Human Pathology - Articles in Press

Down-regulation of artery in moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma related to tumor development - Corrected Proof

2010-02-26

Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma develops in a multistep process. Previous studies have revealed changes in blood supply in hepatocellular carcinoma during its carcinogenesis. However, little is known about the relationship between tumor vasculature and the biological behavior of moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma which demonstrates varied degrees of biological behavior. We immunohistochemically assessed intratumoral arterial vessel density (by high-molecular-weight caldesmon and calponin) and microvessel density (by CD34) in 123 cases of moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas, and compared these densities with clinicopathological findings. Arterial vessel density and microvessel density of 19 well-differentiated and 37 poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas were also evaluated. The arterial vessel density of moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas with capsule formation, infiltration to the capsule, portal venous invasion, and high Ki-67 labeling index was lower than that of moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas without these pathological findings (high-molecular-weight caldesmon: P < .0001, P = .0074, P = .0009, P = .0244, calponin: P < .0001, P = .0695, P = .0033, and P = .0155, respectively). The low arterial vessel density group (<10) of moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas tended to show poorer overall survival than the high arterial vessel density group (≥10) (high-molecular-weight caldesmon: P = .0347, calponin: P = .0404). The arterial vessel density and microvessel density of moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas were significantly higher than those of well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (high-molecular-weight caldesmon: P = .022, calponin: P = .027, CD34: P = .036) and poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (high-molecular-weight caldesmon, calponin and CD34: P < .0001). The moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas with lower arterial vessel density had more malignant potential than those with higher arterial vessel density. The changes of arterial vessel density in moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas were suggested.

Decreased expression of focal adhesion kinase is associated with a poor prognosis in extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma - Corrected Proof

2010-02-26

Summary: Extrahepatic bile duct (EBD) carcinoma is a relatively rare neoplasm worldwide, and its prognostic outcome remains unfavorable. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate molecular biologic features of EBD carcinomas. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a pivotal role in cell adhesion, survival, migration, and signal transduction, but FAK expression in EBD carcinomas has not been evaluated. We measured FAK expression in 76 EBD carcinomas using immunohistochemistry and evaluated its correlation with tumor progression, clinicopathologic factors, and patient outcome. FAK was expressed specifically in the cytoplasm of all normal biliary epithelia (100%). Most dysplastic epithelia also showed positive FAK expression except for 2 cases (92%), whereas EBD carcinomas showed positive FAK expression in 53 (77%) of 76 cases (P < .001, versus normal epithelia). FAK expression tended to be gradually reduced along as dysplasia progressed to carcinoma. Although FAK expression had no association with clinicopathologic factors, the positive FAK expression group showed significantly better survival than the negative FAK expression group (P < .05). However, FAK expression was not an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. In conclusion, FAK expression was significantly lower in EBD carcinomas than in normal biliary epithelia and decreased expression of FAK seemed to be indicative of a poor prognosis, suggesting that FAK might play an inhibitory role for tumor progression in EBD carcinomas. It is important to notice the role of FAK in tumor progression when treatments targeting FAK are performed.

Colonic cryptosporidiosis in allograft patients: a rare differential diagnosis of acute graft-versus-host disease—reply - Corrected Proof

Kay Washington, Madan Jagasia — 2010-02-26

We agree with Dr Gauchotte and Dr Bressenot that unusual infections should indeed be considered in the differential diagnosis of graft-versus-host disease in the gastrointestinal tract, and we appreciate their interest in our review article . The 2 cases they describe of colonic cryptosporidial infections in stem cell transplantation patients highlight the need for careful scrutiny of gastrointestinal biopsies from this group and for correlation with level of clinical suspicion for GVHD. Furthermore, the nonspecific nature of epithelial cell apoptosis must be acknowledged. Gastrointestinal symptoms late after allogeneic stem cell transplant are not necessarily related to GVHD. Non-GVHD etiologies like infection, drug side effects, motility disorders, and malabsoprtion need to be ruled out .

Immunohistochemical detection of histone deacetylases in endometrial carcinoma: involvement of histone deacetylase 2 in the proliferation of endometrial carcinoma cells - Corrected Proof

2010-02-24

Summary: Overexpression of histone deacetylases has been reported in various human malignancies; however, the expression of histone deacetylases in endometrial tissue is not fully understood. In the present study, the expression of histone deacetylase 1, histone deacetylase 2, and Ki-67 was examined immunohistochemically in 30 normal and 66 malignant endometrial tissue samples. The results were expressed as a positivity index and compared with the positivity index for Ki-67 and rates of patient survival. The effect of 2 histone deacetylase inhibitors, trichostatin A and apicidine, on cell proliferation and the expression of cell cycle regulators such as cyclins (D1, E, and A), p21, p27, and p16 were investigated using 6 endometrial carcinoma cell lines. The positivity index for histone deacetylase 1 (79.8 ± 33.0, mean ± SD) and histone deacetylase 2 (106.3 ± 41.9) was higher in endometrial carcinoma than the normal endometrium, with a significant difference for histone deacetylase 2. The positivity index for histone deacetylase 2 was significantly increased in higher-grade carcinomas (positivity index for grade 3, 124.9 ± 28.4) compared with grade 1 tumors (86.0 ± 41.0) and was positively correlated with that for Ki-67. In addition, patients with histone deacetylase 2–positive carcinomas had a poor prognosis compared with those with histone deacetylase 2–negative carcinoma (P = .048). Treatment with trichostatin A or apicidine suppressed the proliferation in all cell lines examined, in association with increased expression of p21 and down-regulation of cyclin D1 and cyclin A expression. These results indicated that increased histone deacetylase 2 expression is involved in the acquisition of aggressive behavior by endometrial carcinoma and suggest histone deacetylase inhibitor to be a promising anticancer drug for this carcinoma.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase 1 detected by immunohistochemistry in non–small cell lung cancer: a promising feature? - Corrected Proof

2010-02-17

Recently, Boland and colleagues reported on immunohistochemical expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase 1 (ALK1) in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) correlating with transcriptional up-regulation, ALK1 locus rearrangement, and presence of echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4–ALK1 fusion transcripts, concluding that ALK1 immunoreactivity may be used as a screening test/surrogate marker for ALK1 gene abnormalities in such tumors.

Clinicopathologic study of 53 metaplastic breast carcinomas: their elements and prognostic implications - Corrected Proof

2010-02-15

Summary: Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast is a relatively rare cancer and includes various histologic types. In this cancer, metaplastic elements are heterogeneous and sometimes mixed. We investigated, by histopathologic means, these elements and clinical implications that could indicate the clinical course (including the prognosis). Fifty-three metaplastic breast carcinoma cases and their prognoses were investigated by initially examining the presence or absence of spindle-cell elements, and then the presence or absence of other elements. Spindle cells were classified as high or low grade. The number of spindle-cell–positive cases was 24 (45%) of 53. The 24 spindle-cell (+) cases were subdivided into 12 high-grade (HGsp) (distant metastatic rate per 100 person-years, 13.27) and 12 low-grade (LGsp) (0.00) patients. Spindle-cell (−) cases were subdivided into 22 pure squamous cell carcinomas (5.93) and 7 matrix-producing carcinomas (0.00). There were significant differences among the 4 groups with regard to the disease-free period (P = .0081, log-rank test). The distant metastatic risks in the HGsp and pure squamous cell carcinomas groups were significantly higher than that in the matrix-producing carcinoma + LGsp group (nonmetastatic groups) after controlling for the effects of tumor size and lymph node metastasis (P = .019 and P = .016, respectively, Poisson regression model). The presence of high-grade spindle cells was related to the prognosis, and some histologic subtypes may be important with respect to the prognosis. The presence of high-grade spindle cells in metaplastic breast carcinoma may indicate aggressive behavior.

Candida albicans–associated necrotizing vasculitis producing life-threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhage - Corrected Proof

2010-02-15

Summary: Patients undergoing treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia are at risk for fungal infections including disseminated candidiasis. We describe a case of systemic Candida albicans infection associated with life-threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to unusual necrotizing vasculitis involving the gastrointestinal tract. We explore the association between Candida and such vasculopathy.

JAK2 V617F mutation is uncommon in patients with the 3q21q26 syndrome - Corrected Proof

Pei Lin, Rajyalakshmi Luthra, Roberto H. Nussenzveig, L. Jeffrey Medeiros — 2010-02-15

Summary: The 3q21q26 syndrome is recognized as a distinct clinicopathologic entity. Patients have a myeloid neoplasm associated with 3q21q26 cytogenetic abnormalities and present with anemia, leukopenia, and either thrombocytosis or a normal platelet count associated with dysplasia. To determine if JAK2 V617F mutation is implicated in the abnormal thrombopoiesis of the 3q21q26 syndrome, we analyzed bone marrow samples of 12 patients, including 10 patients with acute myeloid leukemia and 2 patients with a myelodysplastic syndrome, associated with either inv(3)(q21;q26) or t(3;3)(q21;q26). The platelet count ranged from 142 to 597 × 103/μL. Using polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing assays, no evidence of JAK2 V617F was identified in 11 of 12 cases. A JAK2 V617F mutation was identified in one patient who had acute myeloid leukemia with concurrent mast cell disease. Separate DNA analysis of myeloblasts and mast cells after laser capture microdissection confirmed that JAK2 V617F was present in both components. We conclude that JAK2 V617F mutation is uncommon in the 3q21q26 syndrome and that its presence may indicate an unusual coexistence of a myeloproliferative neoplasm.

Mixed infection of Trypanosoma cruzi I and II in a Colombian cardiomyopathic patient - Corrected Proof

Julio C. Mantilla, German A. Zafra, Andrea M. Macedo, Clara Isabel González — 2010-02-15

Summary: The Trypanosoma cruzi taxon is composed of 2 major lineages, T cruzi I and T cruzi II. The clinical symptoms of Chagas disease are highly variable, and their geographic distribution is correlated with the distribution of the parasite lineages. In Colombia and northern South America, T cruzi I lineage is associated with chagasic cardiomyopathy. Alternatively, in the countries south cone of South America, there is a predominance of T cruzi II, which is associated with cardiomyopathy and digestive diseases. We report for the first time a mixed infection consisting of both T cruzi I and T cruzi II detected in the esophagus and in the heart, respectively, of a cardiomyopathic patient from an endemic area in Santander, Colombia. This finding has epidemiological relevance related to the association of T cruzi II with the clinical manifestations of Chagas disease and its frequency in Colombia and countries in northern South America.

S100P is a novel marker to identify intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms - Corrected Proof

2010-02-15

Summary: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas are subclassified based on morphological features, and different immunohistochemical profiles have been identified in association with the subtypes. We previously reported that S100P was an early developmental marker of pancreatic carcinogenesis and that there was higher S100P expression in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms than in normal pancreatic ductal epithelium. However, there have been no reports on novel diagnostic markers to distinguish intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm from nonneoplastic lesions. Surgical specimens of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm obtained from 105 patients were investigated using immunohistochemistry. S100P expression was not detected in normal pancreatic ductal epithelium but was detected in all intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm cells (100%) with diffuse nuclear or nuclear/cytoplasmic staining. MUC5AC was also expressed in most of the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (102/105; 97%). Furthermore, S100P was clearly expressed in the invasive component of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (32/32; 100%), including perineural and lymphatic and minimal invasion. On the other hand, MUC5AC was expressed in only 23 cases of 32 invasive components (P < .01). These data suggest that the S100P antibody may be a useful marker for detecting all types of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Mediastinal germ cell tumors with an angiosarcomatous component: a report of 12 cases - Corrected Proof

2010-02-15

Summary: The development of an angiosarcomatous component in germ cell tumors is rare. Here we studied 12 cases of mediastinal germ cell tumors with an angiosarcomatous component. All patients were men with a mean age of 34 years (range, 24-49 years). No patient had a documented testicular germ cell tumor. The mean size of mediastinal tumors was 12.9 cm (range, 5.5-16.0 cm). Grossly, the tumors were cystic with variegated hemorrhagic, mucinous, and fleshy solid areas. Microscopically, all tumors were composed of germ cell tumor. The most common germ cell tumor component was teratoma (n = 10); and other germ cell tumor components included seminoma (n = 3), yolk sac tumor (n = 3), embryonal carcinoma (n = 2), and choriocarcinoma (n = 1). The angiosarcomatous component was present in primary mediastinal tumors (n = 6), metastasis (n = 3), or both primary mediastinal tumor and metastasis (n = 3). The angiosarcomatous component accounted for an average of 30% (range, 5%-95%) of the primary mediastinal tumor. In addition, other non–germ cell components, including rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 3), leiomyosarcoma (n = 1), and poorly differentiated carcinoma (n = 1), were also present in the tumors. Of the 10 patients with follow-up available, all patients developed metastasis (n = 8) or local recurrence (n = 2); 7 died of disease at a mean of 33 months (range, 21-75 months), and 3 patients were alive at a mean of 75 months (range, 5-120 months). Our findings suggest that the presence of an angiosarcomatous component in mediastinal germ cell tumor, even in a small amount, is associated with a poor clinical outcome.

Mammalian target of rapamycin is a biomarker of poor survival in metastatic serous ovarian carcinoma - Corrected Proof

2010-02-15

Summary: The AKT signaling pathway is crucial for cancer cell survival. The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and clinical role of this pathway in serous ovarian carcinoma. Phospho-AKT and phospho–mammalian target of rapamycin protein expression was studied in 269 ovarian carcinomas (159 effusions, 38 primary carcinomas, 72 solid metastases) using immunohistochemistry. The association between AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin, and DJ-1 in effusions was quantitatively analyzed using flow cytometry. AKT phosphorylation status in effusions was further studied using Western blotting. Phospho-AKT and phospho–mammalian target of rapamycin were detected in the majority of tumors at all anatomical sites. Phospho-AKT expression in effusions was higher in grade 3 versus grades 1 and 2 tumors (P = .013). Flow cytometry analysis showed association between AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin, and DJ-1 expression (P < .001). Higher phospho-AKT Thr308/pan-AKT ratio by Western blotting was associated with more advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (P = .018) and a trend for poor response to chemotherapy at first disease recurrence (P = .051). Higher phospho–mammalian target of rapamycin protein expression in effusions by immunohistochemistry was associated with poor progression-free survival for patients with postchemotherapy effusions (P = .005). Phospho–mammalian target of rapamycin was an independent predictor of poor progression-free survival for patients with postchemotherapy effusions (P = .03). The association between activated AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin expression and clinicopathologic parameters of aggressive disease, including shorter patient survival, provides further evidence regarding the central role of this signaling pathway in ovarian carcinoma.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase 1 detected by immunohistochemistry in non–small cell lung cancer: a promising feature?—reply - Corrected Proof

Eunhee S. Yi, Jennifer M. Boland, Marie-Christine Aubry, Yang Ping — 2010-02-15

The issues raised by Sterlacci et al in their letter to the editor on our study include (1) questionable oncogenic property of EML4-ALK fusion gene, (2) lack of correlation between fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase 1 (ALK-1) immunohistochemistry (IHC), and (3) doubtful potential for targeted immunotherapy using a vaccination strategy against ALK1 protein, based on a recent article by Martelli et al and their own study on a cohort of 1367 non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We found that the findings of these studies differ from prevailing concepts in the current literature as well as the results of our study.

Infantile hemangioendothelioma with elevated serum α fetoprotein: report of 2 cases with immunohistochemical analysis - Corrected Proof

2010-02-15

Summary: Infantile hemangioendothelioma is the most common benign mesenchymal tumor of the liver presenting during the first 6 months of life. Serum α fetoprotein is an important tumor marker for hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and germ cell tumors. However, it is rarely elevated in patients with hepatic infantile hemangioendothelioma. In such cases, surgery may be done to rule out malignancies when α fetoprotein levels are high. The etiology of the elevated α fetoprotein level has not yet been elucidated. We report 2 cases of solitary hepatic infantile hemangioendothelioma and demonstrate immunohistochemically that hepatocytes near or entrapped within the tumor were the source of the increased serum levels of α fetoprotein explaining the unusual clinical presentation.

Use of immunohistochemistry for IgG4 in the distinction of autoimmune pancreatitis from peritumoral pancreatitis - Corrected Proof

Deepti Dhall, Arief A. Suriawinata, Laura H. Tang, Jinru Shia, David S. Klimstra — 2010-02-10

Summary: The patients with autoimmune pancreatitis usually present with jaundice and a pancreatic head mass, presumed to have pancreatic cancer, and they often undergo pancreatic resection. Elevated serum IgG4 levels (>135 mg/dL) help to distinguish autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer. However, when the biopsy from a pancreatic mass shows dense chronic inflammation and fibrosis and the serum IgG4 level is not available, it presents a diagnostic dilemma whether it represents autoimmune pancreatitis or peritumoral pancreatitis. We performed IgG4 immunohistochemistry on 25 cases of autoimmune pancreatitis-lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis, 7 cases of autoimmune pancreatitis with granulocytic epithelial lesions, 8 cases of nonspecific pancreatitis, 15 cases of pancreatitis associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and 5 biopsies of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with variable inflammation. The distribution of IgG4-positive cells was noted in each case. Eighty-four percent (21/25) of autoimmune pancreatitis-LPSP cases showed diffuse and dense staining for IgG4, with more than 50 positive plasma cells per high-power field (range, 50-150 cells/hpf) in the highest density area. Most (5/7) cases of autoimmune pancreatitis-granulocytic epithelial lesions were negative for IgG4. Thirty-nine percent of nonspecific pancreatitis and peritumoral pancreatitis cases stained positive for IgG4, but the distribution was focal and none of the cases showed more than 50 IgG4-positive cells/hpf in the highest density area of IgG4 staining. IgG4-positive cells in peritumoral pancreatitis and nonspecific pancreatitis cases were closely associated with malignant glands and areas of acute inflammation in some cases. Using a cutoff of 50 IgG4-positive cells/hpf, the sensitivity of IgG4 staining for classical autoimmune pancreatitis-LPSP versus other types of pancreatitis was 84%, the specificity was 100%, and the P value was significant ( 50 positive cells/hpf) for IgG4 is specifically seen in autoimmune pancreatitis-LPSP, and IgG4 staining along with the histologic features and serum IgG4 levels may be very helpful in diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis.

Reappraisal of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: novel morphologic observations of the hyaline cartilage and endochondral ossification and β-catenin, Sox9, and osteocalcin immunostaining of 22 cases - Corrected Proof

2010-02-08

Summary: Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, a rare malignant round cell and hyaline cartilage tumor, is most commonly intraosseous but can occur in extraskeletal sites. We intensively observed the morphology and applied Sox9 (master regulator of chondrogenesis), β-catenin (involved in bone formation, thought to inhibit chondrogenesis in a Sox9-dependent manner), and osteocalcin (a marker for osteoblastic phenotype) to 22 central nervous system and musculoskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. Cases of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma were retrieved and reviewed from our files. Immunohistochemistry and follow-up were obtained on mesenchymal chondrosarcoma and tumor controls. Twenty-two mesenchymal chondrosarcomas included 5 central nervous system (all female; mean age, 30.2; mean size, 7.8 cm; in frontal lobe [n = 4] and spinal cord [n = 1]) and 17 musculoskeletal (female-male ratio, 11:6; mean age, 31.1; mean size, 6.2 cm; 3 each of humerus and vertebrae; 2 each of pelvis, rib, tibia, neck soft tissue; one each of femur, unspecified bone, and elbow soft tissue). The hyaline cartilage in most tumors revealed a consistent linear progression of chondrocyte morphology, from resting to proliferating to hypertrophic chondrocytes. Sixty-seven percent of cases demonstrated cell death and acquired osteoblastic phenotype, cells positive for osteocalcin at the site of endochondral ossification. Small round cells of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma were negative for osteocalcin. SOX9 was positive in both components of 21 of 22 cases of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. β-Catenin highlighted rare nuclei at the interface between round cells and hyaline cartilage in 35% cases. Control skull and central nervous system cases were compared, including chondrosarcomas and small cell osteosarcoma, the latter positive for osteocalcin in small cells. Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma demonstrates centrally located hyaline cartilage with a linear progression of chondrocytes from resting to proliferative to hypertrophic, which undergoes endochondral ossification, recapitulating growth plate cartilage and suggesting that this component of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma may be a differentiated (benign or metaplastic) component of a malignant metastasizing tumor. This hyaline cartilage component is morphologically different from cartilage of control chondrosarcoma. Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma can be separated from small cell osteosarcoma, using Sox 9 for cartilage and osteocalcin for osteoblastic phenotype. Rare nuclear β-catenin expression at the interface between hyaline cartilage and small round cells potentially implicates the APC/Wnt pathway during endochondral ossification in morphologically benign hyaline cartilage component of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma.

Expression of nestin regarding to lymph node metastasis and lymphangiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer patients - Corrected Proof

2010-02-04

Summary: Stem cell marker nestin has been reported to be activated in various neoplasms, and its expression is correlated with poor prognosis. However, nestin expression in non-small cell lung cancer still remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate nestin expression in 52 tissue samples of non-small cell lung cancer by immunohistochemical staining and explore its correlation with some clinicopathologic characteristics. The associations of nestin with lymphatic vessel density, microvessel density, vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-C, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were further observed to determine the linkage between nestin and lymphangiogenesis. The results showed that nestin expressed in tumor cells of 45 samples. High nestin expression correlated significantly with poor differentiation (P = .007), adenocarcinoma (P = .000), N2 lymph node metastasis (P = .006), high microvessel density (P = .033), and lymphatic vessel density (P = .020). Multivariate analysis of N1 and N2 lymph node metastasis revealed a 1.086-fold increase in hazard ratio of N2 lymph node involvement (P = .011) in patients with high nestin expression in primary tumor. More important, multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation of lymphatic vessel density with nestin and vascular endothelial growth factor-C expression (P = .039 and P = .045), independent of vascular endothelial growth factor, COX-2, and other clinicopathologic characteristics. The results demonstrated that nestin expressed in most tumor cells of non-small cell lung cancer tissue and had a direct linkage to lymph node metastasis and tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis, independent of COX-2 signal pathway.

Creation of a fully digital pathology slide archive by high-volume tissue slide scanning - Corrected Proof

André Huisman, Arnoud Looijen, Steven M. van den Brink, Paul J. van Diest — 2010-02-04

Summary: Digital slide scanners for scanning glass slides are becoming increasingly popular because current scanners are fast enough and produce good enough images for diagnostic purposes, education, and research. Also, the price for storing vast amounts of data has decreased over the last years, and this trend is expected to continue. Where most laboratories use their scanners mainly for education and research with limited financial and technical implications, we decided to face the huge challenges of prospectively setting up a fully digital pathology slide archive, primarily aiming to optimize the preparation and running of clinicopathological conferences. In this article, we describe the setup of our digital archiving solution and discuss the technical challenges we had to overcome. To give insight in the performance of our digital archive, we provide some statistics as well. We also present our thoughts on future developments in the area of digital slide scanning.

Prognostic role of β-catenin and p53 expression in the metastatic progression of sporadic colorectal cancer - Corrected Proof

2010-02-04

Summary: β-Catenin and p53 play key roles in tumorigenesis. The relationships between these 2 signaling pathways and their contribution to colorectal cancer metastatic progression have not been completely elucidated. We analyzed 141 cases of primary sporadic colorectal cancer, 45 matched metastases, and 80 samples of normal mucosa by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded specimens. The expression profiles were also related to patients' clinicopathologic features and 5-year survival. In primary tumors, β-catenin immunoreactivity was nuclear (27%), predominantly membrane/cytosolic (46.0%) or negative (27%). This latter subgroup was strongly related to microsatellite instability, in particular to MLH-1 deficiency. Remarkably, β-catenin membrane/cytosolic expression in primary tumors was reduced in the corresponding matched metastases. p53 showed a significant increase in immunoreactivity in (66.7%), whereas it was negative in (33.3%) of tumors. When we considered the expression of both genes, the combination of negative β-catenin and positive p53 nuclear staining (21%) was strongly related to a higher frequency of liver metastases. Such an association was significantly related to a worse prognosis than any other combination. In a multivariate analysis, β-catenin and distant metastases were independent prognostic markers. We suggest that a combination of low β-catenin and high p53 expression in primary colorectal cancers may be a prognostic factor in predicting the progression of the disease, the occurrence of metastasis, and a more severe outcome.

Treponema pallidum immunostain distinguishing syphilitic gastritis from Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis—reply - Corrected Proof

Gemma Martin-Ezquerra, Ramon M. Pujol — 2010-02-01

We thank Drs Liu and Hameed for their interest in our study . A case of secondary syphilis mimicking Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis is presented. The definite diagnosis was only suspected after observing a cutaneous rash clinically consistent with secondary syphilis and was confirmed by the immunohistochemical demonstration of multiple spirochetes within the lamina propria in the gastric biopsy specimen.

Nuclear or cytoplasmic localization of Bag-1 distinctly correlates with pathologic behavior and outcome of gastric carcinomas - Corrected Proof

2010-01-25

Summary: Bag-1 is an antiapoptotic protein with its altered expression and localization in malignancies. To clarify the role of Bag-1 in gastric carcinogenesis, its expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization on a tissue microarray containing gastric carcinomas, adjacent nonneoplastic mucosa (NNM), adenomas, intestinal metaplasia (IM), or gastritis. Gastric carcinoma tissue and cell lines were studied for Bag-1 expression by Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results demonstrated that Bag-1 proteins were differentially expressed in the nucleus or cytosol of MKN28, AGS, MKN45, KATO-III, or HGC-27 cell lines, despite similar levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. The Bag-1 mRNA overexpression was detectable in 73.3% of 15 gastric carcinomas without significant difference in its encoding products' levels. The nuclear Bag-1 expression gradually decreased from gastritis, IM, adenoma to carcinoma (P < .05), and negatively correlated with lymphatic invasion or lymph node metastasis, cytoplasmic Bag-1 expression, negative parafibromin expression, and poor prognosis (P < .05). Cytoplasmic Bag-1 was weakly immunoreactive in carcinomas, compared with gastritis (P < .05), and positively associated with invasive depth and poor prognosis of the carcinoma (P < .05). The positive rate of Bag-1 mRNA expression was higher in adjacent IMs than carcinomas or adjacent NNM (P < .05). Bag-1 mRNA was expressed more in carcinomas from female patients than the male counterparts (P < .05). There was a positive correlation of Bag-1 mRNA expression with invasive depth and venous invasion (P < .05). Our study indicated that aberrant expression and subcellular distribution of Bag-1 might play an important role in the malignant transformation of gastric epithelial cells and should be considered as a biomarker for gastric carcinogenesis, subsequent progression, and prognosis.

Morphologic, immunohistochemical, and fluorescence in situ hybridization study of ovarian embryonal carcinoma with comparison to solid variant of yolk sac tumor and immature teratoma - Corrected Proof

Liang Cheng, Shaobo Zhang, Aleksander Talerman, Lawrence M. Roth — 2010-01-22

Summary: The prognosis and therapy for malignant ovarian germ cell tumors including embryonal carcinoma differ from those of other categories of ovarian tumors, making accurate diagnosis imperative for patient care. Because of its rarity, the protein markers and genomic alterations typifying primary ovarian embryonal carcinoma have not been fully characterized. The present study aims to establish a set of sensitive and specific protein markers useful for the diagnosis and delineation of ovarian embryonal carcinoma. Chromosomal 12p anomalies were analyzed by dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization. In a series of 6 ovarian mixed germ cell tumors with a component of embryonal carcinomas, OCT4, CD30, SOX2, and glypican 3 expressions were analyzed immunohistochemically on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. The results were compared to 4 cases of mixed germ cell tumor that were originally mistaken for embryonal carcinoma. OCT4 marked the nuclei of 6 cases, among which 5 cases also showed glypican 3 expression indicative of an admixed yolk sac tumor component. SOX2 was positive in only 3 cases of embryonal carcinoma. In 1 case of mixed germ cell tumor containing embryonal carcinoma, embryoid bodies from a component of polyembryoma were demonstrated to be both OCT4 and CD30 positive. Two cases originally classified as embryonal carcinoma were OCT4 and CD30 negative and showed glypican 3 positivity. They were reclassified as solid variant of yolk sac tumor. Two other cases originally classified as embryonal carcinoma were OCT4 positive and CD30 negative and were classified as immature teratoma with neuroectodermal differentiation based on the immunohistochemical findings as well as morphologic features and were diagnosed as immature teratoma. Chromosome 12p alterations were identified in 5 of 6 cases of embryonal carcinomas. In summary, a panel of immunostains is more useful than a single biomarker in the differential diagnosis of ovarian germ cell tumors. Chromosome 12p fluorescence in situ hybridization combined with OCT4, CD30, and glypican 3 immunostains is useful in confirming the diagnosis of ovarian embryonal carcinoma.

Primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the liver with PDGFRA gene mutation - Corrected Proof

2010-01-22

Summary: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a mesenchymal tumor with KIT or PDGFRA gene mutation, occurring primarily in the stomach and intestine and rarely outside the digestive tract. KIT-negative tumors with epithelioid cell morphology and PDGFRA mutation represent a minor subset of gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Here, we describe a case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the liver of a 70-year-old man. The tumor was shown to be completely limited within the liver by radiologic, intraoperative, and pathologic examinations. Histopathologically, the tumor showed epithelioid cell-type morphology and immunohistochemical expression of CD34 and protein kinase C θ but was negative for cytokeratin, EMA, S-100, and HMB-45. KIT protein expression was very faint, and we judged it as negative. Mutation analysis revealed the presence of PDGFRA gene mutation (V561D) at exon 12. These findings are essentially the same as those typically seen in ordinary KIT-negative epithelioid cell-type gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the digestive tract. Although KIT-negative gastrointestinal stromal tumor occurring outside the gastrointestinal tract is very rare, this entity should be considered as a potential primary hepatic neoplasm.

Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase 11 in human gastric carcinoma and its clinicopathologic significance - Corrected Proof

Zhong-Sheng Zhao, Yong-Quan Chu, Zai-Yuan Ye, Yuan-Yu Wang, Hou-Quan Tao — 2010-01-08

Summary: Matrix metalloproteinase 11 (stromelysin-3) has recently been reported to play a key role in human tumor progression and poor clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of matrix metalloproteinase 11 expression in gastric cancer. Using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry, we studied matrix metalloproteinase 11 expression levels in non-malignant gastric tissues and in gastric cancer tissues. The association between matrix metalloproteinase 11 expression levels and tumor stage and grade, as well as metastatic potential, was analyzed. Our results show that matrix metalloproteinase 11 expression was significantly higher in gastric cancer specimens compared with nonmalignant tissues at both transcriptional and protein levels, indicating its positive role in the development of gastric cancer. In addition, increased matrix metalloproteinase 11 expression levels were associated with advanced-stage and high-grade tumors, suggesting its involvement in the progression of gastric cancer. More importantly, increased matrix metalloproteinase 11 expression in gastric cancer specimens was correlated with increased expression of IGF-1, a molecule known to stimulate the proliferation, enhanced survival, and migration of cancer cells. Our results demonstrate that matrix metalloproteinase 11 is a novel factor in the development and progression of gastric cancer and suggest that matrix metalloproteinase 11 is a marker for advanced gastric cancer.

Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the bladder and urethra: cases diffusely mimicking nephrogenic adenoma - Corrected Proof

Mehsati Herawi, Peter A. Drew, Chin-Chen Pan, Jonathan I. Epstein — 2010-01-08

Summary: Although clear cell adenocarcinoma have been described focally mimicking nephrogenic adenoma, we have identified a subset of clear cell adenocarcinoma that diffusely resembles nephrogenic adenoma (nephrogenic adenoma-like clear cell adenocarcinoma). Twelve classic clear cell adenocarcinomas of the bladder and urethra and 7 nephrogenic adenoma-like clear cell adenocarcinomas were compared to 10 nephrogenic adenomas. Classic clear cell adenocarcinomas and nephrogenic adenoma-like clear cell adenocarcinomas comprised 4 men and 15 women. The following features were seen in classic clear cell adenocarcinomas: nephrogenic adenoma-like clear cell adenocarcinomas: predominantly solid pattern (7/12:0/7), marked nuclear pleomorphism (7/12:1/7), prominent nucleoli (5/12:1/7), clear cytoplasm in 50% or greater of tumor (7/12:0/7), and necrosis (8/12:3/7), although the necrosis in nephrogenic adenoma-like clear cell adenocarcinomas was often focal and intraluminal. Both patterns of clear cell adenocarcinomas showed prominent hobnail features, although more pronounced in nephrogenic adenoma-like clear cell adenocarcinomas. Muscularis propria invasion was seen in 5 of 9 classic clear cell adenocarcinomas and 6 of 6 nephrogenic adenoma-like clear cell adenocarcinomas, where evaluable. Classic clear cell adenocarcinoma was associated with urothelial carcinoma (n = 2) and endometriosis (n = 1). The Ki-67 rate in clear cell adenocarcinomas ranged from 10% to 80% compared with 0% to 5% in nephrogenic adenoma. The following antibodies were not helpful in distinguishing nephrogenic adenoma-like clear cell adenocarcinoma from nephrogenic adenoma: CD10, estrogen receptor, p63, high-molecular-weight cytokeratin, and α-methylacyl coenzyme-A racemase. PAX2 expression was more frequent in nephrogenic adenoma (89%) compared to both patterns of clear cell adenocarcinoma (29%-32%). The key features discriminating between nephrogenic adenoma-like clear cell adenocarcinoma and nephrogenic adenoma include occasional clear cells, more prominent pleomorphism especially hyperchromatic enlarged nuclei, and extensive muscular invasion. Presence of mitoses and a high rate of Ki-67 expression in lesions resembling nephrogenic adenoma require clinical correlation, close follow-up, and repeat biopsy with more extensive sampling.

On being a pathologist—full circle - Corrected Proof

Deborah E. Powell — 2010-01-08

As is the case with so many things that have happened in my life, I did not intend to be a pathologist. Having realized at a fairly young age that I could not sing I gave up an early desire to be an opera singer and decided, before I entered college, to go to medical school. This was at a time when medicine was not a career embraced by young women and my uncle, a neurosurgeon, felt that it would be much more appropriate for me to become a nurse. During my years at Radcliffe College, he tried to persuade me that nursing was the career I should follow.

Grading system for lymph vessel tumor emboli: significant outcome predictor for invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast - Corrected Proof

2010-01-08

Summary: The purpose of this study was to confirm that the grading system for lymph vessel tumor emboli is a significant histologic outcome predictor for patients with invasive ductal carcinoma. The subjects of this study were 1042 invasive ductal carcinoma patients who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy. We classified all invasive ductal carcinomas according to the grading system for lymph vessel tumor emboli we devised, and performed multivariate analyses with well-known prognostic factors. Of 1042 carcinomas, 666, 250, 97, and 29 were classified according to the grading system for lymph vessel tumor emboli as grade 0 (no lymph vessel invasion), grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3, respectively. The univariate analyses showed that the difference in outcome between the group with grade 0 and the group with grade 1 was not significant, but that survival time was significantly shorter in the group of patients with grade 2 carcinomas than in the group with grade 1 carcinomas and significantly shorter in the group of patients with grade 3 carcinomas than in the group with grade 2 carcinomas. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that having a grade 2 or grade 3 carcinoma significantly increased the hazard rates for tumor recurrence and tumor-related death in the patients as a whole as well as in both the group of patients with nodal metastasis and the group without nodal metastasis. The grading system for lymph vessel tumor emboli is an excellent histologic grading system for predicting the outcome of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.

IMP3/L523S, a novel immunocytochemical marker that distinguishes benign and malignant cells: the expression profiles of IMP3/L523S in effusion cytology - Corrected Proof

Katsuhide Ikeda, Genshu Tate, Takao Suzuki, Takashi Kitamura, Toshiyuki Mitsuya — 2010-01-08

Summary: Differentiating reactive mesothelial cells from metastatic carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma is critical in effusion cytology. Numerous immunohistochemical/cytochemical reports use various antibodies in effusion samples, and most antibodies differentiate metastatic adenocarcinoma from malignant mesothelioma, but no antibodies help distinguish malignant mesothelioma from reactive mesothelial cells. A mouse monoclonal antibody (IMP3/L523S) against KOC is a 580-amino acid oncofetal RNA-binding protein containing 4 K homology domains. IMP3/L523S has been identified in several human malignant tumors. The immunocytochemical staining profile of IMP3 was determined in 95% alcohol-fixed cytologic effusion specimens. A total of 229 cases of pleural and peritoneal effusion cytospecimens were evaluated for the study, including 39 benign effusions with reactive mesothelial cells and 190 metastatic malignant effusions. IMP3 immunoreactivity was observed in 2 (5.1%) of 39 cases of reactive mesothelial cells, 138 (72.6%) of 190 cases of malignant effusion, 4 (36.4%) of 11 cases of malignant mesothelioma, 106 (75.7%) of 140 cases of metastatic adenocarcinoma, and 8 (100%) of 8 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. The overall specificity for the diagnosis of malignancy was 94.9%, whereas the sensitivity was 72.6%. In the peritoneal effusions, the sensitivity for the diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma to distinguish reactive mesothelial cells was 92.3%. In conclusion, IMP3 staining is present in many carcinomas and is not a useful marker for distinguishing between carcinomas arising in different organs. However, the IMP3 antibody is a highly specific marker for malignant lesions, and thus, IMP3 staining is useful for distinguishing neoplastic cells from reactive mesothelial cells in effusion samples.

Enkephalin, its precursor, processing enzymes, and receptor as part of a local opioid network throughout the respiratory system of lung cancer patients - Corrected Proof

2009-12-30

Summary: Evidence is accumulating regarding the local opioid regulation of physiologic respiratory functions. However, anatomical evidence for a local opioid network of the respiratory system is scarce. In this study, tissue samples from 12 lung cancer patients undergoing lobectomy or pneumonectomy were examined immunohistochemically for the expression of the opioid network components met-enkephalin, the respective precursor proenkephalin, the key processing enzymes prohormone convertases 1 and 2, carboxypeptidase E, and the δ opioid receptor in different areas of human lung. Colocalization of proenkephalin with met-enkephalin, prohormone convertase 1, prohormone convertase 2, and carboxypeptidase E was demonstrated by double-immunofluorescence confocal microscopy in alveolar macrophages, submucosal glands, cancerous cells, and pulmonary neuroendocrine cells of bronchial epithelium. Corresponding δ opioid receptor was identified on cells of all these functionally relevant anatomical structures and on substance P–immunoreactive sensory nerve fibers arborizing within bronchial epithelium. Our findings provide evidence of a local opioid network, that is, the exact anatomical localization of proenkephalin, its functionally active peptide met-enkephalin, and the key processing enzymes as well as corresponding δ opioid receptor, linked to functionally important structures of the respiratory system. These findings encourage future studies to examine the functional role of local opioid peptides within the respiratory system.

Epidermal growth factor receptor and HER-2/neu status by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization in adenocarcinomas of the biliary tree and gallbladder - Corrected Proof

Nafis Shafizadeh, James P. Grenert, Vaibhav Sahai, Sanjay Kakar — 2009-12-30

Summary: Adenocarcinomas of the biliary tract and gallbladder are aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis. Standard chemotherapy often offers minimal benefit. Because epidermal growth factor receptor and HER-2/neu antagonists have been successfully used in adenocarcinomas from other sites, their use in cholangiocarcinoma can be potentially beneficial. This study examines the epidermal growth factor receptor and HER-2/neu expression and the epidermal growth factor receptor gene copy number in biliary tract adenocarcinomas. Fifty-one formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cases of adenocarcinomas (26 intrahepatic, 19 extrahepatic, 6 gallbladder) were stained with monoclonal antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor and HER-2/neu. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was performed in 37 cases using probes directed against epidermal growth factor receptor and centromeric region of chromosome 7. Epidermal growth factor receptor expression was present in 41 (80%) cases, with moderate or strong epidermal growth factor receptor staining in 30 (59%) cases. HER-2/neu was positive in 2 (4%) cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed gain in epidermal growth factor receptor gene copy number in 17 (46%) tumors. Of the latter, 1 showed gene amplification, whereas all others showed gain in chromosome 7, indicating balanced polysomy. Epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression by immunohistochemistry correlated significantly with epidermal growth factor receptor copy number by fluorescence in situ hybridization (P = .02). HER2/neu expression is uncommon in these tumors.

Fibrocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of human chronic kidney disease - Corrected Proof

2009-12-30

Summary: The presence of chronic kidney disease in humans is associated with a risk of kidney function loss as well as the development of cardiovascular disease. Fibrocytes have been shown to contribute to organ fibrosis. In this study, the presence of fibrocytes was investigated immunohistochemically in kidney biopsy specimens from 100 patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, 6 patients with thin basement membrane disease were studied as a disease control. In patients with chronic kidney disease, the infiltration of fibrocytes was observed mainly in the interstitium. The number of interstitial fibrocytes in patients with chronic kidney disease was higher than that in patients with thin basement membrane disease. The number of infiltrated fibrocytes in the interstitium correlated well with the severity of tubulointerstitial lesions, such as interstitial fibrosis, in patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, there were significant correlations between the number of interstitial fibrocytes and the number of CD68-positive macrophages in the interstitium as well as urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCL2 levels. In particular, there was an inverse correlation between the number of interstitial fibrocytes and kidney function at the time of biopsy. Finally, the numbers of interstitial fibrocytes and macrophages as well as urinary CCL2 levels were significantly decreased during convalescence induced by glucocorticoid therapy. These results suggest that fibrocytes may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease through the interaction with macrophages as well as CCL2.

Mast cell phenotypes and microvessels in non–small cell lung cancer and its prognostic significance - Corrected Proof

2009-12-30

Summary: The impact of interstitial inflammatory cells, such as mast cells, and angiogenesis on the prognosis of cancer patients has been reported in many solid tumors, although there is disagreement about their role. We undertook a retrospective study with tissue samples from 65 patients with stage I and II non–small cell lung cancer to assess the clinical pathologic role and prognostic significance of mast cells. Mast cell phenotypes were identified by immunohistochemistry for tryptase and chymase. In addition, we identified microvessels using the endothelial marker CD34. Mast cell and microvessel density was quantified by assessing immunopositive cells in the intratumoral and peritumoral zones of tumor specimens. Both mast cell and microvessel density was higher in the peritumoral zone than the intratumoral zone (P ≤ .05). A positive correlation between mast cell (tryptase-chymase phenotype) and microvessel densities was observed in the intratumoral zone (P ≤ .05), supporting the involvement of mast cells in the angiogenic process. Regarding survival, a subset of stage I patients had a worse prognosis at five years when low mast cell (tryptase-chymase phenotype) density was found in the peritumoral zone (median survival in months [range]: 27 [1-60] versus 46 [1-60]). Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that this parameter may be an independent prognostic factor (P ≤ .05) useful for selecting candidates for earlier treatment.

Beclin 1 and LC3 autophagic gene expression in cutaneous melanocytic lesions - Corrected Proof

2009-12-11

Summary: Beclin 1 and LC3 autophagic genes are altered in several human cancer types. This study was designed to assess the expression of Beclin 1 and LC3 in cutaneous melanocytic lesions, in which they have not yet been investigated. In melanoma, we correlated their expression with conventional histopathologic prognostic factors. In 149 lesions, including benign nevi, dysplastic nevi, radial growth phase melanomas, vertical growth phase melanomas, and melanoma metastases, proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and, in representative cases of benign nevi, vertical growth phase melanomas and melanoma metastases were evaluated by Western blotting. In most lesions, messenger RNA level was also assessed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Both genes were expressed in all the investigated conditions. Beclin 1 cytoplasmic protein and messenger RNA, as well as LC3 messenger RNA, significantly decreased with tumor progression (P < .05). The percentage of cases with high cytoplasmic expression of beclin 1 from 100% in benign nevi declined to 86.4% in dysplastic nevi, 54.5% in radial growth phase melanomas, 54.3% in vertical growth phase melanomas, and 26.7% in melanoma metastases. The lowest expression of LC3 II protein was observed in melanoma metastases (53.3% of cases) (P < .05); LC3 II protein overexpression was, however, found in several nonbenign lesions, with the highest percentage (45.5%) in radial growth phase melanomas. LC3 II protein expression was inversely correlated to thickness, ulceration, and mitotic rate. In a multivariate analysis, messenger RNAs for both genes discriminated between nonmalignant (benign and dysplastic nevi) and malignant (radial, vertical growth phase melanomas, and melanoma metastases) lesions. Our results, therefore, indicate that beclin 1 and LC3 II autophagic gene expression is altered also in melanocytic neoplasms.

Flat epithelial atypia is a common subtype of B3 breast lesions and associated with noninvasive cancer but not with invasive cancer in final excision histology - Corrected Proof

2009-12-11

Summary: The biological behavior and the optimal management of benign breast lesions with uncertain malignant potential, the so-called B3 lesions, found in breast needle core biopsies is still under debate. We addressed this study to compare histologic findings in B3 needle core biopsies with final excision specimens to determine associated rates of malignancy. Consecutive needle core biopsies were performed in a 3-year period (January 1, 2006-December 31, 2008). Biopsies were image-guided (31 by ultrasound, 85 stereotactic vacuum-assisted, 6 unknown) for evaluation of breast abnormalities. We reviewed 122 needle core biopsies with B3 lesions of 91 symptomatic patients and 31 screen-detected women and compared the B3 histologic subtypes with the final excision histology. A total of 1845 needle core biopsies were performed and B3 lesions comprised 6.6% of all B categories. The most common histologic subtype in biopsies was flat epithelia atypia in 35.2%, followed by papillary lesions in 21% and atypical ductal hyperplasia in 20%. Reports on excision specimens were available in 66% (81 patients). Final excision histology was benign in 73 (90.2%) and malignant in 8 (9.8%) patients (2 invasive cancer, 6 ductal carcinoma in situ). Of all B3 subtypes, atypical ductal hyperplasia and flat epithelial atypia were associated with malignancy, whereas only atypical ductal hyperplasia was accompanied by invasive cancer. Of all lesions, flat epithelial atypia was most frequently found in excision specimens (18%). In our study, flat epithelial atypia and atypical ductal hyperplasia are common lesions of the B3 category in needle core biopsies of the breast. Both lesions are associated with malignancy, whereas only atypical ductal hyperplasia was related to invasive cancer. We conclude that an excision biopsy after diagnosis of flat epithelial atypia is recommended depending on clinical and radiologic findings.

Correlation of overexpression of HMGA1 and HMGA2 with poor tumor differentiation, invasion, and proliferation associated with let-7 down-regulation in retinoblastomas - Corrected Proof

Guoying Mu, Han Liu, Fang Zhou, Xiaoyi Xu, Hua Jiang, Yan Wang, Yi Qu — 2009-12-11

Summary: In addition to Rb1, the causative genes involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of retinoblastomas remain to be elucidated. High-mobility group A1 and high-mobility group A2 proteins are expressed at high levels in various benign and malignant tumors and are associated with expressions of malignant phenotypes and poor prognoses. Reduction in let-7 expression levels was detected in cancers; it may be related to high-mobility group A1 and high-mobility group A2 overexpressions. Little is known about the correlations among high-mobility group A1, high-mobility group A2, and let-7 expression and clinicopathologic features of retinoblastoma. In our study, the expressions of high-mobility group A1 and high-mobility group A2 were studied in 44 retinoblastomas by immunohistochemical analysis. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to assay the let-7 expression levels in 28 nontumor retina and 44 tumor samples. Nuclear immunostaining of high-mobility group A1 and high-mobility group A2 was frequently observed in retinoblastomas (68% and 75%, respectively). Expression levels of both high-mobility group A1 and high-mobility group A2 were significantly higher in poorly differentiated retinoblastomas than in well-differentiated retinoblastomas (P < .05 and P < .0001, respectively). In addition, overexpressions of high-mobility group A1 and high-mobility group A2 were more frequently detected in poorly differentiated tumors than in well-differentiated tumors (P < .01 and P = .0001, respectively). High-mobility group A2 expression levels were significantly higher in invasive tumors than in noninvasive tumors (P < .05). In addition, the MIB-1 labeling index was higher in poorly differentiated tumors than in well-differentiated tumors (P < .0001). Our study revealed that high-mobility group A1 and high-mobility group A2 expressions correlated with the MIB-1 labeling index (R = 0.327, P = .029; R = 0.602, P < .0001; respectively). The let-7 was expressed in high levels in all 28 nontumor retina samples. However, reduced expression levels of let-7 were observed in 17 (39%) tumors. A potentially inverse correlation exists between the expression levels of let-7 and high-mobility group A1 (r = −0.247, P = .105). In addition, a significantly inverse association was detected between let-7 and high-mobility group A2 and MIB-1 labeling index (r = −0.31, P = .04; r = −0.392, P = .007, respectively). Our findings imply that the overexpressions of high-mobility group A1, high-mobility group A2, and down-regulation of let-7 may be associated with tumorigenesis and progression of retinoblastomas.

Characterization of enteroglial cells and denervation process in chagasic patients with and without megaesophagus - Corrected Proof

2009-12-11

Summary: Chagas disease is caused by infestation with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, and some patients who are serologically positive develop chronic megaesophagus, whereas others are symptom-free. Gastrointestinal form of Chagas disease involves an inflammatory invasion of the enteric plexuses and degeneration of enteric neurons and previous works related that enteroglial cells would be involved in enteric inflammatory responses. Because of this, the aims of this study were to determine the relation of enteroglial cells with the denervation process in chagasic patients with and without megaesophagus and seronegative individuals. Our results indicated that the innervation of the esophageal muscle was substantially reduced in patients with megaesophagus, but asymptomatic seropositive subjects were not different to seronegative controls. Besides, patients with megaesophagus had significant decreased of enteroglial cells labeled with S-100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein, whereas patients without megaesophagus presented an increased of both labels. We believe that enteroglial cells would operate a mechanism of defense in the enteric nervous system against the Trypanosoma cruzi infection, which could prevent the organ denervation and preserve the esophagus function.

Expression of p16 in benign and malignant cystic squamous lesions of the neck - Corrected Proof

Dengfeng Cao, Shahnaz Begum, Syed Z. Ali, William H. Westra — 2009-12-11

Summary: Metastatic cystic squamous cell carcinomas of the neck often harbor human papillomavirus 16 and, in turn, overexpress p16. P16 immunohistochemistry could be useful in the evaluation of patients who present with cystic squamous lesions of the neck, particularly when the distinction between a benign lymphoepithelial cyst and a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma cannot be easily resolved on clinical or pathologic grounds. Implementation of this strategy, however, awaits a description of p16 expression in benign lymphoepithelial cysts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate p16 staining in cystic squamous lesions of the neck with an emphasis on benign lymphoepithelial cysts. P16 immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue sections and fine needle aspirates of benign (n = 49) and malignant (n = 16) squamous lesions of the neck. P16-positive cases were further evaluated by human papillomavirus 16 in situ hybridization. P16 staining was seen in the tissue sections of 16 of 37 (43%) benign lymphoepithelial cysts. P16 staining tended to localize to regions of the squamous epithelium penetrated by interdigitating lymphocytes. In the aspirates, p16 staining was noted in 5 of 12 (42%) benign lymphoepithelial cysts and in 3 of 16 (19%) cystic squamous cell carcinomas. Human papillomavirus 16 was detected in the 3 p16-positive cystic squamous cell carcinomas but in none of the p16-positive benign lymphoepithelial cysts. P16 overexpression is not always linked to high-risk human papillomavirus integration, but may be intrinsic to the reticulated epithelium that lines benign lymphoepithelial cysts. This observation limits the role of p16 staining as a surrogate marker of human papillomavirus 16 infection and as a diagnostic tool in separating benign from malignant cystic squamous lesions of the neck.

Defining the borders of splenic marginal zone lymphoma: a multiparameter study - Corrected Proof

2009-12-11

Summary: Classic splenic marginal zone lymphomas are CD5−, CD10−, CD23−, CD43−, and usually IgD+ with biphasic white pulp nodules. However, the 2008 World Health Organization classification accepts splenic marginal zone lymphomas with monophasic marginal zone-like white pulp nodules and recognizes a group of unclassifiable splenic small B-cell lymphomas. To explore the relationship of classic splenic marginal zone lymphomas to these other less well-defined splenic lymphomas, a multiparameter study of 47 splenic marginal zone lymphomas and unclassifiable splenic small B-cell lymphomas was performed. Seventeen of 31 splenic marginal zone lymphomas were biphasic, and 14 were monophasic (90%-100% marginal zone-like white pulp nodules). Sixteen cases were unclassifiable splenic small B-cell lymphomas, most lacking a marginal zone-type component. There were many clinical similarities between the 3 groups, including similar survivals. Monophasic and unclassifiable cases were less likely to have a typical splenic marginal zone lymphoma phenotype (28.6%, 23.1%) compared with biphasic cases (86.7%), usually because of IgD negativity (P < .003). Thirty-four of 42 (81%) cases had cytogenetic abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization; and 17 of 20 (85%), by classical cytogenetics. The most frequent fluorescence in situ hybridization abnormalities among the splenic marginal zone lymphomas were del(7)(q31) (26%), +12 (25%), and +3q27 (27%); and among the unclassifiable cases, +12 (50%) and +3q27 (36%). Five of 6 unclassifiable cases with exclusively small non-marginal zone-like lymphocytes involving both white and red pulp had +12 compared with 9 of 34 other cases (P < .02). CDK6 (2 cases) and BCL3 (1 case) rearrangements were only seen in the unclassifiable group. These results support including both biphasic and monophasic cases as splenic marginal zone lymphomas, but suggest that the lack of a non-marginal zone-like population in the monophasic group is associated with some biologic differences. They also demonstrate a relatively large proportion of unclassifiable cases, including a group with frequent +12.

Large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor: a clinicopathologic study of 1 malignant and 3 benign tumors using histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, ultrastructure, comparative genomic hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction analysis of the PRKAR1A gene - Corrected Proof

2009-12-11

Summary: Four cases of large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor, 3 benign and 1 malignant, with no clinical signs of Carney complex or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome are reported with results of histologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and comparative genomic hybridization studies. Analysis of PRKAR1A gene was performed on 2 cases. The age range of the patients was 19 to 54 years. The patient with a malignant large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor died of disease 4 years after surgery. Patients with benign tumors have had an uneventful follow-up for 1 and 3 years. All tumors were well circumscribed, unencapsulated, and composed of solid sheets, irregular cords, tubular structures, and nests in a fibrous and/or myxoid stroma with cellular atypia in the malignant case. All tumors showed diffuse immunoreactivity for inhibin, vimentin, calretinin, and S100 protein. Focal positivity for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) was noticed in 1 case. Tumors were negative for CAM 5.2, Mic-2, Melan-A laminin, placental alkaline phosphatase, and α-fetoprotein. The proliferation index was 5% and 10% for 2 of the benign tumors and 30% for the malignant tumor. Comparative genomic hybridization was performed in 2 cases. There was no evidence of any major chromosomal changes. In one case, no PRKAR1A gene mutation was found. In the other case, a heterozygous shift mutation c.65_84dup was found, despite the absence of other clinical signs of Carney complex or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Although the combination of large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor and PRKAR1A mutation fulfills the criteria for establishing a diagnosis of Carney complex, the clinical relevance of finding a PRKAR1A gene mutation in a patient without any clinical signs of Carney complex or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome remains to be established.

Thyroid transcription factor 1 expression in ovarian carcinomas is an independent prognostic factor - Corrected Proof

2009-12-11

Summary: Tthyroid transcription factor 1 is a marker of lung and thyroid carcinomas, but thyroid transcription factor 1 immunoreactivity is seen in other malignancies. We examined the incidence of thyroid transcription factor 1 expression in gynecologic tumors in Japanese patients, and we further evaluated the presence of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in thyroid transcription factor 1–positive gynecologic malignancies. A total of 186 patient samples collected at our hospitals between 1991 and 2006 were analyzed, and these specimens consisted of 83 ovarian carcinomas, 55 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas of the uterus, 28 cervical adenocarcinomas of the uterus, and 20 leiomyosarcomas of the uterus. Thyroid transcription factor 1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The presence of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations was investigated by polymerase chain reaction analyses. Thyroid transcription factor 1 was detected in the nuclei of 11 ovarian carcinomas (13%) and 5 endometrioid adenocarcinomas (10%) of the uterus. In patients with ovarian carcinoma, thyroid transcription factor 1 staining was associated with significantly improved progression-free (P = .017) and overall survival (P = .017) using univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified thyroid transcription factor 1 expression as an independent prognostic factor for ovarian cancer (P = .0467). No epidermal growth factor receptor mutations were found in our study. Thyroid transcription factor 1 is expressed with relatively low frequencies in gynecologic malignancies, but thyroid transcription factor 1 expression confers a better prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. No epidermal growth factor receptor mutations were found in the thyroid transcription factor 1–positive gynecologic malignancies, and we were unable to establish a relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and thyroid transcription factor 1 immunopositivity, as was previously shown for lung cancer.

If not, why not? Reasons why Canadian postgraduate trainees chose—or did not choose—to become pathologists - Corrected Proof

Jason C. Ford — 2009-12-11

Summary: Pathology has been frequently identified in the literature as an unpopular choice for medical students. For many years, there have been predictions that this unpopularity would lead to inadequate pathologist numbers, which would in turn contribute to poor quality patient care. In Canada, the predicted crisis has become a reality: after a high-profile failure of laboratory quality, a public inquiry reported that poor pathology recruitment was partially responsible and recommended that medical schools take steps to make pathology more attractive to medical students. There are several published studies into pathology recruitment, but none has asked nonpathology residents why they did not choose pathology. This study uses qualitative techniques to investigate why pathology residents chose to specialize in pathology and why clinical residents rejected a pathology career. Pathology residents across Canada were surveyed, as were clinical (nonpathology) residents in every residency training program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Pathology residents overwhelmingly cited various attractive features of pathology practice, including its academic nature, the opportunity to explore basic pathogenesis, and its interesting and varied daily work. Most clinical residents rejected pathology because they preferred direct patient contact; however, a sizable minority blamed insufficient or inadequate medical school experiences in pathology. Clinical residents also cited several misconceptions and stereotypes about pathology, including misunderstandings about the role of pathologists and the nature of pathology practice. The reasons why clinical residents rejected pathology careers may provide guidance in improving pathology recruitment of medical students.

Reduction of CD44+/CD24− breast cancer cells by conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy - Corrected Proof

2009-12-11

Summary: Breast cancer cells with the CD44+/CD24− phenotype have been associated with stem cell properties. To analyze effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy on these cells, we examined a series of 50 breast carcinomas before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with epirubicin/cyclophosphamide using double immunofluorescence. Before treatment, an average of 4.4% of the tumor cells displayed a CD44+/CD24− phenotype. However, after chemotherapy, the frequency of CD44+/CD24− cells dropped to 2% (P = .008). To test this unexpected finding, we analyzed a second collective of 16 patients that preoperatively had received either 4 cycles of doxorubicin/pemetrexed, followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel or 4 cycles of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide, followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel with similar results (8.7% CD44+/CD24− cells on average before and 1.1% after chemotherapy). In addition, no association was observed between the frequency of CD44+/CD24− cells and the response to chemotherapy or patient survival. However, patients with tumors containing high numbers of CD44+/CD24− cells more frequently developed bone metastases in the course of disease. In conclusion, our findings challenge the proposed role of CD44+/CD24− cells as cancer stem cells in tumor resistance to chemotherapy as they apparently are not selected by conventional cytotoxic agents.

Interstitial inflammation in Alport syndrome - Corrected Proof

2009-12-11

Summary: The Alport syndrome is a hereditary glomerular disease linked to structural abnormalities of collagen IV. In a mouse model of Alport syndrome, the interstitial lymphocyte influx was important for disease progression. CXCR3 is a chemokine receptor involved in lymphocyte recruitment to the kidney. We hypothesized that CXCR3-positive T cells might be involved in human Alport syndrome. Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsies from 17 patients with Alport syndrome, 10 with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, and 11 healthy donor kidneys. We investigated the expression of the α5 chain of collagen IV to confirm the morphologic diagnosis, the chemokine receptor CXCR3 and CD3-positive T cells. Alport syndrome biopsies demonstrated a complete loss of the α5 chain of collagen IV from the glomerular basement membrane and the morphologic features consistent with Alport syndrome on electron microscopy. A prominent number of CXCR3-positive cells were found in the tubulointerstitium. Most of the CXCR3-positive cells were CD3-positive T cells, demonstrated by double-labeling in selected biopsies. The number of CXCR3-positive cells in kidneys with Alport syndrome correlated with serum creatinine (P < .05) and with morphologic features of a progressive disease (eg, interstitial fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis, and tubular atrophy). The severity of interstitial CXCR3-positive cell influx was similar in Alport syndrome as compared to immunoglobulin A nephropathy. The noninflammatory glomerular lesion of Alport syndrome is associated with prominent interstitial accumulation of CD3- and CXCR3-positive lymphocytes. The degree of infiltration correlated with renal function. We speculate that targeting T lymphocytes, for example, by CXCR3 blocking agents, might be a novel approach to inhibit disease progression in patients with Alport syndrome.

IMP3 expression is correlated with histologic grade of lung adenocarcinoma - Corrected Proof

2009-12-11

Summary: Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 is an oncofetal protein that is expressed in multiple malignancies. This study aimed to determine the correlation of insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 expression with histologic grade of lung adenocarcinoma. Eighty-nine cases, including 11 atypical adenomatous hyperplasias, 10 pure bronchioloalveolar carcinomas, 36 well-differentiated adenocarcinomas and 41 moderately or poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, were immunohistochemically studied using a monoclonal antibody against insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3. Twenty-nine (70.7%) of 41 moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas were positive for insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3, with 26 (89.7%) tumors demonstrating either a strong staining or staining in greater than 30% of tumor cells. Four (40.0%) of 10 bronchioloalveolar carcinomas and 13 (36.1%) of 36 well-differentiated adenocarcinomas exhibited insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 positivity with a variable degree and percentage of tumor cells staining. When bronchioloalveolar carcinomas were present in a pure form or as a component of adenocarcinomas, positive insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 staining was always patchy, with less than 20% of tumor cells stained. Overall, the frequency of positive insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 staining was lower in bronchioloalveolar carcinomas and well-differentiated adenocarcinomas compared to moderately/poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (P < .01). No insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 signal was detected in any case of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia. These findings show that insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 is strongly and diffusely expressed in a large proportion of moderately/poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinomas, in particular in the solid component of mixed subtype adenocarcinomas, less frequently expressed in well-differentiated adenocarcinomas and bronchioloalveolar carcinomas, and negative in atypical adenomatous hyperplasias. The higher frequency of expression in moderately/poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas suggests that insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 expression may be associated with an aggressive biological behavior.

Pleomorphic and dedifferentiated leiomyosarcoma: clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 41 cases - Corrected Proof

Marlo M. Nicolas, Pheroze Tamboli, Jose A. Gomez, Bogdan A. Czerniak — 2009-12-11

Summary: In this article, we supplement the few published articles by describing the clinical and pathologic features of pleomorphic and dedifferentiated leiomyosarcoma from 41 patients (27 women and 14 men) with an age range of 25 to 75 years (mean, 56.5 years), representing the largest cohort reported to date. The typical leiomyosarcoma component accounted for <5% to 60% (mean, 15%) of the tumor. The pleomorphic sarcoma component was composed of polygonal cells in 57% of cases, spindle cells in 21%, a combination of polygonal, epithelioid, rhabdoid, and/or spindle cells in 18%, and predominantly epithelioid cells in 3%. The classical leiomyosarcoma component was positive for at least one myogenic immunohistochemical marker in 29 tumors tested; smooth muscle actin in 100% (27/27), calponin in 90% (9/10), muscle-specific actin in 90% (10/11), desmin in 86% (23/27), smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMS-1) in 67% (4/6), and caldesmon in 57% (4/7). The pleomorphic sarcoma component was reactive for at least one muscle marker in 77% (23/30) of cases; smooth muscle actin in 63% (17/27), calponin in 60% (6/10), SMMS-1 in 60% (3/5), desmin in 59% (16/27), muscle-specific actin in 40% (4/10), and caldesmon in 29% (2/7). The classical leiomyosarcoma component was often strongly positive for myogenic markers, and the pleomorphic sarcoma component usually showed focal and less intense immunoreactivity. Based on staining for muscle markers in the pleomorphic component, twenty-three cases were designated as pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma, and 7 cases were designated as dedifferentiated leiomyosarcoma (negative for all muscle markers used). Eleven cases, in which tissue was not available for immunhistochemical stains, the question of pleomorphic versus dedifferentiated leiomyosarcoma could not be answered. The incidence of metastasis was 89% (32/36) and the mortality rate was 50% (18/36) at last follow-up (3-104 months; mean, 27.5 months).

Mucinous nonneoplastic cyst of the pancreas: apomucin phenotype distinguishes this entity from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm - Corrected Proof

2009-12-02

Summary: Mucinous nonneoplastic cyst of the pancreas is a newly described and rare cystic lesion with unknown histogenesis. It is defined as a cystic lesion lined with mucinous epithelium, supported by hypocellular stroma and not communicating with the pancreatic ducts. It is very challenging to differentiate this lesion from other cystic mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas such as branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm by morphology. In this study, a total of 436 pancreatic specimens resected between 2002 and 2007 in our institution were reviewed. Fifteen (3.4%, 15/436) mucinous nonneoplastic cysts were identified. They included 3 males and 12 females, with a median age of 60 years. Forty-six percent of cases (7/15) occurred in pancreatic head, 27% (4/15) in neck, 7% (1/15) in body, and 20% (3/15) in tail. The size of lesions ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 cm in greatest dimension. In most cases (12/15, 80%), mucinous nonneoplastic cyst was associated or adjacent to acinar-ductal mucinous metaplasia. These morphologic data indicate that mucinous nonneoplastic cyst is not really a rare disease and may originate from acinar-duct mucinous metaplasia histogenestically. Furthermore, apomucin immunostains of mucinous nonneoplastic cyst showed MUC1 expressed in 27% (4/15) cases, MUC5AC in 67% (10/15 cases), and MUC2 was were negative in all cases, whereas intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (n = 17; 5 main duct type, 12 branch-duct type) showed focal and weak MUC1 positivity in 18% (3/17) cases, MUC2 positivity in 71% (12/17) cases, and all intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (17/17) were MUC5AC positive. The clonality assay with the HUMARA gene revealed that the mucinous nonneoplastic cysts were of polyclonal origin. For the first time, using HUMARA assay, we demonstrate the nonneoplastic nature of these cysts and further characterize morphologic and immunophenotypic properties that allow differentiation from intraductal papillary mucinous neooplasm.