The Expression Pattern of Annexin A1 in Urinary Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma and Its Clinicopathologic Significance

BACKGROUND: Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is known to be involved in the progression and differentiation of various tumors. However, its significance and role in bladder carcinogenesis has not been fully elucidated. To determine the role ANXA1 plays in urothelial carcinoma (UC), we investigated the expression of ANXA1 protein in normal urothelial tissue, carcinoma in situ (CIS), and UC of the urinary bladder. METHODS: Protein expression level of ANXA1 and its subcellular localization were analyzed in 88 cases of UCs and corresponding 24 normal tissues and 24 CISs by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: ANXA1 was significantly down-regulated at all subcellular localization in CIS and in the cytoplasm and membrane of cells of UC, compared to normal tissues. No significant correlation between ANXA1 expression level and tumor depth (pT), growth pattern, and recurrence was found. However, cytoplasmic and membranous ANXA1 were significantly up-regulated in high grade than in low grade UC (p=0.02 in cytoplasm and p=0.03 in membrane). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ANXA1 dysregulation is involved in urothelial carcinogenesis and ANXA1 is potentially a marker for the pathologic differentiation of UC.

Enterobius vermicularis Ova in a Vaginal Smear

Enterobius vermicularis is one of the most common parasites found in the intestine of humans. The gravid female worms migrate outside the anus to release eggs on the perianal skin. Rarely, they migrate to the genitourinary tract in female patients. We present a case in which pinworm eggs were found in a cervicovaginal smear of a 37-year-old woman. The eggs were elongated oval shaped and flattened on one side. The thick, double contoured birefringent shell stained bright yellow or orange. Some coarsely granular embryos or curved larvae were enclosed in the refractile shell. Empty eggs or wrinkled shells with clumped granular material were also present. Although pinworm eggs are easily identified because of their characteristic morphologic appearance, careful screening is needed due to the frequent masking by inflammatory cells.

Significance of c-kit and COX-2 Expression in Breast Tissue

BACKGROUND: The proto-oncogene c-kit encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor. Studies have shown that c-kit is highly expressed in normal breast epithelium, but expression is decreased in primary breast cancer. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Expression of COX-2 has been reported in malignant tumors including breast cancer. We evaluated the expression of c-kit and COX-2 in benign and malignant lesions of the breast to assess the roles of these proteins in cancer initiation and progression. METHODS: We characterized 20 benign lesions, 20 intraductal carcinomas and 70 invasive breast carcinomas. Immunohistochemical staining for c-kit and COX-2 was performed. RESULTS: Expression of c-kit was detected in 75% of the benign breast lesions, 40% of the intraductal carcinomas and 10% of the invasive carcinomas. COX-2 expression was observed in 80% of the benign lesions, 70% of the intraductal carcinomas and 52% of the invasive carcinomas. Expression of c-kit was significantly correlated with tumor size (p=0.02). COX-2 expression was significantly correlated with negative expression of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor (p=0.02, p=0.04), Her-2/neu expression (p=0.008) and the high proliferation index (p=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that c-kit and COX-2 might be involved in malignant transformation of the mammary epithelium and tumor progression. It is suggested that c-kit and COX-2 can be used as predictive markers and therapeutic targets.