Analysis on tumor immune microenvironment and construction of a prognosis model for immune-related skin cutaneous melanoma / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Malignant melanoma is a highly malignant and heterogeneous skin cancer. Although immunotherapy has improved survival rates, the inhibitory effect of tumor microenvironment has weakened its efficacy. To improve survival and treatment strategies, we need to develop immune-related prognostic models. Based on the analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database, this study aims to establish an immune-related prognosis prediction model, and to evaluate the tumor immune microenvironment by risk score to guide immunotherapy.@*METHODS@#Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) transcriptome sequencing data and corresponding clinical information were obtained from the TCGA database, differentially expressed genes were analyzed, and prognostic models were developed using univariate Cox regression, the LASSO method, and stepwise regression. Differentially expressed genes in prognostic models confirmed by real-time reverse transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Survival analysis was performed by using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the effect of the model was evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve as well as multivariate Cox regression, and the prognostic model was validated by 2 GEO melanoma datasets. Furthermore, correlations between risk score and immune cell infiltration, Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) score, immune checkpoint mRNA expression levels, tumor immune cycle, or tumor immune micro-environmental pathways were analyzed. Finally, we performed association analysis for risk score and the efficacy of immunotherapy.@*RESULTS@#We identified 4 genes that were differentially expressed in TCGA-SKCM datasets, which were mainly associated with the tumor immune microenvironment. A prognostic model was also established based on 4 genes. Among 4 genes, the mRNA and protein levels of killer cell lectin like receptor D1 (KLRD1), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) genes in melanoma tissues differed significantly from those in normal skin (all P<0.01). The prognostic model was a good predictor of prognosis for patients with SKCM. The patients with high-risk scores had significantly shorter overall survival than those with low-risk scores, and consistent results were achieved in the training cohort and multiple validation cohorts (P<0.001). The risk score was strongly associated with immune cell infiltration, ESTIMATE score, immune checkpoint mRNA expression levels, tumor immune cycle, and tumor immune microenvironmental pathways (P<0.001). The correlation analysis showed that patients with the high-risk scores were in an inhibitory immune microenvironment based on the prognostic model (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The immune-related SKCM prognostic model constructed in this study can effectively predict the prognosis of SKCM patients. Considering its close correlation to the tumor immune microenvironment, the model has some reference value for clinical immunotherapy of SKCM.

Estado mutacional de BRAF y parámetros histopatológicos en melanoma maligno cutáneo / Mutational status of BRAF and histopathological characteristics in cutaneous malignant melanoma

El melanoma maligno es la forma más agresiva de cáncer de piel, con una tasa de mortalidad en Argentina 1997-2001 = 1.1/100 000 en varones y 0.6 en mujeres. El proto-oncogén BRAF es foco de intensa investigación, su mutación es uno de los principales promotores tumorales y pueden presentarse en 50% de los melanomas. Se han aprobado varios fármacos con actividad clínica sobre las mutaciones BRAF. El objetivo del trabajo es evaluar el estado mutacional de BRAF (exón 15) en biopsias con melanoma maligno cutáneo y su relación con las características histopatológicas. Realizamos un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de muestras fijadas en formol e incluidas en parafina. Revisamos edad, sexo, diagnóstico y datos histopatológicos, tamaño y porcentaje tumoral, viabilidad para análisis molecular y presencia de melanina. Evaluamos mutaciones de BRAF con PCR/secuenciación Sanger. Utilizamos test de Student, Chi cuadrado, Wilcoxon y prueba exacta de Fisher. De 49 casos se pudo purificar y secuenciar el 76% (38/49), 13/38 (34%) mujeres y 25/38 (66%) varones, edad mediana 70 años. Localización más frecuente: tórax con 14/35 (40%). Tipo histológico: extensivo superficial 18/38 (47%). Niveles de Clark, 11/38 (29%): I-II y 27/38 (71%): III, IV y V. Mediana del Breslow: 1.6 mm. Fase de crecimiento radial 11/38 (29%) y 27/38 (71%) vertical. Presentaron mutaciones 16/38 (42%). Como lo informado por otros autores, no se encontró asociación entre el estado mutacional del exón 15 y los parámetros clínicos o histopatológicos.

Malignant melanoma (MM) is the more aggressive form of skin cancer with a mortality rate in Argentina 1997-2001 = 1.1/100 000 in men and 0.6 in women. BRAF proto-oncogene is focus of intense research; its mutation is one of the main tumor promoters and occurs in approximately 50% of MM. Several drugs with clinical activity on BRAF mutations have been approved. The aim of the study is to evaluate the mutational status of BRAF (exon 15) in cutaneous MM biopsies and its relationship with histopathological characteristics. We carried out an observational, retrospective study of samples fixed in formaldehyde and paraffin embedded; reviewing age, sex, diagnosis, histopathological data, tumor size and percentage, viability for molecular analysis and melanin presence. We evaluated BRAF mutations with PCR/Sanger sequencing. For statistics we used Student's t test, Chi square, Wilcoxon and Fisher's exact test. We were able to purify and sequence 76% (38/49) samples, 13/38 (34%) from women and 25/38 (66%) from men, the median age being 70 years. Most frequent location: thorax 14/35 (40%). Histological type: Superficial spreading 18/38 (47%). Clark´s levels, 11/38 (29%): I-II and 27/38 (71%): III, IV and V. Breslow´s median: 1.6 mm. Radial growth phase 11/38 (29%) and 27/38 (71%) vertical. Presented mutations 16/38 (42%). As reported by other authors, no association was found between the mutational state of exon 15 and clinical or histopathological parameters.

HLA alleles in renal transplant recipients with nonmelanoma skin cancer in southeastern Brazil

Abstract: Background: Renal transplant recipients are submitted to immunosuppression to avoid graft rejection, which makes them susceptible to various conditions. Furthermore, these individuals present malignant tumors more frequently than the general population, including nonmelanoma skin cancer. The individual genetic basis that acts in the pathogenesis of cutaneous cancer may present a protection or susceptibility factor for disease development. One of these factors is the HLA complex. Objective: To investigate HLA alleles association to the occurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer in renal transplant recipients from São Paulo State. Methods: A total of 213 patients (93 renal transplant recipients with nonmelanoma skin cancer and 120 renal transplant recipients without nonmelanoma skin cancer) were evaluated by retrospective and cross-sectional study. Epidemiological, clinical and HLA typing data were found in databases. HLA class I (A, B) and class II (DR) alleles were compared to establish their association with nonmelanoma skin cancer. Results: Comparing renal transplant recipients with and without nonmelanoma skin cancer, the HLA-B*13 allele was associated with higher risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer while B*45 and B*50 alleles were associated with protection. Study limitations: The HLA A, B and DR alleles identification for the kidney transplantation routine is done by low and medium resolution techniques that do not allow discrimination of specific alleles. Conclusion: The involvement of HLA alleles in nonmelanoma skin cancer in renal transplant recipients was confirmed in this study. Renal transplant recipients with HLA-B*13 showed higher risk for developing a skin cancer (OR= 7.29) and should be monitored for a long period of time after transplantation.

Tricoepitelioma múltiple familiar: a propósito de un caso / Familial multiple trichoepithelioma: a case report

El Tricoepitelioma Múltiple Familiar (TMF) constituye una rara enfermedad autosómica dominante, se caracteriza por la aparición de múltiples pápulas color piel, monomorfas, simétricas, ubicadas en la región central de la cara. El diagnóstico es histopatológico, donde se encuentran tricoepiteliomas, los cuales son neoplasias anexiales benignas que se originan en los folículos pilosos. La condición es de comportamiento indolente, pero con una importante repercusión estética y de difícil manejo. Al ser esta una entidad poco frecuente, el objetivo de este artículo es actualizar los aspectos más relevantes de esta enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 23 años con lesiones faciales típicas en quien se confirmó el diagnostico de TMF

Familial Multiple Trichoepithelioma (FMT) is a rare autosomal dominant disease, characte-rized by the appearance of multiple papules of skin color, monomorphic, symmetrical and located in the central region of the face. The diagnosis is based on histopathological features of trichoepitheliomas, which are benign adnexal neoplasms that originate in the hair follicles. The condition has an indolent behavior but it has an important aesthetic repercussion and it's difficult to treat. As this is a rare entity, the objective of this article is to update the most relevant aspects of this disease. We present the case of a 23 year old patient with typical facial lesions in whom the diagnosis of FMT was confirmed.

Analysis of patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous melanoma in the last six years in Hospital Erasto Gaertner: epidemiologic profile

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Melanoma is one of the conditions with greater increase in incidence worldwide in recent decades. It is a skin cancer with potential high lethality and predominates in Caucasian adults. Treatment of primary cutaneous melanoma is essentially surgical and search for sentinel lymph node can modify the aggressiveness of the treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous melanoma, histopathological features and compare with literature data. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational, single-center, case series study of patients with primary cutaneous melanoma, who underwent surgery between January 2008 and December 2013. The parameters include: Age, sex, clinical stage, date of surgery, tumor location, histological subtype, condition of surgical margins, Breslow thickness, mitotic index, presence of ulceration and metastasis on admission. RESULTS: We included 321 melanoma patients who were treated at Hospital Erasto Gaertner. The population consisted of 58.9% females and 41.1% males with an average age of 52.8 ± 16.3 years. As for the clinical stage, 51.1% were in the initial stage, 24.3% in the clinical stage II (A, B and C), 21.2% in clinical stage III and 3.4% with distant metastases. The most frequent location of the primary melanoma was the trunk, and the histological subtype was superficial spreading pattern. Intermediate and thick melanomas were the most frequent. STUDY LIMITATIONS: This is a retrospective study and some information and data could be incomplete or absent. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment of melanoma in early stages provides less morbidity and improved survival of patients. Understanding the biological behavior of tumor and knowing the local epidemiology guide health strategies.

Hereditary melanoma: a five-year study of Brazilian patients in a cancer referral center - phenotypic characteristics of probands and pathological features of primary tumors

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Approximately five to 10% of all melanomas occur in families with hereditary predisposition and the main high-risk melanoma susceptibility gene is the CDKN2A. OBJECTIVES: To describe, after a five-years study, the clinical data of patients (probands) from familial melanoma kindreds, and the pathological characteristics of their melanoma. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were melanoma patients with a family history of melanoma or pancreatic cancer (first- or second-degree relatives) or patients with multiple primary melanomas (MPM). RESULTS: A total of 124 probands were studied, where 64 were considered familial cases and 60 MPM. Mean age at diagnosis was 50 years. Our results show that the following characteristics were prevalent: skin phototype I/II (89.5%), sunburn during childhood (85.5%), total number of nevi ≥50 (56.5%), Breslow thickness ≤1.0mm (70.2%), tumors located on the trunk (53.2%) and superficial spreading melanomas (70.2%). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Analyses of probands' relatives will be demonstrated in future publication. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are in agreement with previous familial melanomas reports. Fifteen new melanomas in 11 patients were diagnosed during follow up, all of which were ≤1.0 mm. This is the largest dataset of Brazilian melanoma prone kindreds to date, thus providing a complete database for future genetic studies.

Genética molecular del melanoma lentiginoso acral / Molecular genetics of acral lentiginous melanoma

En la última década se ha avanzado en la caracterización genética y mapeo molecular del melanoma cutáneo con el objetivo de identificar y comprender mejor los mecanismos patogénicos propios de cada subgrupo y así desarrollar tratamientos específicos. El melanoma lentiginoso acral (MLA) constituye un subtipo de melanoma con características clínicas, epidemiológicas, histopatológicas, pronósticas y terapéuticas distintivas y su perfil mutacional no es la excepción. A diferencia del melanoma ubicado en zonas fotoexpuestas, el MLA presenta una baja tasa de mutaciones BRAF (15%) y mayor frecuencia de amplificaciones y ganancias genéticas de KIT (15-30%), CCND1 (15-40%) y TERT (20%). En esta revisión se describen las características más relevantes del MLA con énfasis en el rol que cumplen los principales genes que participan en la patogenia del MLA.

Over the last decade, the genetic characterization and molecular mapping of cutaneous melanoma has been developed in order to identify and better understand the pathogenic mechanisms of each subgroup and to develop specific treatments. Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a melanoma subtype with distinctive clinical, epidemiological, histopathological, prognostic and therapeutic features and its mutational profile is not an exception. Unlike melanoma located in photoexposed areas, MLA has a low rate of BRAF mutations (15%) and a higher frequency of amplifications and genetic gains at KIT (15-30%), CCND1 (15-40%) and TERT (20%). In this review we will describe the most relevant characteristics of MLA with emphasis on the role of the main genes involved in its pathogenesis.

Síndrome de carcinoma de células basales nevoides (Síndrome Gorlin): reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Nevoid basal-cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin Syndrome): report of two cases and review of the literature

RESUMEN El síndrome Gorlin (SG) es una condición genética, con patrón de herencia autosómico dominante, con penetrancia completa y expresividad variable, debida a mutaciones germinales en los genes PTCH1 o SUFU, los cuales son componentes de la vía molecular Sonic hedgehog. El SG se caracteriza por la presencia de múltiples carcinomas de células basales nevoides, quistes odontogénicos, calcificación de la hoz del cerebro y lesiones en sacabocado en palmas y plantas. Este es el primer reporte de casos en el Perú sobre pacientes con SG, que cuentan con evaluación y asesoría genética. Presentamos dos casos de SG que cumplen criterios clínicos del síndrome y una revisión de la literatura.

ABSTRACT Gorlin syndrome (GS) is a genetic disorder with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, with complete penetrance and variable expressivity. GS is caused by germline mutations in the genes PTCH1 or SUFU, which are components of the Sonic hedgehog molecular pathway. GS is characterized by the presence of multiple nevoid basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic cysts, calcification of the brain sickle, and lesions in the palms and soles. This study is the first to report cases in Peru of patients with GS who underwent genetic evaluation and counseling. We present two GS cases that meet the clinical criteria for the syndrome and review the literature

Molecular basis of basal cell carcinoma

Abstract: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer, presenting low mortality but high morbidity, and it has as risk factor exposure to sunlight, especially UVB spectrum. The most important constitutional risk factors for basal cell carcinoma development are clear phototypes (I and II, Fitzpatrick classification), family history of basal cell carcinoma (30-60%), freckles in childhood, eyes and light hair. The environmental risk factor better established is exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, different solar exposure scenarios probably are independent risk factors for certain clinical and histological types, topographies and prognosis of this tumor, and focus of controversy among researchers. Studies confirm that changes in cellular genes Hedgehog signaling pathway are associated with the development of basal cell carcinoma. The cellular Hedgehog signaling pathway is activated in organogenesis, but is altered in various types of tumors.

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome: a case report and implications of early onset

Abstract Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) is an autosomal dominant manifestation of cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas together with renal cancer due to autosomal dominant germline mutations of fumarate hydratase gene. A twenty-year-old female patient presented with type-II segmental piloleiomyoma and increased menstruation due to uterine leiomyomas, with a history of bilateral nephrectomy performed at 13 and 16 years of age for type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma. This case represents one of the very early onsets of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome. As genetic anticipation for renal cancer is a well-documented entity for HLRCC syndrome, early recognition is crucial for both the patient and her family in order to provide appropriate counseling and initiation of surveillance.

Entendiendo las terapias actuales en melanoma metastásico / Understanding current therapies in metastatic melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor developing from melanocytes, its incidence is increasing, and prognosis in advanced stages is daunting. New therapies have been approved during the recent years with unprecedented results, including inhibitors of MAPK/ERK pathway and immune checkpoint blockade (anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) as ipilimumab, anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-L1) as pembrolizumab and anti-programmed cell death protein 1 ligand (PD-L1), among many others). The aim of this paper is to review currently available metastatic melanoma therapies focusing mainly on new therapies that have demonstrated effectiveness, after several decades of little progress in the treatment of this disease.

Multiple cutaneous melanomas associated with gastric and brain metastases

Abstract The occurrence of multiple primary melanomas in a single individual is rare. Most commonly, malignant melanocytic lesions subsequent to the initial diagnosis of melanoma are secondary cutaneous metastases. We report a patient with gastrointestinal bleeding from gastric metastasis of cutaneous melanoma. During clinical evaluation and staging, we discovered a brain metastasis associated with 3 synchronous primary cutaneous melanomas. We suggest the research on the mutation in the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) (INK4a) in such cases. We also emphasize the importance of clinical examination and dermoscopy of the entire tegument, even after a malignant melanocytic lesion is identified.

Leiomioma cutáneo atípico en un paciente con leiomiomatosis cutánea y mutación de la enzima fumarato hidratasa / Atypical leiomyoma in a patient with cutaneous leiomyomatosis and mutation of the enzyme fumarate hydratase

Se presenta un varón de 56 años con un leiomioma atípico en el contexto de una leiomiomatosis cutánea, con antecedentes familiares de miomatosis uterina y con estudio genético que revela una mutación en el gen de la enzima fumarato hidratasa, sin que hasta el momento presente ningún tipo de neoplasia maligna renal. El leiomioma atípico es un tumor poco frecuente, que usualmente ocurre de forma aislada, siendo excepcional la presentación en pacientes con leiomiomatosis cutánea. Es ampliamente conocida la relación de la mutación de la enzima fumarato hidratasa con leiomiomas mútiples, miomas uterinos y el mayor riesgo de desarrollar cáncer renal; sin embargo, el papel de esta mutación en el desarrollo de leiomiomas atípicos es por hoy imposible de esclarecer debido a los escasos casos recogidos en la literatura.

We report the case of a 56 year-old male with an atypical leiomyoma in the context of a cutaneous leiomyomatosis and a family history of uterine leiomyomatosis. The genetic study revealed a mutation in the gene for the enzyme fumarate hydratase, but he has not had any renal malignancy so far. Atypical leiomyoma is a rare tumor that usually presents as a single lesion and is exceptional in patients with cutaneous leiomyomatosis. The relation between fumarate hydratase enzyme mutations with multiple leiomyomas, uterine leiomyomatosis and an increased risk of developing kidney cancer is widely known. However, the role of these mutations in the development of atypical leiomyomas is still impossible to clarify given the few cases reported in the literature.

Type 2 segmental glomangioma - Case report

Glomus tumors originate from modified perivascular muscle cells. The most common form is the solitary one. The multiple form may be associated with dominant genetic inheritance. We report a case of a patient with hemangiomatous lesions on the calcaneus and wrist since birth. In 6 years, there was progression of lesions throughout the body. Multiple glomangiomas are asymptomatic and more common in childhood. They can be confused with other vascular malformations. Histopathological diagnosis is essential. The case shows a type 2 segmental manifestation that can be explained by genetic mutation leading to the loss of heterozygosity. As the child grows, the lesions may disseminate due to mutation in distant parts of the skin. Literature shows few reports. The treatment is conservative.

Caracterização molecular de DNA de Delta papillomavirus bovino (BPV1, 2 e 13) em sarcoides equinos / Molecular characterization of bovine Deltapapillomavirus (BPV1, 2, and 13) DNA in equine sarcoids

Sarcoides são tumores fibroblásticos, considerados os tumores de pele mais comuns em pele de equinos e que raramente apresentam regressão espontânea. Papilomavírus bovino (BPV) tipos 1 e 2 são relacionados com a patogenia do sarcoide e, provavelmente, o BPV tipo 13 (BPV13), recentemente descrito, também pode estar associado com a formação dessa lesão. Neste estudo, 20 amostras de lesões cutâneas, sendo 12 constituídas por tecidos frescos e 8 amostras de tecido fixado em formalina e embebido em parafina, provenientes de 15 cavalos foram utilizadas para a identificação do DNA de BPV. A análise histopatológica (HE) confirmou todas as lesões como sarcoide. Para a amplificação do DNA de papilomavírus (PV) foram realizadas três reações de PCR. Como triagem, os primers IFNR2/IDNT2 foram utilizados para amplificar um fragmento da ORF L1 do PV. O segundo par de primersutilizado é complementar a sequência dos genes E5 e L2 de BPVs 1, 2 e 13. O terceiro par de primers(FAP59/FAP64) utilizado tem o gene L1 como alvo. A primeira e a segunda PCRs permitiram amplificar produtos em todas as amostras avaliadas. Entretanto, na terceira reação, na qual foram utilizados os primers FAP, foi possível amplificar produtos com tamanho molecular esperado somente nas amostras constituídas por tecidos frescos. O sequenciamento de nucleotídeos e as análises filogenéticas realizadas nos fragmentos E5L2 resultaram na identificação de BPV1, 2 e 13 em 14 (70%), 2 (10%) e em 4 (20%) amostras de sarcoides, respectivamente. As amostras de sarcoides de um dos animais continha somente o DNA de BPV1. Entretanto, nas amostras provenientes do segundo cavalo foi possível identificar o DNA de três tipos de Deltapapillomavirus bovino (BPV1, 2 e 13) em lesões distintas. Este estudo ratifica a presença do DNA de BPV1, 2 e 13 em lesões de sarcoides em equinos, além de identificar três tipos de BPVs em um mesmo animal e descrever pela primeira vez no Brasil a presença de BPV1 e 2 nesse tipo de lesão.

Sarcoids are fibroblastic lesions, which are considered as the most common skin tumors of horses; spontaneous regression rarely occurs. The bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of sarcoids, and probably the recently described BPV type (BPV13) might be associated with the pathogenesis of this lesion. This study characterized the DNA of BPVs in sarcoids from 15 horses from Brazil by analyzing 20 cutaneous lesions (12 recently collected; 8 from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues). Histopathology confirmed the proliferative lesions as sarcoids. Three PCRs were performed to amplify papillomavirus (PV) DNA. For screening, the primers IFNR2/IDNT2 were used to amplify a fragment of the PV L1 ORF. The second primer set was complementary to a common sequence of the E5L2 genomic region of BPV1, 2, and 13. The third primer pair (FAP59/FAP64) targeted a fragment of the PVs L1 ORF. The screening and E5L2 PCRs yielded amplicons in all samples evaluated. The FAP amplicons identified BPV1, 2, and 13 only from fresh tissue samples. The phylogenetic analyses of E5L2 resulted in the identification of BPV1, 2, and 13 in 14 (70%), 2 (10%), and 4 (20%) sarcoids, respectively. Two horses demonstrated multiple lesions: the sarcoids of one of these contained only BPV1 DNA and those of the other contained three types of bovine Deltapapillomavirus (BPV1, 2, and 13). This study confirmed the presence of BPV1, 2, and 13 DNA in equine sarcoids. Moreover, these findings represent the first description of three types of BPV diagnosed in the same horse, as well as the first confirmation of BPV1 and 2 in horses from Brazil.

Effects of Ischemic Postconditioning on the Hemodynamic Parameters and Heart Nitric Oxide Levels of Hypothyroid Rats / Efeito do Pós-Condicionamento Isquêmico na Hemodinâmica e nos Níveis Cardíacos de Óxido Nítrico em Ratos com Hipotireoidismo

Background: Ischemic postconditioning (IPost) is a method of protecting the heart against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. However, the effectiveness of IPost in cases of ischemic heart disease accompanied by co-morbidities such as hypothyroidism remains unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of IPost on myocardial IR injury in hypothyroid male rats. Methods: Propylthiouracil in drinking water (500 mg/L) was administered to male rats for 21 days to induce hypothyroidism. The hearts from control and hypothyroid rats were perfused in a Langendorff apparatus and exposed to 30 min of global ischemia, followed by 120 min of reperfusion. IPost was induced immediately following ischemia. Results: Hypothyroidism and IPost significantly improved the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and peak rates of positive and negative changes in left ventricular pressure (±dp/dt) during reperfusion in control rats (p < 0.05). However, IPost had no add-on effect on the recovery of LVDP and ±dp/dt in hypothyroid rats. Furthermore, hypothyroidism significantly decreased the basal NO metabolite (NOx) levels of the serum (72.5 ± 4.2 vs. 102.8 ± 3.7 μmol/L; p < 0.05) and heart (7.9 ± 1.6 vs. 18.8 ± 3.2 μmol/L; p < 0.05). Heart NOx concentration in the hypothyroid groups did not change after IR and IPost, whereas these were significantly (p < 0.05) higher and lower after IR and IPost, respectively, in the control groups. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism protects the heart from IR injury, which may be due to a decrease in basal nitric oxide (NO) levels in the serum and heart and a decrease in NO after IR. IPost did not decrease the NO level and did not provide further cardioprotection in the hypothyroid group. .

Fundamento: O pós-condicionamento isquêmico (PCI) é um método potente utilizado para proteger o coração contra a lesão de isquemia-reperfusão (I/R). Não está claro se o PCI é eficaz quando a doença cardíaca isquêmica é acompanhada de comorbidades, tais como hipotireoidismo. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito do PCI sobre a lesão de I/R do miocárdio em ratos machos com hipotireoidismo. Métodos: O hipotireoidismo foi induzido pela administração de propiltiouracila em água potável na concentração de 500 mg/L durante 21 dias. Os corações de ratos controle e com hipotireoidismo foram perfundidos utilizando o aparelho de Langendorff e expostos a isquemia global por 30 minutos, seguido de reperfusão por 120 minutos. O PCI foi iniciado imediatamente após a isquemia. Resultados: O hipotireoidismo e PCI aumentaram significativamente a pressão ventricular esquerda desenvolvida (PVED) e as taxas máximas de variação positiva (+dp/dt) e negativa (–dp/dt) da pressão ventricular esquerda durante a reperfusão em ratos controle (p < 0,05). No entanto, o PCI não teve efeito aditivo no restabelecimento da PVED e das ±dp/dt em ratos com hipotireoidismo. Além disso, o hipotireoidismo diminuiu significativamente os níveis basais séricos (72,5 ± 4,2 vs. 102,8 ± 3,7 μmol/L; p < 0,05) e cardíacos (7,9 ± 1,6 vs. 18,8 ± 3,2 μmol/L; p < 0,05) de NOx. Os níveis cardíacos de NOx não se alteraram no grupo com hipotireoidismo após I/R e PCI mas foram significativamente maiores e menores (p < 0,05) nos grupos controle após I/R e PCI, respectivamente. Conclusão: O hipotireoidismo protegeu o coração da lesão de I/R, o que pode ser devido à diminuição dos níveis séricos e cardíacos basais de óxido nítrico (NO) e à diminuição dos níveis de NO após I/R. No entanto, o PCI não diminuiu os níveis de NO e não conferiu proteção adicional ao grupo com hipotireoidismo. .

Bap1 y neoplasias melanocíticas / Bap1 and melanocytic neoplasms

El melanoma maligno cutáneo (MMC) es un cáncer genéticamente heterogéneo, en cuya patogénesis participarían varios genes. Algunos de estos activan la vía MAP kinasa (BRAF, NRAS, KIT, NF1), mientras que otros confieren una mayor susceptibilidad a melanoma familiar, como CDKN2A, CDK4, MITF y BAP1. BAP1 (BRCA1-associated-protein 1) ha sido descrito como una proteína que se une a BRCA1 para inhibir el crecimiento celular. Actualmente se sabe que es producto de un gen supresor de tumores (denominado BAP1) y que actúa como una enzima con actividad deubiquitinasa, la cual se asocia a varios complejos de proteínas, regulando diversas vías celulares relacionadas con el ciclo celular, diferenciación y muerte celular, así como también gluconeogénesis y respuesta a daño del ADN. Tanto su actividad deubiquitinasa como su localización nuclear son relevantes para su función en la supresión de tumores.

Malignant cutaneous melanoma (MMC) is a genetically heterogeneous cancer and various genes participate in its pathogenesis. Some of these genes activate the MAP kinase pathway (BRAF, NRAS, KIT, NF1) and others are related to a higher susceptibility to familial melanoma like CDKN2A, CDK4, MITF y BAP1. BAP1 (BRCA1-associated –protein 1) has been described as a BRCA1-binding protein inhibiting cell growth. This protein is a product of a gene with tumor suppressor activity, the protein being a deubiquitinase associated to multiple protein complexes regulating various cellular pathways, including the cell cycle, differentiation and cell death, as well as gluconeogenesis and DNA damage response. Both deubiquitinase activity and location to the nucleus are relevant to its tumor suppressor function.

The molecular fingerprint of human papillomavirus infection and its effect on the Langerhans cell population in squamous cell carcinomas of the genital skin.

Background: Information is scarce about the presence of molecular alterations related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in squamous cell carcinomas of the genital skin and about the effect of this infection in the number of Langerhans cells present in these tumors. Aims: To determine the presence of HPV in genital skin squamous cell carcinomas and to see the relationship between HPV infection and changes in the expression of Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67), p53 protein (p53), retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and E-cadherin and to alterations in Langerhans cell density, if any. Methods: A descriptive, comparative, retrospective and cross-sectional study was performed with all the cases diagnosed as squamous cell carcinomas of the genital skin at the Dermatopathology Service from 2001 to 2011. The diagnosis was verified by histopathological examination. The presence of HPV was examined using chromogenic in situ hybridization, and protein expression was studied via immunohistochemical analysis. Results: The 34 cases studied were verified as squamous cell carcinomas and 44.1% were HPV positive. The degree of expression of pRb was 17.50% ±14.11% (mean ± SD) in HPV-positive cases and 29.74% ±20.38% in HPV-negative cases (P = 0.0236). The degree of expression of Ki-67 was 47.67% ±30.64% in HPV-positive cases and 29.87% ±15.95% in HPV-negative cases (P = 0.0273). Conclusion: HPV infection was related to lower pRb expression and higher Ki-67 expression in comparison with HPV negative samples. We could not find a relationship between HPV infection and the degree of expression of p53 and E-cadherin or with Langerhans cell density.