Periostin in ovarian carcinoma: from heterogeneity to prognostic value

Introduction. Periostin (POSTN), an extracellular matrix protein, is involved in tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. However, its potential value as a prognostic and/or predictive factor has not yet been confirmed. The present study aims to assess POSTN expression separately in tumor cells and stroma of different ovarian carcinoma (OC) histological types, and its relationship with clinicopathological features. Material and methods. 102 cases of different histological OC subtypes were immunohistochemically investigated, for POSTN expression assessment in both epithelial tumor cells and tumor stroma. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate POSTN profile with clinicopathological characteristics, therapeutic response, and survival. Results.  POSTN expression in epithelial tumor cells was significantly correlated with POSTN expression in tumor stroma. The expression of POSTN in tumor cells was associated with histological type, tumor type (type I and II), tumor recurrence, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), whereas stromal POSTN expression was significantly correlated with age, histological type, tumor type, grade, and stage, residual disease, tumor recurrence, response to chemotherapy, and OS. Survival analysis revealed significant differences of PFS and OS in patients with high POSTN expression in tumor cells and negative stromal POSTN expression compared to patients with low POSTN expression in tumor cells and positive stromal POSTN expression (PFS: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33–3.37, P = 0.002; OS: HR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.09–2.89, P = 0.019). Conclusions. The comparative assessment of POSTN immunoexpression in two tumor compartments: in tumor cells and stroma, by use of different scoring systems revealed that higher stromal POSTN levels are evidently correlated with unfavorable clinical features and poorer prognosis, while POSTN expression in tumor cells seems to be associated with a better patient outcome

Clinicopathological Profile of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma—Could We Predict Aggressive Behavior?

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts for only 2–5% of all thyroid malignancies. Clinical and pathological characteristics alone may suffice to predict outcomes, but unstable behavior in some cases suggests that other factors may influence a worse course of the disease. This study aims to identify criteria that could predict increased aggressiveness. We analyzed 59 consecutive MTC cases. We focused on the relationships among clinicopathological characteristics, parameters of aggressiveness (extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis), and parameters for MTC grading. Statistically significant correlations were found for tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis and tumor focality and lymph node metastasis. Our results showed, in tumors larger than 40 mm, odds ratios (ODs) of 13.695 and 6 for lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis, respectively; in multifocal tumors, we registered an OD of 9.42 for lymph node metastasis. No significant correlation was found for the parameters of the MTC grading system when assessed individually and integrated by reporting low-grade and high-grade risk groups. Although our data indicate that lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis remain significant markers for aggressiveness, studies on larger series of cases are mandatory to detect and validate new factors responsible for the variable course of MTC

TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-8 Crevicular Profile in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Periodontitis

Increasing evidence sustains the potential of periodontitis as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our study aimed to analyze several periodontal specific inflammatory biomarkers within the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with CKD, compared to patients with normal kidney function, providing an inflammatory profile of the dialysis patient. The study comprised 79 patients divided into: group 1 (59 subjects with periodontitis and CKD) and group 2 (20 patients with periodontitis, without other systemic conditions). Clinical diagnosis was performed via dental and periodontal examination. GCF samples were collected from each patient, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-8 were determined by using ELISA assay. In group 1, the average values were: 22.85 ± 5.87 pg/mL for TNF-α, 33.00 ± 39.68 pg/mL for IL-1β and 18.80 ± 27.75 ng/mL for MMP-8. In group 2, the mean values were: 2.10 ± 1.34 pg/mL for TNF-α, 0.71 ± 2.42 pg/mL for IL-1β and 5.35 ± 0.37 ng/mL for MMP-8. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between groups as referring to all three biomarkers and, TNF-α and MMP-8, in certain stages of periodontitis. The level of TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-8 points out the increased inflammatory status of the dialysis patient with PD, supporting the mutual connection of the two pathologies

BRAF V600E Mutation in Malignant Melanoma—A Romanian Research Experience

Background and Objectives: The most common mutation in malignant melanoma (MM) is the single-point mutation of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) oncogene. Our study aims to evaluate BRAF V600E mutation, highlighting its frequency differences in primary versus metastatic MM. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 133 patients diagnosed with MM in several county hospitals of the north-eastern region of Romania who have been assigned for investigation into BRAF V600E mutation in the private medical system. The material consisted of archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks. BRAF V600E mutation was identified using the fully automated IdyllaTM BRAF mutation test system. Results: Out of the total of 133 cases, 78 cases were primary tumors, while 55 cases were metastatic MMs. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in 66 cases (49.62%) and the wild-type genotype in 67 cases (50.37%). We found a statistically significant difference of the mutation frequency according to age (p = 0.0072). The mutated genotype was found in 45 cases out of 78 primary MMs (57.69%) and in 21 cases out of 55 secondary MMs (38.18%), with a statistically significant difference in favor of primary tumors (p = 0.0413). The correlations between the histopathological types, Clark’s level, Breslow index, ulceration, and lymphovascular invasion, respectively, and the mutated genotype were not statistically significant. BRAF V600E mutation was identified in 15 out of 40 secondary tumors with lymph node location (37.5%) and in 6 out of 15 secondary tumors with another location (40%) without statistically significant differences between the mutation frequency and the location of the secondary tumors. Conclusions: Our results support MM high genetic heterogeneity, pointing out the relationship between BRAF V600E mutation and several clinicopathological characteristics, in primary and metastatic MMs, stressing the importance of BRAF testing implementation in Romania

Acrylate-endcapped urethane-based hydrogels : an in vivo study on wound healing potential

Improving wound healing by developing innovative dressing materials has been an important focus over the past few years in the biomedical field. In this regard, the current study focuses on developing new dressings based on acrylate-endcapped urethane-based polymers (AUPs). The materials have been processed into films and electrospun mats. Exudate uptake capacity, mechanical properties and fiber morphology were evaluated herein. The results showed superior uptake capacity of both films and mats when compared to Aquacel®Ag, Exufiber® and Help®. Addition of a high molar mass poly(ethylene glycol) to the AUP polymers benefits both the film and electrospun dressings in terms of flexibility and elongation. An in vivo study was conducted to assess the wound healing properties of these dressings on an acute wound model induced to rats. A macroscopic evaluation indicated that wound contraction and wound fraction percentages were improved significantly in case of the AUP-materials when compared to both the positive (Aquacel®Ag) and negative (Exufiber® and Help®) controls. A histopathological assay, to underline the changes noticed on a macroscopical level, was also performed. The data obtained proved that the developed dressings are beneficial towards tissue regeneration and accelerated wound healing. These findings offer a practical yet adequate strategy for the fabrication of acrylate-endcapped urethane-based materials for wound healing applications

TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-8 Crevicular Profile in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Periodontitis

Increasing evidence sustains the potential of periodontitis as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our study aimed to analyze several periodontal specific inflammatory biomarkers within the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with CKD, compared to patients with normal kidney function, providing an inflammatory profile of the dialysis patient. The study comprised 79 patients divided into: group 1 (59 subjects with periodontitis and CKD) and group 2 (20 patients with periodontitis, without other systemic conditions). Clinical diagnosis was performed via dental and periodontal examination. GCF samples were collected from each patient, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-8 were determined by using ELISA assay. In group 1, the average values were: 22.85 ± 5.87 pg/mL for TNF-α, 33.00 ± 39.68 pg/mL for IL-1β and 18.80 ± 27.75 ng/mL for MMP-8. In group 2, the mean values were: 2.10 ± 1.34 pg/mL for TNF-α, 0.71 ± 2.42 pg/mL for IL-1β and 5.35 ± 0.37 ng/mL for MMP-8. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between groups as referring to all three biomarkers and, TNF-α and MMP-8, in certain stages of periodontitis. The level of TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-8 points out the increased inflammatory status of the dialysis patient with PD, supporting the mutual connection of the two pathologies

Neoplazii ovariene dezvoltate pe leziuni endometriozice preexistente

UMF “Gr. T. Popa”, Iasi, Departamentul Medicina Mamei si Copilului, Departamentul Stiinte Morfofunctionale, Universitatea Apollonia, Iasi, România, Al VI-lea Congres Național de Obstetrică și Ginecologie cu participare internațională, 13-15 septembrie 2018, Chișinău, Republica MoldovaIntroducere: Capacitatea de transformare maligna a endometriozei este cunoscuta: fi e implantele endometriozice pot suferi direct transformarea maligna, fie ambele procese impart aceleasi mecanisme precursoare si/factori predispozanti. Cancerul ovarian asociat endometriozei apare la 60-80% din cazuri in asociere cu endometrioza atipica si este reprezentat de carcinomul cu celule clare si carcinomul endometrioid. Obiective: Studiul vizeaza identificarea modificarilor atipice dezvoltate in cazul leziunilor de endometriozice ca si leziuni precursoare ale carcinoamelor endometrioide sau carcinoamelor cu celule clare precum si asocierea acestora. Material si metoda: Studiul reprezinta o analiza retrospectiva a cazurilor de neoplazie ovariana cu celule clare si a carcinoamelor endometrioide internate la Institutul Regional de Oncologie in perioada 01 03 2012 si 01 03 2017. Rezultate: Au fost identificate 21 de cazuri internate si tratate pentru aceste afectiuni. Comparativ cu alte variante histologice de cancer ovarian, acestea au fost asociate cu un prognostic defavorabil. Concluzii: Difi cultatile de diagnostic in endometrioza sunt cauzate in parte de lipsa de specificitate a simptomelor, cele mai frecvent intilnite fiind dismenoreea, durerea pelvina si infertilitatea. Asocierea cu neoplaziile reprezinta un motiv in plus in dorinta de a o diagnostica precoce, de a o trata adecvat si de a o supraveghea corespunzator

The Influence of Oncogenic Viruses in Renal Carcinogenesis: Pros and Cons

Viral infections are major contributors to the global cancer burden. Recent advances have revealed that known oncogenic viruses promote carcinogenesis through shared host cell targets and pathways. The aim of this review is to point out the connection between several oncogenic viruses from the Polyomaviridae, Herpesviridae and Flaviviridae families and renal carcinogenesis, highlighting their involvement in the carcinogenic mechanism. We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases, which was carried out for all the published studies on RCC in the last 10 years, using the following search algorithm: renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma, and oncogenic viruses (BKPyV, EBV, HCV, HPV and Kaposi Sarcoma Virus), RCC and biomarkers, immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our analysis included studies that were published in English from the 1st of January 2012 to the 1st of May 2022 and that described and analyzed the assays used for the detection of oncogenic viruses in RCC and urothelial carcinoma. The virus most frequently associated with RCC was BKPyV. This review of the literature will help to understand the pathogenic mechanism of the main type of renal malignancy and whether the viral etiology can be confirmed, at a minimum, as a co-factor. In consequence, these data can contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies. A virus-induced tumor could be efficiently prevented by vaccination or treatment with oncolytic viral therapy and/or by targeted therapy

Heterogeneous Periostin Expression in Different Histological Variants of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background. Periostin (PN) epithelial and stromal overexpression in tumor pathology has been studied according to tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasiveness, and metastasis, but a limited number of studies address PN in thyroid tumors. Aim. Our study aimed to analyze PN expression in different histological variants of PTC and to correlate its expression with the clinicopathological prognostic factors. Material and Methods. PN expression has been immunohistochemically assessed in 50 cases of PTC (conventional, follicular, oncocytic, macrofollicular, and tall cell variants), in tumor epithelial cells and intratumoral stroma. The association between PN expression and clinicopathological characteristics has been evaluated. Results. Our results show that PTC presented different patterns of PN immunoreaction, stromal PN being significantly associated with advanced tumor stage and extrathyroidal extension. No correlations were found between PN overexpression in tumor epithelial cells and clinicopathological features, except for specific histological variants, the highest risk of poor outcome being registered for the conventional subtype in comparison to the oncocytic type. Conclusions. Our study demonstrates differences in PN expression in histological subtypes of PTC. Our results plead in favor of a dominant protumorigenic role of stromal PN, while the action of epithelial PN is less noticeable

Gelatin‐based versus alginate‐based hydrogels : providing insight in wound healing potential

Wound dressings under the form of films constituted of modified alginate (methacrylated alginate – AlgMA) versus a gelatine derivative containing norbornene functionalities (GelNB) are developed and evaluated for their moisturizing effects, followed by further in vivo testing to assay their wound healing potential. The gel fraction results shows that AlgMA and GelNB films displayed a high crosslinking efficiency while the swelling assay reveals a stronger water uptake capacity for AlgMA films compared to GelNB and to commercial dressing AquacelAg, used as positive control. Referring to the in vivo wound healing effect, the GelNB films not only exhibit proper healing properties, yet is higher to the AquacelAg, while the AlgMA films exhibit similar wound healing effect as the positive control. On a microscopic level, the healing phases (from inflammation to proliferation and contraction) are present for both materials, yet at a faster rate for the GelNB films, which is in line with the macroscopic findings. These results provide data which support that GelNB films outperform AlgMA films, but both can be used for wound healing applications