Primary gastric Hodgkin's lymphoma expressing a B-Cell profile including Oct-2 and Bob-1 proteins

POU2F2-IL-31 Autoregulatory Circuit Converts Hepatocytes into the Origin Cells of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates from fully differentiated hepatocytes, but the decisive events for converting hepatocytes to the cells of origin for HCC are still unclear. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) cause HCC but are not bona fide cells of origin. Here, the expressions of POU2F2 and IL-31 are identified in macroscopically normal livers of diethylnitrosamine-challenged mice. An autoregulatory circuit formed by mutual induction between POU2F2 and IL-31 drives hepatocytes to progress to LCSCs by acquiring stemness, as well as stimulates them to in vivo grow and malignantly progress. The development of the autoregulatory circuit is a decisive event for converting hepatocytes into the cells of origin, since hepatocytes expressing the circuit have acquired tumorigenic potential before progressing to LCSCs. Nonetheless, acquiring stemness is still required for the cells of origin to initiate hepatocarcinogenesis. The circuit also occurs in human cirrhotic tissues, partially elucidating how premalignant lesions progress to HCC.

Long Non-Coding RNA ARAP1-AS1 Facilitates the Progression of Cervical Cancer by Regulating miR-149-3p and POU2F2

BACKGROUND

Emerging research has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) attach great importance to the progression of cervical cancer (CC). LncRNA ARAP1-AS1 was involved in the development of several cancers; however, its role in CC is far from being elucidated.

METHODS

Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was employed to detect ARAP1-AS1 and miR-149-3p expression in CC samples. CC cell lines (HeLa and C33A cells) were regarded as the cell models. The biological effect of ARAP1-AS1 on cancer cells was measured using CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay and wound healing assay in vitro, and subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model and tail vein injection model in vivo. Furthermore, interactions between ARAP1-AS1 and miR-149-3p, miR-149-3p and POU class 2 homeobox 2 (POU2F2) were determined by bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, Western blot, luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assay, respectively.

RESULTS

The expression of ARAP1-AS1 was enhanced in CC samples, while miR-149-3p was markedly suppressed. Additionally, ARAP1-AS1 overexpression enhanced the viability, migration, and invasion of CC cells. ARAP1-AS1 downregulated miR-149-3p via sponging it. ARAP1-AS1 and miR-149-3p exhibited a negative correlation in CC samples. On the other hand, ARAP1-AS1 enhanced the expression of POU2F2, which was validated as a target gene of miR-149-3p.

CONCLUSION

ARAP1-AS1 was abnormally upregulated in CC tissues and indirectly modulated the POU2F2 expression via reducing miR-149-3p expression. Our study identified a novel axis, ARAP1-AS1/miR-149-3p/POU2F2, in CC tumorigenesis.

Primary gastric Hodgkin's lymphoma: A rare coincidence

Mostly primary gastric lymphomas are of the non-Hodgkin variety. Primary Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) of the stomach is an unusual entity that may be a big challenge in diagnosis. We reporter are case presenting as gastric outlet obstruction, which was later diagnosed as primary Hodgkin's Lymphoma of the stomach. Its rare coincidence makes it worth to be reported to sensitize clinicians as well as pathologists for the uncommon extra nodal site of Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Overexpressing of POU2F2 accelerates fracture healing via regulating HMGA1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

To elucidate the role of POU2F2 (POU class 2 homeobox 2) in fracture healing, 30 rats with femoral fracture were randomly grouped into three groups: FF group, LV-POU2F2 group and LV-scramble group. Rats were injected with PBS, lentivirus expressing POU2F2 or scramble lentivirus once a week for 4 weeks. Results showed that overexpressing of POU2F2 promoted fracture healing and callus growth. Besides, overexpressing of POU2F2 promoted protein and mRNA expression of Col10a1, Runx2, Osterix, and Osteocalcin. High Mobility Group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) is a non-histone protein participating in chromatin remodeling of cells. Western blotting manifested HMGA1/Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated in POU2F2 group. Moreover, in-vitro study of hMSCs cells supported the above data. In conclusion, POU2F2 promotes fracture healing via activating the HMGA1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

POU2F2-oriented network promotes human gastric cancer metastasis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Aberrant upregulation of POU2F2 expression has been discovered in metastatic gastric cancer (GC). However, the mechanisms underlying the aberrant upregulation and the potential functions of POU2F2 remain uncertain.

DESIGN

The role and mechanism of POU2F2 in GC metastasis were investigated in gastric epithelial cells, GC cell lines and an experimental metastasis animal model by gain of function and loss of function. Upstream and downstream targets of POU2F2 were selected by bioinformatics and identified by luciferase reporter assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation PCR. The influence of miR-218 on its putative target genes (POU2F2, ROBO1 and IKK-β) and GC metastasis was further explored via in vitro and in vivo approaches.

RESULTS

Increased POU2F2 expression was detected in metastatic GC cell lines and patient samples. POU2F2 was induced by the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and, in turn, regulated ROBO1 transcription, thus functionally contributing to GC metastasis. Finally, miR-218 was found to suppress GC metastasis by simultaneously mediating multiple molecules in the POU2F2-oriented network.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that NF-κB and the SLIT2/ROBO1 interaction network with POU2F2 as the central part may exert critical effects on tumour metastasis. Blocking the activation of the POU2F2-oriented metastasis network using miR-218 precursors exemplified a promising approach that sheds light on new strategies for GC treatment.

Age-related Epstein-Barr Virus-positive lymphoproliferative disorders of the orbit and maxillary sinus : a case report

We report a rare case of age-related Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (aEBVBLPD) primarily involving the orbit and maxillary sinus. Lesions in the left orbit and maxillary sinus were observed in a 59-year-old man presenting with pain in the left orbit and maxilla. Owing to the presence of Reed-Sternberg-like cells, the initial diagnosis was nodular sclerosis-type Hodgkin's lymphoma. Clinical stage was IIAE, and response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy was favorable. Further immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization analyses of the Reed-Sternberg-like giant cells revealed CD30, CD15, CD20, Bob-1, Oct-2, EBV-encoded RNAs (EBERs) and latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) expression. The characteristics of the present case, which included immunohistochemical findings, sites of primary lesions, absence of other lymph node lesions and relatively old age, suggested aEBVBLPD. Owing to the similarity in morphology, higher frequency at extranodal sites and poor prognosis, aEBVBLPD represents a differential diagnostic issue from classical Hodgkin's lymphoma when Reed-Sternberg cells are positive for EBV.

Primary gastric Hodgkin's lymphoma

Gastric Hodgkin's lymphoma is extremely rare. We present a case of primary Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in the stomach of a 65-year-old woman. The patient complained of epigastric discomfort and reflux for one month. Endoscopic examination revealed a protruding lesion characterized by a smooth surface at the antrum. An abdominal computed tomography uncovered a 2.5 × 2.0 cm, exophytic submucosal mass. After the tentative preoperative diagnosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, a gastric wedge resection was performed. Microscopic examination of the mass demonstrated a diffuse proliferation of large atypical lymphoid cells with mono- and binucleated pleomorphic nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for CD30, CD20, and CD79a, whereas they were negative for cytokeratin, carcinoembryonic antigen, CD3, CD15, epithelial membrane antigen, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1. Based on the morphological features and immunohistochemical results, in addition to the clinical findings, a diagnosis of primary gastric Hodgkin's lymphoma was established.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Presenting as Dominant Gastric Lesion in Immunocompetent Patients: Report of 5 Cases With EBV Analysis

Primary Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) of the stomach is an extremely rare entity. Most cases of gastric involvement by HL are observed in the setting of disseminated disease. The nonspecific nature of the symptoms and endoscopic findings, which include a large malignant-looking ulcer and mass or wall thickening, together with the considerable histological overlap between HLs and some non-HLs or undifferentiated carcinoma, make the surgical resection diagnosis extremely difficult. An accurate diagnosis is important as treatment and outcome differ significantly for these neoplasms. In small endoscopic gastric biopsies and even in postoperative specimens, the precise histological diagnosis of HL is particularly challenging. Here, the authors report 5 cases of 2 women and 3 men aged 22 to 68, with gastric involvement by classic HLs—3 primary gastric HLs and 2 as part of widespread disease. All 5 patients presented with digestive symptoms. At endoscopy, the lesions presented as ulcerated and elevated lesions, with or without mucosal thickening. Four patients were misdiagnosed in the preoperative biopsy or in the gastrectomy specimen. Association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was detected in 4 cases, with a predominance of subtype A EBV. These cases illustrate the significant difficulties, both clinical and pathological, in achieving the diagnosis of HL involving the stomach in immunocompetent patients.

Primary gastric Hodgkin's lymphoma

Background

Primary Hodgkin's disease of the stomach is an extremely rare entity. Nearly all cases of primary gastric lymphoma are of the non-Hodgkin's variety. Diagnoses in such cases are difficult due to considerable histological similarities between the 2 disease entities.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 77 year old lady with a 1 year history of weight loss and poor appetite. Physical examination was unremarkable. Subsequent multiple upper GI endoscopies revealed a large malignant looking ulcer which was deemed to be histologically benign. Following CT imaging the patient underwent a radical gastrectomy. Postoperatively histology and immunohistochemistry failed to confirm a diagnosis. As such a second opinion was sought. Employing an extended array of immunohistological staining a diagnosis of 'Classical Hodgkin's' disease of the stomach was achieved.

Conclusion

Our case illustrates the significant difficulties in achieving a rare diagnosis of primary Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach. The non-specific nature of symptoms and a lack of histological features make a preoperative diagnosis extremely difficult. While immunohistochemistry is widely employed in aiding the evaluation of such cases, one should be wary of the considerable overlap in differentiating between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's disease entities using this technique.