Staining Pattern of Alcian Blue in Endometrial Cytology: Utility in Distinguishing Grade 1-Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma from Endometrial Glandular Stromal Breakdown

Background and Objective

In endometrial cytology, differentiating endometrial glandular stromal breakdown (EGBD) from endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (G1-EEC) is often difficult. In this study, we provided a new focus on chondroitin sulfate (CS), a major substrate component of the endometrial stroma, and assessed the diagnostic utility of Alcian Blue (AB) staining in the differential diagnosis in liquid-based cytological (LBC) samples.

Materials and Methods

LBC specimens from 19 patients with a proliferative endometrium, 36 with EGBD, and 30 with G1-EEC who underwent endometrial cytology were stained with AB (pH 1.0), and their reactivity was observed. In addition, immunocytochemical staining of CS and CD31 was performed for five cases each to evaluate their interrelationship with blood vessels.

Results

Regarding the 30 G1-EEC cases, at least one of the three representative staining patterns was observed by AB staining: dot-like, microtubular, and finely branched linear patterns. Moreover, the inner portion of the tubular material observed by AB staining expressed CD31. Conversely, in the 36 EGBD cases, only five metaplastic clusters with irregular protrusions and condensed stromal clusters (CSCs) showed a dot-like positive pattern, and background CSCs did not show reactivity to AB staining in any of the cases. Furthermore, the vascular structure expressing CD31 in cell clusters was also unclear.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that AB staining shows different staining patterns in G1-EEC and EGBD, reflecting their different tissue structures. Our data provide new insights into endometrial cell diagnosis changes and demonstrate that AB staining is a potential new diagnostic aid tool for the differentiation of G1-EEC from EGBD.

[Barrett's esophagus: histochemical difference between goblet cells and blue cells]

Background

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the replacement of the usual esophageal mucosa by a simple columnar epithelium with the presence of goblet cells (GC) of intestinal type. It has been related to different risk factors such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inappropriate consumption of irritating foods, smoking and overweight. There are CC mimic cells, known as blue cells (BC), which make the diagnosis of BE difficult, due to the lack of a precise definition of the nature and location of the gastroesophageal junction and the microscopic variations in this area.

Objective

To identify morphologically and with histochemical techniques Alcian blue (AA) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) between GC and BC.

Material and methods

Retrolective cross-sectional analytical study where 45 samples of patients diagnosed with BE were included.

Results

The morphological characteristics are similar in both cell varieties. PAS staining was 100%, unlike AA staining, with only 16 cases with staining, corresponding to 35.55%.

Conclusions

PAS staining has a high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of GC, this being a fundamental pillar for the correct diagnosis of BE. The presence of BC detected by AA does not exclude the diagnosis of BE, since both cell types can coexist.

The application of alcian blue to identify astrocyte-associated amyloid plaques by using fluorescence and confocal microscopy

BACKGROUND

Astrocytes play an essential role in the normal functioning of the nervous system and are active contributors to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, to comprehend the astrocytes and amyloid plaques relationship there is a need for imaging techniques providing simultaneous visualization of astrocytes using fluorescence and amyloid plaques revealed by transmitted light microscopy.

NEW METHOD

The possibility of simultaneous detection of astrocytes by immunocytochemistry (fluorescent) and amyloid plaques by cytochemical Alcian Blue (transparent) using confocal microscopy in 8-month-old 5хFAD mice samples shown.

RESULTS

The described method supposes performing astrocytes fluorescent labelling by GFAP or S100beta and amyloid plaques staining by Alcian Blue.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

Proposed approach circumvents some limitations of fluorescence microscopy, such as weak fluorescence, low contrast, fluorophore broad excitation/emission profile and chemical instability.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed technique provides high-quality resulting images of GFAP/s100beta- labelled astrocytes and Alcian Blue-stained amyloid plaques. These images are appliable for prospective qualitative and quantitative three-dimensional analysis due to the z-axis scanning. Moreover, it demonstrated the formation of stable Alcian Blue staining.

Alternate Special Stains for the Detection of Mycotic Organisms in Oral Cyto-Smears-A Histomorphometric Study

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections of the maxillofacial region have become prevalent, making their accurate diagnosis vital. Histopathological staining remains a simple, cost-effective technique for differentiation and diagnosis of the causative fungal organisms. The present study aims to evaluate the staining efficacy of Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), Alcian Blue, Safranin-O and Gomori's Methenamine Silver (GMS) on fungal smears. This research work also attempts to study the morphometric characteristics of Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus oryzae. Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae, 10 smears each, were stained using PAS, Alcian Blue, Safranin-O and GMS. The morphological characteristics and staining efficacy were examined, and semi-quantitative scoring was performed. Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae were stained for the first time with Safranin-O. The morphometric traits were then analyzed using an image analysis software. Safranin-O provided the most reliable staining efficacy amongst the stains and optimum morphological definition for all three organisms. Safranin-O was found to be superior to PAS and GMS, ensuring detection of even the most minute mycotic colonies. The hyphae of Aspergillus flavus to be the largest, and the spores and fruiting body of Rhizopus oryzae were found to be the largest amongst the three organisms compared. Early and accurate diagnosis of fungal infections can significantly reduce morbidity in orofacial fungal infections.

Capillary Electrophoretic Analysis of Isolated Sulfated Polysaccharides to Characterize Pharmaceutical Products

Capillary electrophoresis is a powerful methodology for quantification and structural characterization of highly anionic polysaccharides. Separation of saccharides under conditions of electrophoretic flow, typically achieved under low pH (Ampofo et al., Anal Biochem 199: 249-255, 1991; Rhomberg et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 95: 4176-4181, 1998) is charge-based. Resolution of components is often superior to flow-based techniques, such as liquid chromatography. During the heparin contamination crisis, capillary electrophoresis was one of the key methodologies used to identify whether or not heparin lots were contaminated (Guerrini et al., Nat Biotechnol 26: 669-675, 2008; Ye et al., J Pharm Biomed Anal 85: 99-107, 2013; Volpi et al., Electrophoresis 33: 1531-1537, 2012).Here we describe a method for the isolation of sulfated heparin/heparan sulfate saccharides from urine, their digestion by deployment of heparinase enzymes (Ernst et al., Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 30: 387-444, 1995) resolution of species through use of orthogonal digestions, and analysis of the resulting disaccharides by capillary electrophoresis.

A Histopathology-based Assessment of Biological Behavior in Oral Hyalinizing Odontogenic Tumors and Bone Lesions by Differential Stains

AIM

Odontogenic tumors (OTs) and bone lesions of the oral cavity present diverse histological features and varying clinical behavior that makes predicting their biologic behavior difficult. The research undertaken in the current study aims to predict the biological behavior of oral hyalinizing odontogenic and bone lesions (OHO-BL) for the first time by employing four differential stains with clinicopathologic correlation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed on retrospectively diagnosed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cases of OTs (n = 53) and bone lesions (n = 10). The severity of hyalinization (SOH) was assessed from stained tissue sections. Polarizing microscopy was used to analyze hyalinization in tissues stained with differential special stains, namely periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Safranin-O, Alcian Blue, and Picrosirius red. SOH was also analyzed for possible correlation with recurrence and clinicopathologic correlation in OHO-BL.

RESULTS

Intense staining was observed with PAS, Alcian Blue, and Safranin-O in OTs with increased SOH with a statistical significance. Polarizing greenish yellow color correlated significantly with the recurrence potential of the OT group. Recurrence in individual lesions of the OT group showed a statistically significant association with SOH. Such individual correlation was not observed in bone diseases.

CONCLUSION

PAS, Alcian Blue, Safranin-O, and Picrosirius red are reliable stains to assess hyalinization in OHO-BL. Picrosirius red-polarizing microscopy is a dependable tool for identifying recurrent odontogenic lesions.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

SOH can be considered a histological predictor of aggressive biologic behavior in oral hyalinizing odontogenic lesions that can enable the surgeon to arrive at an appropriate management protocol.

Establishing methods for isolation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous from carious deciduous teeth

Aim

This study aims to establish the isolation method of stem cells from pulp tissue of carious deciduous teeth.

Methods

The teeth were soaked in 1% povidone–iodine solution for about 1 min followed by washing in PBS with 1% antibiotic–antimycotic thrice. Dental pulp tissue was removed by extirpation, and then cultivated in the culture medium. Characterization of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) was carried out using human MSC analysis kit with positive markers CD90, CD73, and CD105, but negative for expressions of CD45, CD34, CD11b, CD19, and HLA-DR. Differentiation capacity of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous (SHED) was determined by staining with Alizarin S, Alcian Blue, and Oil Red O.

Results

There is no contamination after 3 days of culture. SHED derived from dental pulp were expressions of 99.2% of positive marker and 0.3% of the negative marker. At passage 5, SHED was differentiated into osteocyte, chondrocyte, and adipocyte types of cells in the induction medium.

Conclusion

SHED derived from carious deciduous teeth can be used as a source of stem cell for regenerative medicine.

Effect of dual-type oligosaccharides on constipation in loperamide-treated rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Constipation is a condition that can result from intestinal deformation. Because humans have an upright posture, the effects of gravity can cause this shape deformation. Oligosaccharides are common prebiotics and their effects on bowel health are well known. However, studies of the physiological functionality of a product that contains both lactulose and galactooligosaccharides are insufficient. We investigated the constipation reduction effect of a dual-type oligosaccharide, Dual-Oligo, in loperamide-treated rats.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Dual-Oligo consists of galactooligosaccharides (15.80%) and lactulose (51.67%). Animals were randomly divided into four groups, the normal group (normal), control group (control), low concentration of Dual-Oligo (LDO) group, and high concentration of Dual-Oligo (HDO) group. After 7 days of oral administration, fecal pellet amount, fecal weight, water content of fecal were measured. Blood chemistry, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), gastrointestinal transit ratio and length and intestinal mucosa were analyzed.

RESULTS

Dual-Oligo increased the fecal weight, and water content of feces in rats with loperamide-induced constipation. Gastrointestinal transit ratio and length and area of intestinal mucosa significantly increased after treatment with Dual-Oligo in loperamide-induced rats. A high concentration of Dual-Oligo tended to produce more acetic acid than that observed for the control group, and Dual-Oligo affected the production of total SCFA. Bifidobacteria concentration of cecal contents in the high-concentration oligosaccharide (HDO) and low-concentration oligosaccharide (LDO) groups was similar to the result of the normal group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that Dual-Oligo is a functional material that is derived from a natural food product and is effective in ameliorating constipation.

The Uncontrolled Sialylation is Related to Chemoresistant Metastatic Breast Cancer

Among the scientific communities, there is a convergence of results supporting a direct relationship between dysregulated sialylation and poor prognosis in many human cancers. For this reason, we have retrospectively investigated 169 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, coming from female patients aged between 31 and 76 years old. The whole series was subdivided into two prognostic groups: the first group consisted of 138 patients, who showed a post-treatment survival time more than 5 years, while the second group was made up by 31 patients, died within 5 years despite of chemotherapy. All the surgical specimens were fixed in 10 % neutral buffered formalin, paraffin embedded and, then, submitted to routinely haematoxylin/eosin staining and to a further histochemical (Alcian Blue, DDD-Fast Blue B, Mercury Orange), immunohistochemical (ST3GAL5 sialyltransferase, Ki67, c-erbB2, ER, PR) and chemico-elemental characterization. In the 31 cases of breast cancer belonging to the second group, an overexpression of sialomucins and sialyltransferases has been detected. Our results lead us to support that in aggressive chemoresistant breast cancers, the altered expression of sialic acid, due to an uncontrolled sialylation, creates an excessive negative charge on cell membranes, which stimulates repulsion between neoplastic cells and their subsequent access into the blood stream. This event implies an early metastatization and a rapid disease progression with fatal outcome. The early application of Alcian Blue stain on diagnostic biopsies of breast cancer is able to cheaply reveal the sialomucin accumulations, providing for the disease course.

Effects of a metabolic syndrome induced by a fructose-rich diet on bone metabolism in rats

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were: first, to evaluate the possible effects of a fructose rich diet (FRD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MS) on different aspects of long bone histomorphometry in young male rats; second, to investigate the effects of this diet on bone tissue regeneration; and third, to correlate these morphometric alterations with changes in the osteogenic/adipogenic potential and expression of specific transcription factors, of marrow stromal cells (MSC) isolated from rats with fructose-induced MS.

MATERIALS/METHODS

MS was induced in rats by treatment with a FRD for 28 days. Halfway through treatment, a parietal wound was made and bone healing was evaluated 14 days later. After treatments, histomorphometric analysis was performed in dissected femoral and parietal bones. MSC were isolated from the femora of control or fructose-treated rats and differentiated either to osteoblasts (evaluated by type 1 collagen, Alkaline phosphatase and extracellular nodule mineralization) or to adipocytes (evaluated by intracellular triglyceride accumulation). Expression of Runx2 and PPARγ was assessed by Western blot.

RESULTS

Fructose-induced MS induced deleterious effects on femoral metaphysis microarchitecture and impaired bone regeneration. Fructose treatment decreased the osteogenic potential of MSC and Runx2 expression. In addition, it increased the adipogenic commitment of MSC and PPARγ expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Fructose-induced MS is associated with deleterious effects on bone microarchitecture and with a decrease in bone repair. These alterations could be due to a deviation in the adipogenic/osteogenic commitment of MSC, probably by modulation of the Runx2/PPARγ ratio.

Variable expression of lineage regulators in differentiated stromal cells indicates distinct mechanisms of differentiation towards common cell fate

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess a multi-lineage differentiation capacity that makes them important players in the field of regenerative medicine. MSC populations derived from different tissues or donors have been shown to exhibit variable gene expression patterns. Further, it is widely acknowledged that MSC isolates are heterogeneous mixtures of cells at different developmental stages. However, the heterogeneity of expression of lineage regulators has not been linked to differentiation potential of different MSC populations towards mesenchymal lineages. Here, we analyzed variation of expression of differentiation markers across whole population and between single differentiating cells of multipotent stromal cell populations derived from adipose tissue (AdMSCs) and skin (FBs) of seven donors. The results of the analyses show that all cell populations exhibit similar differentiation potential towards adipocyte, osteoblast and chondrocyte lineages despite tissue type- and donor-specific variations of expression of differentiation-associated genes. Further, we detected variable expression of lineage regulators in individual differentiating cells. Together, our data indicate that single cells of stromal cell populations could use distinct molecular mechanisms to reach a common cell fate.

Composite enteric-type adenocarcinoma-carcinoid of the nasal mucosa

The authors describe a patient whose nasal neoplasm demonstrated histological characteristics of both a moderately differentiated intestinal-type adenocarcinoma and an atypical carcinoid (well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma). The adenocarcinoma displayed a predominantly papillary architecture, immunohistochemically positive staining for intestinal markers, and ultrastructural features (microvilli with long roots) characteristic of intestinal differentiation. The carcinoid component was argyrophilic, was immunoreactive with chromogranin, gastrin, and serotonin, and displayed ultrastructurally characteristic G and EC cells. The neoplasm recurred twice, and the tumor tissue from the second recurrence was composed only of neuroendocrine cells, indicating that this component was more resistant to the therapy (surgery and radiotherapy) employed. The patient died from an intracranial recurrence 5 months after the last combined surgical and radiotherapic treatment. Because of its unfavorable prognosis, a neuroendocrine-exocrine tumor should not be grouped with typical carcinoids or with well-differentiated papillary sinonasal adenocarcinomas, which seem to be less aggressive.