Impact of dietary interventions on pre-diabetic oral and gut microbiome, metabolites and cytokines

Diabetes and associated comorbidities are a global health threat on the rise. We conducted a six-month dietary intervention in pre-diabetic individuals (NCT03222791), to mitigate the hyperglycemia and enhance metabolic health. The current work explores early diabetes markers in the 200 individuals who completed the trial. We find 166 of 2,803 measured features, including oral and gut microbial species and pathways, serum metabolites and cytokines, show significant change in response to a personalized postprandial glucose-targeting diet or the standard of care Mediterranean diet. These changes include established markers of hyperglycemia as well as novel features that can now be investigated as potential therapeutic targets. Our results indicate the microbiome mediates the effect of diet on glycemic, metabolic and immune measurements, with gut microbiome compositional change explaining 12.25% of serum metabolites variance. Although the gut microbiome displays greater compositional changes compared to the oral microbiome, the oral microbiome demonstrates more changes at the genetic level, with trends dependent on environmental richness and species prevalence in the population. In conclusion, our study shows dietary interventions can affect the microbiome, cardiometabolic profile and immune response of the host, and that these factors are well associated with each other, and can be harnessed for new therapeutic modalities.

The Gut Microbiome of Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Its Association With the Host Glycemic Control

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between gut microbiota composition and type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis. However, little is known about the composition and function of the gut microbiome in adults with longstanding T1D or its association with host glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiome obtained from fecal samples of 74 adults with T1D, 14.6 ± 9.6 years following diagnosis, and compared their microbial composition and function to 296 age-matched healthy control subjects (1:4 ratio). We further analyzed the association between microbial taxa and indices of glycemic control derived from continuous glucose monitoring measurements and blood tests and constructed a prediction model that solely takes microbiome features as input to evaluate the discriminative power of microbial composition for distinguishing individuals with T1D from control subjects.

RESULTS

Adults with T1D had a distinct microbial signature that separated them from control subjects when using prediction algorithms on held-out subjects (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.89 ± 0.03). Linear discriminant analysis showed several bacterial species with significantly higher scores in T1D, including Prevotella copri and Eubacterium siraeum, and species with higher scores in control subjects, including Firmicutes bacterium and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (P < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected for all). On the functional level, several metabolic pathways were significantly lower in adults with T1D. Several bacterial taxa and metabolic pathways were associated with the host's glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a distinct gut microbial signature in adults with longstanding T1D and associations between microbial taxa, metabolic pathways, and glycemic control indices. Additional mechanistic studies are needed to identify the role of these bacteria for potential therapeutic strategies.

Prediction of Personal Glycemic Responses to Food for Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes Through Integration of Clinical and Microbial Data

OBJECTIVE

Despite technological advances, results from various clinical trials have repeatedly shown that many individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) do not achieve their glycemic goals. One of the major challenges in disease management is the administration of an accurate amount of insulin for each meal that will match the expected postprandial glycemic response (PPGR). The objective of this study was to develop a prediction model for PPGR in individuals with T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We recruited individuals with T1D who were using continuous glucose monitoring and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion devices simultaneously to a prospective cohort and profiled them for 2 weeks. Participants were asked to report real-time dietary intake using a designated mobile app. We measured their PPGRs and devised machine learning algorithms for PPGR prediction, which integrate glucose measurements, insulin dosages, dietary habits, blood parameters, anthropometrics, exercise, and gut microbiota. Data of the PPGR of 900 healthy individuals to 41,371 meals were also integrated into the model. The performance of the models was evaluated with 10-fold cross validation.

RESULTS

A total of 121 individuals with T1D, 75 adults and 46 children, were included in the study. PPGR to 6,377 meals was measured. Our PPGR prediction model substantially outperforms a baseline model with emulation of standard of care (correlation of R = 0.59 compared with R = 0.40 for predicted and observed PPGR respectively; P < 10-10). The model was robust across different subpopulations. Feature attribution analysis revealed that glucose levels at meal initiation, glucose trend 30 min prior to meal, meal carbohydrate content, and meal's carbohydrate-to-fat ratio were the most influential features for the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model enables a more accurate prediction of PPGR and therefore may allow a better adjustment of the required insulin dosage for meals. It can be further implemented in closed loop systems and may lead to rationally designed nutritional interventions personally tailored for individuals with T1D on the basis of meals with expected low glycemic response.

Personalized Postprandial Glucose Response-Targeting Diet Versus Mediterranean Diet for Glycemic Control in Prediabetes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical effects of a personalized postprandial-targeting (PPT) diet versus a Mediterranean (MED) diet on glycemic control and metabolic health in prediabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We randomly assigned adults with prediabetes (n = 225) to follow a MED diet or a PPT diet for a 6-month dietary intervention and additional 6-month follow-up. The PPT diet relies on a machine learning algorithm that integrates clinical and microbiome features to predict personal postprandial glucose responses. During the intervention, all participants were connected to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and self-reported dietary intake using a smartphone application.

RESULTS

Among 225 participants randomized (58.7% women, mean ± SD age 50 ± 7 years, BMI 31.3 ± 5.8 kg/m², HbA_1c, 5.9 ± 0.2% [41 ± 2.4 mmol/mol], fasting plasma glucose 114 ± 12 mg/dL [6.33 ± 0.67 mmol/L]), 200 (89%) completed the 6-month intervention. A total of 177 participants also contributed 12-month follow-up data. Both interventions reduced the daily time with glucose levels >140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) and HbA_1c levels, but reductions were significantly greater in PPT compared with MED. The mean 6-month change in "time above 140" was -0.3 ± 0.8 h/day and -1.3 ± 1.5 h/day for MED and PPT, respectively (95% CI between-group difference -1.29 to -0.66, P < 0.001). The mean 6-month change in HbA_1c was -0.08 ± 0.19% (-0.9 ± 2.1 mmol/mol) and -0.16 ± 0.24% (-1.7 ± 2.6 mmol/mol) for MED and PPT, respectively (95% CI between-group difference -0.14 to -0.02, P = 0.007). The significant between-group differences were maintained at 12-month follow-up. No significant differences were noted between the groups in a CGM-measured oral glucose tolerance test.

CONCLUSIONS

In this clinical trial in prediabetes, a PPT diet improved glycemic control significantly more than a MED diet as measured by daily time of glucose levels >140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) and HbA_1c. These findings may have implications for dietary advice in clinical practice.

10 K: a large-scale prospective longitudinal study in Israel

The 10 K is a large-scale prospective longitudinal cohort and biobank that was established in Israel. The primary aims of the study include development of prediction models for disease onset and progression and identification of novel molecular markers with a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value. The recruitment was initiated in 2018 and is expected to complete in 2021. Between 28/01/2019 and 13/12/2020, 4,629 from the expected 10,000 participants were recruited (46 %). Follow-up visits are scheduled every year for a total of 25 years. The cohort includes individuals between the ages of 40 and 70 years. Predefined medical conditions were determined as exclusions. Information collected at baseline includes medical history, lifestyle and nutritional habits, vital signs, anthropometrics, blood tests results, Electrocardiography, Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), liver US and Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) tests. Molecular profiling includes transcriptome, proteome, gut and oral microbiome, metabolome and immune system profiling. Continuous measurements include glucose levels using a continuous glucose monitoring device for 2 weeks and sleep monitoring by a home sleep apnea test device for 3 nights. Blood and stool samples are collected and stored at - 80 °C in a storage facility for future research. Linkage is being established with national disease registries.

Potential role of indolelactate and butyrate in multiple sclerosis revealed by integrated microbiome-metabolome analysis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease whose precise etiology is unknown. Several studies found alterations in the microbiome of individuals with MS, but the mechanism by which it may affect MS is poorly understood. Here we analyze the microbiome of 129 individuals with MS and find that they harbor distinct microbial patterns compared with controls. To study the functional consequences of these differences, we measure levels of 1,251 serum metabolites in a subgroup of subjects and unravel a distinct metabolite signature that separates affected individuals from controls nearly perfectly (AUC = 0.97). Individuals with MS are found to be depleted in butyrate-producing bacteria and in bacteria that produce indolelactate, an intermediate in generation of the potent neuroprotective antioxidant indolepropionate, which we found to be lower in their serum. We identify microbial and metabolite candidates that may contribute to MS and should be explored further for their causal role and therapeutic potential.

Phase II trail of didemnin B in previously treated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Study

Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who fail initial therapy have a poor prognosis. We conducted a phase II study to determine the efficacy and toxicity of didemnin B, a non-myelosuppressive marine compound, in patients with NHL who relapsed or progressed after receiving one or two previous chemotherapy regimens. Fifty-one eligible patients were registered on this phase II study. Twenty-nine patients had intermediate or high grade (IG/HG) disease and 22 patients had low grade (LG) disease. Twenty-five patients received didemnin B at a dose of 6.3 mg/m2 and the remainder received 5.6 mg/m2, administered intravenously every 28 days. The patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2 and biopsy-proven relapsed disease. Objective responses were observed in two (7%) patients (one complete remission [CR] and one partial remission [PR]) with IG/HG disease and five (23%) patients (one CR and four PR) with LG disease. Patients with IG/HG disease had a median time to treatment failure (TTF) of 1.6 months and a median survival of 8.0 months. In contrast, the group with LG disease had a median TTF of 4.6 months and a median survival of 2.7 years. There were five grade V, 12 grade IV, and 57 grade III toxicities. Didemnin B appears to have modest activity in low grade NHL. However, the drug has considerable toxicity in this population of patients.

Phase II study of etoposide (VP-16) in patients with thyroid cancer with no prior chemotherapy: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study (E1385)

This study of etoposide in thyroid cancer was designed to determine the activity and toxicity of etoposide in a variety of inoperable, thyroid hormone insensitive, and radio-iodine resistant primary cancers of the thyroid. The patients were required to have an ECOG performance status of at least 3 and no previous exposure to chemotherapy. The etoposide was given at a dose of 140 mg/m2 daily for 3 days and every 3 weeks until progression. The study was closed after 18 months because of poor accrual. There were no responses seen among the 10 patients accrued. The toxicity was primarily hematologic. There was no evidence of activity of etoposide in thyroid carcinoma, although this study lacked significant power because of the poor accrual.

Morphology and other prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignancy found worldwide that has typically poor prognosis despite treatment. Although several studies have dealt with prognostic factors, just a few detailed analyses of large series correlating the pathology of hepatocellular carcinoma with prognosis are available. The present study was undertaken to address this limitation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our prior clinical study described 432 patients, but sufficient tissue was available for evaluation in only 299 patients. Of these, 224 samples contained primary hepatocellular carcinoma, while the remainder contained only metastatic tumor. Characteristics evaluated included degree of tumor differentiation, associated cirrhosis or hepatitis, presence of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, and blood vessel invasion by the neoplasm.

RESULTS

Of the 224 patients, 71% were male, 65% white, and 73% over the age of 45 years. Ninety-one percent were from North America. A total of 42 patients were found to have cirrhosis. Thirty-five percent had cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, and 25% showed evidence of blood vessel invasion. Tumor response rates (tumor shrinkage) were low (8%) regardless of treatment. Presence of cytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies and blood vessel invasion were not associated with increased survival. Some histopathologies (pelioid, spindle cell, fibrolamellar) were associated with a better prognosis. Patients with a predominant trabecular pattern (43%) did particularly poorly. Although sex was significantly associated with survival using a univariate analysis, this effect disappeared in a multivariate Cox model that adjusted simultaneously for other factors.

CONCLUSION

This investigation suggests that histologic subtype and clinical features may provide useful prognostic information in hepatocellular carcinoma. Poorer survival was observed in males, older patients with poorly differentiated tumors, or when associated with cirrhosis. Age younger than 45 years was a good prognostic factor, and presence of cirrhosis had an adverse effect on survival.

Coexistence of granular cell tumor and ipsilateral infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast

Granular cell tumor is a benign neoplasm that is rarely seen in the breast and can mimic carcinoma, both clinically and by gross pathologic examination. The coexistence of a granular cell tumor with a primary mammary carcinoma can potentially pose diagnostic and therapeutic problems. In this report, we document a granular cell tumor of the breast coexisting with an ipsilateral infiltrating ductal carcinoma in a 74-year-old woman and discuss its clinical significance.

Parotid involvement by desmoplastic melanoma

Desmoplastic malignant melanoma often arises in sun damaged skin of the head and neck and shows frequent neurotropism. Although metastatic melanoma frequently involve the parotid, direct spread to the parotid has been rarely reported. We evaluated five cases of desmoplastic malignant melanoma involving the parotid gland with clinical and pathological evidence of precursor cutaneous lesions in four of the five cases. The parotid involvement in four cases was tumoural, and three of these were not clinically suspected to be melanoma. The histological appearance in all five cases was that of a sarcomatoid tumour. Immunohistochemistry and electronmicroscopy performed on three of the cases showed only evidence of schwannian differentiation: the tumour cells were positive for S-100 protein and vimentin, and negative for cytokeratin and HMB-45. Electronmicroscopy showed no evidence of melanogenesis. All five tumours showed histological evidence of prominent neurotropism with one case demonstrating extension from overlying skin along cutaneous nerves to the superficial parotid. Thus, desmoplastic malignant melanoma may involve the parotid by neurotropic spread and can be pathologically indistinguishable from malignant schwannoma, a diagnosis which may be made erroneously in the absence of clinical information.

Benztropine identification and quantitation in a suicidal overdose

For a human fatality involving suspected overdose with the anticholinergic agent benztropine, GC-MS analysis was utilized for identification, quantitation, and investigation of metabolism. Organic extracts of blood and urine were analyzed by a capillary-column gas chromatograph interfaced with an ion-trap mass spectrometer, which was programmed for wide-spectrum data acquisition. Electron impact and chemical ionization were used for benztropine detection. The chemical structures of the ion fragments are proposed. Benztropine-d3 was synthesized and used as an internal standard. Quantitative determinations of benztropine revealed 0.183 mg/L in blood and 7.12 mg/L in urine from the decedent. Drug concentrations were interpreted relative to the case findings, published data, and a limited evaluation of the therapeutic concentrations in psychiatric patients. In addition, the possible metabolic conversion to norbenztropine was investigated by the synthesis of the norbenztropine derivative. Chromatographic evaluation of samples from the case study did not reveal significant bioconversion via the N-desmethylation pathway.

Ovarian endometriotic cysts. An analysis of cytologic atypia and DNA ploidy patterns

Cytologic atypia may be seen in the glandular epithelium that lines ovarian endometriotic cysts. The significance of this atypia has not been fully elucidated. The authors studied the morphologic appearance and DNA ploidy of the glandular epithelium from 36 ovarian endometriotic cysts by image analysis on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. In 29 of the cases the corresponding endometrium proper also was studied. The DNA content was diploid in all eutopic endometrium and in the lining epithelium of all endometriotic cysts without atypia or with only mild cytologic atypia. DNA aneuploidy was observed in 3 of 6 endometriotic cysts with severe atypia. Our findings indicate that mild cytologic atypia in the glandular epithelium of endometriotic cysts is associated with normal DNA ploidy patterns, whereas severe atypia may be associated with aneuploidy. These findings support the hypothesis that cytologic atypia represents the precursor lesion for the invasive epithelial malignancy that may arise in ovarian endometriotic cysts.

Renal angiomyolipoma. DNA content and immunohistochemical study of classic and multicentric variants

Angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are polymorphic renal tumors that are composed of mature tissues and frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis; AMLs have long been considered hamartomatous in nature. We report the routine histologic and immunohistochemical features and DNA content analysis of two fatal cases of renal giant multicentric AML with distant organ involvement, and we contrast the findings with those of four similarly studied cases of classic solitary AML. Severe nuclear pleomorphism, significant mitotic activity, and necrosis, which are all characteristics of multicentric AML, were not seen in the cases of classic AML. Quantitation of DNA by image analysis of Feulgen-stained slides from paraffin-embedded blocks revealed an aneuploid pattern in the two cases of multicentric AML and an aneuploid pattern in one of the four cases of classic AML. Tumors in the liver, spleen, and lungs in one of the cases of multicentric AML were diploid. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive staining reaction of vascular and adipose tissue components with HMB-45 antibody in three of the six cases of AML. We conclude that AMLs may occur in a sarcomatous, infiltrating multicentric form involving multiple organs, that aneuploidy may be seen in lesions of both the multicentric AML and classic AML variants, that AMLs may feature DNA ploidy heterogeneity in multiple-organ sites, that HMB-45 immunoreactivity may be encountered in AMLs without evidence of nevomelanocytic differentiation, and that continued study of AMLs is needed to clarify further the histogenesis, lineage, clonality, and malignant potential of these tumors.

Expression of colorectal carcinoma-associated antigens in colonic polyps

Immunohistologic techniques were used to study the expression of colorectal carcinoma-associated antigens in colonic polyps and to compare this with expression in the normal colonic epithelium. Forty-nine polyps were studied using monoclonal antibodies to 16 different blood group and differentiation antigens and carcinoembryonic antigen epitopes. With the Lewis(a) antigen and the two epitopes of CEA recognized by 3D6 and COL-4 expression in polyp tissue was the same as that in the normal colon. Five types of alteration of antigen expression in polyps were seen. The blood group antigens A, B, and Lewis(b), which are expressed only on the right side of the normal adult colon, were detected in both neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyps from the distal colon. The Lewis(x) antigen and the antigen epitopes detected by the antibodies COL-12, CA19-9, ME491, and GA73.3 showed an increased frequency of expression in all types of polyps in comparison with the normal colonic epithelium, while H-type 2, ND4, and the antigen epitope detected by CO29.11 showed a slightly decreased frequency of expression in polyp tissue. The X-like antigen which was expressed in only 7% of normal colon specimens showed increased frequency of expression in polyp tissue with significantly greater expression in neoplastic than hyperplastic lesions (P = 0.003). The TAG-72 antigen was detected only in adenomas with severe dysplasia (P = 0.01), correlating well with premalignant histology. These findings have helped us clarify the variation of antigen expression in colonic polyps and allowed us to define which antigens are worthy of further investigation as markers of possible malignant transformation.

Novel oral combination chemotherapy in the treatment of intermediate-grade and high-grade AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

PURPOSE

To determine the toxicity, response, and survival rate of orally administered combination chemotherapy in patients with AIDS-related intermediate- and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Secondary objectives included prospective quality-of-life assessment and quantitation of cell-associated p24 antigen (p24 Ag) by flow cytometry.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighteen patients with biopsy-proven lymphoma were treated with oral chemotherapy consisting of lomustine (CCNU) 100 mg/m2 on day 1, etoposide 200 mg/m2 on days 1 through 3; cyclophosphamide 100 mg/m2 on days 22 through 31, and procarbazine 100 mg/m2 on days 22 through 31 at 6-week intervals. A variety of clinical assessments were performed: prospective quality-of-life assessment using the Functional Living Index-Cancer (FLIC) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) instruments; indirect immunofluorescence with flow cytometry to measure cell-associated p24 antigen; and price of the oral regimen compared with two other intravenous combination chemotherapy regimens.

RESULTS

The overall objective response rate using Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) criteria was 61% (95% confidence interval, 39% to 84%), with seven complete remissions (39%) and four partial remissions (22%). The median survival duration was 7 months, with a range of 11 days to 36 months. The treatment-related mortality rate was 11%. One patient developed CNS progression. Myelosuppression was the most frequent and severe toxicity encountered. Predictor variables of performance status (PS), prior history of thrush, and CD4 lymphocyte count were found to be of prognostic value. In a separate analysis, scores on the three subscales of the BSI were also found to be predictive of complete response. The price of this regimen is several thousand dollars less than that of other intravenous combination chemotherapy regimens.

CONCLUSION

This regimen is active in patients with AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Because it is important to design systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens that are cost-effective, considerate of quality-of-life issues, and efficacious in this patient population, this approach should be compared with standard intravenous combination chemotherapy regimens in randomized controlled clinical trials.

Modified vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone regimen in the treatment of resistant or relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group study

BACKGROUND

Thirty-six patients with relapsing or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia were entered into a Phase II study of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group.

METHODS

A modified VAD regimen was given: a 96-hour infusion of 1.6 mg vincristine and 36 mg/m2 doxorubicin with dexamethasone 40 mg by mouth daily for 4 days every 3 weeks. The treatment was continued until two cycles beyond maximal response, which was evaluated after two and six cycles.

RESULTS

Of the 33 evaluable patients, 7 (21%) achieved a partial response (PR), with no complete remissions. One-third of the patients (11 of 33) had progressive disease and 15 of 33 (45%) had stable disease, as defined by the National Cancer Institute Working Group criteria. The median duration of PR was 6.5 months, with a median survival time of 14.8 months. A PR was achieved by 3 of 19 patients (16%) who had received prior vincristine +/- doxorubicin and 4 of 14 patients (28%) who had not received vincristine or doxorubicin. Of the nine patients whose disease was refractory to prior therapy, five (55%) achieved a PR. The neurotoxicity of VAD was reduced by decreasing the frequency of the dexamethasone, but 22 of 36 (61%) patients still became infected. Only on infection (2.8%) was life threatening, and there were no infectious deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Because fludarabine has shown superior responses, VAD should be reserved for patients who do not respond to alkylating agents and fludarabine and in whom alternative treatments are not appropriate.

Immunohistochemical analysis of small cell tumors of the thyroid gland: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group study

The majority of small cell anaplastic tumors of the thyroid gland are generally believed to be non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, including most of those formerly classified as small cell carcinomas. Using a panel of antibodies capable of detecting epithelial, neuroendocrine, and B and T cells in paraffin-embedded tissue sections, we studied 68 thyroid neoplasms in which the original diagnosis was small cell carcinoma or lymphoma. Sixty-three of the tumors were identified as lymphomas of B-cell origin on the basis of L26 reactivity used in conjunction with light chain restriction and MB2 immunostaining. Two additional tumors were classified as lymphomas of indeterminate phenotype. Immunophenotyping indicated an epithelial origin in the remaining three tumors. No cases of medullary carcinoma were detected by immunostaining. Histologic review revealed a predominance of large cell and immunoblastic lymphomas, with low-grade lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue histology accounting for only five cases. Our findings indicate that the majority of small cell anaplastic tumors of the thyroid are B-cell lymphomas. Although primary small cell carcinoma of the thyroid may rarely occur, this diagnosis should not be made without immunohistologic confirmation.

The predictive value of bone marrow morphologic characteristics and immunostaining in primary (AL) amyloidosis

The authors previously demonstrated that bone marrow plasmacytosis in primary (AL) amyloidosis may be monoclonal or polyclonal. However, the clinical implications of the degree of plasmacytosis and its clonality have not been studied. The authors evaluated 62 patients with AL amyloidosis, 40 of whom had monoclonal medullary plasma cells. There was complete concordance between the light chain class of the plasma cells in the monoclonal cases and that of the circulating paraprotein in the 22 cases associated with a paraprotein. The remaining 22 patients had polyclonal plasma cells, although a paraprotein was detected in 6. The degree of plasmacytosis was significantly higher among patients with monoclonal plasma cells and correlated inversely with length of survival. The authors' findings indicate that the quantitation of bone marrow plasma cells in AL amyloidosis by immunoperoxidase studies may predict the clinical course.

An evaluation of immunohistologic stains for immunoglobulin light chains in bone marrow biopsies in benign and malignant plasma cell proliferations

Bone marrow specimens from 226 patients with a variety of benign and malignant plasma cell proliferations were studied to assess the reliability of immunohistologic studies in their evaluation. The clonality of the bone marrow plasma cells was compared with results of serum and urine electrophoreses. Discordance was observed most frequently in cases in which a paraprotein was demonstrated, but no monoclonality was detected by immunoperoxidase (16 cases). Of these 16 cases, 9 had 5% or less bone marrow plasma cells. In only one case was the light chain class of the bone marrow plasma cells different from that of the paraprotein. If discordant cases with 5% or less plasma cells are eliminated, the overall concordance was 97%. The authors' findings indicate that immunohistologic studies for immunoglobulin light chains in Zenker-fixed decalcified bone marrow biopsy sections are reliable in the evaluation of patients with plasma cell proliferations when the marrow contains more than 5% plasma cells.

Inhibition of sialic acid incorporation prevents hepatic metastases

It has been hypothesized that the metastatic capacity of tumors may be correlated with hypersialylation of the cell surface. We used a novel inhibitor of sialic acid incorporation, KI-8110, to determine the effect of depletion of cell surface sialic acid on the metastatic behavior of three human colorectal cancer cell lines, in which hepatic seeding was related to tumor cell differentiation. Treatment of tumor cells with KI-8110 prior to intrasplenic injection prevented liver colonization. Total cellular sialic acid was reduced, as was that of the cell surface. Secreted forms of carcinoembryonic antigen also were depleted of sialic acid by this treatment. These data show that depletion of sialic acid from cell surface glycoconjugates reduces the incidence of hepatic metastases from human colorectal primary tumors and adds to the mounting evidence of the importance of sialic acid in determining the biological behavior of tumor cells.

The detection of Epstein-Barr virus in hairy cell leukemia cells by in situ hybridization

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several B-cell lymphoid proliferations. Because patients with hairy cell leukemia (HCL) have a high incidence of seropositivity for EBV antigens, we studied the cells of HCL for evidence of EBV infection using in situ hybridization techniques. EBV mRNA was detected in the tumor cells in four of six cases using a radiolabeled RNA probe. Confirmatory serologic data were available in three cases in which the viral DNA was detected and in one negative case. Our results suggest that EBV infection may have a pathogenetic role in this disorder.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the gastrointestinal tract. An evaluation of paraffin section immunostaining

Although the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common site of primary extranodal lymphomas, the lineage of these tumors has been controversial. The authors used paraffin-reactive antibodies detecting markers of B-, T-, histiocytic, and epithelial cells to study 34 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the GI tract for which unequivocal frozen-section immunophenotypine was available as a control to determine whether these antibodies are reliable in the study of these tumors. Frozen-section studies revealed 31 tumors of B-cell origin and three T-cell tumors. Paraffin-reactive antibodies confirmed B-cell lineage in 28 of the 31 cases, with equivocal results in the remaining three. Only one of the T-cell lymphomas was identified in paraffin studies. Our results indicate that paraffin-reactive antibodies can reliably identify most B-cell lymphomas in the GI tract but may be unreliable in the detection of lymphomas of T-cell origin.

Detection of the tumor-associated glycoprotein antigen (TAG-72) in premalignant lesions of the colon

We used monoclonal antibody B72.3 to study the expression of the colorectal carcinoma-associated antigen TAG-72 in premalignant colonic lesions with the immunoperoxidase technique. This antigen, which is rarely detectable in the normal colonic epithelium, was expressed in 13 of 19 adenomas with moderate to severe dysplasia and nine of nine cases of inflammatory bowel disease. The antibody reacted with the normal-appearing mucosa adjacent to a carcinoma in 10 of 12 cases, although only eight of the tumors expressed the antigen. The expression of the TAG-72 antigen in the colonic epithelium may be an early marker of malignant transformation.

The expression of colorectal carcinoma-associated antigens in the normal colonic mucosa. An immunohistochemical analysis of regional distribution

Immunohistologic studies were performed to evaluate the expression and regional distribution of 20 colorectal carcinoma-associated antigens in the colonic mucosa of 12 normal adults. A distinct regional variation was seen in the expression of blood group A, B, Lewis(b), and extended Lewis(y) antigens, which were expressed predominantly in the right colon, whereas Lewis(a), Lewis(y), and H-type 2 were prevalent throughout. Lewis(x) and X-like antigens were only occasionally expressed. Two antibodies against sialylated Lewis(a) showed different staining patterns, with CA19.9 positive in only two biopsies and CO29.11 intensely positive in most. Two of the three antibodies detecting carcinoembryonic antigen epitopes (3d6 and COL-4) stained many biopsies, whereas COL-12 was rarely detected. No regional gradient was found in the expression of the other antigens studied (B72.3, ME491; GA73.3, ND1, and ND4). This mapping data will provide an important baseline for future studies of epitope distribution in the colon in premalignant and neoplastic conditions.

The pathogenesis of splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in metastatic carcinoma

Splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a characteristic finding in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM) and in the spent phase of polycythemia vera (PV). Evidence from our laboratory has suggested that splenic EMH in these conditions results from the filtration of circulating hematopoietic cells from the peripheral blood and does not arise de novo from splenic stem cells. To further test this hypothesis, 31 autopsy and 26 surgical cases of carcinoma metastatic to the bone marrow were studied. The presence of leukoerythroblastosis (LEB) correlated with intravascular hematopoiesis (IVH) in the bone marrows associated with reticulin fibrosis, and with splenic EMH in the autopsy cases. These studies provide evidence that stromal changes in the bone marrow with resulting IVH, LEB, and splenic EMH are not unique to AMM and PV but also occur in such unrelated conditions as metastatic carcinoma, and suggest that these phenomena are causally related.

Reversal of bone marrow fibrosis and subsequent development of polycythemia in patients with myeloproliferative disorders

Bone marrow fibrosis is a characteristic finding in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia and in the spent phase of polycythemia vera. It is commonly believed that the reticulin deposition is irreversible. However, we report four patients who demonstrated clinical and laboratory evidence of transition from myelofibrosis to polycythemia. The transition was documented by improvement in the hemoglobin concentration and by determination of the Cr51 red blood cell mass, accompanied by a resolution of the fibrosis on serial bone marrow biopsies. Two of the patients had been treated with alkylating agents and splenectomy, one with myelosuppressive therapy without splenectomy, and one with splenectomy alone. These findings indicate that bone marrow fibrosis in the chronic myeloproliferative disorders is not always an irreversible phenomenon. Pathogenetic implications will be discussed.

Small lymphocytic lymphoma: a clinicopathologic analysis of 268 cases

We analyzed specimens from 268 patients with small lymphocytic lymphoma (SL) to identify prognostic factors significant for survival. These patients were staged and treated according to the protocols of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, Southeastern Cancer Study Group, and the Southwest Oncology Group. Univariate analysis showed that a large-cell grade greater than I, WBC greater than 10,000/microL, hemoglobin (Hgb) less than 11 g/dL, age greater than or equal to 55 years, and failure to respond to treatment were all poor prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed that large-cell grade, age, degree of capsular invasion, and symptom type were independently associated with survival. Separate analyses of cases with and without leukocytosis indicated differences in survival. In patients without leukocytosis, age, presence or absence of anemia, and treatment response were significant prognostic variables; in patients with leukocytosis, large-cell grade, presence or absence of anemia, symptom type, and treatment response were significantly related to survival. Multivariate analysis showed that age was the only significant independent prognostic variable in patients without leukocytosis; in patients with leukocytosis, symptom type, large-cell grade, and bone marrow involvement were independently associated with survival. We conclude that several parameters, both clinical and pathologic, should be assessed at the initial diagnosis of SL to predict prognosis better.

A cell surface glycoprotein expressed by colorectal carcinomas including poorly differentiated, noncarcinoembryonic antigen-producing colorectal tumors

A monoclonal antibody to a cell surface glycoprotein on human colorectal carcinomas was raised using the undifferentiated colon carcinoma cell line MIP 101 as the immunogen. This antibody, ND4, is an IgG2a which does not cross-react with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), non-specific cross-reacting antigen, or blood group substances A, B, and H. Immunoprecipitation using lysates of cells grown in [35S]methionine or [3H]glucosamine and lysates of cells surface labeled with 125I showed binding to a cell surface glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 160,000. Indirect immunofluorescence showed binding to the cell surface of 14 of 15 human colorectal carcinoma cell lines including six of six that do not secrete CEA. Two of seven human noncolorectal carcinoma lines and one of six nonhuman cell lines also bound antibody. Immunoperoxidase staining of formalin-fixed tissues showed prominent antibody binding with 19 of 33 (58%) human colorectal carcinomas, including five of six poorly differentiated tumors, five of 43 (12%) normal colonic mucosal biopsies, and one of 17 (6%) normal noncolonic tissues. One of 11 (9%) noncolonic tumors, a gastric adenocarcinoma, stained with ND4. Preliminary data obtained by a nonquantitative nitrocellulose dot-immunoassay have tentatively identified this glycoprotein in the serum of 15 of 37 (41%) patients with colorectal cancer. Three of the 15 patients had early stage disease and normal CEA levels (less than 2.5 ng/ml). Three patients had circulating antigen detectable preoperatively but not after tumor resection. Only one of 11 (9%) sera samples from normal subjects was positive. The characteristics of ND4 suggest that it may be of value in monitoring patients with colorectal carcinomas who do not have plasma CEA elevations. It may also be of value in the differential diagnosis of metastatic, poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas of unknown primary origin.

The bone marrow in myeloproliferative and dysmyelopoietic syndromes

The myeloproliferative and dysmyelopoietic syndromes are complex disorders that are interrelated and not always easily diagnosed on morphologic grounds alone. In particular, in the case of the myeloproliferative diseases, the diagnostic pathologist should avoid the pitfall of attempting to make a definite diagnosis in the absence of appropriate laboratory and clinical data. The morphologic features in given myeloproliferative diseases are not always specific; and, as the disorders evolve, they may closely mimic one another. With respect to the dysmyelopoietic syndromes, care must be taken not to confuse them with megaloblastic anemias or other conditions that do not have the same ominous prognosis. Distinction between the varying syndromes may frequently also be difficult, and on occasion one may have difficulty placing them within the appropriate context. Only careful correlation with clinical laboratory findings and history will result in accurate diagnoses.

Evaluation of pathology review of malignant lymphomas and Hodgkin's disease in cooperative clinical trials. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group experience

Although central expert pathology review for quality assurance in cooperative clinical trials involving malignant lymphomas and Hodgkin's disease was put in place by the NCI two decades ago, its impact upon patient eligibility for given treatment protocols has never been assessed. We reviewed diagnoses from contributing pathologists, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) review pathologists and the Pathology Panel for Lymphoma Clinical Studies in 2019 cases from 14 ECOG protocols. Although we found high rates of disagreements in diagnoses, the vast majority of these represented differences which did not impact on protocol eligibility. A total of 221 cases (10.9%) were excluded from protocols, representing a range of 2.8 to 36.7% of cases per protocol. Eighty-six percent of the exclusions resulted from the initial review by the ECOG hematopathologists. Our data indicate that while central pathology review is mandatory for quality assurance in malignant lymphoma (ML) and Hodgkin's disease (HD) protocols, a two-tier review mechanism is not necessary for adequate quality control.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen: a clinicopathology study of three cases

The clinical and pathologic findings of three cases of splenic inflammatory pseudotumor are described, and differential diagnostic features are discussed. This benign lesion is extremely rare, only four having been previously reported. Inflammatory pseudotumors often pose diagnostic difficulties because they form infiltrative masses which have clinical and gross pathologic features that suggest malignancy. Although these lesions are usually easily recognizable microscopically as benign processes, the admixed component of lymphoid and other hematopoietic cells may sometimes raise the question of a lymphoreticular malignancy, requiring immunohistologic studies for resolution in some cases. Alternatively, pseudotumors may be mistaken for infectious granulomatous processes, sarcoidosis, or hamartomas.

Statistical and empirical evaluation of histopathologic reviews for quality assurance in the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group

Central pathology review for quality assurance in cooperative clinical cancer trials has been an accepted practice for over a decade. However, the actual value of such pathology review has never been statistically evaluated or the need defined in a comprehensive manner. Pathology exclusions in 35 completed and ongoing Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) trials were analyzed. Ineligibility rates ranged from 0% to 16.9%. The lowest ineligibility rates occurred in breast cancer, small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck, and gastrointestinal carcinoma protocols. The highest rates occurred in rare cancers such as malignant thymoma, endocrine carcinomas, and in the sarcoma-mesothelioma area. Simulated prototypical trials involving an aggressive and an indolent cancer were examined to evaluate the precision with which treatment differences would be measured when pathologically ineligible cases were included. Analysis of these models indicated that in trials in which the pathology exclusion rate is greater than 10%, slide review is prudent. When the exclusion rate is 5% to 10%, the necessity for pathology confirmation depends on the scientific objective of the trial. If less than 5% pathology exclusions characterize a clinical trial, routine pathology review is not justified. Routine histopathologic review for quality assurance in cooperative groups is not always necessary and may be eliminated in studies of the more common cancers. The practical value of reallocating limited pathology resources for investigative studies in cooperative groups is significant.

Benign lesions mimicking malignant tumors of the esophagus

Three cases of benign lesions which mimicked malignant tumors of the esophagus are described. In all three cases, two inflammatory pseudotumors and one case of diffuse leiomyomatosis, the clinical presentations, radiologic features, and gross pathologic findings led to the mistaken diagnosis of carcinoma at thoracotomy. The benign nature of the processes was recognizable only on microscopic examination. Although most benign tumors of the esophagus are localized solitary lesions that are easily distinguished from carcinoma, occasionally benign conditions may present as infiltrative, ulcerated mass lesions. Inflammatory pseudotumor and diffuse leiomyomatosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of esophageal malignancies.

Splenic hematopoiesis in polycythemia vera. A morphologic and immunohistologic study

Spleens from 42 patients with polycythemia vera were studied with immunohistologic technics to assess the degree of hematopoietic cellularity in an attempt to clarify the pathogenesis of the splenomegaly characteristic of this disorder. The 22 spleens obtained in the erythrocytotic phase showed striking congestion with mature erythrocytes but no significant extramedullary hematopoiesis. However, the 20 spleens obtained in the spent phase showed prominent trilinear extramedullary hematopoiesis. Increasing splenomegaly with extramedullary hematopoiesis correlated with the development of increased medullary reticulin and peripheral blood leukoerythroblastosis. Splenic myeloid metaplasia is not a feature of uncomplicated polycythemia vera, and its presence indicates progression to the spent phase, or postpolycythemic myeloid metaplasia. The authors' findings indicate that the presence of hematopoietic precursors in the spleen in the spent phase of polycythemia vera and in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia is a result of their filtration from the peripheral blood.

The histologic features of hyperplastic lymphadenopathy in AIDS-related complex are nonspecific

Follicular hyperplasia is the most common histologic finding in lymph nodes of patients with AIDS-related complex (ARC) and persistent generalized lymphadenopathy. To determine the specificity of the published features considered characteristic of this condition, we compared two sets of lymph-node biopsy specimens with follicular hyperplasia. Thirty-eight specimens were from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/HTLV3/LAV) positive homosexual men with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, and 87 specimens were from patients free of AIDS risk. Polykaryocytes, epithelioid histiocytes, and follicle mantle zone effacement were significantly more common in the ARC group. Dermatopathic change and so-called follicle lysis were significantly more common in control, non-ARC nodes. No statistically significant difference between the two groups could be demonstrated for the following features: irregularity of follicles, burnt-out follicles, sinus monocytoid cells, marked plasmacytosis, and the toxoplasmosis triad. Most importantly, no feature was seen exclusively in either of the two groups. Although some features considered characteristic of the hyperplastic form of ARC lymphadenopathy are seen more commonly in this condition than in lymph nodes showing follicular hyperplasia unrelated to ARC, none of these features is specific for ARC and there is no histologic picture diagnostic of this condition.

Bone marrow morphology and immunology in systemic amyloidosis

Bone marrow specimens from 45 patients presenting with signs and symptoms of systemic amyloidosis were studied to assess the degree and pattern of plasmacytosis and its clonality, using immunohistologic technics. Twenty-four of 35 patients with primary amyloidosis had monoclonal plasma cells, while 11 had polyclonal plasma cells. Five patients with secondary amyloidosis and five with familial amyloidosis had a mild polyclonal plasmacytosis. The authors' data suggest that there may be two subgroups of patients with primary amyloidosis: those with monoclonal plasmacytosis representing part of the spectrum of plasma cell dyscrasias, and those in which a monoclonal plasmacytosis cannot be documented. Immunohistologic staining of bone marrows in patients with amyloidosis may be of future value in characterizing subtypes of amyloidosis and evaluating their relationship to multiple myeloma.

Silicone-induced endocarditis. A complication of transvenous cardiac pacing catheterization

We report a case of silicone-induced endocarditis as a newly recognized complication of transvenous cardiac pacing catheterization. Silicone was found embedded in thrombotic vegetations on the tricuspid valve of a patient who had a long-standing pacing catheter in the right side of his heart. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis confirmed the presence of silicone in the vegetations and in the catheter tip.

Adrenal pheochromocytoma: a clinicopathologic review of 60 cases

The clinical and pathologic features of 60 adrenal pheochromocytomas were reviewed in an attempt to evaluate the utility of histopathologic evaluation in predicting the prognosis for these tumors. Fifty-five tumors were benign, and five were malignant, characterized either by histologically proved metastases or by extensive local invasion. The prevalence of all parameters studied was compared between the benign and malignant groups. Three differences were observed between the benign and malignant tumors. The malignant tumors were usually larger, had extensive areas of necrosis, and were composed of small cells. In agreement with the results of previous investigations, the morphologic criteria generally used to predict the behavior of tumors, i.e., nuclear atypia, capsular and vascular invasion, and mitotic activity, were of little value in predicting the behavior of adrenal pheochromocytomas. Fifteen tumors, all of which had membrane-bound, cytoplasmic granules, were examined electron microscopically. A minority of these tumors fit the classic descriptions of "norepinephrine" and "epinephrine" granules reported in the literature, while the majority of the granules had features of both types, precluding definitive classification. As a result of these observations, the currently accepted criteria of norepinephrine and epinephrine granules were questioned. A review of the literature cast further doubt on the existence of a correlation between granule content and morphology. Both of the patients with locally invasive malignant tumors were alive and well eight and 28 years following diagnosis and radical surgery. In contrast, the patients with histologically proved distant metastases died within one year of diagnosis. These observations suggest that locally invasive tumors may not have the same dismal prognosis as adrenal pheochromocytomas that have metastasized.

Malignant lymphoma presenting with prominent splenomegaly. A clinicopathologic study with special reference to intermediate cell lymphoma

Although non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with prominent splenomegaly is a well-recognized clinical syndrome, previous reports of such cases create confusion today because of the use of outdated pathologic classifications, awkward or inappropriate terms, and imprecise diagnostic criteria. The authors have studied 31 such cases and have classified them according to the modified Rappaport and Lukes-Collins classifications as well as the recently introduced International Working Formulation. Most of our cases (30/31) of malignant lymphoma presenting with prominent splenomegaly were of the small cell type, with morphologic and/or immunologic evidence of B-cell origin. The single largest subtype in our series (19/30) was intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma (IL), a recently described entity in which this mode of presentation has not been previously emphasized. Although such cases have been termed "primary splenic lymphoma," almost all are disseminated diseases that pursue a progressive course and require multiagent chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia: pathophysiologic implications of the correlation between bone marrow changes and progression of splenomegaly

We undertook a study of 35 cases of myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia to assess the histopathologic findings in the bone marrow of patients with this disorder, to ascertain if changes in morphology occurred with time, and to attempt to correlate marrow findings with splenic size. We reviewed 71 bone marrow biopsies and studied 13 splenectomy specimens. Sequential bone marrow biopsies were obtained in 21 cases over intervals ranging from two to ten years (mean, 4 1/2 years). We noted a patchy nature and variable degree of stromal proliferation in most marrow biopsies, and were unable to demonstrate a correlation between the extent of medullary fibrosis and duration of disease, splenic weight, or degree of splenic myeloid metaplasia. We were unable to document a progression of medullary fibrosis as a cause for increasing splenomegaly. However, the alteration in the marrow stroma in this disorder is responsible for the presence of distended marrow sinusoids with intravascular hematopoiesis, a phenomenon we observed in all cases. We believe that this morphological feature, not emphasized by previous investigators, is of significance in understanding the pathophysiology of myeloid metaplasia.

Evidence to suggest that the human fetal spleen is not a hematopoietic organ

The human fetal spleen commonly is regarded as an organ of hematopoiesis. Because of the authors' interest in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) and because the myeloid metaplasia commonly is regarded as a reactivation of embryonic sites of blood formation, spleens from 48 fetuses and stillborn infants were studied, in an attempt to evaluate splenic hematopoiesis (myelopoiesis). The authors employed immunohistologic and cytochemical technics to identify granulocytic, erythroid, and megakaryocytic cells, in contrast to previous studies that have relied solely on conventional morphology. The authors found surprisingly little evidence of hematopoiesis. Virtually no hematopoietic cells of the dividing cell pool were identified, in spite of the fact that the technic used is capable of detecting such immature forms. The results suggests that the spleen is not a significant organ of hematopoiesis in the human fetus but that immature hematopoietic cells found there merely reflect trapping of circulating precursors in the fetal blood. These findings have significant implications for the pathophysiology of MMM.