Protective effect of Ulva lactuca extract during hepatic cold preservation in rats

Background: The researchers find means for the improvement of the organs conservation allowing prolonging the durations of the cold ischemia [before transplantation] with preservation of the maximum of their functional activity

Aim: To evaluate the extracts stemming from the green seaweed Ulva lactuca to improve the organs conservation solution against cold hepatic-ischemia effects in Wistar rats

Methods: Animals were randomized between 3 groups: sham group [shortly preserved]; livers were washed with saline solution [NaCl 9 %], and then placed in a preservation solution [Krebs-Henseleit] for 30 min at 4[degree]C. For the other two groups [non-treated group and treated group with Ulva lactuca extract], livers were preserved under the same conditions for 24 h. After liver conservation, we realized an extraction of mitochondria for the dosage of MDA and to evaluate the mitochondrial respiration. In the hypothermic ischemia model AST and ALT activities, and Na+, Ca2+, K+ and Cl- monitoring, were assessed in the preservation liquid. Fragments of livers were used for histological analysis

Results: AST and ALT levels decrease significantly in the treated group [185 +/- 35.2 and 163.6 +/- 24.5 U/I] compared to the non-treated group [644.3 +/- 254.4 and 925.7 +/- 459.7 U/I] respectively. The percentage of lipid peroxidation inhibition increased of 26.43 +/- 1.33% and the percentage of mitochondrial activity increased of 38.8 +/- 4.3%, between treated and non-treated groups. Extensive ballooning degeneration [reversible lesion] and apoptosis cell was found in the non-treated group

Conclusion: Ulva lactuca extract protects hepatocytes from the deleterious effect induced by hypothermic ischemia in rats

[Molecular characterization of lynch syndrome in Tunisia]

High rates of early colorectal cancers [CRC] are observed in Tunisia suggesting genetic susceptibility. Nevertheless, up to now no molecular studies have been performed in the Tunisian population. To evaluate the clinical and genetic characteristics of Tunisian families suspected of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer [HNPCC] and to identify new tumoral markers for CRC susceptibility leading to distinguish patients with sporadic CRC from those with familial CRC, like HNPCC. 31 unrelated families suspected of HNPCC were screened for germline mutations in MMR genes. We have also analyzed tumoral phenotype and the genetic characteristics of tumors from 51 patients with CRC meeting the Bethesda criteria. 10 different germ line mutations, 8 of which were novel, were identified in 11 out of the 31 families [35.5%], 5 in MSH2 and 5 in MLH1. Our results showed that MUC5AC expression was more frequent in patients with family history of CRC [p=0.039]. The analysis of MUC5AC expression might be very beneficial in the detection of Tunisian patients with high susceptibility to CRC

[Immunohistochemical analysis of mismatch repair proteins in colorectal adenomas]

The deficiency of mismatch repair system is one of the main pathways in colorectal cancer. This system consists mainly of four proteins: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Colorectal cancer develops in the majority of cases from precancerous lesions called adenomas. Only few studies have reported on the deficiencies of these proteins in adenomas. In this study we used immunohistochemistry staining in colorectal adenomas to assay functional status of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 proteins. 102 adenomas from 93 patients were collected in our institution during six years [2007-2012]. The immunohistochemical technique was performed with 4 antibodies: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. The loss of expression was retained if adenomatous cells were not stained with positive internal control. Staining was considered as abnormal if nucleus of adenomatous cells showed low nuclear staining and / or heterogeneous one, while positive internal control had normal staining. Loss of expression of MSH2 and MSH6 in adenomatous cells was found in only 1 case which was a tubular adenoma 3mm high-grade dysplasia. Abnormal staining of the adenomatous cells was noted in 23 cases [22.5%] for MSH2 and in 8 cases [7.8%] for MSH6. No cases showed loss of expression of MLH1 and PMS2. Abnormal expression of MSH2 and MSH6 was not correlated with sex of patients, the location of the adenoma, its grade of dysplasia and its histological type. Loss of Mismatch repair proteins expression is a rare event in adenomas. However, the abnormal expression levels are higher in our study compared to those reported in the literature. This could reflect a higher rate of microsatellite instability in our patients. Multicenter and larger studies with molecular biology techniques are needed

Prognostic value of pheochromocytoma of the adrenal gland scaled score [PASS score] tests to separate benign from malignant neoplasms

Differentiating malignant from benign pheochromocytoma has been challenging when based on histologic features. This is due to the definition of malignant pheochromocytoma which are defined by the presence of metastases. A PASS score was developed and according to many authors, a PASS score> =4 identified potentially malignant tumors. To assess the prognostic value of PASS score in differentiating benign pheochromocytomas from malignant ones. The records of 11 patients with tumors diagnosed as "pheochromocytoma" were identified from 1970 to 2010 in the files of the pathology, intern medicine and biochemistry departments of the Charles Nicolle hospital and Pasteur Institute. Receiver operating characteristics [ROC] curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of PASS. The logistic model was developed using the 11 predictive variables. Its performance was evaluated by calculating the area under the ROC curve and comparing it with that of the PASS. In benign tumors, The PASS score was <4 in 3 cases and >/= 4 in 6 cases. In malignant tumors, the PASS score was >/= 4 in both cases. According to the ROC curve analysis, a PASS equal or superior to 4 identifies malignant pheochromocytoma with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 45%. I think that PASS score, despite its low sensitivity, may help to reserve the more aggressive treatment and narrow follow up for potentially malignant tumors. Widespread of this called score with complete clinical data will help to validate these findings and to add other prognostic factors of value that could be a part of this scaled score such as immunohistochemical findings

[Is there a link between the occurrence of kidney cancer and hypertension in Tunisian population?]

Kidney cancer is generally asymptomatic and discovered incidentally at a late stage, which is a negative diagnosis because in most cases the disease is incurable at this stage. Some predisposing factors have been revealed by studies such high blood pressure, which is a frequent among the Tunisian population. A study among the Tunisian population to determine if there is a link between the occurrence of kidney cancer and the hypertension. Our work was conducted on 91 patients with confirmed renal cell carcinoma and 91 healthy subjects who consulted the Urology Department at the Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis. The study of clinical records has identified the clinical, pathological and therapeutic features of the 182 patients. 59% of individuals with hypertension have developed kidney cancer with a significant p-value equal to 0.03. The more the value of blood pressure increases the more the risk is [p = 0.03]. Smoking in combination with hypertension is a factor favoring the occurrence of cancer with a value of p equal to 0.05. In the Tunisian population hypertension is a risk factor for developing kidney cancer, a factor compounded by the high incidence of this disease. What prompts us to make explorations of kidney lodges of hypertensive patients

Giant trichoblastoma of the scalp

Trichoblastoma is a rare and benign adnexial tumor with characteristic histological features. It occurs on any hair folliclebearing location, and usually presents as a solitary lesion most often less than 2 cm in size. Giant trichoblastoma has been rarely reported in the literature. To report a new case of giant trichoblastoma, misleading for malignancy. A 57-year-old woman presented with a 5 cm-solitary asymptomatic nodular lesion of the scalp, of 28 years. It had been previously excised with recurrence and progressive regrowth. On examination, it was a dome-shaped, erythematous, firm, papillomatous, non infiltrated nodule. Full body work up revealed no metastases. Cutaneous biopsy concluded to trichoblastoma but failed to eliminate malignancy. After excision with secondary skin graft, histological examination confirmed the benignity with clear margins. There was no evidence of recurrence after a 5 year-follow-up period. This case illustrates a rare clinical variant of trichoblastoma with an unusual important size. This can be misleading for malignancy, but the slowly progressive course of the tumour in our patient, together with histological benignity led to the correct diagnosis. This tumour is considered as a distinct entity by some authors

utility of alpha-methyl CoA racemase [P504S] expression as a marker of renal cell carcinomas

Renal cell tumours are numerous and heterogeneous. Because of their clinicopathological heterogeneity, their accurate diagnosis may be challenging. In case of an equivocal diagnosis, immunohistochemistry may be a useful mean of diagnosis. Recently, alpha-methyl CoA racemase has been identified as a useful marker in kidney cancers. Our objectives are to highlight the role of alpha-methyl CoA racemase [AMACR] as a diagnostic marker in papillary renal carcinoma and to assess its utility in the other tumour types. A retrospective review was performed on 62 patients who were treated for renal tumours between January 1994 and November 2005. Immunoreactivity was evaluated with a qualitative manner. Positive AMACR staining was defined as a coarse dense cytoplasmic granularity. The 62 renal tumours were diagnosed as papillary tumours in 22 cases, clear cell tumours in 18 cases, chromophobe carcinoma in 12 cases and oncocytoma in 10 cases among the 22 cases of papillary tumours, all the cases [100%] showed cytoplasmic immunoreactivity staining. 4 cases between the 18 clear cell carcinomas [22%] showed positivity with AMACR. The 12 cases of chromophobe carcinoma didn't express AMACR by immunohistochemistry. Only one case between the oncocytomas [1%] expressed AMACR. This study confirms the high sensitivity of AMACR for papillary renal cell carcinomas but we must keep in mind that weak focal AMACR staining could be present in other renal cell carcinomas

[ exceptional hepatic tumor]

Hepatic localization of non Hodgkin's lymphoma is generally secondary. Primary localizations are rare.To report a rare case of primary hepatic lymphoma particular by its association with dermatopolymyositis. A 55-year-old woman with a past medical history of dermatopolymyositis diagnosed one year before presented with abdominal pain and fever. Laboratory tests showed pancytopenia. Radiologic examination revealed multiple hepatic masses. Surgical biopsy revealed a large B cell hepatic lymphoma. No other localizations were found so the diagnosis of primary hepatic lymphoma was retained. The patient died after a few days due to a severe sepsis. Primary hepatic lymphoma is a rare tumor with a bad prognosis. Its diagnosis is based on histologic examination. Treatment of these tumors remains non consensual

Hepatocellular carcinoma with sarcomatous change

Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] with sarcomatous change is an uncommon neoplasm with a poor prognosis. To report a new case. A 72-year-old man presented with abdominal right upper quadrant pain. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was suspected on clinical and biochemical data. On abdominal computed tomography, the mass was not enhanced in the arterial phase and exhibited peripheral enhancement during portal phase which persisted in the delayed phase. The serum alpha-fetoprotein was 500 ng/ml but since the imaging features were not typical of ordinary HCC, percutaneous liver biopsy was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of HCC with sarcomatous change. Except for liver biopsy, no diagnostic method could distinguish between sarcomatous and ordinary HCC

[Chronic prurigo revealing an angio-immunoblastic T cell lymphoma]

Cutaneous manifestations in angio-immunoblastic T cell lymphoma [AITL] can be seen in almost 50% of patients. They are especially represented by maculo-papular pseudotoxic exanthema. The other manifestations, like nodular prurigo are rarely observed. We report a case of AITL diagnosed after an etiologic screening for chronic prurigo. The objective of our work is to stress on the possibility to diagnose a hemopathy in etiologic screening of chronic pruritus. A 45-year-old patient presented a chronic pruritus of 18 months associated with general manifestations [fever, night sweating and weight loss]. Physical examination showed diffuse adenomegalies. On histology, the lymph nodes were composed of polymorphous lymphoid proliferation made of middle to large sized cells with clusters of epithelioid cells and post-capillary veinules hyperplacia. Immunohistochemical study showed T cell phenotype [CD3+]. Large cells were CD30+. Latent Protein of EBV virus was not expressed. Molecular biological analysis of a lymph node showed a T cell clonal proliferation. Cutaneous biopsy showed a little dermic perivascular lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate. The diagnosis of angio-immunoblastic T cell lymphoma was made. The abdomino-pelvian CT scanner showed multiple inter-aortico-cave lymph nodes and a splenomegaly. A polychemotherapy was initiated. In front of chronic prurigo with general manifestations, a careful etiologic screening should be done to detect internal disorders especially malignant hemopathies

aggressive course of de novo ulcerative colitis after renal transplantation: colonic adenocarcinoma with choriocarcinomatous differentation

A rare case of colonic carcinoma arising in de novo ulcerative colitis after renal transplantation in a 42-year-old woman is reported. Clinically, the patient presented ulcerative colitis 8 years after renal transplantation, developed colonic cancer with liver metastasis 2 years later and died one month post operatively. Histologically, the removed tumor was composed of two distinctive elements consisting of adenocarcinoma and choriocarcinoma. The metastatic foci in the liver were composed exclusively of choriocarcinoma. Identification as choriocarcinoma was made on the basis, of typical histological appearance, immunohistochemical demonstration of human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] in the tumor cells and the high serum hCG level, unrelated to trophoblastic disease. In this report, pathogenesis is briefly discussed and clinical conditions are reviewed. In conclusion, the issue of de novo UC after organ transplantation is still a matter of debate. Further investigations are necessary to understand the tumorogenesis of colorectal cancer in de novo UC after renal transplantation

[Abdominal desmoid tumor pathologic and therapeutic concepts]

Abdominal desmoid tumors arise in young adults between 20 and 40 years. They are character/i2ed by a local recurrence in 20 to 30% of eases. Review the clinical and pathologic features of this entity, look for the expression of immunohistochemical markers [actine, desmine, CD34, vimentin] and also to estimate the expression of two potential targets therapy; the hormonal receptors and the CD117. From 1990 to 2004, three cases of abdominal desmoid tumors were diagnosed in the Pathologic laboratory of the Charles Nicole Hospital of Tunis. The study concerned three women 62, 35 and 30 year-old. All the patients were operated and the site of tumours varied to 5 to 7cm. The CD117 and the hormonal receptors were negative in every case. None of the patients presented local recurrence. Abdominal desmoid tumors are locally aggressive but never give metastasis. The negativity of these lesions to the CD117 and in the hormonal receptors does not imply resistance in the hormonal treatment by anti-estrogens