Resveratrol and lycopene ameliorate contrast-induced nephropathy in a rabbit model

Oxidative stress appears to possess a central role in CIN pathophysiology. Resveratrol (Res) and lycopene (Lyc) are strong natural antioxidants evaluated in a limited number of CIN animal studies in vivo. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential renoprotective effects of Res/Lyc in a CIN rabbit model. Twenty-four adult male New Zealand white rabbits were equally assigned into four groups: control (saline), CIN (intravenous iopromide; 7.5 g iodine/kg), Res + CIN (per os Res; 5 mg/kg), and Lyc + CIN (per os Lyc; 4 mg/kg). Serum Cr (sCr); symmetric/asymmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA/ADMA); oxidative stress biomarkers: malondialdehyde; total antioxidant capacity; catalase; glutathione) were evaluated in blood samples at three time points: right after (0 h); 24 h; 48 h after iopromide/saline administration. CD20⁺/CD3⁺ lymphocytes were determined (48 h). All animals were sacrificed at 48 h and both kidneys collected. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in renal tissue. sCr and SDMA/ADMA levels increased significantly in CIN compared to all groups. Oxidative stress secondary to CIN in blood/kidneys was suppressed by Res/Lyc. B and T lymphocytes decreased significantly in CIN compared to all groups. The present study provides emerging evidence that Res/Lyc ameliorate CIN by modulating oxidant/antioxidant balance in blood/renal tissue and by inhibiting vasoconstriction/blood cytotoxicity.

Intraoperative squash Cytology of diffuse glioma not otherwise specified, of the Cerebellum

OBJECTIVE

Diffuse glioma arises anywhere in the CNS, but most frequent in the cerebral hemispheres. The tumor tends to be seen in children and in younger adults aged 20-30. We report one such case in an older female patient presenting the intraoperative cytology of the tumor.

CASE REPORT

A 48-year-old female was diagnosed by MRI with a tumor of cerebellum. Cytologic material was obtained during the resection of the tumor and diagnosed cytologically as glioma.

CONCLUSION

This case is presented to focus the ability of the intraoperative cytology in diagnosis of the glioma, using immunocytology and confirmed by histo- immunohistology.

Cerebrospinal fluid and intraoperative squash cytology of childhood ependymoma

Ependymomas are glial neoplasms of central nervous system originated from the ependymal lining of the brain ventricles and spinal cord central canal, and rarely exfoliated into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this case we report the cytomorphological and immunocytomorphological features of ependymoma in CSF and intraoperative squash preparations, confirmed by histology.

Osteoclast: like giant cell undiferrentiated pancreatic tumor diagnosed by means of EUS guided FNA

Objective:

Osteoclast-like giant cell tumours are rare abdominal malignant neoplasms mainly arising in the pancreas. Because of their rarity, clinical and cytopathology reports are very limited, and sonographic features have not been clearly specified; these tumors are easily misdiagnosed by ultrasound as mucinous cystic tumors (MCTs) or solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs).

Case study:

We report a case of osteoclast like giant cell tumor arising in the pancreas of an 80 year old female patient offered by EUS-FNA cytology on direct and cell block slides. A biphasic pattern composed by a malignant mononuclear cell component and a giant cell component were hallmarks to the diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Our case highlights the performance of EUS-FNA in the diagnostic approach of abdominal tumours and the significance of cell block method in the interpretation of osteoclast-like giant cell pancreatic tumour. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Determination of prenatal exposure to parabens and triclosan and estimation of maternal and fetal burden

BACKGROUND

Parabens (PBs) and triclosan (TCS) are generally used as antimicrobials mostly in personal care products. Their wide prevalence in daily products raised an acute need for the biomonitoring of these contaminants and the investigation of possible health impacts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study we aimed to quantitatively determine PBs and TCS levels in urine and amniotic fluid samples using a liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry system (LC-MS). Ninety nine (99) pregnant women took part in this research. The samples were collected during the amniocentesis in the early second trimester of their pregnancy. Women of all ages, education, household income and profession were selected. The exposure and the burden of pregnant women and their infants were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The most prevalent compound in urine, among the analyzed, was TCS with 74.7 % positive samples while in amniotic fluid methyl paraben (MePB) with 21.2 % positive samples. MePB was detected at higher concentrations in urine (mean: 378.5 ng/mL) followed by TCS (mean: 55.3 ng/mL), ethyl paraben (EtPB) (mean: 23.2 ng/mL) and butyl paraben (BuPB) (mean: 2.3 ng/mL) while benzyl paraben (BePB) was not detected in any urine sample. Concentrations in amniotic fluid samples were much lower. In particular, the mean concentrations were 6.6 ng/mL for MePB, 9.2 ng/mL for EtPB, 0.4 ng/mL for BuPB, 0.6 ng/mL for BePB and 1.8 ng/mL for TCS. The detected levels of all analytes in urine were correlated with those in amniotic fluid but no statistically significant results arose (p >n0.05). Negative associations were observed between amniotic fluid levels of MePB and maternal age (p = 0.05) while both urinary and amniotic levels of TCS were correlated with maternal BMI (p = 0.04). Somatometric characteristics of the infants showed no statistical significant associations with the detected levels of PBs and TCS.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated a strong/possible association between exposure of pregnant women to TCS and higher/lower maternal body weight gain during pregnancy. The same trend was observed between amniotic fluid MePB levels and maternal age. However, no statistically significant associations were observed between neonatal somatometric characteristics or health status and PBs and TCS levels.

Cytological diagnosis of unifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis in the temporomandibular joint

Unifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) presents as a solitary focal bone lesion characterized by clonal proliferation of CD1a (+) and langerin(+) dendritic cells, derived from the bone marrow. In 38-69% of cases BRAF-V600E mutation is revealed. It gains attention to maxillofacial surgeons due to involvement of the orofacial region and early onset of jaws symptoms. If overlooked, massive deconstruction of tissues, occurs. We present a case of LCH of the temporomandibular joint in a 14 aged child where fine needle aspiration favorably contributed in an accurate diagnosis combined with the appropriate clinicoradioliogical findings. This can overrule unwarranted biopsy and monitor the treatment largely where aproach to histopathology services is restricted.

Diagnosis and immunocytochemical characterization of an EBV related diffuse B large cell lymphoma of the retroperitoneum from cell block preparations obtained by means of EUS guided FNA

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the retroperitoneum has been scarcely reported and the diagnostic workup is challenging due to difficulties in access to tissue. A 73-year-old female presented to the gastroenterology clinic, with recent-onset atypical abdominal pain and alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Current and Future Trends in Molecular Biomarkers for Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Purposes in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Skin cancer represents the most common type of cancer among Caucasians and presents in two main forms: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC is an umbrella term, under which basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are found along with the pre-neoplastic lesions, Bowen disease (BD) and actinic keratosis (AK). Due to the mild nature of the majority of NMSC cases, research regarding their biology has attracted much less attention. Nonetheless, NMSC can bear unfavorable characteristics for the patient, such as invasiveness, local recurrence and distant metastases. In addition, late diagnosis is relatively common for a number of cases of NMSC due to the inability to recognize such cases. Recognizing the need for clinically and economically efficient modes of diagnosis, staging, and prognosis, the present review discusses the main etiological and pathological features of NMSC as well as the new and promising molecular biomarkers available including telomere length (TL), telomerase activity (TA), CpG island methylation (CIM), histone methylation and acetylation, microRNAs (miRNAs), and micronuclei frequency (MNf). The evaluation of all these aspects is important for the correct management of NMSC; therefore, the current review aims to assist future studies interested in exploring the diagnostic and prognostic potential of molecular biomarkers for these entities.

The toxic influence and biodegradation of carbon nanofibers in freshwater invertebrates of the families Gammaridae, Ephemerellidae, and Chironomidae

•

Carbon nanofibers had no pronounced pathomorphic effect on freshwater insects.

•

Carbon nanofibers were absorbed in the intestine of freshwater insects.

•

Biodegradation of carbon nanofibers was detected in the digestive tract of insects.

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are widely used in consumer products today. In this study, we assessed the effects of CNFs on the digestive system of three freshwater invertebrate species (Gammaridae, Ephemerellidae, and Chironomidae). The aquatic insects Diamesa sp., Drunella cryptomeria, and Gammarus suifunensis were incubated with the CNFs at the concentration of 100 mg/L during the 7-days period. Histological examination of the whole specimens and the longitudinal sections revealed no toxic effects of CNFs. However, a noticeable change in the structure of the CNFs accumulated in the intestines of the aquatic insects was found by Raman spectroscopy. The registered decrease in the relative proportion of amorphous carbon included in the CNF sample was found in the intestines of Diamesa sp. and D. cryptomeria. The registered effect can indicate a biodegradation of amorphous carbon in the digestive tract of these two insect species. In contrast, the decrease of highly structured carbons and the decrease of G-bonds intensity were registered in the digestive tract of G. suifunensis. This observation demonstrates the partial biodegradation of CNFs in the digestive tract of G. suifunensis.

Translational Application of Circulating DNA in Oncology: Review of the Last Decades Achievements

In recent years, the introduction of new molecular techniques in experimental and clinical settings has allowed researchers and clinicians to propose circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis and liquid biopsy as novel promising strategies for the early diagnosis of cancer and for the definition of patients' prognosis. It was widely demonstrated that through the non-invasive analysis of ctDNA, it is possible to identify and characterize the mutational status of tumors while avoiding invasive diagnostic strategies. Although a number of studies on ctDNA in patients' samples significantly contributed to the improvement of oncology practice, some investigations generated conflicting data about the diagnostic and prognostic significance of ctDNA. Hence, to highlight the relevant achievements obtained so far in this field, a clearer description of the current methodologies used, as well as the obtained results, are strongly needed. On these bases, this review discusses the most relevant studies on ctDNA analysis in cancer, as well as the future directions and applications of liquid biopsy. In particular, special attention was paid to the early diagnosis of primary cancer, to the diagnosis of tumors with an unknown primary location, and finally to the prognosis of cancer patients. Furthermore, the current limitations of ctDNA-based approaches and possible strategies to overcome these limitations are presented.

Genotoxic, cytotoxic, and cytopathological effects in rats exposed for 18 months to a mixture of 13 chemicals in doses below NOAEL levels

The present study investigates the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of long term exposure to low doses of a mixture consisting of methomyl, triadimefon, dimethoate, glyphosate, carbaryl, methyl parathion, aspartame, sodium benzoate, EDTA, ethylparaben, buthylparaben, bisphenol A and acacia gum in rats. Four groups of ten Sprangue Dawley rats (5 males and 5 females per group) were exposed for 18 months to the mixture in doses of 0xNOAEL, 0.0025xNOAEL, 0.01xNOAEL and 0.05xNOAEL (mg/kg bw/day). After 18 months of exposure, the rats were sacrificed and their organs were harvested. Micronuclei frequency was evaluated in bone marrow erythrocytes whereas the organs were cytopathologically examined by the touch preparation technique. The exposure to the mixture caused a genotoxic effect identified only in females. Cytopathological examination showed specific alterations of tissue organization in a tissue-type dependent manner. The observed effects were dose-dependent and correlated to various tissue parameters. Specifically, testes samples revealed degenerative and cellularity disorders, liver hepatocytes exhibited decreased glycogen deposition whereas degenerative changes were present in gastric cells. Lung tissue presented increased inflammatory cells infiltration and alveolar macrophages with enhanced phagocytic activity, whereas brain tissue exhibited changes in glial and astrocyte cells' numbers. In conclusion, exposure to very low doses of the tested mixture for 18 months induces genotoxic effects as well as monotonic cytotoxic effects in a tissue-dependent manner.

Contrast-induced nephropathy in an animal model: Evaluation of novel biomarkers in blood and tissue samples

Identification of novel biomarkers of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) that may more accurately detect renal function changes; reflect kidney damage; assist monitoring; and elucidate pathophysiology attract considerable scientific attention nowadays. To evaluate novel biomarkers of nephrotoxicity in blood/tissue samples of a CIN model, 10 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into group 1 (n = 5; iopromide) and group 2 (n = 5; control). Blood was drawn at 0 h (immediately), 24 h and 48 h after contrast medium (CM) administration. Animals were euthanized at 48 h and kidneys were removed. Serum creatinine (sCr)/symmetric-asymmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA-ADMA) levels were measured. CM genotoxic/cytotoxic effect was investigated 48 h post-CM exposure using micronucleus assay in lymphocytes. Cytological examination was conducted using touch preparation technique (TPT). All animals in group 1 developed CIN: mean sCr levels increased by 68.2% within 48 h. Significant SDMA-ADMA level elevation was observed at 0 h and 24 h with insignificant drop at 48 h in group 1, remaining normal in group 2 at all time-points. Significant increase in bi-nucleated cells with micronuclei and micronuclei frequency was detected in group 1. Cytokinesis block proliferation index was reduced insignificantly in group 1. TPT revealed degenerative lesions/inflammation, cell degeneration, abnormal uterine tubular casts and rubella in kidneys of all animals in group 1. Group 2 presented normal cells.

An imazamox-based herbicide causes apoptotic changes in rat liver and pancreas

We studied the acute toxicity of an imazamox-based herbicide at 12, 24 and 36 mg/kg body (bw) weight imazamox equivalent dose on the liver and pancreatic tissue in Sprague Dawley rats. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, glucose, calcium as well as creatinine, were determined in blood samples, which were collected after 24, 48 and 72 h exposure. Caspase 3 and anti-insulin expression and immunopositivity were evaluated using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The imazamox-based herbicide evaluated in this study induced toxic effects even from the lowest dose tested (12 mg/kg bw). The two highest doses caused a statistically significant cytotoxicity on the Langerhans islet cells. Necrotic and degenerative changes were detected in hepatocytes at the two highest doses. Imazamox is considered to be poorly toxic to the liver. Nevertheless, the imazamox-based herbicide formulation tested here reduced the size of the β-islet cells, induced an elevation in serum glucose and calcium. Our data shows that commercial formulations of imazamox containing various co-formulants can have hepatic and pancreatic toxic effects.

Schwannoma of right cerebellopontine angle. A cytologic diagnosis

Schwannomas affect mainly head and neck peripheral nerves, are benign tumors and derive from Schwann cells. Schwannoma of right cerebellopontine angle is extremely rare to diagnose by cytology. We report one such rare case presenting the cytological features in material obtained during the resection of the tumor. Case report: A 47-year-old female was diagnosed by MRI with a tumor of right cerebellopontine angle.. Cytologic material from the tumor was obtained intraoperatively and diagnosed cytologically as a neurilemoma. Conclusion: This case is presented here to focus the ability of cytology in diagnosis of schwannoma in intraoperative material of the tumor, using immunohistochemistry and confirmed by histology-immunohistochemistry. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Lens Epithelial Apoptosis and Cell Proliferation in Human Age-Related Cortical Cataract

Purpose

To probe the presence of apoptosis in the epithelium of human lenses with age-related cortical cataract as well as to assess cell proliferation, a predicted consequence of apoptotic cell death, in this specific cell population.

Methods

DNA fragmentation was assessed using terminal digoxigenin-labeled dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) in capsulotomy specimens obtained from patients who underwent either extracapsular cataract extraction for the removal of adult-onset cortical cataract (n=27) or clear lens extraction for the correction of high myopia (n=25). Cell proliferation was assayed in 23 epithelia of cataractous lenses, and 20 epithelia of non-cataractous lenses with the proliferation marker MIB1, a monoclonal antibody against the nuclear antigen Ki-67 that is detected throughout the cell cycle but is absent in the resting (G0) cell.

Results

TUNEL staining was observed in 25 (92.6%) specimens of cataractous lenses, whereas cells undergoing apoptosis were identified in 2 (8%) of the epithelia from non-catarac-tous lenses. Only two MIB1-positive samples were detected, one of which was a capsule obtained during intracapsular cataract extraction.

Conclusions

The epithelium of human lenses with cortical cataract undergoes low rate apoptotic death. This limited epithelial apoptosis is unlikely to result in any significant cell density decrease since epithelial gaps are likely to be replaced by cell proliferation at the germinative zone of the anterior lens capsule. Nevertheless, the accumulation of small-scale epithelial losses during lifetime may induce alterations in lens fiber formation and homeostasis and result in loss of lens transparency.

Post-irradiation vaginal spindle cell sarcoma

The genetic profile is one of the major possible causes of spindle cell sarcoma. Irradiation has also been linked to this type of cancer. This means that if tissues have already been irradiated for other types of cancer, they can afterwards develop this form of sarcoma. Also, previous radiotherapy can determine specific genetic alterations, which result to uncontrolled cell division, that is neoplasia. We report one such cause in a female patient 80 years old with a uterus adenocarcinoma (endometrioid type) FIGO Stage IC, who had been treated with surgical resection and pelvic irradiation. Ten years after radiotherapy a vaginal spindle cell sarcoma was diagnosed by cytology (Pap smear) and confirmed by histology and immunohistology. This case is presented to focus the ability of cytology in diagnosis of spindle cell sarcoma in Pap smear with confirmation by histo-immunohistology.

Cytology of Pericardial Effusion due to Malignancy

BACKGROUND

Malignant pericardial effusion occurs in one tenth of all cancers. It is a very serious disorder that is mainly a secondary process due to metastasis because primary neoplasms of the pericardium such as mesotheliomas, sarcomas being exceedingly rare [corrected]. Pericardial effusion specimens are uncommon and to the best of our knowledge the current study is the largest systematic evaluation of pericardial fluid cytology performed to date.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Pericardial effusion specimens from 145 patients collected over a 25 [corrected] year period were studied by cytology [corrected]. The minimum pericardial fluid volume used for adequate cytologic diagnosis in these patients was more than 60 mL.

RESULTS

Cytological diagnosis revealed malignant pericardial exudates in 100% of the studied patients [corrected].

CONCLUSIONS

Cytology provides an immediate and accurate means of diagnosis. Immunocytology is very important in the diagnostic evaluation.

EUS - Fine- Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) in the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Review

Solid masses of the pancreas represent a variety of benign and malignant neoplasms of the exocrine and endocrine tissues of the pancreas. A tissue diagnosis is often required to direct therapy in the face of uncertain diagnosis or if the patient is not a surgical candidate either due to advanced disease or comorbidities. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a relatively new technology that employs endoscopy and high-frequency ultrasound (US). EUS involves imaging of the pancreatic head and the uncinate from the duodenum and imaging of the body and tail from the stomach. It has been shown to be a highly sensitive method for the detection of pancreatic masses. It is superior to extracorporeal US and computed tomographic (CT) scans, especially when the pancreatic tumor is smaller than 2-3 cm. Although EUS is highly sensitive in detecting pancreatic solid masses, its ability to differentiate between inflammatory masses and malignant disease is limited. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) brushing, CT-guided biopsies, and transabdominal ultrasound (US) have been the standard nonsurgical methods for obtaining a tissue diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, but a substantial false-negative rate has been reported. Transabdominal US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) has been used for tissue diagnosis in patients with suspected pancreatic carcinoma. It has been shown to be highly specific, with no false-positive diagnoses. With the advent of curvilinear echoendoscopes, transgastric and transduodenal EUS-FNAB of the pancreas have become a reality EUS with FNAB has revolutionized the ability to diagnose and stage cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and assess the pancreas. Gastrointestinal cancers can be looked at with EUS and their depth of penetration into the intestinal wall can be determined. Any suspicious appearing lymph nodes can be biopsied using EUS/FNAB. The pancreas is another organ that is well visualized with EUS. Abnormalities such as tumors and cysts of the pancreas can be carefully evaluated using EUS and then biopsied with FNAB. There are many new applications of EUS using FNAB. Researchers are looking to deliver chemotherapeutics into small pancreatic cancers and cysts. Nerve blocks using EUS/FNAB to inject numbing medicines into the celiac ganglia, a major nerve cluster, are now routinely performed in patients with pain due to pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study is to perform a review of the literature regarding the usefulness of EUS/FNAB in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Recurrent Cerebellar Desmoplastic/Nodular Medulloblastoma in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in the Elderly. A Cytologic Diagnosis

Desmoplastic medulloblastoma is a rare subtype of medulloblastoma in childhood and more rare in adults. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurrence is frequent and important for treatment and prognosis. We report the CSF cytologic features of recurrent desmoplastic/nodular medulloblastoma in a 30-aged male.

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) in the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth more common cause of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite advances in surgical and non surgical modalities in the treatment of HCC, a number of controversies regarding appropriate diagnostic procedures continue to evolve. A consensus statement from the European Association for the study of Liver Diseases (EASL) has been formulated to help clinicians standardize diagnostic approaches. In nodules greater than 2 cm diameter in size, diagnosis can be made if any 2 imaging studies (ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or hepatic arteriography) show increased vascularity. Alternatively only one imaging study with an Alpha fetoprotein level more than 400ng/mL is diagnostic. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) should be performed in cases of indeterminate radiology and in lesions sized between 1 and 2 cm. The aim of this review is to familiarize pathologists in the FNAB diagnosis of HCC in an appropriate and timely fashion.

Abdominal primary extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST). A cytologic diagnosis in ascitic fluid

Dear Editor, We present a case of a primary abdominal Extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor (E-GIST) in a75 years old female patient. E-GISTs are rare, non-epithelial, mesenchymal tumors arising from the soft tissues of the abdomen - mesentery and retroperitoneum. These tumors are histologically and cytologically similar to the stromal tumors of gastrointestinal tract, composed of round or fusiform cells or a mixture of both in a myxoid background. The recognition of these tumors is important because of their aggressive biological behavior, the metastatic potential and the high rate of recurrence.

Cytopathology in the diagnostic appraisal of uncommon malignant neoplastic lesions

Cytology and fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology are accepted means of diagnosing and typing of common forms of malignant tumors. However, their usefulness for diagnosing less common neoplasms is not clearly established and this study was designed to examine this. We report four unusual cases of patients with malignant neoplasms in which cytology and fine needle aspiration cytology or aspiration biopsy (FNAC, FNAB) contributed significantly in establishing the diagnosis. These cases facilitate the diagnostic capabilities of cytology over a wide spectrum of neoplasms including rare lymphoproliferative disorders and carcinomas.

Myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland

Myoepithelial carcinomas exhibit a wide spectrum of cytomorphologic features and diverse clinical outcomes. As a result of their morphologic heterogeneity, they can be confused easily with many tumours. Herein we report the morphological features of myoepithelial carcinoma in a 74-year-old female clinically presenting with a parotid mass. FNAB revealed hypercellular, three-dimensional clusters with considerable overlapping and crowding of pleomorphic neoplastic cells which consisted predominantly of spindle cells, with oval to elongated to spindle shaped nuclei showing considerable variation in size. The excised tumour was solid, with cells arranged in trabeculae, nests and cords. Tumour cells were mixed epithelioid and spindle with eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm, with eccentric nuclei and prominent nuclei. Neoplastic cells were found in blood vessels, in the skin and facial nerve. Tumour cells were immunopositive for PAS, PAS-D, S-100 protein, GFAP, P63, CK5/ CK6, CK7, and CK14. This case illustrates that cytological features in FNAB generally reflect the histology. FNAB was able to confirm the diagnosis and guide patient management.

Primary effusion lymphoma with aberrant T-cell phenotype in an iatrogenically immunosuppressed renal transplant male: cytologic diagnosis in peritoneal fluid

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an unusual class of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that develops in body cavities, without associated mass lesions. It has been linked to human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), an etiological factor of Kaposi's sarcoma. Although PEL is a B-cell lymphoma, the neoplastic cells are usually of the "null" phenotype by immunocytochemistry. The relative infrequency of this entity, the absence of wide casuistic allowing a better characterization, and its unfavorable outcome, strongly support the need of a deeper knowledge. We report the clinico-biological findings of a 49-year-old male who was iatrogenically suppressed patient for 29 years because of renal transplantation. This case was diagnosed cytologically as peritoneal PEL and confirmed histologically on peritoneal biopsies. The immune status for both HHV-8 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was evaluated and showed positive immunostaining only for the former. The combination of the immunocytochemistry results with the existence of a clonal rearrangement in the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (identified by PCR) was compatible with the diagnosis of PEL. The presence of T-cell markers was consistent with the diagnosis of PEL with an aberrant T-cell phenotype.

Eccrine Porocarcinoma: Cytologic Diagnosis by Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

Introduction: Eccrine porocarcinoma is an uncommon malignant adnexal tumor of the skin. Eccrine porocarcinoma is an adenocarcinoma of the eccrine sweat gland with a propensity to recur locally and gives metastases to regional lymph nodes. This paper presents a cytologic diagnosis by fine needle aspiration of an eccrine porocarcinoma along with histopathology and immunocyto-histochemistry.Case Report: The cytologic findings of an eccrine porocarcinoma in a 76-year-old female and histologic features of the skin tumor are reported. Cytologically in fine needle aspiration biopsy, the tumor was characterized by atypical malignant cells with basophilic cytoplasm, hyperchromatic nuclei and prominent nucleoli. The cytologic diagnosis was confirmed by histology.Conclusions: The accurate preoperative diagnosis of eccrine porocarcinoma is crucial to developing a curative surgical plan. Fine needle aspiration cytology provides a convenient, safe and effective approach to solving a challenging differential diagnosis.

Modulation of Vascular Endothelium by Imatinib: A Study on the EA.hy 926 Endothelial Cell Line

In this study the EA.hy 926 endothelial cell line--simulating endothelial cells--was treated with imatinib in order to define a possible anti-angiogenic role for imatinib. Dose and time response experiments were performed. Cell morphology was studied, while migration efficiency, intercellular permeability and VE-cadherin expression were assayed, both in the presence and in the absence of imatinib. Imatinib-induced EA.hy 926 cell apoptosis was also examined. Results showed that imatinib reduced the endothelial cell population, changed cell monolayer morphology and reduced cell-to-cell cohesiveness. Migration efficiency was significantly decreased while intercellular permeability was 2.76-fold increased in the presence of imatinib. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy showed nearly complete down-regulation of VE cadherin in imatinib-treated cells. Furthermore, apoptotic activity was detected in imatinib-treated cells. Altogether our results support an antiangiogenic profile for imatinib that possibly contributes to its therapeutic potential.

Eccrine porocarcinoma: cytologic diagnosis by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)

INTRODUCTION

Eccrine porocarcinoma is an uncommon malignant adnexal tumor of the skin. Eccrine porocarcinoma is an adenocarcinoma of the eccrine sweat gland with a propensity to recur locally and gives metastases to regional lymph nodes. This paper presents a cytologic diagnosis by fine needle aspiration of an eccrine porocarcinoma along with histopathology and immunocyto-histochemistry.

CASE REPORT

The cytologic findings of an eccrine porocarcinoma in a 76-year-old female and histologic features of the skin tumor are reported. Cytologically in fine needle aspiration biopsy, the tumor was characterized by atypical malignant cells with basophilic cytoplasm, hyperchromatic nuclei and prominent nucleoli. The cytologic diagnosis was confirmed by histology.

CONCLUSIONS

The accurate preoperative diagnosis of eccrine porocarcinoma is crucial to developing a curative surgical plan. Fine needle aspiration cytology provides a convenient, safe and effective approach to solving a challenging differential diagnosis.

Extra-nodal primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the maxilla. Fine needle aspiration cytology

A 76-year-old female presented at University hospital of Crete with a large painless mass (d<10 cm) of the left maxilla. The cytologic diagnosis in FNAB smears was of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the maxilla that was confirmed histologically. The fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in conjunction with immunocytochemistry can distinguish between benign and malignant lymphoid infiltrates and support a diagnosis of extra-nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Cytologic diagnosis of spinal cord ependymoma in cerebrospinal fluid

Ependymoma cells are known to rarely exfoliate into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, the frequency of CSF involvement in patients with ependymoma is unclear, and to the author's knowledge the cytomorphologic features of tumour cells have not been well described to date. In this study, the CSF findings in a patient with ependymoma and the cytopathological features of this tumor are reported. The patient presented at the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, suffering from a chest to back pain. Computed tomography, scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed and a mass of 3x2 cm in the thoracic aspect of the spinal cord was found. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was sent for cytologic examination and a diagnosis of ependymoma was made. A biopsy was performed and histology confirmed the cytologic diagnosis of ependymoma grade II (WHO). Exfoliated cells from ependymomas of spinal cord are rarely recognizable in CSF samples. Except in patients with myxopapillary tumours and anaplastic tumours, cytomorphologic features of ependymoma have been described only in case reports of intraoperative imprinting or fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) and not in CSF cytology.

Cytopathologic interpretation of ascites due to malignancy

The diagnosis of metastatic cancer in peritoneal fluid is of great importance for the patient and the attending physician. A cytopathologist's responsibility is twofold: (1) to accurately identify malignant cells; (2) to interpret tumor type and if possible the site of its origin even in the absence of complete clinical history of other clues. The difficulty in the diagnosis of metastatic neoplasms in peritoneal fluid is due to 2 factors: (1) abnormal mesothelial cells or macrophages may simulate cancer cells, or may conceal tumor cells; and (2) peritoneal fluid constitutes a natural and hitherto inadequately explored medium of cell culture, in which neoplastic cells may proliferate free of the boundaries imposed upon them by the framework of organs and tissues. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and molecular techniques are essential to establish an accurate diagnosis. From a great many points of view malignant peritoneal fluid is suitable for continuous study of cancer cells, thus providing knowledge about biologic aspects of human solid tumors.

Pseudomembranous colitis with presence of signet - ring cells: report of two cases and review of the literature

the first case concerns a 73-year-old male patient with clinical history of cardiovascular disease and pulmonary insufficiency, admitted to the hospital for urinary tract infection and was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics for a long period of time. During his hospitalization he developed abdominal pain and haematochezia. The second case concerns a 64-year-old woman treated with antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia. After the treatment she developed abdominal pain and diarrhea. In both cases the colonic biopsy showed pseudomembranous colitis with presence of signet-ring cells within dilated crypts of the colonic mucosa. The presence of signet-ring cells is a rare finding in pseudomembranous colitis and may lead to misdiagnosis of signet-ring carcinoma of the colon.

Apoptosis and cell proliferation correlated with tumor grade in patients with lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis and cell proliferation in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung have not been well described with relation to fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs). To investigate the contribution of apoptosis to the growth of adenocarcinoma of the lung, both apoptosis and cell proliferation were analysed for correlation with the grade of the tumor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty tumors from 50 patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung were studied. Twelve tumors were well-differentiated, 22 were moderately differentiated and 16 were poorly differentiated. The detection of DNA fragments in situ using the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was applied to investigate active cell death (apoptosis) and the MIB-1 antigen was used to investigate cell proliferation.

RESULTS

The TUNEL indices were 0.55±0.09, 0.90±0.33 and 3.1±0.99 in well-, moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the lung respectively. The MIB-1 antigen labeling indices were 7.1±0.12, 14.3±3.5 and 28.7±6.9, respectively, in the same order of tumor differentiation. The differences in both TUNEL and MIB-1 labeling indices were significant between well-, moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the lung and a positive correlation was found between the TUNEL indices and the MIB-1 indices.

CONCLUSION

Apoptosis (cell death) and cell proliferation increases as the grade of differentiation decreases in adenocarcinoma of the lung, suggesting a rapid turn over of the tumor cells in tumors with a lower grade of differentiation.