[Expression and significance of p63, aromatase P450 and steroidogenic factor-1 in endometrial polyp]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and signification of p63, aromatase P450 (P450 arom) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) in endometrial polyp, and to explore its role in the pathogenesis of endometrial polyp.

METHODS

Specimen were collected from hysteroscopic resection, pathologically confirmed endometrial polyp specimens of 30 cases of endometrial polyp and the adjoining endometrium around endometrial polyp in 20 cases, endometrial tissue of normal control group of 25 patients. Immunohistochemistry SP method and real- time PCR technology were used to detect the three groups in the expression of p63, P450 arom and SF- 1 protein and gene.

RESULTS

P450arom gene (0.274 ± 0.082) and protein (1.2 ± 1.1) expression in endometrial polyp was significantly higher than the adjoining endometrium and normal endometrium (P < 0.05); the expression of SF- 1 protein (1.1 ± 0.8) and p63 protein (0.8 ± 0.5) were also higher in the endometrial polyp than the other two control groups (P < 0.05); while the expression of SF-1 mRNA (0.105 ± 0.049 versus 0.053 ± 0.043) and p63 mRNA (0.261 ± 0.052 versus 0.180 ± 0.018) in endometrial polyp had no significant difference between endometrial polyp and the adjoining endometrial (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

p63, P450 arom and SF-1 may play a role in the formation of endometrial polyp.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in sinonasal polyp pathogenesis

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the pathogenesis of sinonasal polyps.

METHODS

Adult patients (21 men, 3 women) with nasal polyposis underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Nine adults without polyps (6 men) who underwent septoplasty and/or rhinoplasty served as controls. Polyp specimens came from three regions: the maxillary sinus (10), ethmoid sinus (14), and nasal cavity (10). Control group samples (9) came from the inferior turbinate. Specimens were evaluated in eight mucosal layers for count and distribution of inflammatory cells and iNOS expression. An iNOS positivity index (PI) was determined for the epithelium (E), subepithelial layer of the lamina propria (SE), and deep paraglandular layer of the mucosa (D).

RESULTS

Polymorphonuclear cell (PMNC) % values of the ethmoid and maxillary sinus and overall ethmoid sinus PI were significantly higher in the polyp group. Patients with longer polyp duration, D-perivascular (D-pv), and a higher Brinkmann index had decreased ethmoid sinus D PIs. However, in older patients and patients with longer polyp duration, perivascular PIs increased in maxillary sinus SE and D, respectively. Furthermore, as PMNC % and iNOS-PMNC PI increased, SE_glandular and epithelial_apical iNOS values decreased. In the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses, iNOS_D_. endothelial values increased but decreased in the nasal cavity.

CONCLUSIONS

iNOS may play a role in sinonasal polyp pathogenesis, especially in mucosal SE and D layers. Increased vascular permeability, stromal edema, inflammatory cell migration into the stroma of the mucosa, and increased mucosal gland secretion may result in polyp formation.

Lysozyme overexpression in fundic gland polyps

Backgroud: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) rarely proliferates in patients with fundic gland polyps (FGPs). We recently found that FGPs express lysozyme, one of the natural defence substances against infection. We aimed to assess the degree of lysozyme expression in a cohort of consecutive FGPs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 153 gastric biopsies were investigated: 93 with FGPs, 30 with normal mucosa (Nm), 15 with Hp-induced chronic gastritis (Hp-gastritis) and 15 with chronic gastritis without Hp infection (non-Hp-gastritis). Sections were stained with anti-lysozyme (muramidase).

RESULTS

Lysozyme was slightly to moderately expressed in the surface and foveolar pits, being markedly expressed in the neck glands in Nm, in non-Hp and Hp-gastritis. The ratio of lysozyme neck glands-foveoli was higher in non-Hp than in Nm and even higher in Hp-gastritis. In FGPs, lysozyme was markedly expressed in the surface, the foveolar pits and the cells that partly or entirely covered the microcysts.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

While the moderate expansion of the lysozyme-producing cells of the neck glands in Hp-gastritis might be insufficient to eradicate these bacteria, the overproduction of lysozyme in the epithelium covering FGP could be an explanation for the lack of Hp proliferation in these patients.

Antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in endometrium of patients with polyps, myoma, hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant system have been proposed as a potential factors involved in the pathophysiology of diverse disease states, including carcinogenesis. In this study, we explored the lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in women diagnosed with different forms of gynecological diseases in order to evaluate the antioxidant status in endometrium of such patients.

METHODS

Endometrial tissues of gynecological patients with different diagnoses were collected and subjected to assays for superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and lipid hydroperoxides.

RESULTS

Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased (50% in average) in hyperplastic and adenocarcinoma patients. Activities of both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were increased 60% and 100% on average, in hyperplastic patients, while in adenocarcinoma patients only glutathione reductase activity was elevated 100%. Catalase activity was significantly decreased in adenocarcinoma patients (47%). Lipid hydroperoxides level was negatively correlated to superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and positively correlated to glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided the first comparison of antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in endometrial tissues of patients with polyps, myoma, hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma. The results showed that patients with premalignant (hyperplastic) and malignant (adenocarcinoma) lesions had enhanced lipid peroxidation and altered uterine antioxidant enzyme activities than patients with benign uterine diseases, polyps and myoma, although the extent of disturbance varied with the diagnosis. Further investigation is needed to clarify the mechanisms responsible for the observed alterations and whether lipid hydroperoxide levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in uterus of gynecological patients might be used as additional parameter in clinical evaluation of gynecological disorders.

[Possible involvement of hexosaminidase in vocal polyps--preliminary report]

Vocal fold polyp is usually a result of the injury of the vocal cords. It often appears after vocal overuse or misuse causing trauma in vocal fold mid-membranous and wound formation. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was to assess the activity of hexosaminidase in vocal fold polyps in the comparison to the control tissue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Vocal polyps (n=8) were collected from 8 patients during direct laryngoscopy. Specimens of normal vocal folds were obtained from 8 cadavers (n=8) served as controls. Specimens were immediately frozen in -80 degrees C. To assess hexosaminidase activity, release of p-nitrophenol from p-nitrophenol derivatives was used.

RESULTS

We observed statistical differences between the activity of investigated enzyme in all vocal folds specimens compared with that in normal tissue homogenates. However the activity of HEX achieved a low level. Mean release of HEX from the activated cells in vocal fold specimens was 1.073 nkat/g wet tissue compared with 0.766 nkat/g wet tissue in normal cadaveric vocal fold homogenates.

CONCLUSIONS

Low activity of HEX in vocal fold polyps suggests that inflammation may not be a primary factor in the development of the disease and other mechanism should likely be considered in the pathogenesis of vocal fold polyps.

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Expressions in Vocal Fold Polyps

The objective of this study was to investigate the roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the pathogenesis of vocal fold polyps (VFPs). In this study, 20 VFPs and 8 normal vocal fold (VF) specimens were obtained from subjects undergoing surgery. Staining intensities were semiquantitatively assessed and statistically analyzed. Significant increases were observed in the expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and COX-2 in stromal spindle cells (P=0.00) and vascular wall (P=0.04, P=0.00, P=0.00) of VFPs compared with normal VFs. MMP-2 expression in surface epithelium basal cells (P=0.00) of VFPs showed enhancement compared with normal vocal folds, whereas MMP-9 and COX-2 expressions showed no significant differences. Our study showed that gelatinases and COX-2 may play a role in the development of VFPs. This is the first study to document the expression of gelatinases and COX-2 in VFPs.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in vocal fold polyps

OBJECTIVE

Vocal fold polyps are the most common benign laryngeal lesions. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role in the physiological and pathological remodeling of tissues. The most important subgroup of MMP family consists of gelatinases A and B (MMP-2 and MMP-9). The objective of this study was investigation of the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vocal fold polyps and normal tissue of vocal folds.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was investigated in specimens taken by endolaryngeal microsurgery from vocal fold polyps (n=30) and normal tissue of vocal fold (n=13, control group). Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, both in epithelium and stroma cells, was graded on a semiquantitative scale, ranging from 0 (no expression) to 6 points (high expression).

RESULTS

A statistically significant increase was observed in the expression of MMP-2 in stroma cells (P=0.0176) of vocal fold polyps compared to control vocal fold group, whereas no significant difference in the expression of MMP-2 was found in epithelium cells (P=0.1487). Comparison of expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in epithelium cells revealed a statistically significant increase in MMP-9 expression (P<0.01) in both groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the expression of MMP-9 between groups of vocal fold polyps and control vocal folds.

CONCLUSION

Expression of MMP-2 in stroma was significantly higher in polyps than in normal tissue of vocal folds. Our data draw attention to the role of MMP-2 in the development of vocal fold polyps and necessity of further investigations to define its function in morphogenesis of laryngeal benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in blood of patients with uterine myoma, endometrial polypus, hyperplastic and malignant endometrium

Oxidative stress is considered to be involved in pathogenesis of many disorders of the female genital tract. In this study, we explored the lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in women diagnosed with different forms of uterine diseases in order to evaluate the extent of oxidative stress in blood of such patients. Blood samples of healthy subjects and gynecological patients were collected and subjected to assays for superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and lipid hydroperoxides. The results show that alterations of measured parameters vary with the enzyme type and diagnosis. However, both reduction in antioxidants and elevation of lipid peroxidation were observed in general. Lipid hydroperoxides level was negatively correlated to superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as positively correlated to catalase activity. In addition, the lipid hydroperoxides/ glutathione peroxidase ratio was found to be increased, according to the type of uterine disease. The obtained results show that perturbation of antioxidant status is more pronounced in blood of patients with premalignant (hyperplastic) and malignant (adenocarcinoma) lesions, compared to those with benign uterine changes such as polypus and myoma.

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in human hyperplastic gastric polyps

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, an inducible isoform of prostaglandin synthetase, has been reported to be a key molecular target of colon cancer prevention by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Recently, it has been shown that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) could induce COX-2 together with inflammatory cytokines. Although human hyperplastic gastric polyps disappeared or decreased in number and size after eradication of H. pylori, the mechanisms in this step, especially the roles of COX-2, have not been yet elucidated. The aims of the present study were to examine the expression and localization of COX-2 in human hyperplastic gastric polyps immunohistochemically. Twelve specimens of human hyperplastic gastric polyps were obtained from endoscopic polypectomy. The expression of the COX-2 protein was immunohistochemically examined on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections using an anti-COX-2 antibody and an avidin-biotin complex method. Cells expressing COX-2 were further immunohistochemically identified using a specific antibody against macrophages (CD68), and myofibroblasts (alpha-smooth muscle actin). Immunoreactive COX-2 was predominantly and strongly expressed in interstitial cells in the sub-epithelial layer of 10 hyperplastic polyps. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed a significant increase in COX-2 expression in interstitial cells. The staining pattern of macrophages and myofibroblasts partly corresponded to that observed for COX-2 in hyperplastic gastric polyps. These results suggest that COX-2 in mesenchymal cells induced by H. pylori may play an important role in the tumorigenesis of human hyperplastic gastric polyps.

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression and angiogenesis in gastric hyperplastic polyp--association with polyp size

BACKGROUND

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is the rate-limiting enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis, and plays an important role in tumor enlargement. COX-2 is expressed in human gastric and colorectal tumors, and the expression increases in a tumor size-dependent manner. In the present study, we attempted to examine the COX-2 expression pattern in gastric hyperplastic polyp, a non-tumorous lesion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight gastric hyperplastic polyps, obtained by endoscopic polypectomy, were immunostained with anti-COX-2 and antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies. Microvessel density (MVD) was determined by von Willebrand factor immunostaining.

RESULTS

In larger gastric hyperplastic polyps, COX-2 was expressed mainly on the luminal side of the polyp stroma, while it was absent in smaller polyps. A significant correlation between COX-2 immunoreactivity and polyp size was observed (p < 0.01). High VEGF expression and MVD were observed mainly in the same stromal region of the polyps where COX-2 was expressed. Both VEGF expression and MVD were also correlated with polyp size significantly (ps < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

COX-2 expression increased in a size-dependent manner in non-tumorous hyperplastic polyps, suggesting that COX-2 expression is not necessarily linked to epithelial cell transformation. Moreover, COX-2 may participate in polyp enlargement through angiogenesis by promoting VEGF production.

Cellular physiology of the vocal folds

This article discusses cellular architecture and physiology relevant to phonation biology. The mucociliary blanket and its role in external vocal fold lubrication are presented. The epithelium, basement membrane zone, and lamina propria all have specific roles in oscillating tissue. Three cell types, fibroblast, myofibroblast, and macrophage, maintain important and unique roles. Protein turnover in the lamina propria is important, and slowing matrix turnover may be a leading factor in creating some of the characteristics associated with vocal senescence. Lastly, aspects of cellular health and cellular pathology are discussed.

Expression of deoxyuridine triphosphatase (dUTPase) in colorectal tumours

We report the generation of 2 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), 2B12 and 3E6, suitable for the detection of human dUTPase in routinely processed paraffin sections by immunohistochemistry. Using these MAbs, we observed nuclear expression of dUTPase in the proliferation zones of normal colorectal mucosa as well as in hyperplastic polyps. Colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas revealed a wide spectrum of dUTPase expression, ranging from 5 to 63% (median 42%) and from 5 to 71% of tumour cells (median 42%) respectively. Non-parametric correlation of dUTPase expression with proliferation as determined by a Ki-67 antigen-specific MAb revealed a significant and moderately strong correlation between proliferation rate and dUTPase expression in adenomas, but not in adenocarcinomas. This finding was confirmed by double-labelling immunofluorescence. Unexpectedly, we found significantly lower levels of dUTPase expression in primary colorectal carcinomas without lymph-node metastases at the time of surgery (Dukes A and B stages) than in Dukes C carcinomas. While this observation requires confirmation in larger studies, it suggests that dUTPase expression may be a negative prognostic marker in colorectal carcinomas. Moreover, these reagents should prove useful in the context of attempts to develop dUTPase inhibitors for cancer chemotherapy. Since it has been demonstrated that dUTPase expression can mediate resistance to 5-fluorouracil, it is also possible that these MAbs may be helpful in identifying patients with colorectal carcinomas resistant to adjuvant chemotherapy using this and related compounds. Int. J. Cancer (Pred. Oncol.) 84:614-617, 1999.

Telomerase RNA expression during progression of gastric cancer

Telomerase, an enzyme associated with cellular immortality and malignancy, is stringently repressed in most normal somatic cells but is reactivated in malignant tumor cells and immortal cell lines, indicating that activation of telomerase may play an important role in tumorigenesis and immortalization. The pattern of human telomerase RNA (hTR) expression during progression of gastric cancer was investigated by a radioactive in situ hybridization (ISH) assay. Paraffin-embedded sections of 85 archival samples from Korean patients with benign and various malignant stages of gastric carcinomas as well as normal and regenerative tissues were studied. In normal gastric mucosae and regenerative lesions such as chronic peptic ulcer and hyperplastic polyps, only a weak degree of hTR expression was noted, and the expression was limited to basal cells of the gastric glands. Also, a moderate degree of hTR expression was present in the germinal centers of lymphoid follicles present in the submucosa. In tubular adenomas, the degree of hTR expression was also generally weak, but, unlike normal gastric mucosa, the expression was rather diffuse and occasionally focal in distribution. However, moderate to intense and usually diffuse hTR expression was present in all cancerous tissues at different stages. Although some heterogeneity of hTR expression was noted, there was a tendency for intensity of hTR expression to increase gradually as the cancer progressed to a more advanced stage. Our results indicate that upregulation of telomerase expression is associated with gastric cancer development or plays some role in gastric carcinogenesis. Upregulation of hTR expression detected by ISH assay may be a useful marker or tool for the early detection of gastric cancer.

The upregulation of lysyl oxidase in oral submucous fibrosis and squamous cell carcinoma

Lysyl oxidase (LO) takes part in the initial steps of converting soluble monomers of collagen and elastin into insoluble fibres in the extracellular matrix. We have studied the immunolocalization of LO as a marker of fibrogenesis in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Oral biopsies from 13 subjects with OSF, 6 with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in OSF and 10 SCC nonrelated to OSF, were examined. Strong positive staining was observed in 7/13 OSF samples in the cytoplasmic processes of fibroblasts and extracellularly in the upper third of the lamina propria. Furthermore, LO was found to co-localize in the areas stained strongly for collagen and elastin by histochemical stains. Examination of SCC tissues showed localization of LO adjacent to invading epithelial islands as evidence of a stromal reaction both in carcinomas arising from OSF and in SCC from non-OSF cases. These findings suggest that upregulation of LO may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of OSF and in the early stromal reaction of oral cancer.

Elevated expression of fatty acid synthase and fatty acid synthetic activity in colorectal neoplasia

Expression of the primary enzyme catalyzing the synthesis of fatty acids, ie, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and ex vivo fatty acid synthetic activity were examined in colorectal epithelium and neoplasms, including the relationship to tumor progression and prognosis. Immunohistochemistry for FAS showed only faint staining of native colorectal mucosa, but increased expression was found in all sporadic adenomas (n = 18), adenomas associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (n = 7), hyperplastic polyps (n = 3), dysplasias arising in ulcerative colitis (n = 17), and colorectal carcinomas (n = 130) including 11 with contiguous adenomas. The intensity of staining was strong in 53% of carcinomas, intermediate in 38%, and weak in 9%. Activity of the fatty acid synthetic pathway measured by labeling of six surgical specimens with [U-14C]acetate was 2- to 7-fold higher in colorectal carcinomas than adjacent native mucosa (P = 0.006) and 6- to 16-fold higher than serosal fat (P = 0.01). Activity correlated with immunohistochemical expression (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = 0.85; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between patient survival and FAS staining intensity of carcinomas. Our study shows that FAS is expressed in all colorectal neoplasms and there is a concomitant increase in fatty acid synthesis. FAS may therefore represent a potential therapeutic target.

Increased mucosal antioxidant enzyme activities in chronic gastritis and benign gastric polyps

Gastroscopy with gastric biopsy was performed in 109 individuals aged 25-71 years. Activities of three antioxidant enzymes were assayed in biopsy specimens: Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Patients were classified according to the endoscopic and histological findings in the following groups: normal findings (N), superficial gastritis (SG), mild (MAG) and severe (SAG) atrophic gastritis, gastritis after partial gastrectomy (PGG), hyperplastic polyp (HP), and gastric adenoma (A). Compared with the N group, increased activity of SOD was found in groups SG (+37%), PGG (+67%) and A (+35%), increased CAT activity in PGG (+40%), and increased GSH-Px activity in groups SG (+57%), SAG (+46%), PGG (+185%), HP (+50%) and A (+50%). Increased activity of antioxidant enzymes could be induced by higher concentrations of superoxide anion radicals, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides, produced by phagocytic leucocytes or by polyunsaturated fatty acid in cellular membranes of gastric mucosa. The relation of reactive oxygen species to the induction of precancerous conditions and to carcinogenesis of the stomach requires further study.

[The effect of beta-carotene on the dynamics of ornithine decarboxylase activity in atrophic mucous membranes and in stomach polyp tissue]

Activity of ornithine decarboxylase was significantly increased, reaching the maximal values in malignant gastric tissues, in mucosal membrane and polypous tissue of patients with atrophic gastritis as compared with normalcy. Any alterations in the enzymatic activity were not observed in the gastric mucosal membrane of 19 patients with atrophic gastritis within 3 weeks. At the same time, statistically significant decrease of the abnormal high activity of ornithine decarboxylase was detected in atrophic gastric mucosal membrane of 12 patients among 20 patients examined, which were treated with 20 mg of beta-carotene daily within 3 weeks; the enzyme activity was decreased also in polypous tissue of 5 patients in the group of 9 patients studied. Decrease in the ornithine decarboxylase activity after beta-carotene treatment involved improvement of the mucosal membrane state, where hemorrhage disappeared and inflammation reduced. Since the high activity of ornithine decarboxylase is related to promotion of cancerogenesis, beta-carotene appears to exhibit an anticarcinogenic effect as it decreases the enzymatic activity in gastric mucosal membrane.

Presence of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) in tissue extracts of antrochoanal polyp

Using a biochemical technique, the authors characterized and identified a plasminogen activator (PA) derived from tissue extracts of antrochoanal polyp (AP) and paranasal mucous membrane (PMM) with chronic sinusitis. The results of fibrin zymography indicated that the tissue extracts of AP revealed two lytic zones and that those of PMM revealed a single lytic zone on fibrin-agarose plates. One of the AP zones exhibited the same relative mobility as the PMM zone (molecular weight: 65 kd), while the other AP zone had a smaller molecular weight (about 54 kd). Goat immunoglobulin G (IgG) fraction of antihuman uterine tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) inhibited the 65-kd lytic zones of AP and PMM. Antihuman low-molecular-weight urokinase inhibited only the 54-kd lytic zone of AP, and nonspecific goat IgG failed to inhibit any of the lytic zones. On the other hand, 10(-2) mol trans 4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexane-carboxylic acid (t-AMCHA) inhibited all of the lytic zones. No lytic zones could be observed on plasminogen-free fibrin-agarose plates. These findings confirmed that the tissue extracts of PMM contained t-PA, and that those of AP contained both t-PA and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA). In addition, it appeared that u-PA in inflammatory tissue was related to proliferative changes of the mucous membrane.

[Posterior urethral polyp: a recurrent case]

A 38-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of difficult, frequent urination to our hospital. Transrectal echography and digital examination showed chronic prostatitis. He was treated with medication for chronic prostatitis but his condition did not improve. Retrograde urethrography revealed an obstructive change in the prostatic urethra and urethroscopic findings showed a urethral tumor in the posterior urethra. Transurethral resection of the tumor was performed. Pathological diagnosis of the urethral tumor indicated a urethral caruncle. After one year, the patient was readmitted to our hospital with the same complaints as before. Urethroscopic findings revealed the recurrence of a urethral polyp in the posterior urethra. Transurethral resection of the polyp was performed. Pathological findings revealed that the inner structure of the polyp showed a prostatic glandular pattern that after staining with anti-prostatic acid phosphatase antibody. The final diagnosis was that the polyp had a prostatic-type epithelium in the prostatic urethra.

[Microwave resonance therapy in the combined treatment of gastric polyposis]

A study of 70 patients with polyps and polyposis of the stomach indicates that the use of microwave electromagnetic radiation of low intensity associated with polypectomy increases significantly the treatment and improves the immediate and long-term results. Microwave resonance therapy possesses a regulating action, normalizing the bioenergy of blood cells and restoring the content of T-lymphocytes.

Enzyme activities in human gastric cancer and polyps

Enzyme activities and the protein to DNA ratio in gastric biopsy specimens from patients with gastric cancer and polyps have been measured and compared with values from controls. In uninvolved mucosa in antral gastric cancer increased activities were found for several membrane and lysosomal enzymes, whereas the monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was decreased (p less than 0.0005). In cancer tissue the MAO was also decreased (p less than 0.0003). In uninvolved mucosa in gastric cancer of the body, most membrane and lysosomal enzyme activities were increased. In the cancer tissue itself an increase in membrane enzyme activities was found for several enzymes, whereas the MAO activity was decreased (p less than 0.0001). Differences between activities in specimens from the gastric mucosa in patients with gastric polyps and those in controls were less pronounced than between gastric cancer and controls. A discriminant analysis, using the enzymes most sensitive to establish correct diagnosis, could identify normal gastric mucosa in 85-95%, atrophic gastritis in 56-63%, and uninvolved mucosa in gastric cancer in 66-78%.

Macroamylasemia associated with thyroid cancer, elevated serum thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), chronic pancreatitis and gastrointestinal polyposis

A case of macroamylasemia in a 78 year-old female, associated with papillary adenocarcinoma of the thyroid and elevated serum thyroxine-binding globulin was described. Serum amylase of the patient was very high despite a normal level of serum lipase. Her serum amylase was characterized as macroamylase on the basis of electrophoresis and elution profile of gel chromatography. Serum precipitation response using chain-specific rabbit anti-human IgG, IgA and IgM antisera disclosed that her macroamylase was mainly composed of immune complexes between amylase and IgA class anti-amylase antibodies. Both the pathogenesis and clinical significance of the association of these disorders in this patient were discussed.

Lactic dehydrogenase levels in patients with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, gastric polys and gastric carcinoma

LDH is found in many body fluids and tissues. Its level is elevated in many diseases. Thus the levels of LDH in serum and gastric juice were determined in both benign and malignant disease of the upper gastro-intestinal tract using the spectrophotometric techniques. 45 patients were included in the study (duodenal ulcer 19; gastric ulcer 6; gastric polyps 5; and gastric carcinoma 15). Serum LDH levels were not significantly elevated. However, the gastric juice LDH levels were significantly elevated in gastric polyps and gastric carcinoma. The mean levels were 96.81 +/- 14.31 and 443.2 +/- 58.1 i.u./L respectively. Serial estimation of gastric juice LDH in patients with gastric polyps showed a remarkable elevation at the time of malignant transformation.

An immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic study of vascular endothelial cells in vocal fold polyps

Gelatinous and telangiectatic types can be differentiated among the human vocal fold polyps. Telangiectatic polyps are characterized by eosinophilic deposits consisting of fibrin and cellular blood constituents. Labyrinthine vascular channels are characteristic of these polyps, and are partially or completely lined by a single layer of flat cells. Using electron microscopy and immunohistochemical stainings (antibodies against factor VIII-related antigen, Ulex europaeus I lectin, and antibodies against lysozyme), we found that the lining cells are true vascular endothelial cells and are not organizing histiocytic cells that are arranged in an endothelial-like pattern.

Multiclonal origin of polyps in Gardner syndrome

Electrophoretic analysis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was performed on polyp tissue from three black female patients with Gardner syndrome and who are heterozygous for the A and B forms of this enzyme. Polyp tissues from the three patients displayed the AB phenotype. This finding suggests a multiclonal origin of polyps in Gardner syndrome. Studies of tumors originating from such polyps may provide information about the sequence of cellular events leading to malignant transformation.

Aural polypi: a histopathological and histochemical study

Aural polypi associated with chronic suppurative otitis media have been studied histopathologically and histochemically in 20 patients. The polypi consist of an edematous connective tissue stroma infiltrated by chronic inflammatory cells and numerous blood vessels. The surface is covered by intact stratified squamous epithelium. The histochemical study revealed altered permeability of the blood vessels which seem to be the main pathological background for polyp formation. An enhanced phagocytic activity and increased metabolic activity were found in the epithelium in the chronic inflammatory cells. No glandular activity was found in the polypi.

LDH isoenzyme patterns in human gastric mucosa with precancerous changes

By using an original method of electrophoresis separation, the normal relative values of each one of the LDH isoenzymes in the gastric body and antral mucosa were determined. It has been shown in gastric tumors that there is a significance rise in the relative values of "type M" isoenzymes (iso-LDH-4-5). With intestinal metaplasia as well as gastritis, a significant elevation of the relative value of iso-LDH-5 has been demonstrated in the antral mucosa. In 6 benign gastric polyps we found a similar disturbance. This would confirm the known precancerous condition of these lesions. In the normal mucosa of subtotal gastrectomy specimens, 19 patients with antral cancer had 2 types of LDH isoenzyme patterns: one normal and the other with an increase in the relative proportion of "type M" isoenzymes. These LDH isoenzyme pattern shifts in the gastric mucosa could be an early sign of malignancy prior to the morphologic changes.

LDH isoenzyme patterns in human gastric mucosa with precancerous changes

By using an original method of electrophoresis separation, the normal relative values of each one of the LDH isoenzymes in the gastric body and antral mucosa were determined. It has been shown in gastric tumors that there is a significance rise in the relative values of "type M" isoenzymes (iso-LDH-4-5). With intestinal metaplasia as well as gastritis, a significant elevation of the relative value of iso-LDH-5 has been demonstrated in the antral mucosa. In 6 benign gastric polyps we found a similar disturbance. This would confirm the known precancerous condition of these lesions. In the normal mucosa of subtotal gastrectomy specimens, 19 patients with antral cancer had 2 types of LDH isoenzyme patterns: one normal and the other with an increase in the relative proportion of "type M" isoenzymes. These LDH isoenzyme pattern shifts in the gastric mucosa could be an early sign of malignancy prior to the morphologic changes.

[Concentration of free glutamine and glutaminase activity in the gastric mucosa of patients with precancerous diseases and cancer of the stomach]

Free glutamine content and phosphate-dependent glutaminase activity were studied in the biopsy specimens from the tissue of ulcer, polyps, carcinoma and the surrounding gastric mucosa of patients with precancerous diseases and carcinoma of the stomach. The glutamine content in carcinoma was not significantly different from that in the normal gastric mucosa. The glutamine level in the gastric mucosa remote from the tumour was considerably higher than normal. In case of polyposis of the stomach glutamine was present in the polyps and absent in the remote gastric mucosa. A marked glutaminase activity was revealed in the carcinoma of the stomach, but its level did not differ from the normal or in the case of precancerous diseases.