correlated with the low pathologic TNM staging (stage I) and histologic grading. Multivariate analysis, including age and sex, showed that cytoplasmic expression of Yes-associated protein was an independent predictor of low pathologic TNM staging. These results indicate that nuclear overexpression of Yes-associated protein contributes to pulmonary adenocarcinoma growth and that high cytoplasmic expression of Yes-associated protein is an independent predictor of low pathologic TNM staging and histologic grading. The differential effects of Yes-associated protein expression patterns in adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas suggest that Yes-associated protein may play important roles in different pathways in distinct tumor subtypes. These observations may, therefore, lead to new perspectives on therapeutic targeting of these tumor types.     

Genomic instability in human actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the repetitive DNA patterns of human actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinomas to determine the genetic alterations that are associated with malignant transformation.

INTRODUCTION:

Cancer cells are prone to genomic instability, which is often due to DNA polymerase slippage during the replication of repetitive DNA and to mutations in the DNA repair genes. The progression of benign actinic keratoses to malignant squamous cell carcinomas has been proposed by several authors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Eight actinic keratoses and 24 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), which were pair-matched to adjacent skin tissues and/or leucocytes, were studied. The presence of microsatellite instability (MSI) and the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in chromosomes 6 and 9 were investigated using nine PCR primer pairs. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA patterns were also evaluated using eight primers.

RESULTS:

MSI was detected in two (D6S251, D9S50) of the eight actinic keratosis patients. Among the 8 patients who had squamous cell carcinoma-I and provided informative results, a single patient exhibited two LOH (D6S251, D9S287) and two instances of MSI (D9S180, D9S280). Two LOH and one example of MSI (D6S251) were detected in three out of the 10 patients with squamous cell carcinoma-II. Among the four patients with squamous cell carcinoma-III, one patient displayed three MSIs (D6S251, D6S252, and D9S180) and another patient exhibited an MSI (D9S280). The altered random amplified polymorphic DNA ranged from 70% actinic keratoses, 76% squamous cell carcinoma-I, and 90% squamous cell carcinoma-II, to 100% squamous cell carcinoma-III.

DISCUSSION:

The increased levels of alterations in the microsatellites, particularly in D6S251, and the random amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprints were statistically significant in squamous cell carcinomas, compared with actinic keratoses.

CONCLUSION:

The overall alterations that were observed in the repetitive DNA of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinomas indicate the presence of a spectrum of malignant progression.     

成纤维细胞生长因子受体1阳性肺鳞状细胞癌临床病理特征

目的 通过观察成纤维细胞生长因子受体1(FGFR1）蛋白在肺鳞状细胞癌(SCCL)组织中的表达,探讨FGFR1阳性病例的临床病理特征以及免疫组织化学（IHC）方法在筛查肺鳞状细胞癌FGFR1阳性病例中的意义。 方法 应用组织芯片技术制备208例SCCL组织微阵列;应用IHC检测FGFR1蛋白表达,结果与临床病理参数比较分析。 结果 208例SCCL患者中FGFR1阳性13例,阳性率为6.3%。FGFR1阳性组中肿瘤大于5cm患者比例明显高于FGFR1阴性组（P<0.05）;淋巴结转移组FGFR1阳性率较无淋巴结转移组明显增高（9.7% 比 2.9%,P<0.05）; Ⅲ、Ⅳ期患者FGFR1阳性率较Ⅰ、Ⅱ期患者明显增加（13.1% 比 1.6%,P<0.01）。吸烟患者较不吸烟患者FGFR1阳性率差异不明显(P>0.05),但随吸烟指数的增加,有增高的趋势。结论 FGFR1阳性表达与SCCL患者肿瘤体积较大、淋巴结转移以及临床分期较晚相关;与年龄、性别、肿瘤部位、分化程度及吸烟等无明显相关。