The rate and pattern of bcl-2 and cytokeratin 15 expression in trichoepithelioma and nodular Basal cell carcinoma: a comparative study

Immunoexpression of Bmi-1, CK15, Bcl-2 in different types of basal cell carcinomas

INTRODUCTION

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) occurs in aggressive and non-aggressive forms. The expression of immunohistochemical markers varies in different types of BCC.

AIM

Immunohistochemical analysis of selected proteins in BCCs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The immunohistochemical method was used to examine the immunoexpression of Bmi-1, CK15 and Bcl-2 in 56 cases of BCC divided into four groups.

RESULTS

Positive Bmi-1 staining 3-4+ level (nodular type) was seen in 91.3% of samples, 4+ (infiltrative) in 92.3%, 4+ (nodular/infiltrative) - 69.2%, 3+ - 30.8%, in BSC 3+ - 42.8%, and 28.6% each for 2+ and 4+. Low grade positivity (0-1+) in CK15 staining was present in 52.1% of nodular BCC, 46.2% - nodular/infiltrative, 92.3% - infiltrative, and 100% - BSC, but levels 2-3+ in nodular BCC in 47.8%, nodular/infiltrative BCC - 53.8%, infiltrative - 7.7%. Bcl-2 positivity (3-4+) was revealed in nodular BCC in 95.6%, (1-2+) in 100% of BSC, infiltrative and infiltrative/nodular BCC, but the lowest (0-1+) in 76.9% of nodular/infiltrative BCC, 71.4% of BSC, and in 38.4% of infiltrative BCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive Bmi-1 staining was the highest in the aggressive infiltrative subtype of BCCs, whereas the lowest in basosquamous cell carcinomas (BSC). Infiltrative BCC was characterized by a lower level of CK15 expression than nodular BCC and nodular/infiltrative BCC. Differentiation of Bcl-2 expression depended on the type of tumour; the highest level was found in nodular BCC, low grade in nodular/infiltrative and infiltrative BCCs, and BSC.

Expression of p53, Bcl-2 and Bax in endometrial carcinoma, endometrial hyperplasia and normal endometrium: a histopathological study

Our objective was to examine the expression rates of p53, Bcl-2 and Bax in endometrial carcinoma, endometrial hyperplasia and normal endometrium. A total of 94 endometrial frozen sections (carcinoma 48, hyperplasia 21, normal tissue 25) were examined immunohistochemically in terms of the expression rates of p53, Bcl-2 and Bax. All of the specimens in the non-malignant groups were positive for Bax, whereas this rate was 85.4% in the group with malignant specimens (p = .03). Conversely, p53 was expressed only in the cancerous group (77.1%, p < .001). The Bcl-2 expression rate was 54.2% in the cancer group, 76.2% in the group with hyperplasia and 60% in the group containing normal tissue (p = .23). Comparing to the non-malignant specimens, the mean Bcl-2/Bax were significantly higher in the malignant group. In conclusion, Bax under-expression, p53 over-expression and a high Bcl-2 to Bax ratio might be associated with endometrial carcinoma. Bcl-2, however, plays no significant role in this regard. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The p53, Bcl-2 and Bax are the three major genes that regulate apoptosis. Some studies have suggested that these genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma. The available reports, however, are old and inconclusive. What do the results of this study add? Comparing immunohistochemically obtained p53, the Bcl-2 and Bax expression rates between normal endometrial tissue, endometrial specimens with endometrial hyperplasia and specimens with carcinoma showed that Bax under-expression, p53 over-expression and a high Bcl-2 to Bax ratio were associated with malignancy. Using an up-to-date technique to examine the three major regulators of apoptosis at the same time, in a rather large sample size of both normal and abnormal endometrial tissue specimens simultaneously, are the major advantages of the present work. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? According to our findings, the status of p53, Bcl-2 and Bax expression in the endometrial tissue can be used for risk stratification of endometrial carcinoma for both screening and preventive purposes.

Histologic Mimics of Basal Cell Carcinoma

CONTEXT

- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human malignant neoplasm and is a frequently encountered diagnosis in dermatopathology. Although BCC may be locally destructive, it rarely metastasizes. Many diagnostic entities display morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap with BCC, including nonneoplastic processes, such as follicular induction over dermatofibroma; benign follicular tumors, such as trichoblastoma, trichoepithelioma, or basaloid follicular hamartoma; and malignant tumors, such as sebaceous carcinoma or Merkel cell carcinoma. Thus, misdiagnosis has significant potential to result in overtreatment or undertreatment.

OBJECTIVE

- To review key features distinguishing BCC from histologic mimics, including current evidence regarding immunohistochemical markers useful for that distinction.

DATA SOURCES

- Review of pertinent literature on BCC immunohistochemistry and differential diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

- In most cases, BCC can be reliably diagnosed by histopathologic features. Immunohistochemistry may provide useful ancillary data in certain cases. Awareness of potential mimics is critical to avoid misdiagnosis and resulting inappropriate management.

Histomorphological and Immunohistochemical Reappraisal of Cutaneous Adnexal Tumours: A Hospital Based Study

Background. Diagnosing adnexal tumours of the skin is a challenge due to their wide variety, infrequent occurrence in practice, and confusing morphological picture. Aims and Objectives. The present study aims to observe the spectrum of adnexal tumours at our institute and to evaluate them based on histomorphological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical methods either alone or in combination for proper identification and classification. Materials and Methods. A partly retrospective and partly prospective study was conducted on adnexal skin tumours over a period of 6 years. Relevant clinical profile was recorded. Histopathological examination was carried out and special stains were applied as and when required. Immunohistochemistry was performed where diagnosis with routine stains was not possible. Results. A total of 150 skin tumour biopsies were received. There were 87 keratotic tumours, 39 adnexal tumours, and 24 melanocytic tumours. Amongst the adnexal tumours, 51.3% eccrine, 30.8% follicular, and 17.9% sebaceous tumours were seen. In five cases, histological diagnosis was troublesome where immunohistochemistry helped in making final diagnosis. Limitations. The sample size is small. Conclusion. Histomorphology is confirmatory in majority of the adnexal tumours but few rare lesions that mimic internal malignancy require a panel of immunomarkers to rule out other possible differentials.

The importance of cytokeratin 19 expression in the differentiation of Basal cell carcinoma and trichoepithelioma

INTRODUCTION

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin neoplasm reported in human. On the other hand, trichoepithelioma (TE) is a rare, benign tumour of skin adnexa. The differentiation of BCC and TE may be difficult since their morphological findings are similar. In a few studies, it has been determined that undifferentiated basaloid cells are highly positively stained with cytokeratin 19.

AIM

The aim of this study was the comparison of cytokeratin 19 expression in cases of BCC and TE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sections of skin tissues of 17 TE, 25 BCC and 12 non-neoplastic cases were used for cytokeratin 19 (CK19) immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Staining with CK19 of the BCC cases gave 15(60%) diffuse, 7 (28%) focal and 3 (12%) negative staining. On the other hand, among TE cases, 2 (12%) gave diffuse, 5 (29%) focal and 10 (59%) negative staining with CK19. In the non-neoplastic skin tissue samples, while positive staining with cytokeratin 19 in the outer root sheath of hair follicles and sweat glands were observed, there was no staining in basal layers.

CONCLUSION

CK19 expression may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of BCC and TE especially in small skin biopsy samples in which morphologic differentiation is difficult.

Immediate Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing CABG; Investigating the Role of Prior Coronary Stenting

Introduction: Approximately 15 to 30% of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) will require repeated revascularization. There is an ongoing debate concerning the impact of prior PCI on subsequent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This study sought to compare immediate post-CABG complications between patients with and without previous coronary stenting.

Methods: A total of 556 CABG candidates including 73 patients with previous coronary stenting and 483 patients without prior stenting were enrolled in this retrospective-prospective study. Demographic information, cardiac markers (CK-MB, Troponin T), and postoperative data including inotrope administration, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use, bleeding, pathological electrocardiography (ECG) changes, and overall complications were compared between the two groups.

Results: The mean age of the patients in stented group was significantly higher than that in unstented group (63.49±7.71 vs. 61.37±9.80 years, p=0.05). The mean serum level of Troponin T 12 h postoperation was significantly higher in the same group (323.26±33.16 vs. 243.30±11.52 ng/dL; p=0.03). Comparing the stented and unstented groups, the rates of inotrope use (17.8% vs. 7.2%; p=0.003), significant bleeding (15.1% vs. 4.3%; p=0.001), and overall complications (32.9% vs. 11.6%; odds ratio: 3.74 with 95% confidence interval of 2.13-6.55, p<0.001) were significantly higher in the former group. The association between overall complications and prior stenting was independent (odd ratio: 3.06). No significant connections were found between postoperative complications and stent number or type.

Conclusion: A positive history of previous coronary stenting significantly increases the risk of immediate post-CABG complications.