Association between Expression of 8-OHdG and Cigarette Smoking in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: Exposure to cigarette smoking (CS) is a major risk factor for the development of lung cancer. CS is known to cause oxidative DNA damage and mutation of tumor-related genes, and these factors are involved in carcinogenesis. 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is considered to be a reliable biomarker for oxidative DNA damage. Increased levels of 8-OHdG are associated with a number of pathological conditions, including cancer. There are no reports on the expression of 8-OHdG by immunohistochemistry in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We investigated the expression of 8-OHdG and p53 in 203 NSCLC tissues using immunohistochemistry and correlated it with clinicopathological features including smoking. RESULTS: The expression of 8-OHdG was observed in 83.3% of NSCLC. It was significantly correlated with a low T category, negative lymph node status, never-smoker, and longer overall survival (p < .05) by univariate analysis. But multivariate analysis revealed that 8-OHdG was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in NSCLC patients. The aberrant expression of p53 significantly correlated with smoking, male, squamous cell carcinoma, and Ki-67 positivity (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of 8-OHdG was associated with good prognostic factors. It was positively correlated with never-smokers in NSCLC, suggesting that oxidative damage of DNA cannot be explained by smoking alone and may depend on complex control mechanisms.

A Case of Cap Polyposis with Epidermal Nevus in an Infant

Cap polyposis is extremely rare in children. We report a case of an 11-month-old male infant who visited our hospital because of rectal prolapse and small amount of hematochezia lasting several days. He also had an epidermal nevus in the sacral area. Colonoscopy showed erythematous, multilobulated, circumferential, polypoid lesions with mucoid discharge from the rectum. He was diagnosed with cap polyposis by endoscopy and histologic examination. He was treated with surgical resection, and was closely followed up. In the relevant literature, there is no report of cap polyposis in an infant. We report the first case of cap polyposis in the youngest infant.

Thrombotic microangiopathy resulting from neglected blood pressure control

Hypertensive nephrosclerosis is usually associated with chronic hypertension, which increases the risk of progressive renal disease. Among the causes of malignant hypertension, thrombotic microangiopathy is complicated and is associated with renal dysfunction at the time of diagnosis. In this case, a young man with hypertension presented with renal failure and thrombocytopenia in the emergency department. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition of renal failure and thrombocytopenia among patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

A Case of Mixed Epithelial and Mesenchymal Hamartoma of Nasopharynx / 대한이비인후과학회지

Mixed epithelial and mesenchymal hamartoma in the nasopharynx is extremely rare. Hamartomas of the nasal cavity or nasopharynx are classified as epithelial, mesenchymal and mixed epithelial and mesenchymal types. We report an incidentally detected lesion arising in a 42-year-old female patient. The mass was resected endoscopically and was diagnosed as mixed epithelial and mesenchymal hamartoma. We report and discuss the pathological features and differential diagnosis of this rare nasopharyngeal hamartoma.

Expression of Cortactin and Focal Adhesion Kinase in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma: Correlation with Clinicopathologic Parameters and Their Prognostic Implication

BACKGROUND: Cortactin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are two important components among actin cross-linking proteins that play a central role in cell migration. METHODS: The aims of this study were to evaluate the expression of cortactin and FAK in normal colorectal mucosa and colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) using tissue microarray of 2 mm cores to correlate their expression with other clinicopathological factors and, investigate their prognostic significance. RESULTS: Twenty (9%) and 24 cases (11%) of normal colorectal mucosa were immunoreactive for cortactin and FAK. In addition, 184 (84%) and 133 cases (61%) of CRCs were immunoreactive for cortactin and FAK, respectively. Cortactin expression was associated with histologic differentiation and FAK expression. Cortactin, but not FAK expression was also correlated with poor overall and relapse-free survival and served well as an independent prognostic factor for poor survival. CONCLUSIONS: Cortactin expression, in association with FAK expression, may plays an important role in tumor progression. Furthermore, it may also be a satisfactory biomarker to predict tumor progression and survival in CRC patients.

Expression of CHOP in Squamous Tumor of the Uterine Cervix

BACKGROUND: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and abnormal p53 expression are closely involved in carcinogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) of uterine cervix. Recent studies have suggested that virus-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress modulates various cell survival and cell death signaling pathways. The C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) is associated with ER stress-mediated apoptosis and is also involved in carcinogenesis of several human cancers. We hypothesized that CHOP is involved in the carcinogenesis of uterine cervical cancer in association with HR-HPV and/or p53. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze CHOP and p53 protein expression of tissue sections from 191 patients with invasive cancer or preinvasive lesions of the uterine cervix (61 cases of SqCC, 66 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] III, and 64 cases of CIN I). RESULTS: CHOP was expressed in 59.4% of CIN I, 48.5% of CIN III, and 70.5% of SqCC cases. It was also significantly more frequent in invasive SqCC than in preinvasive lesions (p=0.042). Moreover, CHOP expression significantly correlated with HR-HPV infection and p53 expression (p=0.009 and p=0.038, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that CHOP is involved in the carcinogenesis of the uterine cervix SqCC via association with HR-HPV and p53.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Gingiva from the Lung: A Case Report

Metastases of malignant tumors to the oral region from distant sites are uncommon. A 45-year-old man with painless gingival swelling was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung. On cytology, clusters of tumor cells on mucous background revealed enlarged nuclei, indistinct cell borders, and irregular nuclear membranes. Some cells showed nuclear inclusions, nuclear grooves and small nucleoli. These findings are indicative of metastatic adenocarcinoma. We present a case of gingival metastasis from a lung adenocarcinoma.

Expressions of E-cadherin, Cortactin and MMP-9 in Pseudoepitheliomatous Hyperplasia and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Their Relationships with Clinicopathologic Factors and Prognostic Implication

BACKGROUND: E-cadherin, cortactin, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 have roles in tumor development or progression, but their expression has not been fully investigated in pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. METHODS: We evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, cortactin, and MMP-9 in 29 cases of PEH and 97 cases of SCC. Additionally, we evaluated their relationship with clinicopathologic factors and prognostic implications in SCC. RESULTS: Thirty-five cases of SCC showed reduced expression of E-cadherin, whereas none of the PEH did. A total of 20 cases and 11 cases of SCC were immunoreactive for cortactin and MMP-9, respectively, whereas none of the PEH did. In SCC, reduced expression of E-cadherin was correlated with cortactin expression and invasion depth. Cortactin expression was correlated with differentiation, T classification, and recurrence and/or metastasis. MMP-9 expression was correlated with invasion depth. Cortactin expression was correlated with poor overall survival and relapse-free survival and it was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced expression of E-cadherin and the expression of cortactin may be helpful for the differential diagnosis of PEH and SCC. Furthermore, cortactin expression in association with reduced E-cadherin expression is correlated with poor prognosis in SCC.

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) represents about the 1% of the malignant neoplasms in the salivary glands and clinically most commonly found localized, well defined and sometimes presents orofacial pain. Treatment of choice is surgical excision. Postoperative radiotherapy can be used when surgical margins are doubtful. We report our experience of EMC of the parotid gland. METHODS: A 78-year-old man presented with a three-year history of a localized, painless, 7 x 6 cm sized recurred tumor in his right preauricular area. He was diagnosed as EMC of the right parotid gland. So a total parotidectomy was performed. In his old medical history, he had a mass in the same area 5 years ago. The diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma was made and the mass excision was performed at the local clinic without further evaluation. RESULTS: It was unable to visually discriminate between the tumor and the normal tissue. So a total parotidectomy was performed. The patient was got post-operative radiotherapy and was followed up for 9 months. There was no specific evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: We present a case of EMC of the parotid gland in right preauricular area, which is uncommon. So we report a uncommon case of EMC to discuss about our experience with relevant journal discussion.

Torsion of a mucocele of the vermiform appendix: a case report and review of the literature / 대한외과학회지

Torsion of a mucocele of the vermiform appendix is an extremely rare condition and also a rare cause of an acute abdomen with a clinical presentation that is indistinguishable from acute appendicitis, and thus, the condition is diagnosed during operation. Here, the authors describe the case of a 78-year-old female, who presented with intermittent abdominal pain. The appendix had a pelvic position and the torsion was counterclockwise. In addition, the torsion was associated with mucocele of the appendix, which was considered a secondary factor of torsion. Appendectomy and drainage were performed.

Practical Standardization in Renal Biopsy Reporting

BACKGROUND: To standardize renal biopsy reporting and diagnosis, The Renal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists (RPSKSP) has developed a renal pathology reporting format for the native and allograft kidney. METHODS: A consensus checklist of a provisional renal biopsy format was sent to all members of the RPSKSP. Feed back opinions regarding the practical application of the checklist to the diagnostic work were received. RESULTS: Kidney biopsies require three essential examinations: by light microscopy, immunofluorescence (IF), and electron microscopy (EM). A final report of a renal biopsy should include information on specimen adequacy and a description of the morphologic change using a systematic semiquantitative method for each of the compartments, with optional separate IF and EM reports. CONCLUSIONS: A standard renal biopsy report format is important in establishing clinicopathologic correlations, making reliable prognostic considerations, comparing the findings in sequential biopsies and evaluating the effects of therapy.

Effects of Delay in the Snap Freezing of Colorectal Cancer Tissues on the Quality of DNA and RNA

PURPOSE: The success of basic molecular research using biospecimens strongly depends on the quality of the specimen. In this study, we evaluated the effects of delayed freezing time on the stability of DNA and RNA in fresh frozen tissue from patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Tissues were frozen at 10, 30, 60, and 90 minutes after extirpation of colorectal cancer in 20 cases. Absorbance ratio of 260 to 280 nm (A(260)/A(280)) and agarose gel electrophoresis were evaluated. In addition, the RNA integrity number (RIN) was assayed for the analysis of the RNA integrity. RESULTS: Regardless of delayed freezing time, all DNA and RNA samples revealed A(260)/A(280) ratios of more than 1.9, and all DNA samples showed a discrete, high-molecular-weight band on agarose gel electrophoresis. The RINs were 7.53 +/- 2.04, 6.70 +/- 1.88, 6.47 +/- 2.58, and 4.22 +/- 2.34 at 10, 30, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively. Though the concentration of RNA was not affected by delayed freezing, the RNA integrity was decreased with increasing delayed freezing time. CONCLUSION: According to the RIN results, we recommend that the collection of colorectal cancer tissue should be done within 10 minutes for studies requiring RNA of high quality and within 30 minutes for usual RNA studies.

Quality Control Program for Fresh Frozen Tissue and Its Results of Chonbuk National University Hospital National Biobank of Korea

BACKGROUND: Molecular tools for tissue profiling generally require collection of fresh frozen tissues (FFT) as sources of high-quality DNA and RNA. Nowadays, researchers carry out large-scale, multi-center studies and they request inter-institutional minimal intrinsic bias, some fundamental similarities, and the same standardized and validated procedures. METHODS: This study reports standardized quality control procedure for fresh frozen tissue of the National Biobank of Korea. RESULTS: The main procedures for quality control for FFT are as follows: records related to sample collection such as labeling of samples, transport temperature, lag time from excision of tissue to freezing, and sample size were reviewed for all fresh frozen samples. The stability of RNA and DNA in fresh frozen tissue was evaluated for 3% of collected samples and purity was assessed (ratio of the absorbance at 260 and 280 nm) as was integrity (agarose gel electrophoresis). Stained hematoxylin and eosin sections were reviewed by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis and to assess how representative the frozen sample was. CONCLUSIONS: We introduced that the quality-control criteria for fresh frozen tissue of the NBK. We expect that this study contributes to standardization of collection, storage, and quality control of fresh frozen tissue.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Gastric Glomus Tumor: A Case Report

Glomus tumors of the stomach are rare and are usually found as a solitary, intramural lesion. Here, we report a case of a gastric glomus tumor in a 60-year-old woman diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a 4 x 3 cm-sized, round, isoechoic mass at the fourth layer of the gastric wall. Smears revealed cohesive clusters of small, uniform, round to polygonal cells with scant cytoplasm and round, hyperchromatic nuclei with homogeneous chromatin. Immunocytochemistry by liquid-based cytology was positive for smooth muscle actin. The cytologic diagnosis of a glomus tumor was confirmed by a specimen from the laparoscopic resection. Although the cytologic features of glomus tumors are quite distinctive, an immunocytochemical stain from a liquid-based cytology preparation can further help to ascertain the diagnosis.

The Expressions of Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptor p75NGFR in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Their Relation with the Clinicopathologic Factors

BACKGROUND: Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been suggested to participate in tumor progression and it can interact with its receptor p75NGFR. In the present study, we investigated the expressions of NGF and p75NGFR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We performed immunohistochemistry for NGF, p75NGFR and PCNA in 45 cases of HCCs, and examined the relationships between the clinicopathologic factors and the immunohistochemical results. RESULTS: NGF was detected in 84.4% (38/45) of the tumor cells and in 64.4% (29/45) of the non-tumorous hepatocytes. Furthermore, a NGF expression was present in 28.9% (13/45) of the endothelial cells in the HCCs, but in 80% (36/45) of the endothelial cells in the non-tumor liver tissue. The tumor cells were negative for p75NGFR in all the HCCs. Although a p75NGFR expression was present in all the nerve fibers in the non-tumor liver tissues, it was markedly reduced (42.2%; 19/45) in the HCCs and a p75NGFR expression was observed at the sinusoids or around the large vessels. The HCCs expressing NGF, either in the tumor cells or the endothelial cells, showed a larger size than those HCCs that didn't express NGF. The NGF positive tumors showed a tendency toward a higher PCNA-labeling index than did the negative tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The changed localization of the NGF expression and the decreased expression of p75NGFR are associated with hepatic carcinogenesis. We suggest that a NGF expression may contribute to the progression of HCC.

Correlation of the Nuclear beta-catenin Expression with the Clinicopathological Parameters of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the human liver. However, the molecular changes and mechanisms that regulate the development and progression of HCC remain unclear. Beta-catenin is known as a multi-functional protein that acts as a regulator of the cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion system and also in the Wingless/Wnt signal transduction pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of beta-catenin and its possible role in HCC. METHODS: We investigated the expression of beta-catenin, Ki-67, TP53, alpha-smooth muscle actin and CD34 by performing immunohistochemical staining for 61 specimens of HCC and their adjacent non-tumorous tissue. We also examined the relationship between the nuclear expression of beta-catenin and the clinicopathologic parameters. RESULTS: The altered expression of beta-catenin was not detected in the nontumorous liver tissue. The nuclear expression of beta-catenin was observed in approximately 16% (10/61) of the HCC specimens. Double immunohistochemical staining for beta-catenin and E-cadherin showed a close relationship between nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and the loss of the membranous E-cadherin expression. Significant correlation was found between the nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and the tumor size, tumor necrosis and the presence of microvessel invasion and intrahepatic metastasis (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This data indicates that nuclear translocation of beta-catenin could play a role in the growth and progression of HCC.

Expression of claudin-1, beta-catenin and E-cadherin in adenocarcinoma of the colon / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Disruption of the cell-to-cell junction with changes in the expression of the junctional proteins is the hallmark of cancer invasion and metastasis. To investigate the roles of claudin-1, beta-catenin and E-cadherin in adenocarcinoma of the colon, the relationship of their expression with clinical and pathological factors were examined. METHODS: The expression of claudin-1, beta-catenin and E-cadherin were examined in 47 cases of adenocarcinoma of the colon by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: A reduced claudin-1 expression was associated with advanced lymph node metastasis (p=0.019) and histological dedifferentiation at the invasive front (p=0.030). A reduced expression of beta-catenin and E-cadherin were correlated with histological dedifferentiation (p=0.012, p=0.010, respectively). The reduced expression of two or more proteins was correlated with the histological findings of dedifferentiation (p=0.030). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that loss of claudin-1, beta-catenin and E-cadherin expression may be correlated with the progression of adenocarcinoma of the colon and associated with an advanced histological grade.

Actinomycosis of the Penile Shaft Coexisting with Fibrous Pseudotumor of the Testis

Here, we present an uncommon case of the penile shaft actinomycosis with coexisting fibrous pseudotumors of the testis. A 37-year-old, circumcised man presented with one penile and eight scrotal masses. The penile mass having a healed surface ulceration was located at the right side of the penile shaft. It was relatively circumscribed without a fibrous capsule. The cut surface showed a yellow-brown color with central focal necrosis. The scrotal tumors were circumscribed, whorled, white masses 0.3-2.0 cm in diameters, and were attached to the tunica vaginalis and tunica albuginea. Microscopically, the penile mass showed active inflammatory changes containing actinomyces displaying characteristic sulfur granules. Testicular masses were fibrous pseudotumors composed of bland spindle and stellate cells lying in dense collagenous stroma. Actinomycosis of the penis has been reported to occur at the corona of the uncircumcised penis associated with pilonidal sinus. The present case was not associated with pilonidal sinus and, unusually, displayed co-existence with fibrous pseudotumors of the testis.

Expression of Caveolin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Association with Unpaired Artery Formation and Radiologic Findings / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is becoming one of the common malignant tumors worldwide, and it is characterized by its high vascularity. Caveolin is the major structural protein in caveolae, which are small omega-shaped invaginations within the plasma membrane. Caveolin has been implicated in mitogenic signaling, oncogenesis and angiogenesis. The expression of caveolin-1 and -2 in HCC and its potential relationship with angiogenesis has not been examined. METHODS: Paraffin sections of 35 HCC specimens were immunostained with caveolin-1, caveolin-2, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and CD34 antibodies. In addition, the expression of caveolin-1 and -2 mRNA in HCC was examined. The relationship between the radiological findings and the number of unpaired arteries and microvessel density (MVD) was also investigated. RESULTS: Caveolin-1 and -2 were expressed in the sinusoidal endothelial cells in 20 out of 35, and 18 out of 35 HCC specimens, respectively. Caveolin-1 and -2 were also expressed in the smooth muscle cells of the unpaired arteries in 26 out of 35, and 18 out of 35 HCC specimens, respectively. Increased expression of caveolin-1 and -2 mRNA was detected in 26.7% and 33.3% of the tumor specimens, respectively, compared with the corresponding non-tumorous adjacent liver tissues. There was a significant correlation between expression of caveolin-1, -2 in the smooth muscle cells of unpaired arteries and the number of unpaired arteries. The number of unpaired arteries in HCCs was found to be associated with the degree of contrast enhancement in the arterial phase imaging. However, it did not correlate with the degree of MVD. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the expression of caveolin-1, -2 is associated with the formation of unpaired arteries in HCC. In addition, there is a correlation between the degree of contrast enhancement of the HCC in the arterial phase image and the number of unpaired arteries.

Synergistic Apoptotic Effect of Combination Treatment with Troglitazone and COX-2 Inhibitor in Glioma Cells

BACKGROUND: The use of troglitazone (a PPARgamma ligand) and COX-2 inhibitor have been intensively studied for inhibition of tumor growth in cancer treatment, but the anti-tumor effect with a combination of these agents for cancer has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to determine if low concentrations of troglitazone with COX-2 inhibitor in combination would cause significant cytotoxicity in glioma cells. METHODS: The effects of co-treatment with troglitazone and COX-2 inhibitor on cell growth and apoptosis were assessed by use of trypan blue exclusion and a DNA fragmentation assay. A western blot was used to analyze the apoptotic signaling for the expression of bcl-2, bax, PARP and p21 proteins. RESULTS: A low dose of troglitazone (5micrometer) and COX-2 inhibitor (5micrometer) strongly enhanced the cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in glioma cells when compared to a low dose of each drug alone. Western blotting analysis showed a decreased expression of bcl-2 and PARP proteins. In contrast, the bax protein level was increased. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of troglitazone and COX-2 inhibitor in a low dose elicits synergistic cytotoxicity in glioma cells. Our study also demonstrates that down regulation of bcl-2, fragmentation of PARP protein and increased expression of bax protein were accompanied by co-treatment with troglitazone and the COX-2 inhibitor.