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Constantin M, Petrescu L, Mătanie C, Vrancianu CO, Niculescu AG, Andronic O, Bolocan A. The Vermiform Appendix and Its Pathologies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3872. [PMID: 37568688 PMCID: PMC10417615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The vermiform appendix is a muscular cylindrical structure originating near the junction of the cecum and ileum, averaging 9 cm (5-35 cm) in size. As the most mobile viscera, it can adopt several positions, the most common being the retrocecal position. Perceived as an atavistic organ lacking physiological relevance, the vermiform appendix appears to be involved in immune function, serving in the maturation of B lymphocytes and the production of immunoglobulin A, in endocrine function, excreting amines and hormones in the 2-3 mL of mucus secreted daily, and in digestive function, by storing beneficial bacteria from where they can recolonize the colon. With a lumen of about 6 mm, the vermiform appendix has a reduced storage capacity, so any blockage of the appendix with fecoliths (fecaliths), seeds derailed from the colon, or enlarged lymph nodes prevents drainage and intraluminal accumulation of secreted mucus. Unable to relax, the appendix wall severely limits its intraluminal volume, so mucus accumulation leads to inflammation of the appendix, known generically as appendicitis. In addition, the vermiform appendix may be the site of the development of neoplastic processes, which may or may not involve mucus production, some of which can significantly affect the standard of living and ultimately lead to death. In general, mucinous tumors may have a better prognosis than non-mucinous tumors. This review takes a comprehensive path, starting by describing the anatomy and embryology of the vermiform appendix and further detailing its inflammatory pathologies, pathologies related to congenital anomalies, and appendix tumors, thus creating an up-to-date framework for better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of these health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Constantin
- Institute of Biology of Romanian Academy, 060031 Bucharest, Romania;
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Livia Petrescu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, DAFAB, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (L.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Cristina Mătanie
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, DAFAB, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (L.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Microbiology—Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 296 Splaiul Independentei, District 6, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Andronic
- University Emergency Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (O.A.); (A.B.)
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- University Emergency Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (O.A.); (A.B.)
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Constantin M, Mătanie C, Petrescu L, Bolocan A, Andronic O, Bleotu C, Mitache MM, Tudorache S, Vrancianu CO. Landscape of Genetic Mutations in Appendiceal Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3591. [PMID: 37509254 PMCID: PMC10377024 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In appendiceal cancers, the most frequently mutated genes are (i) KRAS, which, when reactivated, restores signal transduction via the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway and stimulates cell proliferation in the early stages of tumor transformation, and then angiogenesis; (ii) TP53, whose inactivation leads to the inhibition of programmed cell death; (iii) GNAS, which, when reactivated, links the cAMP pathway to the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, stimulating cell proliferation and angiogenesis; (iv) SMAD4, exhibiting typical tumor-suppressive activity, blocking the transmission of oncogenic TGFB signals via the SMAD2/SMAD3 heterodimer; and (v) BRAF, which is part of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Diverse mutations are reported in other genes, which are part of secondary or less critical signaling pathways for tumor progression, but which amplify the phenotypic diversity of appendiceal cancers. In this review, we will present the main genetic mutations involved in appendix tumors and their roles in cell proliferation and survival, and in tumor invasiveness, angiogenesis, and acquired resistance to anti-growth signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Constantin
- Institute of Biology of Romanian Academy, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Mătanie
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics (DAFAB), Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Livia Petrescu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics (DAFAB), Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Andronic
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Sorin Tudorache
- Faculty of Medicine, "Titu Maiorescu" University, 040441 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Microbiology-Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
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Chen I, Liu X, Kovar-Peltz S, Conrad SJ, Chen HH, Liao X. Clinicopathological spectrums and prognosis of primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma, goblet cell adenocarcinoma, and low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms. Pathology 2023; 55:375-382. [PMID: 36454563 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma (APCA), goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA), and low/high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN/HAMN) are distinct entities with overlapping clinical presentation and histomorphology, leading to diagnostic challenges. We retrospectively reviewed our archived cases between 2010 and 2018 for diagnosis reappraisal and comparative analysis using updated terminology and modern parameters. A total of 87 cases (22 APCA, 40 GCA, and 25 LAMN pT≥3) were included. The entire cohort had 49 women and 38 men with a median age of 59.9 (range 26-88) years. There were no statistically significant differences in age and sex among the three groups. Clinically, patients with GCA were more likely to present with acute appendicitis (65%) and more likely to have appendectomy as initial surgery (68%). Both APCA and GCA were more likely to involve the proximal appendix while LAMN was more likely to involve the distal appendix (p<0.05). All APCAs were associated with mucosal precursor lesions, most commonly tubular, tubulovillous, or villous adenoma, flat LAMN/HAMN-pTis mucinous epithelium, or mixed, which correlated with distinct histomorphology, tumour differentiation, and stage. Although polypoid precursor lesions were rare in GCA, a significant proportion of GCA showed crypt atypia associated with neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemically, APCA had more frequent β-catenin nuclear positivity and loss of SATB2 expression (p<0.05). KRAS mutation was more common in APCA than in GCA (8/11 vs 1/7, p<0.01). We further validated the three-tiered grading system (G1, G2, G3) in GCA, which correlated well with tumour stage and patient survival. APCA had worse progression-free and disease-specific survivals than GCA and LAMN (pT≥3) with the latter being relatively indolent even when perforated with peritoneal spread. Our study is the first comprehensive comparison between all three appendiceal neoplasms. We also describe a spectrum of previously under-recognised crypt atypia in GCA, which should trigger a diligent search for GCA if present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sierra Kovar-Peltz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie J Conrad
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hannah H Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Liao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Strach MC, Sutherland S, Horvath LG, Mahon K. The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced appendiceal cancers: summary of the literature and future directions. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221112478. [PMID: 35898968 PMCID: PMC9310237 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221112478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Appendiceal cancer is rare and encompasses a diverse group of tumours ranging from low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms to high-grade adenocarcinomas. Appendiceal cancers often spread to the peritoneal cavity causing extensive mucinous dissemination and peritoneal metastases. Prognosis varies with histological subtype. Cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy is well-established as the most effective treatment achieving long-term survival in some patients. Chemotherapy regimens used to treat appendiceal cancer are extrapolated from the colorectal cancer setting, but disease biology differs and outcomes are inferior. The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of appendiceal cancer remains poorly defined. There is an urgent need to develop novel tailored treatment strategies in the perioperative and unresectable setting. This review aims to evaluate the literature for patients who received intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy for appendiceal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kate Mahon
- Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, 119-144 Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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Atractyloside-A ameliorates spleen deficiency diarrhea by interfering with TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling activation and regulating intestinal flora homeostasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 107:108679. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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