Prognostic Implications of the Expression of CXCL16 in Breast Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Of the many prognostic factors for breast cancer, the relationship between an infiltration of inflammatory cells and the prognosis is debatable. Of the chemokines affecting cancer's inflammatory reactions, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 16 (CXCL16) has attracted attention for its prognostic value in many cancers, including colorectal cancer and renal cell carcinoma. But the situation for breast carcinoma is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the prognostic factors and the CXCL16 expression in patients with breast carcinoma. METHODS: The patients (n=106) diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer of the breast were enrolled. We reviewed the clinicopathological factors of these patients, hematoxylin and eosin stains were prepared and estrogen receptor (ER), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) and CXCL16 immunostaining was performed. RESULTS: The ER expression was significantly correlated with age and inflammation. A CXCL16 expression was noted in 81.1% of the cases. No association was evident between a CXCL16 expression and any other parameter, including the survival rate. Multivariate analysis did not implicate ER, HER2/neu or CXCL16 as an independent prognostic factor, but the tumor size was independent predictive factor for the patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS: An inflammatory reaction mediated by CXCL16 is not associated with the prognosis of breast cancer or any clinicopathological factors.

The Differential Expressions of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Regulator, Slug and the Cell Adhesion Molecule, E-cadherin in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Slug is a member of the Snail family of transcription factors, and it plays a crucial role in the regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppression of several epithelial proteins and adhesion molecules, including E-cadherin. METHODS: The aim of the present study was to examine the significance between the expression of Slug in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRA) specimens and the clinicopathological parameters of CRA, as determined by immunohistochemical analysis, and to determine the correlation between the Slug and E-cadherin expressions in non-neoplastic colorectal mucosa (n=45), primary CRA (n= 109) and metastatic CRA (n=17). A semiquantitative scoring system was applied based on the intensity and extent of the positive immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The expressions of Slug and E-cadherin were associated with the depth of tumor invasion (pT) (p=0.019, p=0.001, respectively), and these expressions showed a significant inverse correlation (p<0.001) each other. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated a positive role for Slug in the development of CRA, and Slug is a mediator of tumor invasion in CRA. In addition, an up-regulated Slug expression is significantly correlated with the loss of an E-cadherin expression, which suggests that Slug may play some role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by down-regulating the E-cadherin expression.

Adenocarcinoma with Yolk Sac Tumor of the Stomach: Case Report with Review of the Literature and an Immunohistochemical Study

Gastric yolk sac tumors are extremely rare with only a few cases reported in the literature. Here, we present the case of a 50-year-old man with an adenocarcinoma and a yolk sac tumor of the stomach, without metastasis to the lymph nodes. The tumor was an early gastric carcinoma confined to the submucosa. Twelve months post-operation the patient was alive with no complications. The yolk sac tumor showed positive labeling for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT), cytokeratin (CK) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), but was negative for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and p53. The adenocarcinoma was positive for alpha1-AT, CK, EMA, and CEA, but was negative for AFP, hCG, PLAP, and p53. These findings suggest that the yolk sac tumor and the adenocarcinoma components are closely related and may represent distinct phenotypes that arise from a common mucosal epithelial cell.

A Case of Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome Associated with Ibuprofen Overuse / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Ibuprofen is currently widely prescribed in the pediatric population and has potentially very severe adverse events, even in the absence of an overdose. We treated a four year-old male who presented with severe jaundice, skin rash, xanthoma, eosinophilia and decreased hepatic function after overuse of ibuprofen for fever control. The liver biopsy revealed the vanishing bile duct syndrome. We report a case of vanishing bile duct syndrome associated with Ibuprofen overuse for the first case in Korea.

Clinicopathological Significance of Maspin Expression in Breast Cancer

Maspin is a unique serine proteinase inhibitor that has tumor suppressor activity. It has been reported that maspin is expressed in normal human mammary epithelial cells and it is down-regulated during the progression of cancer. However, to date, there is very limited data on the clinical significance of maspin expression in human breast cancer. In this study, maspin expression was assessed immunohistochemically from 80 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) specimens of the breast. Also, maspin expression was compared with the clinicopathological factors (age, grade, tumor size and lymph node status), the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and p53, DNA ploidy and the overall survival in an attempt to assess its prognostic value. The maspin expression was positive in 25 IDC cases (31.3%). The maspin expression in IDC was significantly correlated with a higher histologic grade, a larger tumor size, a positive p53 status and shorter survival. There was an inverse association with maspin expression and the PR status. These findings suggest that maspin expression is not down-regulated with the progression of cancer and maspin expression may be associated with a poor prognosis. The immunohistochemical detection of maspin in breast cancers may be helpful for predicting an aggressive phenotype.

Expression of Osteopontin, ZO-1 and E-cadherin in Adenoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Colon

Background : The expressions of osteopontin (OPN), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and E-cadherin, known as cell adhesion-associated substances, were examined in adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the colon. The relationship of their expressions with clinicopathologic factors was examined to investigate the roles of these proteins in the development, invasion or metas- tasis of colon adenocarcinoma. Methods : The expressions of OPN, ZO-1, and E-cadherin were examined in 54 cases of adenoma and 67 cases of adenocarcinoma of the colon by immunohistochemical staining. Results : The expression of OPN in colon adenocarcinoma correlated with staging (p=0.012) and distant metastasis (p=0.021). The expression of ZO-1 was closely related with tumor cell differentiation (p<0.001), and the reduced expression of E-cadherin was associated with tumor cell differentiation (p=0.05) and lymph node metastasis (p<0.001). Co-expression of ZO-1 and E-cadherin was significantly associated with tumor cell differentiation, and the expressions of ZO-1 and E-cadherin were reduced or lost in all cases (5 cases) of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Conclusions : Our data suggest that OPN is involved in the process of invasion and metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma, and ZO-1- and E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion may play an important role in the differentiation of colon adenocarcinoma.

Significance of Cyclin E, p53, E-cadherin, and beta-Catenin Expressions in Gastric Adenocarcinomas

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is reported to be one of the leading causes of mortality in Korea. Our aim was to evaluate the clinicopathologic usefulness of cyclin E, p53, E-cadherin and beta-catenin expressions in gastric adenocarcinomas. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on the 40 early gastric carcinoma (EGC) cases and 69 advanced gastric carcinoma (AGC) cases to examine the relationship with the clinicopathologic parameters. RESULTS: Cyclin E and p53 expressions were significantly lower in the mucosal or submucosal invasion group compared with those in the muscle invasion and subserosal or serosal invasion groups. Cyclin E expression was significantly higher in the node-positive group compared with that in the node-negative group. The loss of beta-catenin expression was significantly higher in the node-negative group. p53 expression was significantly higher in the intestinal type group than that in the diffuse type group. Loss of E-cadherin expression was significantly higher in the diffuse type group. Cyclin E expression correlates with p53 expression. CONCLUSIONS: The depth of invasion seems to correlate with cyclin E and p53 expressions. Lymph node metastasis may correlate with loss of beta-catenin expression.

Congenital Epulis: A Report of Two Cases

We present two cases of congenital epulis in female newborns. Congenital epulis is a very rare lesion of uncertain histogenesis. The present lesions were located on the gingiva of the anterior alveolar ridge of the maxilla and the mandible, respectively. Both tumors consisted mainly of large eosinophilic granular cells arranged in solid nests. The neoplastic granular cells showed positive reactions for neuron specific enolase and vimentin in their cytoplasms, while they were entirely negative for other antibodies used in this study.

An Immunohistochemical Study of p53, Cyclin D1 and Cathepsin D Expression in Sinonasal Tumors / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Various host and tumor parameters, particularly the tumor size and lymph node metastasis have been studied in an attempt to evaluate and decide the optimal treatment of the patients with head and neck carcinomas. Moreover, it has been recognized that prognostic parameters can be useful for the evaluation of biological behaviors of malignancy. The p53 is a tumor suppressor gene and cyclin D1 is a cell cycle regulator, essential for G1 phase progression. Cathepsin D is a lysosomal aspartyl endopeptidase which degrades the extracellular matrix and proteoglycan. But there are still controversy in their clinical meanings in sinonasal malignant tumors. The purpose of this study is to assess the roles of p53, cyclin D1 and cathepsin D in sinonasal tumorigenesis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 27 inverted papilloma (IPs), 5 IPs associated with malignant transformation, and 16 squamous cell carcinoma tissue specimens were investigated by immunohistochemical staining for p53, cyclin D1, and cathepsin D. Clinicopathologic values were compared with the incidence of p53, cyclin D1, cathepsin D expression in sinonasal malignant tumors. RESULTS: p53/cyclin D1 expressions were increased as tumor progressed and these expressions were statistically significant (p< .05). No significant correlations were found among p53, cyclin D1, cathepsin D and other clinicopathologic factors. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that expressions of p53, cyclin D1 and cathepsin D may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of sinonasal malignant tumor sequence. Also, it is suggested that p53/cyclin D1 expressions may be useful variables for the prognostic assessment of sinonasal malignant tumors. However, it is not enough conclude so based on this result alone. Further studies, such as using molecular biological techniques, will be required to determine that p53/cyclin D1 expressions are related to the development or prognosis of sinonasal malignant tumors.

Expression of Chromogranin A, Cathepsin D, Cyclin D1 and p53 proteins in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the roles of chromogranin A, cathepsin D, cyclin D1 and p53 protein expression in colorectal tumorigenesis. METHODS: 83 colorectal cancer and 12 villotubular adenoma tissue specimens were investigated by immunohistochemical staining for chromogranin A, cathepsin D, cyclin D1 and p53 protein. Clinicopathologic values (tumor size, histologic grade, Astler-Coller stage and lymph node metastasis) were compared with the incidence of chromogranin A, cathepsin D, cyclin D1 and p53 protein expression in colorectal adenocarcinomas. RESULTS: Statistically significant correlation was noted between the expression of chromogranin A and histologic grade (p<0.05). The incidence of positive cathepsin D expression was increased with tumor size (p<0.05), and there was a statistically significant correlation between histologic grade and cathepsin D expression (p<0.005). There were no statistically significant correlations among cyclin D1 expression and tumor size, histologic grade, stage and lymph node metastasis. Patients with lymph node metastasis had a high incidence of positive p53 protein expression compared to those without this finding (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that chromogranin A, cathepsin D, and p53 protein are useful variables for the prognostic assessment of colorectal adenocarcinoma. The p53 protein seems to involve the metastatic ability of colorectal adenocarcinomas. Also, the expression of cathepsin D, cyclin D1, and p53 protein may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

The Clinical Values of Metaplasia, p 53, c - erbB2 and CEA Expression in Gallbladder Carcinoma / 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the correlation between the carcinogenesis of gallbladder and the expression of lysozyme, p53, c-erbB2 and CEA in gallbladder lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty cases of gallbladder lesions (containing 17 cases of GB carcinoma) were examined. We analyzed the clinicopathologic findings of the early (stage I & II) and advanced carcinoma (stage III, IV & V) and those of carcinoma with or without metaplasia in the tumor. We performed p53, c-erbB2 and CEA immunohistochemical staining and compared their findings with those of normal mucosa and preneoplastic lesions. We also performed lysozyme immunohistochemical staining and compared its finding with metaplastic and non-metaplastic lesions. RESULTS: There are two distinct genetic pathways in gallbladder cacinogenesis and metaplastic carcinoma was more frequent than non-metaplastic carcinoma. Metaplasia of gallbladder did not reveal any difference of the clinicopathologic findings and depth of invasion (Nevin stage). Lysozyme expression was found in all metaplastic lesions but non-expression did not indicate non-metaplastic lesions. p53 mutations and c-erbB2 alterations may have a role in the carcinogenesis of gallbladder carcinomas, especially, in a late event, and in an early and late events, respectively. The correlation of p53 and c-erbB2 expressions was found but which did not indicate that the co-expression was needed in the carcinogenesis. CEA immunohistochemical staining may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of benign lesions and precancerous and cancerous lesions of the gallbladder. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that p53 mutations and c-erbB2 alterations may have a role in the carcinogenesis of gallbladder carcinomas, especially, in a late event, and in an early and late events, respectively.

Expression of the p53 Protein and Detection of HPV by ISH in Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The p53 protein is a 53 kD phosphoprotein. It is also one of the early recognition markers of malignancy and can be used to predict the aggressive behaviors of tumor. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a species-specific, epitheliotrophic, double-stranded DNA virus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression rate of p53, and to investigate whether a correlation exists between the rate of recurrence and the severity of lesion. We also investigated whether p53 expression rate and HPV affect recurrence and carcinogenesis of inverted papilloma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two cases of the inverted papilloma and 6 cases of squamous cell carcinoma arising in the inverted papilloma were used for the study. We used immunohistochemical staining for p53 and performed the molecular study of HPV DNA with in situ hybridization (ISH) on the paraffin embedded materials. RESULTS: 1) The overall expression rate of p53 was 39% (11/28). A significant correlation was observed between p53 protein accumulation and the severity of the lesion (p=0.0015). 2) Seven of 11 patients who tested positive for p53 showed recurrence, whereas two of the 12 patients who tested negative for p53 showed recurrence. There was a correlation between the rates of p53 expression and recurrence (p=0.029). 3) The HPV was detected in four cases (13%) of inverted papilloma. There was no statistical significance between HPV and the rate of recurrence(p=0.147). CONCLUSION: The results demonstate that p53 mutations and HPV may play a role in the oncogenesis of inverted papilloma.

Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Observation on Small Round Cell Tumors

Small round cell tumors such as neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's tumor, malignant lymphoma and small cell carcinoma are often confused clinically and histologically. To clarify the similarites and differences and to get more information on the histogenesis among the small round cell tumors, we examined histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of ten cases of neuroblastomas, twenty Ewing's tumors, ten embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas and twelve small cell carcinomas in children and young adults. Antibodies against desmin, vimentin, cytokeratin, neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin, neurofilament, S-100 protein, chromogranin and HBA 71 were used in biotin streptavidin procedures. The results of the immunohistochemical and electron microscopical examinations yielded virtually identical findings in each group as followings. 1) Among the twenty cases of Ewing's tumors, eighteen cases were positive in staining for HBA-71. The staining for HBA-71 was negative in neuroblastoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and small cell carcinoma. 2) Neuroblastomas had marked interdigitating cytoplasmic processes containing many microtubules and dense-core secretory granules, however, they were sparse and rare in Ewing's tumor. 3) Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma showed actin-myosin bundles. According to differentiation, well differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma exhibited Z-band materials and external lamina. 4) Neuroblastoma showed ultrastructural evidence of a neuronal differentiation, but neuronal differentration is a sparse and rare in Ewing's tumor. This ultrastructural feature strengthens the hypothesis that Ewing's tumor is derived not only from an undifferentiated neuroectodermal stem cell but from primitive cell of neuroectodermal origin.

Morphologic Comparisons of Focal Segmental Glomerulo-sclerosis between Human and 5/6 Nephrectomy Rat Model

This study was conducted to set up a common mechanism for varying phases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS) by comparing the morphological differences between human FSGS and changes in 5/6 renal ablation animal model, which has been accepted as experimental prototype for hyperfiltration theory as pathogenesis of FSGS. Both the human and the experimental rats showed very similar changes such as segmental glomerulosclerosis, vacuole formations or inclusion of small granules of podocytes, appearance of foamy cells in the capillary lumina, eosinophilic deposits along the mesangial area, and focal atrophy of tubules with associated interstitial fibrosis. The halo, frequently seen in human FSGS, is due to detachment of visceral epithelium from basement membrane, however, did not appear in the experimental rat specimen. On the other hand, the foamy cells and hyalinization were more frequently noted in the rat series and even involved the arterioles. The mesangial proliferation never appeared in the rat series occasionally found in human FSGS. In conclusion, the pathogenesis of FSGS cannot depend solely on the hyperfiltration theory of hemodynamic derangement, but has complex impairment of visceral epithelium and cells forming the constituents of basement membrane.

Morphologic Comparisons of Focal Segmental Glomerulo-sclerosis between Human and 5/6 Nephrectomy Rat Model

This study was conducted to set up a common mechanism for varying phases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS) by comparing the morphological differences between human FSGS and changes in 5/6 renal ablation animal model, which has been accepted as experimental prototype for hyperfiltration theory as pathogenesis of FSGS. Both the human and the experimental rats showed very similar changes such as segmental glomerulosclerosis, vacuole formations or inclusion of small granules of podocytes, appearance of foamy cells in the capillary lumina, eosinophilic deposits along the mesangial area, and focal atrophy of tubules with associated interstitial fibrosis. The halo, frequently seen in human FSGS, is due to detachment of visceral epithelium from basement membrane, however, did not appear in the experimental rat specimen. On the other hand, the foamy cells and hyalinization were more frequently noted in the rat series and even involved the arterioles. The mesangial proliferation never appeared in the rat series occasionally found in human FSGS. In conclusion, the pathogenesis of FSGS cannot depend solely on the hyperfiltration theory of hemodynamic derangement, but has complex impairment of visceral epithelium and cells forming the constituents of basement membrane.

Overexpression of p53 Protein in Endometrial Hyperplasia and Adenocarcinoma

Proliferations of the endometrial glands form a continuum from focal glandular crowding through simple hyperplasia, complex hyperplasia and atypical hyperplasia to frank adenocarcinoma. But objective criteria to distinguish these proliferative endometrial lesions are not clear-cut and terminology is confusing. The p53 protein is a nuclear phosphoprotein that can regulate cell proliferation and suppress tumor growth. Mutation in the p53 gene have been reported in a variety of human tumors, and in selected malignancies overexpression of p53 has been associated with poor prognosis. In this study we examined a series of endometrial proliferative lesion, including hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma, and adenomyosis to determine whether or not p53 is overexpressed in these lesions. In the result, p53 immunoreactivity was observed in 3 of 17 (17.6%) simple hyperplasia, one of 6 (16.6%) complex hyperplasia, none of 3 (O%) atypical hyperplasia, 6 of 13 (46.1%) adenocarcinoma and none of 10 (O%) adenomyosis. In conclusion, p53 mutation seems to play a role in oncogenesis of endometrial adenocarcinoma in early phase but there was no significant relationship between p53 overexpression and histologic grade of adenocarcinoma.

p53 Expression in the Head and Neck Tumor

Mutations in the p53 gene seem to be the most common genetic changes in human malignancies. Mutation or altered p53 expression is a common occurrence in many solid neoplasms, including head and neck carcinomas. Recent studies have also shown p53 alterations in several premalignant conditions of the colon, esophagus, lung, and brain. Preliminary data have suggested that p53 mutations may be involved in tumor progression. This study was performed to determine the incidence of p53 mutations in histologically 27 squamous cell carcinomas, 19 basal cell carcinomas, 18 Schneiderian papillomas, 3 Schneiderian papillomas with malignant transformation, and 15 pleomorphic adenomas of the head and neck region. The degree of p53 gene overexpression was also evaluated according to differentiation, histologic type of tumor, and tumor progression in the head and neck carcinomas. The results were as follows; 1) Eighteen of 27 squamous cell carcinomas, and 4 of 27 dysplasias adjacent to the squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck expressed p53 protein, but none of the normal control specimens expressed detectable p53 protein. There was no relationship between differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma and p53 protein expression. 2) Twelve of 19 basal cell carcinomas expressed p53 protein; the adenoid type especially overexpressed p53 protein. 3) Nine of 15 pleomorphic adenomas expressed p53 protein especially in the epithelial components. 4) Thirteen of 18 Schneiderian papillomas and all Schneiderian papillomas with malignant transformation expressed p53 protein. The above results indicate that the p53 protein expression is a useful tool for the prediction of tumor progression in the head and neck tumor, but there was no relationship between the differentiation of the tumor and p53 protein expression.

Immunohistochemical Study of p53 Protein Expression in Colorectal Tumors

The aims of this study were to assess the role of p53 overexpression in colorectal tumorigenesis and the association with clinicopathological features. The immunohistochemical results were semiquantitatively assessed. Expression of aberrant p53, tumor-suppressor gene product, was studied immunohistochemically using a monoclonal antibody in 11 nonneoplastic polyps, 19 tubular adenomas, 9 villous adenomas, and 48 colorectal carcinomas. Five out of 11 nonneoplastic polyps, 14 out of 19 tubular adenomas and one out of 9 villous adenomas expressed p53 protein. Seven out of 24 colorectal carcinomas without lymph node metastasis and 14 out of 24 colorectal carcinomas with lymph node metastsis expressed p53 protein. The case of more than 75% positivity of p53 in colorectal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis was seven out of 24, but that in lymph node negative group was two out of 24. In the colorectal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis group; metastatic intranodal neoplastic cells were expressed positively for p53 in 10 out of 14 cases and zero out of 10 cases in group of positive and negative expression of primary lesions, respectively. p53 protein expression was not significantly correlated with variable clinicopathologic features such as age, sex, tumor location, tumor size, differentiation and Dukes' stage. It is suggested that p53 protein overexpression could be a early event in pathogenesis of colon cancer but is not involved in progression of villous adenoma to adenocarcinoma. p53 overexpression seems to be involved in metastatic ability of colorectal carcinomas.

Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of Fibroblast Differentiation

The histogenesis of the myofibroblast continues to be a controversial issue. The most popular view is that the myofibroblast is derived directly from the fibroblast. The important role of myofibroblasts in the synthesis of collagen and in wound contraction was demonstrated initially in granulation tissue in experimental animals. Four settings are recognized in which myofibroblasts are the principal proliferative cells: reparative responses, pseudoneoplastic disorders, stromal response to neoplasia, and true neoplasms, both benign and malignant. To identify of fibroblastic cells with smooth muscle differentiation features in the nonneoplastic and neoplastic lesions, we examined a variety of histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of 7 cases of granulation tissue, 7 of hypertrophic scar, 10 of chronic persistent hepatitis, 10 of chronic active hepatitis, 7 of liver cirrhosis, 7 of fibromatosis, 42 of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, 14 of microinvasive carcinoma, 14 of invasive carcinoma, 7 of fibroma, 20 of fibrosarcoma and 72 of malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Antibodies against alpha-smooth muscle actin and desmin were used in a biotin-streptavidin procedures. The results of immunohistochemical and electron microscopical examinations yielded virtually identical findings. The identification of fibroblastic cells with smooth muscle cell differentiation features in the desmoplastic reactions of carcinomas, fibroma, fibrosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma offers also novel diagnostic and prognostic perspectives, that might help in evaluating preneoplastic lesions and malignant lesions. So degree of proliferative myofibroblasts was helpful diagnostic aid in differentiation of chronic persistent hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.

Paragonimiasis Involving the Female Genital Tract and Cul De Sac: A case report

Paragonimiasis caused by Paragonimus westermani is essentially a pulmonary disorder, but it is also known to cause ectopic parasitism at various sites in human host such as the brain, muscle, liver, spinal cord and spleen. Ectopic parasitism of the female genital tract, especially the ovary is relatively rare. We have experienced a case of a 62-year-old Korean woman with asymptomatic ectopic paragonimiasis in the salpinx , ovary, and cul de sac.