Correlation between permeability glycoprotein expression and tumor grade in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

One established mechanism of multidrug resistance [MDR] in cancer chemotherapy is elevated expression of permeability-glycoprotein [Pgp], that functions as an efflux pump which excretes lipophilic chemotherapeutic drugs from cancer cells. The expression of Pgp by immunohistochemistry was examined in tissue specimens taken from 60 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas using a monoclonal antibody, which is specific to human MDR1 gene product. The results showed that 80% of the tumors were stained by Pgp antibody with a statistically significant correlation between the degree of expression of Pgp and the degree of differentiation. The results showed also a wide variation in Pgp expression and high expression of Pgp in more undifferentiated tumors. So, Pgp can be used as a marker for diagnostic and prognostic value in the head and neck cancer

Oval cells: a possible new predictor for early malignant transformation in cases of chronic viral hepatitis B

Proliferation of a new population of epithelial cells with distinct structure, as well as showing cytokeratin 19 and alpha-fetoprotein expression, was observed in non-neoplastic liver tissues of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Eighteen cases of chronic virus B-hepatitis with hepatomegaly were studied for the presence of oval cells. Oval cells were not observed in 28% [n = 5] of the cases that had only a slightly elevated serum level of alpha-fetoprotein [43.6 +/- 38.2 ng/ml]. Oval cells were detected in 39% [n = 7] of cases showing cirrhosis and a higher serum level of alpha-fetoprotein [221.43 +/- 67.19 ng/ml]. In 33% [n = 6] of cases, oval cells detection was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and a very high serum level of alpha-fetoprotein [1651 +/- 1106 ng/ml]. So, it is possible that the proliferation of these oval cells may partly account for the elevation of serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein frequently seen in precancerous stages of hepatitis B virus-associated human hepatocellular carcinoma. Also, oval cells may be a useful signal in early detection of malignant transformation in cases of chronic hepatitis B

Histopathological changes in cryptorchidism: light and electron microscopic study

25 cases [26 testes] of cryptorchidism, were studied clinically, and histopathologically [light and electron microscopy]. Cases were divided into 3 age groups: Preschool [1-5 years] 8 testes, prepubertal [6-15 years] 9 testes and postpubertal [16-35 years] 9 testes. Position of the testes included intraabdominal [7 tests], intracanalicular [14 tests], at external ring [3 tests], and inguinal ectopic [2 tests]. Wedge testicular biobsies during one stage orchiopexy [25 testes], and orchiectomy [one testes], were subjected for light and electron microscopic studies in relation to different age groups, and site of testicular arrest. It is concluded that the pathological changes in seminiferous tubules start to appear by the age of 2 years in light microscopic study. On the other hand, mitochondria changes start to appear by the age of one year in electron microscopic study. In addition, these changes are a continuous process. There is also a significant relation between histopathological changes and site of arrest, where maximal changes appear in intraabdominal ones. Orchiopexy was recommended to be done at earlier age by one to two years of age to retain maximal testicular function

Effect of anti-bilharzial treatment [praziquantel] on urothelium improvement A histopathological and immunological study

The effect of therapy by praziquantel on bilharzial urothelium was studied on 60 patients, 30 cases and 30 control. Cystoscopic and bladder biopsy was taken before and after treatment with praziquantel 40 mg/kg/ body weight for 4 doses one week apart. Cystoscopy after treatment revealed disappearance of the acute lesions: acute ulcers, edema and congestion. But no improvement of chronic lesions; and no changes were found among control group. Histopathological examination shows complete improvement of the acute lesions, granulomatous reaction, degeneration of the living ovae; but no noticeable effect upon the chronic lesions as stromal fibrosis, squamous metaplasia, and no histopathological changes shown among control group. Immunofluorescent deposition positivity was studied in bilharzial Antigen, IgM, IgA and IgG. Bilharzial antigen and IgM immunofluorscent deposition positivily can be used as a marker for detection of the response of treatment with praziquantel especially in acute lesions