Thrombospondin-1 and -2 Expressions in Hepatocellular Carcinomas: an Association with Tumor Angiogenesis and p53 Overexpression

Background : It has been suggested that thrombospondin (TSP) is a p53-dependent negative regulator of tumor angiogenesis. TSP expression and localization in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and its association with overexpression of p53 protein were investigated. Methods : TSP-1 and -2 expressions were examined in 40 HCC specimens by immunohistochemical staining and in 4 HCC cell lines by Western blotting. In addition, p53 protein expression and microvessel density (MVD) were correlated with the TSP expression. Results : Strong immu- nopositivity for TSP-1 was observed in fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, and some vas- cular smooth muscle cells of the stroma in 18 cases (45%), and in tumor cells in 3 cases (7.5%) of 40 cases of HCC. Immunoreactivity for TSP-2 was observed in only the sinusoidal lining cells of the tumor in 15 cases (46%), and in tumor cells in 2 cases (6%) of 32 cases of HCC. TSP-1 expression was inversely correlated with MVD (p=0.028), but TSP-2 expression did not show any correlation with MVD. Although p53 was overexpressed in 17 cases, there was no significant correlation between TSP and p53 expressions. None of the HCC cell lines expressed TSP-1 or -2. Conclusions : These findings indicate that TSP-1 is mainly derived from nonparenchymal cells, and may decrease tumor angiogenesis in HCC.

A Case Report of Agenesis of Gallbladder which was Diagnosed after an Emergent operation Due to Ostructive Jundice with Impacted CBD Stones

A case of Agenesis of gallbladder in 73-year old female patient who had an emergent operation due to obstructive jaundice with impacted CBD stones is reported. The patient suffered from icteric sclera and abdominal pain which waxed and waned for three days. Impacted CBD stones and an agenesis of the gallbladder was suggested by a computed tomogram of the abdomen. In the operating field, multiple adhesions around the biliary tree was noticed, but we could not find the gallbladder and cystic duct. She underwent choledocholithotomy, T-tube choledochostomy, operative cholangiography, and drainage. Operative cholangiogaphy showed no remained stones, and there was no structures suggesting gallbladder and cystic duct. The authors described the case with a recent review from the literature.