β-catenin expression in benign and malignant pleural disorders

Benign and malignant pleural processes display a large and overlapping spectrum of morphological appearances, and can be difficult to distinguish, histologically, from each other. β-catenin, a participant in the wingless-type (Wnt) transduction pathway, is involved in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma and has received limited evaluation for its ability to serve as a diagnostic aid for distinguishing between individual pleural disorders. We performed immunohistochemistry for β-catenin on 10 pleural malignant mesotheliomas, 10 examples of mesothelial hyperplasia and 18 cases of organizing pleuritis. Although differences were noted in staining intensity between the mesothelioma and mesothelial hyperplasia groups, extensiveness and cellular location were similar. Staining intensity (mean +/- s.d.) in mesotheliomas (2.00 +/- 0.67) was significantly less intense than in mesothelial hyperplasia cases (3.00 +/- 0.00) (p=0.0005). Stromal cell staining was cytoplasmic in all cases, and endothelial cell staining was membranous, submembranous and cytoplasmic. Nuclear expression of β-catenin was not observed in any of the cases studied. This lack of nuclear staining in the stromal cells of organizing pleuritis differs markedly from the previously reported high frequencies of nuclear β-catenin expression in other pleural spindle cell proliferations (desmoid tumors and solitary fibrous tumors). In summary, the current study adds to previous work indicating a role for β-catenin in the genesis of pleural conditions including organizing pleuritis, mesothelial hyperplasia and malignant mesothelioma. Although IHC for β-catenin does not appear to be conclusive for separating benign from malignant mesothelial proliferations, it may be valuable for assisting in the differential diagnosis of mesothelial and spindle cell proliferations in the pleura.     

Clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors of malignant phyllodes tumors北大核心CSCD

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic features of malignant phyllodes tumors (FT) by histopathologic analyses, immunohistochemical profiling and DNA content assay, and evaluation of the clinical outcome. Methods: Ten patients with malignant FT from 1999 to 2013 who were treated by surgery were enrolled in this study. The morphologic characteristics were studied under light microscope, standard two-step En Vision method of immunohistochemical staining was used to assess the expression of CK5/6, CKpan, 34βE12, desmin, p63, ER-α', PR, Ki-67, CD34, SMA, p53, p16, bcl-2 and CD117 in the tumors. The corresponding paraffin blocks were also used for flow cytometric DNA content assay. These data were correlated with the follow-up results. Results: The median age of onset was 46. 5 years old. The mean tumor size was 7. 4 cm (2. 0-25. 0 cm). At the end of the follow-up period (22 to 125 months), there were tumor recurrences in 3/8 patients and the median time of recurrence was 24 months. Metastasis occurred in 3/8 patients who all died of the tumors. FT had heterogeneous histology, with stromal overgrowth with leaflike projections, periductal stromal overgrowth, and most commonly, diffuse stromal overgrowth with sarcomatous differentiation. The mean positive index of Ki-67 was 11.4%. The stromal tumor cells were positive for CD34, SMA, p53, pl6, and bcl-2 in 3/10, 9/10, 6/10, 8/10, and 4/10 cases, respectively. CD117, ER-α and PR were negative. Interpretable DNA histograms were obtained in nine cases with triploidy in two cases. Conclusions: The diagnosis of malignant PT should be considered based on the diversity of growth patterns and heterogeneous histology. Ki-67 and CD34 are valuable diagnostic and prognostic factors in patients with malignant PT. Tumors with diffuse stromal overgrowth, heterologous elements, Ki-67≥20% or aneuploidy are more likely to metastasize.     

Expression of TGF-β1 and Bax and their significance in intervertebral disc degeneration

目的 探讨退行性变椎间盘组织中TGF-β1和Bax的表达及其意义.方法 收集正常与退变椎间盘组织,并根据病理改变将退变椎间盘组织分成4级,采用HE、免疫组化、TUNEL染色和RT-PCR法进行研究.结果 免疫组化和RT-PCR均显示在正常组织中有TGF-β1表达,Bax只有微量表达;在病变组织中随病理分级加大TGF-β1随之增加,与正常组相比,差异有显著性;Bax也逐步增加,与正常组相比,差异有显著性,Bax表达升高与凋亡指数(AI)呈正相关性.结论 退变椎间盘的病理分级与TGF-β1的表达增高相关,由此调控了Bax的表达,导致了细胞凋亡,促进了椎间盘的退变.     

Expression and clinical significance of CD151 and integrin α3β1 in colorectal tumors

目的:探讨CD151和整合素α3β1在直肠腺瘤及结直肠腺癌组织中的表达及其与临床各个病理因素之间的关系,并且研究两者的相关性.方法:应用免疫组织化学双染方法对正常结直肠黏膜、结直肠腺瘤及结直肠腺癌组织各120例进行CD151和整合素α3β1检测,并进行Kaplan-Meier生存分析.采用Spearman等级相关分析CD151和整合素αβ1之间的相关性.结果:CD151结直肠正常黏膜、腺瘤、腺癌组织的阳性率分别为21.7％、52.5％、72％,腺瘤和腺癌组织分别与正常黏膜比较均具有统计学意义.整合素α3β1在结直肠正常黏膜、腺瘤、腺癌组织的阳性率分别为34.2％、55％、70％,腺瘤和腺癌组织分别与正常黏膜比较均具有统计学意义.在结直肠腺癌中,CD151和整合素α3β1的表达与患者年龄、性别和肿瘤的部位、大小无相关性,与肿瘤的分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移及Duke's分期有关.CD151和整合素α3β1在大肠正常黏膜、腺瘤及腺癌组织中的表达经双变量相关分析,表达呈正相关.从图的Kaplan-Meier生存曲线及Log-Rank检验可知,CD151+、α3β1+、CD151+α3β1+与大肠癌患者5年生存期密切相关,是影响大肠癌预后的因素.结论:CD151和整合素α3β1在大肠癌的表达密切相关,提示CD151与整合素α3β1复合物存在于大肠癌,其表达对预后产生明显的影响.CD151与整合素α3β1联合表达是临床预后判断的可靠指标.     

Expression and ligand binding of α2β1 integrin on breast carcinoma cells

We examined the expression and ligand specificity of the 21 integrin on human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) and a panel of breast carcinoma cell lines in vitro. We found that the 21 integrin was universally, but quite variably expressed on these cells by FACS analysis. No significant correlation was observed between its expression and other known cellular phenotypes. Substrate attachment assays using blocking antibodies demonstrated that 21 integrin served as a receptor for collagen on HMEC and almost all breast carcinoma cells. However, its contribution to laminin binding of these cells appeared to be related to cellular differentiation as evaluated by sex steroid receptor status and by markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, i.e. loss of E-cadherin and expression of vimentin. Two different populations of non-malignant immortalized HMEC (184A1N4 and MCF-10A) contained cells capable of using 21 integrin as a laminin receptor. Breast cancer cell lines positive for estrogen receptor (ER) and E-cadherin (MCF-7, T47D, ZR75-1) could also use 21 integrin as a laminin receptor. Conversely, 21 integrin appeared to be incapable of binding to laminin or to be a very minor receptor for laminin on metastatic ER-negative breast carcinoma cells that expressed vimentin (MDA-MB 231, MDA-MB 435, and MDA-MB 436). These findings suggest that the ligand specificity of 21 integrin, i.e. its function as a laminin receptor, may be regulated during the malignant progression of breast carcinoma cells. A reduced contribution of 21 integrin to the cellular laminin binding appears to be associated with an increased malignant phenotype and with an epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast carcinoma cells.     

Expression ofβ1 integrins in non-neoplastic mammary epithelium,fibroadenoma and carcinoma of the breast

1 Integrins were examined immunohisto-chemically in normal and mastopathic mammary glands, 12 benign tumours and 90 carcinomas of the breast using monoclonal antibodies against1 and1 to6 subunits. When compared with epithelial cells of non-neoplastic mammary glands and of benign tumours, carcinoma cells showed considerable quantitative changes in the pattern of2,3 and6 subunit expression. In contrast, the distribution pattern of1,1,4 and5 antigens corresponded to the situation observed in non-neoplastic mammary gland epithelium in most instances. An abnormal expression of2 was found in 71.0% of the carcinomas ranging from a remarkably low number of2-positive tumour cells in 27.5% of the cases to a complete absence of the2 molecule in 43.5% of the carcinomas. Of the carcinomas 39.9% exhibited quantitative changes in3 expression with an abnormally low content of3-positive neoplastic cells in 15.4% and a complete absence of this molecule in 24.5% of the cases. Expression of6 was abnormal in 73.2% of the carcinomas, consisting in a greater number of6-negative tumour cells in 31.9% and in a complete absence of6 in 41.3% of the tumours. The abnormally low expression/absence of2 and3 subunits correlated with oestrogen receptor negativity (P<0.033 andP<0.04, respectively). In addition, abnormally low expression/absence of2 correlated with poor differentiation of the tumours (P< 0.014). The quantitative changes in the expression pattern of1-associated subunits in breast carcinomas may cause a disturbed cell-cell and/or cell-matrix interaction that increases the invasive and migratory property of the tumour cells.     

Actions of 17β-estradiol and testosterone in the mitochondria and their implications in aging

A decline in the mitochondrial functions and aging are two closely related processes. The presence of estrogen and androgen receptors and hormone-responsive elements in the mitochondria represents the starting point for the investigation of the effects of 17β-estradiol and testosterone on the mitochondrial functions and their relationships with aging. Both steroids trigger a complex molecular mechanism that involves crosstalk between the mitochondria, nucleus, and plasma membrane, and the cytoskeleton plays a key role in these interactions. The result of this signaling is mitochondrial protection. Therefore, the molecular components of the pathways activated by the sexual steroids could represent targets for anti-aging therapies. In this review, we discuss previous studies that describe the estrogen- and testosterone-dependent actions on the mitochondrial processes implicated in aging.     

Expression of CD44 in effusions of patients diagnosed with serous ovarian carcinoma – diagnostic and prognostic implications

CD44 is a family of cell adhesion molecules involved in a variety of cellular functions. The present study analysed the expression of two CD44 isoforms in serous effusions of patients diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma and corresponding primary and metastatic lesions. Fifty-eight effusions, 23 primary ovarian tumours, and 44 metastatic lesions were studied for protein expression of CD44s and v3-10 using immunohistochemistry. Results were correlated with clinical parameters. CD44v3-10 was seen in carcinoma cells in the majority of cases at all sites. Malignant effusions showed an up-regulation of CD44s compared to both primary tumours and metastatic solid lesions. Mesothelial cells frequently expressed CD44s, but were rarely immunoreactive for v3-10. CD44s immunoreactivity in cancer cells in effusions was significantly more often observed in patients with FIGO stage 3 than in stage 4 patients (P = 0.045). Staining results did not correlate with age, effusion site, metastatic site, tumour grade or residual tumour mass after initial surgery. Likewise, comparison of overall and disease-free survival with expression of the CD44 isoforms studied did not reveal any statistically significant associations. The up-regulation in CD44 levels in effusions, primarily in stage 3 disease, suggests that adhesion of ovarian carcinoma cells to mesothelium may be regulated at the level of CD44s expression, and provides further evidence of phenotypic alteration in the transition from primary tumour cell clones to effusions. The similar expression profile of CD44 in carcinoma cells in peritoneal and pleural effusions supports our previous observations and the hypothesis that carcinoma cells in peritoneal effusions are truly metastatic. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Expression of estrogen receptors-α and -β in primary breast neoplasms and tumors exposed to neoadjuvant hormonal therapy

We studied the content and expression of mRNA for estrogen receptors receptors- and - in breast tumors before and after 3-month neoadjuvant hormone therapy with antiestrogen tamoxifen and/or aromatase inhibitors. Expression of estrogen receptors- and - was most often detected in ER⁺PR⁺ tumors and most significantly decreased in these neoplasms after exemestane therapy. Immunocytochemical and radioligand assays showed that tamoxifen and anastrozole have little effect on the number of estrogen receptors- The number of progesterone receptors in tumors decreased by the end of anastrozole therapy. Estrogen receptors- were immunocytochemically revealed in 50% primary breast tumors. Anastrozole slightly decreased, while tamoxifen increased the incidence of these receptors. Interruption of signaling through estrogen receptors and suppression of estrogen biosynthesis had different effects on the receptor status of neoplasms and distribution of estrogen receptors- and -.Translated from Byulleten Eksperimentalnoi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 138, No. 11, pp. 559–562, November, 2004     

Expression of cancer stem cell markers in basal and penta-negative breast carcinomas – A study of a series of triple-negative tumors

Purpose

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Immunohistochemistry has given rise to triple-negative carcinoma (TNC). Concomitantly, biological origins of neoplasia and its heterogeneity has been strongly debated in cancer stem cells (CSC) theme. This study investigates the prevalence of basal (BCC) and penta-negative carcinomas (5NC) in TNC and establishes associations with CSC (CD44CD24).

Materials and methods

94 TNC were tested for CK5/6, HER1, CD44 and CD24, evaluated by a simple immunohistochemistry score and correlated with clinicopathological and survival data.

Results

BCC had higher tumor grades than 5NC (p = 0.004). CD44 negativity (p = 0.007) and CD44⁻CD24⁺ phenotype (p = 0.013) were associated with less vascular invasion amongst TNC. CD44 expression was associated with BCC (p = 0.007). CD44⁻CD24^−/low phenotype was associated with 5NC. None of the variables were associated with clinical outcome.

Conclusion

BCC and 5NC are closely related tumor subtypes. CD44⁻CD24^−/low phenotype was associated with 5NC and CD44⁻CD24⁺ phenotype was associated with vascular invasion. These results require histogenetic confirmation in larger studies.     

Expression of carbonic anhydrase IX,PAX2 and PAX8 and their association with clinicopathologic characteristics in renal epithelial tumors北大核心CSCD

Objective: To study the expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), PAX2 and PAX8 in different types of renal epithelial tumor and their association with clinicopathologic characteristics. Methods: Immunohistochemical study by EnVision method was performed in order to assess the expression of CAIX, PAX2 and PAX8 in 155 cases of renal cell carcinoma and 4 cases of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Ninety-six cases of non-neoplastic renal parenchymal tissue adjacent to CCRCC, 8 cases of clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma and 2 cases of clear cell hidradenoma were used as controls. Results: CAIX was commonly expressed in CCRCC (94. 0%, 63/67), of which 77. 8% (49/63) showed strong positivity. CAIX was focally positive in papillary renal cell carcinoma, collecting duct carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of renal pelvis. It was negative in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, oncocytoma and adjacent non-neoplastic renal tissue. CAIX was also strongly expressed in the 4 cases of metastatic CCRCC. Focal expression of CAIX was demonstrated in the 8 cases of clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma and 2 cases of clear cell hidradenoma. The expression of CAIX in CCRCC did not correlate with tumor grading, clinical staging and presence of distal metastasis. On the other hand, PAX2 showed positive expression in different types of renal epithelial tumor, clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma and clear cell hidradenoma in various degrees. In contrast, PAX8 was commonly expressed in all types of renal epithelial tumor, with the exception of urothelial carcinoma of renal pelvis. PAX8 was not expressed in clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma and clear cell hidradenoma. Regarding diagnosis of CCRCC, CAIX demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. PAX2 showed high specificity but low sensitivity. PAX8 was sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of renal epithelial tumor. Conclusions: CAIX is a useful immunohistochemical marker with high specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing CCRCC from other types of renal epithelial tumor and clear cell tumors of non-renal origin. PAX2 is a marker with high sensitivity and low specificity for diagnosis of renal epithelial tumors. PAX8 is typically expressed in renal epithelial tumors. The combined detection of CAIX, PAX2 and PAX8 is useful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of renal epithelial tumors.     

Expression of inflammatory secretory phospholipase A2 and cytosolic phospholipase A2 in premalignant and malignant Barrett’s oesophagus

Aims To establish the prevalence of inflammatory secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) and cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) expression in a surgical series of Barretts adenocarcinoma and associated preneoplastic lesions and to correlate this expression with clinicopathological data and prognosis.Methods sPLA2 and cPLA2 were analysed by means of immunohistochemistry in surgical specimens of 67 and 73 cases of Barretts adenocarcinomas, respectively. Barretts mucosa was analysed in 31 cases.Results Expression of sPLA2 was detected in 48% of Barretts mucosa negative for intraepithelial neoplasia and 63% of Barretts adenocarcinoma. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed a significant increase in sPLA2 expression between Barretts mucosa negative for intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma. cPLA2 expression was detected in 18% of Barretts adenocarcinoma. An inverse correlation was found between cPLA2 expression and depth of tumour infiltration, neoplastic vascular invasion and neoplastic perineural invasion. Survival analysis showed no significant prognostic value for sPLA2 and cPLA2.Conclusion sPLA2 is frequently expressed in Barretts oesophagus. The increasing expression of sPLA2 that we observed from Barretts mucosa to adenocarcinoma suggests that sPLA2 could be involved in Barretts carcinogenesis. In contrast, cPLA2 expression is less frequently observed in Barretts oesophagus and is inversely associated with aggressive pathological features of the tumours.     

Expression of glucose transporter protein 1 and desmin in reactive mesothelial hyperplasia and epithelioid malignant mesothelioma北大核心CSCD

Objective: To investigate the expression of glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT-1) and desmin in benign and malignant mesothelial lesions, including reactive mesothelial hyperplasia (RMH), epithelioid malignant mesothelioma (EMM) and metastatic adenocarcinoma (MAC). Methods: One hundred and forty two pleural biopsy specimens were collected in this study, including 58 cases of RMH, 53 cases of EMM and 31 cases of MAC. Immunohistochemical Eli Vision method was performed to detect GLUT-1 and desmin expression. Results: The positive rates for GLUT-1 in RMH, EMM and MAC were 13.8% (8/58), 81.1% (43/53) and 77.4% (24/31), respectively, with statistically significant differences between RMH and others (both P<0.01). The positive rates for desmin in RMH, EMM and MAC were 77.6% (45/58), 9.4% (5/53) and 0(0/31), respectively, with statistically significant difference between RMH and others (both P <0. 01). The combined expression pattern of positive GLUT-1 and negative desmin was found in 1 (1. 7%, 1/58) RMH cases, 41 (77. 4%, 41/53) EMM cases and 24 (77.4%, 24/31) MAC cases, with statistically significant difference between RMH and others (both P < 0.01). Conclusions: GLUT-1 and desmin may be used as immunohistochemical markers in separating RMH from EMM. Combined application of two antibodies may improve the specificity.     

Expression of the EPHB4 receptor tyrosine kinase in head and neck and renal malignancies – implications for solid tumors and potential for therapeutic inhibition

Abstract

Solid malignancies are often characterized by overexpression of various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) against which many targeted therapies are currently in use and in active development. EPHB4 has recently emerged as a frequently overexpressed RTK in many types of cancer. Here, we demonstrate expression patterns of EPHB4 in two solid malignancies: squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), by immunohistochemical analysis. We demonstrate the first association between EPHB4 expression and progression of HNSCC from normal tissue to dysplasia and to cancer. Interestingly, most RCC subtypes exhibited expression patterns that were opposite from that found in HNSCC, possibly owing to their unique biology and high degree of organ and tumor vasculature. Taken together, these results suggest a possible role for EPHB4 as a therapeutic target in these malignancies.