p,p'-DDE disturbs the homeostasis of thyroid hormones via thyroid hormone receptors, transthyretin, and hepatic enzymes

1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p, p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, p, p'-DDE), the major metabolite of 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), is a known persistent organic pollutant and endocrine disrupting toxicant. In recent years, it has attracted many attentions on account of its disturbing effects on thyroid and thyroid hormones (THs). However, the mechanisms by which the p, p'-DDE exposure influences THs still remain uncertain. To elucidate the possible mechanisms, 20 male rats are administered with different doses of p, p'-DDE (0, 20, 60, 100 mg/kg body wt) every other day by intraperitoneal injection for 10 days. The results indicate that after the p, p'-DDE exposure, serum total thyroxine (TT4) and free thyroxine (FT4) are significantly reduced and other THs changed only little. Transthyretin (TTR) declines in serum and thyroid hormone receptors (TRα1 and TRβ1) mRNA expressions elevate in hypothalamus. The hepatic enzymes CYP1A1 (EROD), CYP2B1 (PROD), and UDPGTs are significantly upregulated, but CYP1A2 (MROD) does not show significant change. Taken together, the observed effects in the present study show that p, p'-DDE could disturb the homeostasis of THs via TRs increase, TTR decrease, and hepatic enzymes induction.

Temporal and spatial distribution of atmospheric antimony emission inventories from coal combustion in China

A multiple-year inventory of atmospheric antimony (Sb) emissions from coal combustion in China for the period of 1980-2007 has been calculated for the first time. Specifically, the emission inventories of Sb from 30 provinces and 4 economic sectors (thermal power, industry, residential use, and others) are evaluated and analyzed in detail. It shows that the total Sb emissions released from coal combustion in China have increased from 133.19 t in 1980 to 546.67 t in 2007, at an annually average growth rate of 5.4%. The antimony emissions are largely emitted by industrial sector and thermal power generation sector, contributing 53.6% and 26.9% of the totals, respectively. At provincial level, the distribution of Sb emissions shows significant variation. Between 2005 and 2007, provinces always rank at the top five largest Sb emissions are: Guizhou, Hunan, Hebei, Shandong, and Anhui.

Papillary carcinoma in a thyroglossal duct remnant. Three case reports and discussion on management

OBJECTIVE

To report three cases of papillary thyroglossal duct carcinoma (TDCa), and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

CASE REPORTS

We studied the clinical, pathological findings of the tumor, treatment and outcome data on 3 patients treated at our Institution for a papillary TDCa carcinoma and we compared the results with the published cases. Preoperative Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) and intraoperative frozen section exam was performed in patients 1 and 2. Following the Sistrunk operation (SO), limited thyroidectomy were performed on patients 1 and 2, due to benign lesion. Neck dissections were performed on patients 2 and 3 (second operation after initial SO in other Institute), due to regional lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis of papillary TDCa was confirmed in all cases. Lymph nodes metastases were identified in patients 2 and 3. All patients were treated with levothyroxine therapy. After a median follow-up of 59 months, all patients are alive without recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Papillary TDCa is a rare malignancy with excellent prognosis. FNA and intraoperative frozen section exam are the most useful methods for confirmatory diagnosis. Resection of the thyroglossal duct carcinoma by the Sistrunk operation is an adequate surgical approach. Further thyroidectomy should be limited to one either lobe or pyramidal lobe in high risk patients. Total thyroidectomy is recommended only when there is clinical evidence of multifocal malignancy in thyroid gland. Postoperative hormone suppression is advocated.

PET-CT scan is a valuable modality in the diagnosis of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report and a summary of recent literature

We report a case of liver cancer with features consistent with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) detected by PET-CT scan. A 20-year-old female with a large liver tumor was diagnosed with 'malignant hepatic tumor' 2 years earlier and received five courses of transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) before she presented to our hospital with abdominal distension and mild pain at the right upper quadrant. Ultrasound and CT scan showed a large tumor in the right lobe of the liver. Contrast CT scan and (18)F-FDG PET-CT showed metastatic lesions in multiple organs. The imaging diagnosis was confirmed by an ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy of the hepatic lesion which showed features of FLHCC. Immunohistochemical staining showed a marked increase in the expressions of Hepar, CD99, MIB1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Fibronectin, E-cadherin and CK7. The recent knowledge on the FLHCC and the possible applications of PET-CT were discussed.

Primary renal synovial sarcoma--a case report

Renal synovial sarcoma is a recently reported neoplasm rarely seen. We report a case of primary renal synovial sarcoma. The signs and symptoms are similar to any primary renal tumour diagnosis is clinically difficult through general survey or multiple imaging modalities and requires specific molecular and genetic testing. Surgical resection and ifosfamide-based chemotherapy are the mainstay of management. The prognosis can be poor. Physicians should be aware that synovial sarcoma is one of the possibilities of malignancy in the kidney.