Systemic mastocytosis following a malignant ovarian germ cell tumour

Cases of mediastinal germ cell tumours associated with haematological disorders (two cases of systemic mastocytosis included) have been reported previously. This combination is more frequent than would be expected by chance alone. We report the case of a 30-year-old woman, who presented with a systemic mastocytosis following a malignant ovarian germ cell tumour which was treated by chemo- and radiotherapy. The patient predominantly complained of skeletal pains, which led to an erroneous radiological diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia for years. An aggressive variant of systemic mastocytosis was diagnosed on bone marrow examination. Systemic mastocytosis was confirmed by splenectomy, liver biopsy and finally autopsy. The present case is unique because of the ovarian location of the germ cell tumour. We suggest our observation could be related to the broad group of haematological malignancies associated with germ cell tumours.     

A study of hydrogen peroxide generation by, and antioxidant activity of, Granuflex™ (DuoDERM™) Hydrocolloid Granules and some other hydrogel/hydrocolloid wound management materials

Summary The effect of Granuflex? Hydrocolloid Granules (0.0l–0.50% w/v) on the rate of proliferation of murine (L929) fibroblasts was examined. The dose–response curve showed a significant (P<0.02) pro-proliferant effect at 0.05%, and a significant (P<0.02) antiproliferant effect at 0.50%, mirroring the dose–response curve produced by hydrogen peroxide in the concentration range 10^?9–10^?4 mol/l. The antiproliferant effect at 0.20% w/v was abolished by catalase, suggesting that the biological activity of Granuflex was mediated by the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide. Formation of hydrogen peroxide by Granuflex was confirmed by performing the scopoletinhorseradish peroxidase assay in the presence and absence of catalase. The total concentration of hydrogen peroxide detected was about 8 × 10^?6 mol/1 (using 0.5% w/v Granuflex) after 48 h at 37°C. In contrast, when hydrogen peroxide itself was added to L929 cultures, a similar antiproliferant activity was observed at concentrations between 10^?4 and 10^?5 mol/l. These results suggested that Granuflex was undergoing autoxidation in the culture medium, and hence that it might possess antioxidant activity. In assays for antioxidant activity using 1,l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyI (DPPH), Granuflex, and two other hydrocolloid dressings (Comfeel® Powder and Bard® Absorption Dressing) showed significant ability to reduce DPPH to DPPH₂. These three dressings also displayed superoxide scavenging activity in a nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay. We conclude that, in addition to providing a moist wound-healing environment. Granuflex and certain other hydrocolloids might contribute to the establishment and maintenance of the reducing environment necessary for energy production and hence cell division. The release of hydrogen peroxide into the wound environment couid conceivably contribute both to the inflammation phase of wound healing and to fibroblast proliferation and hence the granulation phase.     

Quantification of hydrogen peroxide generation by Granuflex™ (DuoDERM™) Hydrocolloid Granules and its constituents (gelatin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and pectin)

Summary The hydrogen peroxide generating capacity of Granuflex™ Hydrocolloid Granules and its constituents (porcine gelatin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and pectin) was examined using the scopoletinhorseradish peroxidase assay in the presence and absence of catalase. Oxygen purging reduced the formation of hydrogen peroxide by 77–96%. The total concentrations of hydrogen peroxide detected were 1.9 × 10⁻⁶, 1.2 × 10⁻⁶ and 2.3 × 10⁻⁶ mol/1 for Granuflex. pectin and gelatin (using 0.5% w/v), respectively, after 48 h incubation in a phosphate buffer. pH 7.4, at 37°C, No hydrogen peroxide was formed by sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The results indicate that hydrogen peroxide generation by Granuflex may be ascribed to its gelatin and pectin components, but not to the sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The release of low levels of hydrogen peroxide into the wound environment could conceivably contribute both to the inflammatory phase and to fibroblast proliferation, and hence to the granulation phase of wound healing.