Bioprinted 3D Bionic Scaffolds with Pancreatic Islets as a New Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes-Analysis of the Results of Preclinical Studies on a Mouse Model

Recently, tissue engineering, including 3D bioprinting of the pancreas, has acquired clinical significance and has become an outstanding potential method of customized treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to evaluate the function of 3D-bioprinted pancreatic petals with pancreatic islets in the murine model. A total of 60 NOD-SCID (Nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency) mice were used in the study and divided into three groups: control group; IsletTx (porcine islets transplanted under the renal capsule); and 3D bioprint (3D-bioprinted pancreatic petals with islets transplanted under the skin, on dorsal muscles). Glucose, C-peptide concentrations, and histological analyses were performed. In the obtained results, significantly lower mean fasting glucose levels (mg/dL) were observed both in a 3D-bioprint group and in a group with islets transplanted under the renal capsule when compared with untreated animals. Differences were observed in all control points: 7th, 14th, and 28th days post-transplantation (129, 119, 118 vs. 140, 139, 140; p < 0.001). Glucose levels were lower on the 14th and 28th days in a group with bioprinted petals compared to the group with islets transplanted under the renal capsule. Immunohistochemical staining indicated the presence of secreted insulin-living pancreatic islets and neovascularization within 3D-bioprinted pancreatic petals after transplantation. In conclusion, bioprinted bionic petals significantly lowered plasma glucose concentration in studied model species.

Decreased expression of miR-23b is associated with poor survival of endometrial cancer patients

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common types of cancer of the female reproductive system. EC is classified into two types (EC1 and EC2). MiRNAs are single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. They have aberrant expression profiles in cancer, including EC. This study aimed to assess the level of expression of a panel of 16 miRNAs in both types of EC and healthy endometrium (HE). A total of 45 patients were enrolled into the study, 18 patients diagnosed with EC1, 12 diagnosed with EC2, and 15 HE controls. Tumor tissues or healthy endometrial tissues were dissected from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) using laser capture microdissection (LCM). RNA was isolated from collected material and the expression of selected miRNAs was determined using the real-time qPCR. We found that miR-23b, miR-125b-5p, miR-199a-3p, miR-221-3p, and miR-451a were downregulated in EC in comparison to HE. Moreover, the expression of miR-34a-5p and miR-146-5p was higher in EC1 compared to EC2. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database confirmed decreased levels of miR-23b, miR-125b-5p, and miR-199a-3p in EC. Decreased miR-23b expression was associated with worse survival of EC patients.

Single Dose of N-Acetylcysteine in Local Anesthesia Increases Expression of HIF1α, MAPK1, TGFβ1 and Growth Factors in Rat Wound Healing

In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the gene expression profile, neoangiogenesis, neutrophils and macrophages in a rat model of incisional wounds. Before creating wounds on the backs of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats, intradermal injections were made. Lidocaine-epinephrin solutions were supplemented with 0.015%, 0.03% or 0.045% solutions of NAC, or nothing (control group). Scars were harvested on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 60th day post-surgery. We performed immunohistochemical staining in order to visualize macrophages (anti-CD68), neutrophils (anti-MPO) and newly formed blood vessels (anti-CD31). Additionally, RT-qPCR was used to measure the relative expression of 88 genes involved in the wound healing process. On the 14th day, the number of cells stained with anti-CD68 and anti-CD31 antibodies was significantly larger in the tissues treated with 0.03% NAC compared with the control. Among the selected genes, 52 were upregulated and six were downregulated at different time points. Interestingly, NAC exerted a significant effect on the expression of 45 genes 60 days after its administration. In summation, a 0.03% NAC addition to the pre-incisional anesthetic solution improves neovasculature and increases the macrophages' concentration at the wound site on the 14th day, as well as altering the expression of numerous genes that are responsible for the regenerative processes.

Higher Mutation Burden in High Proliferation Compartments of Heterogeneous Melanoma Tumors

Melanoma tumors are the most heterogeneous of all tumor types. Tumor heterogeneity results in difficulties in diagnosis and is a frequent cause of failure in treatment. Novel techniques enable accurate examination of the tumor cells, considering their heterogeneity. The study aimed to determine the somatic variations among high and low proliferating compartments of melanoma tumors. In this study, 12 archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of previously untreated primary cutaneous melanoma were stained with Ki-67 antibody. High and low proliferating compartments from four melanoma tumors were dissected using laser-capture microdissection. DNA was isolated and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Libraries for amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) were prepared using NEBNext Direct Cancer HotSpot Panel. NGS detected 206 variants in 42 genes in melanoma samples. Most of them were located within exons (135, 66%) and were predominantly non-synonymous single nucleotide variants (99, 73.3%). The analysis showed significant differences in mutational profiles between high and low proliferation compartments of melanoma tumors. Moreover, a significantly higher percentage of variants were detected only in high proliferation compartments (39%) compared to low proliferation regions (16%, p < 0.05). Our results suggest a significant functional role of genetic heterogeneity in melanoma.

miR-410-3p is induced by vemurafenib via ER stress and contributes to resistance to BRAF inhibitor in melanoma

Despite significant development of melanoma therapies, death rates remain high. MicroRNAs, controlling posttranscriptionally gene expression, play role in development of resistance to BRAF inhibitors. The aim of the study was to assess the role of miR-410-3p in response to vemurafenib-BRAF inhibitor. FFPE tissue samples of 12 primary nodular melanomas were analyzed. With the use of Laser Capture Microdissection, parts of tumor, transient tissue, and adjacent healthy tissue were separated. In vitro experiments were conducted on human melanoma cell lines A375, G361, and SK-MEL1. IC50s of vemurafenib were determined using MTT method. Cells were transfected with miR-410-3p mimic, anti-miR-410-3p and their non-targeting controls. ER stress was induced by thapsigargin. Expression of isolated RNA was determined using qRT-PCR. We have found miR-410-3p is downregulated in melanoma tissues. Its expression is induced by vemurafenib in melanoma cells. Upregulation of miR-410-3p level increased melanoma cells resistance to vemurafenib, while its inhibition led to the decrease of resistance. Induction of ER stress increased the level of miR-410-3p. miR-410-3p upregulated the expression of AXL in vitro and correlated with markers of invasive phenotype in starBase. The study shows a novel mechanism of melanoma resistance. miR-410-3p is induced by vemurafenib in melanoma cells via ER stress. It drives switching to the invasive phenotype that leads to the response and resistance to BRAF inhibition.

PEComa of the mesentery coexisting with colon cancer: a case report

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare entity originating from mesenchymal tissue, which stains for both melanocytic and smooth muscle markers. We would like to present an unusual case of the PEComa of the mesentery which was unexpected discovery in a female patient with colonic adenocarcinoma. The tumour was revealed on the computer tomography and then resected during surgery, with subsequent chemotherapy for the colon adenocarcinoma. Furthermore we would like to discuss PEComa biology, emphasizing histological criteria of malignancy, possible treatment options and differential diagnosis which is mostly based on immunohistochemistry.

Virtual slides: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1809062291157051.

Perianal infection of highly oncogenic human papilloma virus: how to prevent from cancer? Case report

The presence of oncogenic types of human papilloma virus (HPV) in location of the anus is related to anal carcinoma. However, there is little knowledge about the natural history of such infections in patients outside risk groups, its relation to cervical cancer, the risk of anal cancer development as well as any way to prevent it. There are no standard procedures in the case of finding of HPV-associated anal intraepithelial neoplasia in the perianal area. Case report describes an incidental finding of a highly oncogenic type of HPV discovered in a histopathological assessment of a 48-year old woman after a haemorrhoidectomy. This paper presents the approach taken for this patient in terms of diagnosis, treatment and methods of prevention of anal and cervical cancer development.

[Epithelioma calcificans malherbe]

Authors described the case of familial occurrence of epithelioma calcificans Malherbe (pilomatricoma) in 6-year-old boy and his 68-year-old grandfather. Tumors were clinically diagnosed as atheromas of nucha and shoulder.

Pathological analysis of lesions within intestines resected due to ulcerative colitis

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Lesniowski-Crohn's disease together constitute a type of intestinal pathology known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The etiology of UC still remains unknown, however some epidemiological data suggest the role of bacteria and viruses and also some habitual as well as environmental factors like smoking, diet, drugs, geographical and social status, as well as stress. The genetic predisposition is also suggested. UC affects young people in 2nd - 4th decades of life. Exacerbations of the disease may result in the necessity of surgical treatment, typically in the form of total proctocolectomy accompanied by the subsequent formation of ileo-pouch-anal anastomosis. The aim of our study was to analyze morphological pictures of resected specimens.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed 67 cases (40 women and 27 men) of UC with the special interest being focused at macro- as well as microscopic features of the intestines resected. We reviewed macroscopic characteristics of intestines (i.e. the length of resected fragments, localization, shape and diameter of the ulcers, polyps, number of resected lymph nodes), as well as microscopic descriptions concerning, among others the character and localization of inflammatory infiltrate, the architecture of glands, the presence of crypt abscesses and Paneth's metaplasia. Special attention was paid to the morphology of intestinal wall vasculature.

RESULTS

In 42% of the cases macroscopically the inflammation covered the whole length of the resected colon. In 58% macroscopically detected inflammatory changes were segmental in distribution. In four cases the disease had clinically the fulminant course and the inflammation was transmural. There were 3 cases, in which histological assessment revealed the presence of malignancy (2 cases of mucus producing adenocarcinoma and one case of carcinoma in situ situated in the anal canal). Generally, microscopic findings were typical for the active phase of UC. We found intensive vascularization and hyperemia of the intestinal wall to be the common features accompanying the inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Young people in the 3rd and 4th decades of life constitute the group being relatively commonly affected by the UC, and undergo the surgical proctocolectomy. Some of the cases present with the fulminant course of the disease. A rich vascular network is a common finding in the inflamed intestinal wall. We hypothesize, that intensive vascularization may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of UC.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus. A case report

A case of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus has been reported. This rare entity accounts for less than 0.2% of all esophageal neoplasms. A polypoid, deep blue and tough tumour was present on endoscopic examination during which a few samples were taken. Microscopically melanotic tissue occupied the whole submucosa and scanty deposits of melanin pigment were dispersed. Positive immunohistochemical stain with HMB-45 antibody confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. The patient was admitted to the Oncological Center for resection of the tumour, which is the treatment of choice in such cases.

Diffuse filiform polyposis of the colon in Crohn's disease. Case report

A case of giant diffuse filiform polyposis of the entire colon with pathological features of Crohn's disease in a 30-year-old man is presented. The most important aspects and difficulties with differential diagnosis of filiform polyposis are discussed.

Immunocytochemical observations on macrophage populations in normal fetal and adult human liver

Phenotypic expression of macrophages was studied immunocytochemically in 25 human fetal livers at various stages of development and in 20 normal human adult livers. A panel of commercially available polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (KP1, Mac387, LN3, CR3/43, and antibodies against muramidase, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and factor XIIIa) was applied to paraffin sections. From the seventh week of gestation macrophages in the fetal liver showed differences in distribution with the various antibodies. Macrophages in adult liver similarly varied in morphology and phenotypic expression. In the light of these results, we conclude that the population of human liver macrophages is heterogeneous from an early stage of fetal development and that this heterogeneity extends into adult life.

[The role of Helicobacter pylori in the development of chronic gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcers]

To determine the correlation between Helicobacter pylori colonization of the gastric mucosa and the incidence of chronic gastritis as well as gastric and duodenal ulcer, 52 patients (26 women and 26 men) aged 19-77 years (mean 46 years) with gastrointestinal symptoms were studied. Biopsy specimens for histological and bacteriological examinations were taken during upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopies. Helicobacter pylori was found in 21 (40%) patients: 14 women and 7 men (p less than 0.05). The organisms were present more often in cases with chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer (p less than 0.05). They were not identified in any of 7 persons with normal histologic features (p less than 0.01). Helicobacter pylori was found on the gastric mucosa in 6 (75%) of 8 patients with duodenal ulcer but in none of 5 cases after partial gastrectomy with the methods of Billroth I or Billroth II (p less than 0.05).