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Guarnotta V, La Monica R, Ingrao VR, Di Stefano C, Salzillo R, Pizzolanti G, Giannone AG, Almasio PL, Richiusa P, Giordano C. Ultrasound Parameters Can Accurately Predict the Risk of Malignancy in Patients with "Indeterminate TIR3b" Cytology Nodules: A Prospective Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098296. [PMID: 37176002 PMCID: PMC10179280 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase in the incidence of thyroid nodules with cytological findings of TIR3b requires the identification of predictive factors of malignancy. We prospectively evaluated 2160 patients from January 2018 to June 2022 and enrolled 103 patients with indeterminate cytology TIR3b nodules who underwent total (73 patients) and hemi-thyroidectomy (30 patients). Among them, 61 had a histological diagnosis of malignancy (30 classic papillary thyroid carcinoma, 19 had follicular papillary thyroid carcinoma variant, 3 had Hurtle cell carcinoma and 9 had follicular thyroid carcinoma), while 42 had a benign histology. Clinical, ultrasonographic and cytological characteristics were recorded. In addition, BRAF mutation was analysed. Patients with a histological diagnosis of malignancy had a higher frequency of nodule diameter ≤11 mm (p = 0.002), hypoechogenicity (p < 0.001), irregular borders (p < 0.001), peri- and intralesional vascular flows (p = 0.004) and microcalcifications (p = 0.001) compared to patients with benign histology. In contrast, patients with benign histology had more frequent nodules with a halo sign (p = 0.012) compared to patients with histological diagnosis of malignancy. No significant differences were found in BRAF mutation between the two groups. Our study suggests that the combination of ultrasonographic and cytological data could be more accurate and reliable than cytology alone in identifying those patients with TIR3b cytology and a histology of malignancy to be referred for thyroidectomy, thus reducing the number of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Guarnotta
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta La Monica
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenza Rita Ingrao
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Di Stefano
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Salzillo
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pizzolanti
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Giulio Giannone
- Pathologic Anatomy Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Piero Luigi Almasio
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierina Richiusa
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Giordano
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Chebil C, Boumediene F, Cicero CE, Rascunà C, Di Prima A, Maria Torrisi AA, Torrisi A, Sciacca S, Zappia M, Preux PM, Ferrante M, Nicoletti A. Incidence, survival and geoepidemiological analysis of meningiomas and glioblastomas in the province of Catania during the 2003-2016 period. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111286. [PMID: 33965389 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors, followed by glioblastomas. Nevertheless, no previous studies have been conducted to evaluate the epidemiology of meningiomas and glioblastomas in the southern region of Italy. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate incidence, temporal trend and survival rate of meningiomas and glioblastomas in the province of Catania during the study period. Moreover, a geoepidemiological analysis was performed in order to identify possible geographical and temporal clusters. METHODS All subjects with meningiomas and glioblastomas diagnosed from 2003 to 2016 in the province of Catania were collected, using the local cancer registry. Incidence rate (IR) was calculated by gender, age-groups and tumor behavior. Temporal changes in incidence trend were assessed using a Joinpoint regression analysis while survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Cluster analysis was performed using Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic. RESULTS In the province of Catania, a total of 1488 cases of meningiomas and 443 cases of glioblastomas were identified from 2003 to 2016, with an IR of 9.8/100,000 person-years (95%CI 9.3-10.3) and 2.9/100,000 person-years (95%CI 2.7-3.2), respectively. Meningiomas were more common among women (p-value<0.0001), while glioblastomas among men (p-value<0.0001). IR progressively increased over the ages, reaching a peak in the 75-84 and 65-74 years-old group in, respectively, meningiomas and glioblastomas. Mean survival was higher in subjects diagnosed with meningiomas as compared to those with glioblastomas (10.7 years and 15.8 months, respectively), with age as the strongest risk factor for death. Spatial and space-time cluster of high incidence of meningiomas was detected in a small community on the eastern flank of the Mt. Etna volcano. CONCLUSIONS Epidemiology of meningioma and glioblastoma in the province of Catania is close to that reported worldwide. Spatial and space-time cluster of meningiomas were found in Pedara. Further studies on risks factor are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaima Chebil
- INSERM, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, University of Limoges, France.
| | - Farid Boumediene
- INSERM, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, University of Limoges, France.
| | - Calogero Edoardo Cicero
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Cristina Rascunà
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Alessia Di Prima
- Catania, Messina, Enna Cancer Registry, Complex Operative Unit Hygiene, Catania University Hospital, Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Antonina Torrisi
- Catania, Messina, Enna Cancer Registry, Complex Operative Unit Hygiene, Catania University Hospital, Catania, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Sciacca
- Mediterranean Oncological Institute (IOM), Via Penninazzo 7, 95029, Viagrande, Catania, Italy.
| | - Mario Zappia
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Pierre-Marie Preux
- INSERM, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, University of Limoges, France.
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Catania, Messina, Enna Cancer Registry, Complex Operative Unit Hygiene, Catania University Hospital, Catania, Italy; Environmental and Food Hygiene (LIAA) of Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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Gianì F, Masto R, Trovato MA, Malandrino P, Russo M, Pellegriti G, Vigneri P, Vigneri R. Heavy Metals in the Environment and Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4052. [PMID: 34439207 PMCID: PMC8393334 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased more than most other cancers, paralleling the generalized worldwide increase in metal pollution. This review provides an overview of the evidence supporting a possible causative link between the increase in heavy metals in the environment and thyroid cancer. The major novelty is that human thyroid stem/progenitor cells (thyrospheres) chronically exposed to different metals at slightly increased environmentally relevant concentrations show a biphasic increase in proliferation typical of hormesis. The molecular mechanisms include, for all metals investigated, the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway. A metal mixture, at the same concentration of individual metals, was more effective. Under the same conditions, mature thyrocytes were unaffected. Preliminary data with tungsten indicate that, after chronic exposure, additional abnormalities may occur and persist in thyrocytes derived from exposed thyrospheres, leading to a progeny population of transformation-prone thyroid cells. In a rat model predisposed to develop thyroid cancer, long-term exposure to low levels of metals accelerated and worsened histological signs of malignancy in the thyroid. These studies provide new insight on metal toxicity and carcinogenicity occurring in thyroid cells at a low stage of differentiation when chronically exposed to metal concentrations that are slightly increased, albeit still in the "normal" range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Gianì
- Endocrinology, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (F.G.); (R.M.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Roberta Masto
- Endocrinology, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (F.G.); (R.M.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.)
| | | | - Pasqualino Malandrino
- Endocrinology, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (F.G.); (R.M.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Marco Russo
- Endocrinology, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (F.G.); (R.M.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriella Pellegriti
- Endocrinology, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (F.G.); (R.M.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.)
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Medical Oncology and Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Vigneri
- Endocrinology, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (F.G.); (R.M.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (G.P.)
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cristallography Institute, Catania Section, via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
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Izzotti A, Coronel Vargas G, Pulliero A, Coco S, Colarossi C, Blanco G, Agodi A, Barchitta M, Maugeri A, Oliveri Conti G, Ferrante M, Sciacca S. Identification by MicroRNA Analysis of Environmental Risk Factors Bearing Pathogenic Relevance in Non-Smoker Lung Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11070666. [PMID: 34357133 PMCID: PMC8307636 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA and DNA adduct biomarkers may be used to identify the contribution of environmental pollution to some types of cancers. The aim of this study was to use integrated DNA adducts and microRNAs analyses to study retrospectively the contribution of exposures to environmental carcinogens to lung cancer in 64 non-smokers living in Sicily and Catania city near to the Etna volcano. MicroRNAs were extracted from cancer lung biopsies, and from the surrounding lung normal tissue. The expression of 2549 human microRNAs was analyzed by microarray. Benzo(a)Pyrene-DNA adducts levels were analyzed in the patients’ blood by HPLC−fluorescence detection. Correlations between tetrols and environmental exposures were calculated using Pearson coefficients and regression variable plots. Compared with the healthy tissue, 273 microRNAs were downregulated in lung cancer. Tetrols levels were inversely related both with the distance from Etna and years since smoking cessation, but they were not significantly correlated to environmental exposures. The analysis of the microRNA environmental signatures indicates the contribution of environmental factors to the analyzed lung cancers in the following decreasing rank: (a) car traffic, (b) passive smoke, (c) radon, and (d) volcano ashes. These results provide evidence that microRNA analysis can be used to retrospectively investigate the contribution of environmental factors in human lung cancer occurring in non-smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Izzotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS San Martino Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Pulliero
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.V.); (A.P.)
| | - Simona Coco
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cristina Colarossi
- Mediterranean Oncological Institute (IOM), 95029 Catania, Italy; (C.C.); (G.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Giuseppina Blanco
- Mediterranean Oncological Institute (IOM), 95029 Catania, Italy; (C.C.); (G.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Antonella Agodi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Martina Barchitta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Andrea Maugeri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.F.)
| | | | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-378-2133; Fax: +39-095-378-2177
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.A.); (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.F.)
- Catania, Messina, Enna Cancer Registry, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Sciacca
- Mediterranean Oncological Institute (IOM), 95029 Catania, Italy; (C.C.); (G.B.); (S.S.)
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