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Romano V, Belviso I, Venuta A, Ruocco MR, Masone S, Aliotta F, Fiume G, Montagnani S, Avagliano A, Arcucci A. Influence of Tumor Microenvironment and Fibroblast Population Plasticity on Melanoma Growth, Therapy Resistance and Immunoescape. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5283. [PMID: 34067929 PMCID: PMC8157224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) tissue represents a network constituted by cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME). A key feature of CM is the high structural and cellular plasticity of TME, allowing its evolution with disease and adaptation to cancer cell and environmental alterations. In particular, during melanoma development and progression each component of TME by interacting with each other and with cancer cells is subjected to dramatic structural and cellular modifications. These alterations affect extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, phenotypic profile of stromal cells, cancer growth and therapeutic response. The stromal fibroblast populations of the TME include normal fibroblasts and melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) that are highly abundant and flexible cell types interacting with melanoma and stromal cells and differently influencing CM outcomes. The shift from the normal microenvironment to TME and from normal fibroblasts to MAFs deeply sustains CM growth. Hence, in this article we review the features of the normal microenvironment and TME and describe the phenotypic plasticity of normal dermal fibroblasts and MAFs, highlighting their roles in normal skin homeostasis and TME regulation. Moreover, we discuss the influence of MAFs and their secretory profiles on TME remodelling, melanoma progression, targeted therapy resistance and immunosurveillance, highlighting the cellular interactions, the signalling pathways and molecules involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Romano
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Immacolata Belviso
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Alessandro Venuta
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Ruocco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Stefania Masone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Federica Aliotta
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Stefania Montagnani
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
- Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
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Yadav DK, Adhikari M, Kumar S, Ghimire B, Han I, Kim MH, Choi EH. Cold atmospheric plasma generated reactive species aided inhibitory effects on human melanoma cells: an in vitro and in silico study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3396. [PMID: 32099012 PMCID: PMC7042335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is considered to be a heterogeneous disease that arises from altered genes and transformed melanocytes. In this study, special softjet cold atmospheric plasma was used to treat three different human melanoma cells using air and N2 gases to check the anti-melanoma activity. The physical effects by plasma revealed an increase in the temperature with the gradual reduction in pH at 60 sec, 180 sec and 300 sec air and N2 plasma treatment. Cellular toxicity revealed a decreased in cell survival (~50% cell survival using air gas and <~60% cell survival using N2 gas at 60 sec plasma treatment in G-361 cells). Gene analysis by q-PCR revealed that 3 min and 5 min air and N2 plasma treatment activated apoptotic pathways by triggering apoptotic genes in all three melanoma cell lines. The apoptosis was confirmed by DAPI staining and its related pathways were further explored according to protein-protein docking, and their probable activation mechanism was revealed. The pathways highlighted that activation of apoptosis which leads to cellular cascades and hence stimulation ASK1 (docking method) revealed that softjet plasma can be an effective modality for human melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Manish Adhikari
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Surendra Kumar
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhagirath Ghimire
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ihn Han
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Hyun Kim
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ha Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Applied Plasma Medicine Center, Department of Electrical & Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Metabolic flexibility in melanoma: A potential therapeutic target. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:187-207. [PMID: 31362075 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) represents one of the most metastasizing and drug resistant solid tumors. CM is characterized by a remarkable metabolic plasticity and an important connection between oncogenic activation and energetic metabolism. In fact, melanoma cells can use both cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during cancer progression. However, the CM energetic demand mainly depends on glycolysis, whose upregulation is strictly linked to constitutive activation of BRAF/MAPK pathway affected by BRAFV600E kinase mutant. Furthermore, the impressive metabolic plasticity of melanoma allows the development of resistance mechanisms to BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi) and the adaptation to microenvironmental changes. The metabolic interaction between melanoma cells and tumor microenvironment affects the immune response and CM growth. In this review article, we describe the regulation of melanoma metabolic alterations and the metabolic interactions between cancer cells and microenvironment that influence melanoma progression and immune response. Finally, we summarize the hallmarks of melanoma therapies and we report BRAF/MEK pathway targeted therapy and mechanisms of metabolic resistance.
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Stillhard A, Cazzaniga S, Borradori L, Beltraminelli H. Pushing and loss of elastic fibers are highly specific for melanoma and rare in melanocytic nevi. Arch Dermatol Res 2018; 311:99-107. [PMID: 30547366 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-018-1885-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The histopathological differentiation of melanocytic nevi from malignant melanoma (MM) is based on well-known criteria, and is straightforward in the vast majority of cases. However, there are few cases of melanocytic lesions (ML), the diagnosis of which is very challenging or even impossible. Here we have studied several morphological characteristics with particular focus on elastic fibers (EF) to identify features, helpful for the distinction between nevi and MM. In a monocentric retrospective study we have analyzed 14 morphological histological characteristics in 30 MMs and 90 nevi, encompassing 30 compound/dermal nevi, 30 junctional nevi, 30 dysplastic nevi. All consecutive cases were retrieved from the archives of our tertiary referral centre during the 6-month study period. Nine characteristics including loss of EF in the ML, loss of EF in lesional fibrosis, pushing of the EF, UV-elastosis, loss of rete ridges of the epidermis, regression of the ML, atrophy of the epidermis, pigment incontinence, and concentric eosinophilic fibroplasia (CEF) showed a statistical significant difference (p < 0.05 and at least an OR > 2) distinguishing nevi from MM. Loss of EF was found in 73.1% of MM cases, but in less than 2.5% of nevi. We identified nine morphological characteristics that are helpful to differentiate melanocytic nevi from MM. A loss of the EF in a ML appeared to be highly associated with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stillhard
- Dermatology Department, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S Cazzaniga
- Dermatology Department, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
- Centro Studi GISED, Bergamo, Italy
| | - L Borradori
- Dermatology Department, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helmut Beltraminelli
- Dermatology Department, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
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Martín JM, Jordá E, Monteagudo C. Florid fibroplasia in melanocytic lesions. A retrospective study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2013; 28:522-4. [PMID: 23848252 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J M Martín
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain
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Cesinaro AM. Clinico-pathological impact of fibroplasia in melanocytic nevi: a critical revision of 209 cases. APMIS 2012; 120:658-65. [PMID: 22779689 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2012.02883.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fibroplasia is a peculiar stromal reaction at the base of melanocytic lesions, particularly observed in so-called dysplastic nevi. This study evaluates a series of clinico-pathological features in nevi with fibroplasia, their frequence in comparison to usual nevi, and the association of fibroplasia with the risk for the development of melanoma. A total of 209 consecutive nevi showing fibroplasia, belonging to 203 patients, was reviewed. Nevi with fibroplasia were more frequent in men, about half of the lesions belonged to patients aged 11-40 years, and the highest number (52%) were located on the posterior trunk. Lesions 6 mm or greater were 152 (72.73%). Junctional and compound nevi were 52 (24.8%), and 157 (75.2%), respectively. Inflammatory infiltrate was present in 67.8% of cases, melanophages in 56.4%, a lentiginous pattern in 31.1%, focal pagetoid infiltration in three lesions. Nevi with fibroplasia constituted 4.27% of all junctional and compound nevi diagnosed in the same period. A total of 23 patients (11.3%) had a personal history of melanoma. The total number of nevi excised from the 203 patients ranged between 1 and 21, and significantly correlated with the patient's personal history of melanoma (p < 0.001). Fibroplasia is relatively infrequent in melanocytic nevi, it does not appear related to a process of senescence of the lesion, and does not represent a particularly strong predictor of risk of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Cesinaro
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy.
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Ko CJ, Bolognia JL, Glusac EJ. “Clark/dysplastic” nevi with florid fibroplasia associated with pseudomelanomatous features. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011; 64:346-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2009] [Revised: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kamino H, Tam S, Tapia B, Toussaint S. The use of elastin immunostain improves the evaluation of melanomas associated with nevi. J Cutan Pathol 2009; 36:845-52. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2008.01170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Sclerosing nevus with pseudomelanomatous features and regressing melanoma with nevoid features. J Cutan Pathol 2009; 36:913-5; author reply 916. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2008.01176.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Labrousse AL, Ntayi C, Hornebeck W, Bernard P. Stromal reaction in cutaneous melanoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2004; 49:269-75. [PMID: 15036266 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2003.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2003] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a highly malignant tumor type which is characterized by its tendency to give rise to metastases. Stromal relationships are essential for growth and metastasis of solid tumors. In cutaneous melanoma, microscopic level of invasion (Breslow index), overall architecture of cells (horizontal or vertical growth phase), angiogenesis, vessel invasion are morphological features which may carry prognostic significance. As demonstrated by in vivo studies, stromal reaction in melanoma is mainly characterized by collagen and elastin proteolysis preferentially localized around the tumor at the invasive front along with variable angiogenesis and lymphocyte infiltration. On the basis of recent findings, it becomes increasingly evident that resident stromal cells (fibroblasts, endothelial cells) are implicated in the metastatic process, including proliferation, matrix degradation, or migration of melanoma cells through cell-cell cross-talk by soluble factors (proteases, cytokines, growth factors) or by direct contact.
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Alyahya GA, Ribel-Madsen SM, Heegaard S, Prause JU, Trier K. Melanoma-associated spongiform scleropathy: biochemical changes and possible relation to tumour extension. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 81:625-9. [PMID: 14641266 DOI: 10.1111/j.1395-3907.2003.00164.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate biochemical changes of the sclera in eyes with melanoma-associated spongiform scleropathy (MASS), and to analyse possible relationships between these changes and tumour extension. METHODS Sections from 364 eyes, enucleated for choroidal and ciliary body melanoma, were examined for MASS and scleral tumour extension. Biochemical analysis was also performed on eight scleral specimens with MASS and eight specimens (controls) from morphologically normal sclera of the same eyes. The scleral thickness of each specimen was measured. Samples were delipidized, dried and weighed. The weight ratios of collagen-related amino acids were calculated based on quantitation by liquid chromatography. Amounts of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were determined by electrophoresis. RESULTS Melanoma-associated spongiform scleropathy was seen in 140 eyes (38.5%). Tumour scleral extension was observed in 82 eyes. Of these 82 eyes, 75 (91.5%) had MASS (p<0.05). Biochemically, the majority of the main amino acids of the scleral collagen and total proteins were significantly lower in areas with MASS than in the control specimens. Specific GAGs and total GAGs were found in significantly higher concentrations in areas with MASS than in the control specimens. Scleral thickness was also significantly higher in areas with MASS than in the control specimens. CONCLUSIONS The reduced content of collagen manifested by decreased amino acids and total proteins indicates collagen degradation in the vicinity of the tumour. The concomitant excessive deposition of GAGs accumulates water and may cause loosening of the already degraded collagen bundles, giving a histopathological picture of MASS. These changes could facilitate tumour cell migration and may explain the high incidence of MASS in eyes with scleral tumour extension.
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Feinmesser M, Schachter JM, Tobar A, Sulkes J, Gutman H, Kruk N, Okon E. Relationship of tumorigenic malignant melanomas to dermal elastin: an expression of tumor/stromal interaction that may be related to prognosis. Am J Dermatopathol 2002; 24:108-17. [PMID: 11979070 DOI: 10.1097/00000372-200204000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanomas, which produce a large number of substances active in connective tissue modulation, must contend with the dermis to grow and propagate. We studied the morphologic interactions between tumorigenic malignant melanomas and dermal elastin. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of 108 tumorigenic malignant melanomas were stained for elastic tissue with the Verhoeff-van Gieson method. Various aspects of the relationship between malignant melanoma and dermal elastin were analyzed in relation to the histologic and clinical data using univariate and multivariate analyses. Tumor thickness, mitotic rate, and the presence of elastin remnants within the tumors were found to be independent negative prognostic factors, the latter with borderline significance. Tumors with more remnants of elastin were associated with higher stage of disease and lymph node and distant metastases. Tumor infiltration between the elastic fibers in the tumor depth was associated with high Clark level, greater tumor thickness, high stage of disease, and lymph node metastases. At least partial preservation of elastic fibers in the tumor depth was a relatively good prognostic factor whereas complete absence of elastin was an adverse factor. Focal or multifocal absence of elastin in the midst of the tumors or in their depth was usually associated with lymphocytic infiltrates. We suggest that tumors with remnants of elastic fibers and/or invasion between elastic fibers in their depth may be fast growing and highly invasive. The absence of elastin within tumors and at their advancing edge may be related to the elaboration of elastin-degrading substances by melanoma cells or various inflammatory cells. Our findings indicate that the relationship between malignant melanomas and dermal connective tissue components, specifically elastin, may have prognostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meora Feinmesser
- Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
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Scurry J, Whitehead J, Healey M. Histology of lichen sclerosus varies according to site and proximity to carcinoma. Am J Dermatopathol 2002; 23:413-8. [PMID: 11801773 DOI: 10.1097/00000372-200110000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To investigate why vulvar but not extragenital lichen sclerosus is associated with squamous cell carcinoma, we performed a histologic study of extragenital lichen sclerosus, vulvar lichen sclerosus without carcinoma, and vulvar lichen sclerosus with carcinoma adjacent to and distant from the carcinoma. We compared epidermal thickness, rete ridge length, mitotic activity, atypia, dermal collagen change, dermal inflammation, and presence of other dermatoses in 30 women in each group. Extragenital lichen sclerosus showed thinner epidermis (mean thickness of 0.13 mm versus 0.41 mm; P < 0.0005), shorter rete ridges (P = 0.0001), more dermal edema (P = 0.16), and absence of associated dermatoses of spongiotic dermatitis and lichen planus (P < 0.005) compared with vulvar lichen sclerosus. The epidermal thickening seen in vulvar lichen sclerosus was indistinguishable from lichen simplex chronicus. Vulvar lichen sclerosus without carcinoma was generally similar to that distant from carcinoma. Vulvar lichen sclerosus adjacent to carcinoma showed increased epidermal thickness (0.61 mm versus 0.26 mm; P < 0.005), more dermal fibrosis (P < 0.0005), more inflammation (P < 0.0005), and more simplex (differentiated) vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (18 cases versus 1 case; P < 0.0005) compared with that distant from carcinoma. We concluded that (1) the classic histologic features of lichen sclerosus are seen in both vulvar and extragenital sites; (2) vulvar lichen sclerosus without associated carcinoma has a mean epidermal thickness more than three times that of extragenital lichen sclerosus; (3) the epidermal thickening is histologically indistinguishable from lichen simplex chronicus; (4) there is a tendency for vulvar lichen sclerosus to have a more sclerotic and inflamed dermis; (5) lichen sclerosus 10 mm from cancer is more similar to vulvar lichen sclerosus without carcinoma than lichen sclerosus 1 mm from carcinoma; and (6) lichen sclerosus adjacent to carcinoma tends to show exaggerated epidermis thickness, basal atypia, and loss of the edematous-hyaline layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scurry
- Department of Pathology, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Australia.
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Ruiter D, Bogenrieder T, Elder D, Herlyn M. Melanoma-stroma interactions: structural and functional aspects. Lancet Oncol 2002; 3:35-43. [PMID: 11905603 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(01)00620-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanomas are notorious for their tendency to metastasise. Because the tumour microenvironment plays an important part in tumour development and progression, we review the structural and functional aspects of interactions between melanoma and the stroma. We emphasise fibrovascular patterns (both in uveal and cutaneous melanoma), cellular and extracellular composition of the stroma, and the molecules involved. Also, we discuss functional interactions, focusing on melanoma-fibroblast cross-talk by soluble factors and by direct cell-cell contact. On the basis of recent findings we propose that involvement of fibroblasts in melanoma-stromagenesis occurs through different stages: recruitment, activation, and conversion to myofibroblasts, or differentiation to fibrocytes. We reason that this involvement is topographically linked to different areas in and around the tumour, and hypothesise that stromal activation, as seen in tumor ulceration or immunological regression in melanoma, stimulates tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Ruiter
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Li L, Zhou XF. Pericellular Griffonia simplicifolia I isolectin B4-binding ring structures in the dorsal root ganglia following peripheral nerve injury in rats. J Comp Neurol 2001; 439:259-74. [PMID: 11596053 DOI: 10.1002/cne.1349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Patients with a peripheral nerve injury often suffer from persistent chronic pain, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. The persistent nature of the pain suggests injury-induced profound structural changes along the sensory pathways. In the present study, using the plant Griffonia simplicifolia I isolectin B4 (IB4) as a marker for nonpeptidergic small sensory neurons, we sought to examine whether these neurons sprout in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in response to peripheral nerve injury. The lumbar 5 (L5) spinal nerve was transected, and rats were allowed to survive for varying lengths of time before IB4 histology was performed. We found that a subpopulation of IB4-positive sensory neurons sprouted robustly after spinal nerve injury. Twelve weeks after spinal nerve injury, the IB4-positive ring structures became dramatic and encircled both large and small neurons in the DRG. The aberrant sprouting of small sensory neurons was also demonstrated by retrograde labeling. The processes of satellite cells surrounding large sensory neurons also became IB4 positive, and 87.8% of perineuronal IB4-positive ring structures intermingled and/or coexpressed with glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive satellite cells. Thus, the sprouting axons of IB4-positive neurons were intermingled with IB4-positive satellite cells, forming perineuronal ring structures surrounding large-diameter neurons. Ultrastructural examinations further confirmed that IB4-positive nerve terminals were entangled with satellite cells and IB4-negative unmyelinated sprouting fibers around sensory neurons. These studies have provided the first evidence that a subpopulation of IB4-binding small sensory neurons sprouts and forms perineuronal ring structures together with IB4-positive satellite cells in response to nerve injury. The significance of the sprouting of IB4-positive neurons remains to be determined.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Differentiation/metabolism
- Axons/metabolism
- Axons/pathology
- Axons/ultrastructure
- Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/metabolism
- Cell Size/physiology
- Denervation
- Ectodysplasins
- Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
- Extracellular Matrix/pathology
- Extracellular Matrix/ultrastructure
- Ganglia, Spinal/injuries
- Ganglia, Spinal/pathology
- Ganglia, Spinal/ultrastructure
- Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/metabolism
- Immunohistochemistry
- Lectins
- Male
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Microscopy, Electron
- Nerve Growth Factors/metabolism
- Nerve Regeneration/physiology
- Neuralgia/metabolism
- Neuralgia/pathology
- Neuralgia/physiopathology
- Neurofilament Proteins/metabolism
- Neuronal Plasticity/physiology
- Neurons, Afferent/metabolism
- Neurons, Afferent/pathology
- Neurons, Afferent/ultrastructure
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Satellite Cells, Perineuronal/metabolism
- Satellite Cells, Perineuronal/pathology
- Satellite Cells, Perineuronal/ultrastructure
- Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism
- Ubiquitin Thiolesterase
- Up-Regulation/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- L Li
- Department of Human Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, Australia
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Laconi S, Pani P, Pillai S, Pasciu D, Sarma DS, Laconi E. A growth-constrained environment drives tumor progression invivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:7806-11. [PMID: 11427708 PMCID: PMC35423 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.131210498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2001] [Accepted: 05/01/2001] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently have shown that selective growth of transplanted normal hepatocytes can be achieved in a setting of cell cycle block of endogenous parenchymal cells. Thus, massive proliferation of donor-derived normal hepatocytes was observed in the liver of rats previously given retrorsine (RS), a naturally occurring alkaloid that blocks proliferation of resident liver cells. In the present study, the fate of nodular hepatocytes transplanted into RS-treated or normal syngeneic recipients was followed. The dipeptidyl peptidase type IV-deficient (DPPIV(-)) rat model for hepatocyte transplantation was used to distinguish donor-derived cells from recipient cells. Hepatocyte nodules were chemically induced in Fischer 344, DPPIV(+) rats; livers were then perfused and larger (>5 mm) nodules were separated from surrounding tissue. Cells isolated from either tissue were then injected into normal or RS-treated DPPIV(-) recipients. One month after transplantation, grossly visible nodules (2--3 mm) were seen in RS-treated recipients transplanted with nodular cells. They grew rapidly, occupying 80--90% of the host liver at 2 months, and progressed to hepatocellular carcinoma within 4 months. By contrast, no liver nodules developed within 6 months when nodular hepatocytes were injected into the liver of recipients not exposed to RS, although small clusters of donor-derived cells were present in these animals. Taken together, these results directly point to a fundamental role played by the host environment in modulating the growth and the progression rate of altered cells during carcinogenesis. In particular, they indicate that conditions associated with growth constraint of the host tissue can drive tumor progression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Laconi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Cagliari, 09125 Cagliari, Italy
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Ahmed B, Van Den Oord JJ. Expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase in pigment cell lesions of the skin. Br J Dermatol 2000; 142:432-40. [PMID: 10735946 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03352.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a small molecule produced during the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline by NO synthase (NOS). Several isoforms of NOS exist, of which the Ca2+-independent, inducible NOS (iNOS or NOS2) is most prominently expressed by macrophages. iNOS activity and increased levels of iNOS have been found in various tumours and tumour cell lines but not in normal tissues; however, the precise role of NO in tumour progression has yet to be elucidated. We studied the expression of iNOS in paraffin sections of 41 benign naevi and 52 primary malignant melanomas (MM) of the skin, as well as in 13 metastatic MM. In addition, nitrotyrosine, indicative of NO production and formation of peroxynitrite, was studied in frozen sections of 13 naevi and 30 MM. Virtually all naevi expressed iNOS, but very few expressed nitrotyrosine, indicating either that iNOS in naevi is functionally inactive, or that naevus cells lack reactive oxygen radicals and thus do not form peroxynitrite. Normal melanocytes in adjacent uninvolved skin were unreactive for both markers. In MM, iNOS was most frequently expressed in the 'pure' and 'invasive' radial growth phase (RGP), whereas expression in the vertical growth phase (VGP) and metastatic phase occurred only in 76% of cases; moreover, in these latest phases of tumour progression, iNOS staining was weak and focal. We conclude that iNOS is expressed de novo in most benign pigment cell lesions. In MM (iNOS-generated) NO appears to play an important part in the early steps of invasion (i.e. the 'invasive' RGP), where it may stimulate neo-angiogenesis and may be a prerequisite for further tumour progression; this view is also supported by the finding of iNOS in the associated blood vessels in the papillary dermis. Finally, our data suggest that (iNOS-generated) NO plays a less significant part in the VGP and in metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Histo- and Cytochemistry, University Hospital St Rafael, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
The nature of Spitz nevi is poorly understood, and their distinction from malignant melanoma can be difficult. Although there is general agreement on the diagnostic criteria, experts continue to have some differences, and controversial cases are not rare. A major obstacle to progress in this area is the lack of basic knowledge about melanocyte differentiation in Spitz nevi, as compared with ordinary nevi and malignant melanomas. Based on the hypothesis that normal melanocytes may have a differentiation pathway with discrete stages, it is suggested that the features of Spitz nevi may reflect homeostatic mechanisms governing maturation in the melanocyte differentiation pathway, whereas those of malignant melanomas may reflect carcinogen-induced aberrations. This perspective may be helpful in the continuing effort to develop optimal criteria for the differential diagnosis of Spitz nevi from malignant melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Cramer
- Department of Pathology, Rochester General Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine, New York 14621, USA
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Clark WH, Hood AF, Tucker MA, Jampel RM. Atypical melanocytic nevi of the genital type with a discussion of reciprocal parenchymal-stromal interactions in the biology of neoplasia. Hum Pathol 1998; 29:S1-24. [PMID: 9445124 DOI: 10.1016/s0046-8177(98)80028-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Melanocytic lesions of the genital area, especially those on the vulva, may present great difficulty in histological interpretation. A histological diagnosis of malignant melanoma was made in more than one third of 56 genital area melanocytic lesions submitted in consultation to the authors. The median age of the patients with these lesions was 25 years. This article is a clinicopathological study of these lesions and distinguishes them from malignant melanoma. The stroma of the lesions of the genital area was different from the stroma seen in the dysplastic nevi and melanoma. The differences in the stromal form in the diverse lesions is useful in diagnosis and is of profound biological significance. The stroma in the reported lesions and in some lesions of melanocytic neoplasia is described in detail, and its biological significance is discussed. Three sets of cases are used in this comparative study to delineate the clinicopathological nature and the biology of the genital nevi. The 56 cases submitted in consultation constitute the primary series of our work (The Clark Cutaneous Pathology Laboratory Series). These are compared with a series of cases from the Pigmented Lesion Group of the University of Pennsylvania and Pathology Services, Inc, and another series of cases from the Genetic Epidemiology Branch of the National Cancer Institute. The two series used for comparative study contain approximately the same number of cases of dysplastic nevi and malignant melanoma as there are atypical melanocytic nevi of the genital type in the primary series. The total number of cases was studied by comparison of their attributes in a relational database. The clinical data of the primary series was acquired through the use of a questionnaire completed by the contributors. The 56 cases presented two distinctive pathological pictures. One of these is termed atypical melanocytic nevi of the genital type (AMNGT), whereas dysplastic nevi (DN) formed the second of the two pathological pictures. There were 36 AMNGT and 14 DN. The remaining six cases were common nevi without atypia or ill-defined melanocytic hyperplasias. The lesions of AMNGT are usually located on the vulva, but they are seen on the perineum and, rarely, on the mons pubis and in the axilla. Lesions similar to AMNGT have been seen uncommonly on the male genitalia. The stromal patterns were distinctive and related to specific melanocytic lesions. An unclassified (unclass) or nonspecific stromal pattern was associated with AMNGT; a pattern of regression with differentiation (diff-regress) dominated the stroma of common dermal nevi; concentric eosinophilic fibroplasia (cef) and lamellar fibroplasia (lf) were present in dysplastic nevi; fibroplasia with a plaquelike lymphocytic infiltrate (fl) and diffuse eosinophilic fibroplasia (def) were noted in radial growth phase melanoma; and fibroplasia with angiogenesis (fa) or an absence of evidence for parenchymal stromal reciprocal interactions (nopsi) marked thick or deeply invasive vertical growth phase melanomas. Recommendations for management of the lesions are suggested. CONCLUSIONS One kind of atypical melanocytic proliferation in the genital area forms a distinctive clinicopathological entity that can be distinguished from melanoma and dysplastic nevi, the AMNGT. Such lesions are more common on the labia minora or the mucosa of the clitoral region than they are on the labia majora. The other common atypical melanocytic proliferation of this area is a dysplastic nevus, which is much more common on the labia majora than on the labia minora. The reciprocal interactions between parenchyma and stroma are discussed as homeostatic processes, a continually functioning template maintaining tissue, organ, and organismal form and function. The progressive disorganization of this template in neoplasia is illustrated and is considered to be a cardinal element in the biology of neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Clark
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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