Survivin and Programmed Death Ligand-1 as Possible Players in the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis: An Immunohistochemical Study

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing chronic inflammatory disorder, with many catastrophic complications. The pathogenesis of UC is not yet well understood. Exploring the exact immunologic pathogenesis of UC may eventually offer new therapeutic options. AIM OF THE WORK: In this study, we proposed that survivin and programmed death ligand (PDL1) may have roles in the pathogenesis of UC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study examined the immunohistochemical expression of both markers in the colonic epithelial cells and lamina propria in 43 cases of UC and 43 cases of non-specific chronic colitis (non-inflammatory bowel disease colitis). RESULTS: The results uncovered that both survivin and PDL1 expression were significantly expressed in the colonic lamina propria cells in UC cases in comparison to colitis cases (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the expression of PDL1 was shown to be lost in the colonic mucosal cells in UC cases when compared to cases of the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study, therefore, concluded that both survivin and PDL1 may play an important role in the UC pathogenesis and hence may be a novel interest in new therapeutic trends

Correlation of Muscle Invasion in Bladder Cancer with Cell Adhesion Properties and Oncoprotein Overexpression Using E-Cadherin and HER2/neu Immunohistochemical Markers.

BACKGROUND: Most of bladder cancers are proven to be of urothelial origin (transitional cell carcinomas). Above 75% of them are of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) type at presentation and the remainder are MIBC. Recent studies suggest that both are most probably two different categories based on both the histopathological and molecular features. The comprehensive understanding of the biomarkers expression in both categories will help in understanding the molecular event underlying each of them and may provide possible chances for targeted therapeutic options. AIM: This study aims to study the differential expression of both E-cadherin and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) in the two categories of bladder cancer NMIBCs and MIBCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 blocks were collected retrospectively from cases of cancer bladder, segregated as 20 cases NMIBCs and 20 cases MIBCs, subjected for E-cadherin and HER2 immunostaining. RESULTS: E-cadherin showed positive expression in 65% of cases of NMI group and in 10% of the MI group, with high statistical significance (p < 0.001). Regarding HER2, positive expression was seen in 25% of NMI cases and in 90% of MI cases, with statistical significance (p < 0.001). Comparison of the results of both markers and their correlation per case showed that 90% of tumors with muscle invasion were E-cadherin negative and HER2 positive. CONCLUSION: The significant association of loss of E-cadherin immunohistochemistry expression and positive HER2 overexpression in MIBC versus NMIBC figured out more differences between the two categories and added to the understanding of their biology. The possibility of validation of HER2-targeted therapy in MIBC cases is now strongly suggested

Immunoscore As A Predictor Of Disease Recurrences And Patients’ Survival in Colon Cancer : A Clinicopathologic Study.

BACKGROUND: For years, the American Joint Committee of Cancer/International Union against Cancer TNM staging system was the only accepted staging system for colorectal cancer. Different studies highlighted limitations in this staging system with the need to another staging approach that takes into consideration the individual patient immune response. Recently, the immunoscore was introduced; however, no accurate data regarding its sensitivity and specificity over the routinely used TNM staging system. AIM: We aimed to provide definite sensitivity, septicity, and predictive values for both IS and TNM staging system in prognosis prediction, as evidence-based statistical documentation of its validity to clinical use. METHODS: Fifty-three slides of colon cancer cases were stained for CD3 and CD8 immunohistochemical stains. The density of the stained cells was measured used an image analysis system in the core of the tumor and invasive margin. Immunoscore was calculated and results were compared with TNM in the recurrence-free survival of the patients. The sensitivity and specificity for each test were calculated. RESULTS: High IS was correlated with a good prognosis in the studied cases. IS sensitivity reached 85.7% compared to 28.6% in TNM staging system and the specificity was 78.1% compared to 37.5% in TNM system. CONCLUSION: IS is a promising prognostic estimation tool in colon cancer with better sensitivity and specificity than TNM staging system. The routine use of IS is now becoming a mandatory step