Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance: Bethesda Classification and Association with Human Papillomavirus

Introduction. To analyze patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) through a cytology review and the presence of microbiological agents, with consideration of colposcopy and semiannual tracking. Methods. 103 women with ASCUS were reviewed and reclassified: normal/inflammatory, ASCUS, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). If ASCUS confirmed, it was subclassified in reactive or neoplastic ASCUS, ASC-US, or ASC-H; and Regione Emilia Romagna Screening Protocol. Patients underwent a colposcopic examination, and test for Candida sp., bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) were performed. Results. Upon review, ASCUS was diagnosis in 70/103 (67.9%), being 38 (54.2%) reactive ASCUS and 32 (45.71%) neoplastic ASCUS; 62 (88.5%) ASC-US and 8 (11.41%) ASC-H. ASCUS (Regione Protocol), respectively 1-5: 15 (21.4%), 19 (27.1%), 3 (27.1%), 16 (22.8%), and 1 (1.4%). A higher number of cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II/III in the biopsies of patients with ASC-H compared to ASC-US (P = .0021). High-risk HPV test and presence of CIN II/III are more frequent in ASC-H than ASC-US (P = .031). Conclusions. ASC-H is associated with clinically significant disease. High-risk HPV-positive status in the triage for colposcopy of patients with ASC-US is associated with increased of CIN

Production of Nitric Oxide and Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Ovarian Cystic Tumors

Tumor sections from nonneoplastic (n = 15), benign (n = 28), and malignant ovarian tumors (n = 20) were obtained from 63 women. Immunohistochemistry of the tumor sections demonstrated that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was increased in ovarian cancer samples compared to nonneoplastic or benign tumor samples. Using the Griess method, nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels were also found to be elevated in malignant tumor samples compared to benign tumor samples (P < .05). For stage I ovarian cancer, intracystic NO levels >80 μM were more frequent than NO levels <80 μM, and iNOS expression in well-differentiated carcinomas was greater than in moderately/poorly differentiated carcinomas (P < .05). These data suggest an important role for NO in ovarian carcinogenesis

Circulating Cytokines and Nitric Oxide are Involved in the Inhibition of Neutrophil Migration in Patients with Uterine Cervical Neoplasia

Aim To verify if patients with cervical neoplasia produce mediators that reduce leukocyte function. Methods Control neutrophils incubated with normal serum or serum from pre-invasive or invasive neoplasia patients were assayed for chemotaxis. Mediators were assayed in serum and in leukocyte supernatants. Experiments were also performed in random patients after surgery. Results Neutrophils incubated with patient sera, but not normal sera, failed to migrate towards the chemoattractants. In invasive neoplasia compared to controls, IL-6 and IL-8, and IL-10 and TNF-α were elevated in serum and in neutrophil supernatants, respectively. Nitrite levels were elevated in mononuclear cell supernatants from patients than controls. After surgery, serum cytokine levels were reduced, mainly in pre-invasive patients. Neutrophils treated with serum from pre-invasive patients undergone surgery had restored migration. Conclusion Patients with cervical neoplasia produce mediators, predominantly induced by tumor cells, able to impair the inflammatory response at very early stages of disease

Caracterização de marcadores inflamatórios associados a pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico em tratamento

ResumoObjetivoCaracterizar os perfis inflamatórios de pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) que recebiam o tratamento padrão em comparação com controles saudáveis.Pacientes e métodosColetou‐se o sangue venoso periférico de pacientes com LES (n = 14) e controles (n = 18) no momento da entrada no estudo. As amostras de sangue foram usadas para quantificação, por citometria de fluxo, da expressão dos antígenos de superfície CD11b (integrina) e CXCR2 em neutrófilos e linfócitos, enquanto as citocinas foram avaliadas em amostras de soro. Avaliou‐se a capacidade dos neutrófilos purificados de fagocitar zimosan opsonizado com plasma humano.ResultadosOs pacientes apresentavam uma pontuação mediana (intervalo interquartil) no Sledai de 1 (0‐2), característica de pacientes em remissão. As concentrações séricas de IL‐6 e IL‐10 foram significativamente maiores no grupo de pacientes em comparação com os controles; o índice de fagocitose de neutrófilos circulantes estava significativamente reduzido nos pacientes em comparação com os controles. Os níveis de IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐8 e TNF‐α não diferiram significativamente entre pacientes e controles. A análise da citometria de fluxo revelou que os níveis de expressão de CD11b estavam reduzidos nos linfócitos (mas não nos neutrófilos) obtidos de pacientes com LES, enquanto a expressão do receptor de superfície CXCR2 foi semelhante em neutrófilos e linfócitos.ConclusãoOs pacientes com LES que recebiam tratamento padrão apresentaram níveis sistêmicos elevados de IL‐6 e IL‐10, redução na capacidade fagocítica dos neutrófilos e redução da expressão de CD11b em linfócitos, mesmo quando os sintomas estavam em remissão. Essas alterações nos componentes da imunidade inata podem colocar esses indivíduos em maior risco de adquirir infecções.AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the inflammatory profiles of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving standard treatment compared to healthy controls.Patients and methodsPeripheral venous blood was collected from SLE patients (n = 14) and controls (n = 18) at enrollment. Blood samples were used for quantification, by flow cytometry, of CD11b (integrin) and CXCR2 expression surface antigen in neutrophils and lymphocytes, while cytokines were assayed in serum samples. Purified neutrophils were assayed by their ability to phagocytize human plasma‐opsonized zymosan.ResultsPatients had a median (interquartile range) SLEDAI score of 1.0 (0 ‐ 2.0) characteristic of patients in remission. IL‐6 and IL‐10 serum concentrations were significantly higher in the patient group compared to controls and the phagocytic index of circulating neutrophils was significantly reduced in patients compared to controls. The levels of IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐8 and TNF‐ α did not significantly differ between patients and controls. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the CD11b expression levels were reduced in lymphocytes (but not in neutrophils) obtained from SLE patients, while surface expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 was similar in both neutrophils and lymphocytes.ConclusionSLE patients receiving standard treatment presented with elevated systemic levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10, reduced neutrophil phagocytic capacity, and reduced lymphocyte expression of CD11b even when symptoms were in remission. These alterations to innate immune components may put these individuals at a greater risk for acquiring infections

Local Lymphocytes and Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Uterine Cervical Stroma of Patients with Grade III Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

OBJECTIVES: Precancerous and cancerous cells can trigger an immune response that may limit tumor development and can be used as a prognostic marker. The aims of the present study were to quantify the presence of B and T lymphocytes, macrophages and cells expressing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the cervical stroma of women with grade III cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN III) or in the intratumoral and peritumoral tissue of women with stage I invasive carcinoma. METHODS: Cervical tissue specimens were obtained from 60 women (20 each from control tissues, CIN III and invasive carcinomas). The average ages in the control, CIN III and invasive groups were 43.9 (± 4.3), 35.5 (± 9.5), and 50 (± 11.2) years, respectively. The specimens were immunohistochemically labeled with antibodies to identify T lymphocytes (CD3), cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8), B lymphocytes (CD20), macrophages (CD68) and iNOS. We evaluated the markers in the stroma above the squamocolumnar junction (control), at the intraepithelial lesion (CIN cases), and in the nfiltrating tumor. Two independent observers performed the immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, macrophages and iNOS were present more frequently (P<0.05) in the stroma of peritumoral invasive tumors compared to the controls and intratumoral invasive cancer samples. CD3+ and CD20+ lymphocytes were present more frequently in CIN III patients compared to samples from patients with intratumoral invasive cancer (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High numbers of T and B lymphocytes, macrophages and iNOS-expressing cells in the peritumoral stroma of the invasive tumors were observed. Cell migration appeared to be proportional to the progression of the lesion

Relação entre agentes infecciosos de vulvovaginites e cor da pele

CONTEXT AND Objective: Many factors influence occurrences of vulvovaginitis. The aims here were to assess skin color and age-related differences in the vaginal flora and occurrences of vulvovaginitis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study; tertiary referral hospital (Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba). METHODS: Healthy women who underwent routine outpatient gynecological assessments were assessed for vulvovaginitis and vaginal flora and then divided into whites (n = 13,881) and nonwhites (n = 5,295). Statistical analysis was performed using the X² test, logistic regression and odds ratios. RESULTS: The vaginal microflora was skin-color dependent, with greater occurrence of clue cells, Trichomonas vaginalis and coccobacilli in nonwhite women (p < 0.0001). Döderlein bacilli and cytolytic flora were more prevalent in white women (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The vaginal microflora was age-dependent within the skin color groups. Among the nonwhite women, clue cells were more prevalent in women aged 21 to 50 years; Trichomonas in women up to 40 years and coccobacili in women between 21 and 40 years (P < 0.05). During the proliferative and secretory phases, the nonwhite women were more likely to present clue cells, Trichomonas, Candida and coccobacilli (OR, proliferative phase: 1.31, 1.79, 1.6 and 1.25 respectively; secretory phase: 1.31, 2.88, 1.74 and 1.21 respectively), while less likely to present Döderlein flora (OR, proliferative phase: 0.76; secretory phase: 0.66), compared with white women, irrespective of age. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in vulvovaginitis occurrence relating to skin color, which may be associated with variations in vaginal flora.CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Muitos fatores influenciam a ocorrência de vulvovaginites. Os objetivos foram avaliar diferenças relacionadas à cor da pele e idade na flora vaginal e vulvovaginites. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal; hospital de referência terciário (Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba). MÉTODOS: Mulheres saudáveis em atendimento de rotina para exames ginecológicos foram divididas em brancas (n = 13.881) e não brancas (n = 5.295) e avaliadas quanto a vulvovaginites e flora vaginal. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados teste X², regressão logística e odds ratio. RESULTADOS: Microflora vaginal foi dependente da cor da pele, com maior ocorrência de "clue cells", Trichomonas vaginalis e bacilos cocoides em não brancas (p < 0,0001); bacilos de Döderlein e flora citolítica foram mais prevalentes em brancas (p < 0,0001 e p < 0,05, respectivamente). Flora vaginal foi dependente da idade nos grupos de cor da pele. Entre não brancas, "clue cells", Trichomonas e bacilos cocoides foram mais prevalentes nas idades: 21 a 50 anos, até 40 anos, e 21 a 40 anos respectivamente (p < 0,05). Durante as fases proliferativa e secretória, mulheres não brancas tiveram maior probabilidade de apresentar "clue cells", Trichomonas, Candida e cocoides (odds ratio, OR - fase proliferativa: 1,31; 1,79; 1,6 e 1,25 respectivamente; fase secretória: 1,31; 2,88; 1,74 e 1,21 respectivamente), e menor chance de apresentarem flora Döderlein (OR - fase proliferativa: 0,76; fase secretória: 0,66) comparadas com brancas, independentemente da idade. CONCLUSÕES: Há diferenças na ocorrência de vulvovaginites relacionadas com a cor da pele, podendo haver associação com variações na flora vaginal.(FAPEMIG) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerai

Cellular Fibroma of the Ovary with Multiloculated Macroscopic Characteristics: Case Report

Ovarian fibroma is the commonest benign tumor of the ovarian stroma. The cellular subtype accounts for around 10% of ovarian fibromatous tumors. The cellular fibroma is a tumor of uncertain malignant potential that may recur or be associated with peritoneal implants. Usually these are solid tumors, sometimes with small areas of cystic degeneration. This case is reported to highlight an unusual feature for an ovarian fibroma: the tumor was predominantly cystic with a small solid part; the multiple cavities contents consisted of viscous liquid that solidified under room temperature. The multiloculated cysts, the mucinous contents, and the solid areas simulated a borderline mucinous ovarian tumor on both CT scan and gross pathologic examination

Macroscopic placental changes associated with fetal and maternal events in diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES: The current study sought to identify macroscopic placental changes associated with clinical conditions in women with or without diabetes and their newborns. METHODS: The study population consisted of 62 pregnant women clinically diagnosed with diabetes and 62 healthy women (control group). RESULTS: Among the subjects with diabetes, 43 women (69.3%) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, 15 had diabetes mellitus I (24.2%), and four had diabetes mellitus II (6.5%). The mean age of the women studied was 28.5 ± 5.71 years, and the mean gestational age of the diabetic women was 38.51 weeks. Of the 62 placentas from diabetic pregnancies, 49 (79%) maternal surfaces and 59 (95.2%) fetal surfaces showed abnormalities, including calcium and fibrin deposits, placental infarction, hematoma, and fibrosis. A statistical association was found between newborn gender and fetal and maternal placental changes (p = 0.002). The mean weight of the newborns studied was 3,287 ± 563 g for women with diabetes mellitus, 3,205 ± 544 g for those with gestational diabetes mellitus, 3,563 ± 696 g forthose with diabetes mellitus II, and 3,095 ± 451 g forthose with diabetes mellitus I. CONCLUSIONS: Infarction, hematoma, calcification, and fibrin were found on the maternal and fetal placental surfaces in women with diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes and post-term infants had more calcium deposits on the maternal placental surface as compared to those with type I and type II diabetes

Metastasizing leiomyoma during pregnancy

Uterine leiomyoma is a benign tumor of myometrial tissue which affects women of reproductive age. Its prevalence increases with age and has a peak incidence at the age of forty. The term “metastasizing leiomyoma” refers to a tumor of dense connective tissue and smooth myometrial muscle cells located outside the uterus. This group of tumors can metastasize to different organs, the lung being its main focus. We present the case report of a 33-year-old female gravida 3, para 1, abortus 1, at 11 weeks of pregnancy, with pelvic masses. The diagnosis was metastasizing leiomyoma during pregnancy.Uterine leiomyoma is a benign tumor of myometrial tissue which affects women of reproductive age. Its prevalence increases with age and has a peak incidence at the age of forty. The term “metastasizing leiomyoma” refers to a tumor of dense connective tissue and smooth myometrial muscle cells located outside the uterus. This group of tumors can metastasize to different organs, the lung being its main focus. We present the case report of a 33-year-old female gravida 3, para 1, abortus 1, at 11 weeks of pregnancy, with pelvic masses. The diagnosis was metastasizing leiomyoma during pregnancy