Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem/Multipotent Stromal Cells from Decidua Basalis of Human Term Placenta.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies for the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative stress employ primarily bone marrow MSCs (BMMSCs) and other MSC types such as MSC from the chorionic villi of human term placentae (pMSCs). These MSCs are not derived from microenvironments associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, unlike MSCs from the decidua basalis of the human term placenta (DBMSCs). DBMSCs were isolated and then extensively characterized. Differentiation of DBMSCs into three mesenchymal lineages (adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes) was performed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow cytometry techniques were also used to characterize the gene and protein expression profiles of DBMSCs, respectively. In addition, sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect proteins secreted by DBMSCs. Finally, the migration and proliferation abilities of DBMSCs were also determined. DBMSCs were positive for MSC markers and HLA-ABC. DBMSCs were negative for hematopoietic and endothelial markers, costimulatory molecules, and HLA-DR. Functionally, DBMSCs differentiated into three mesenchymal lineages, proliferated, and migrated in response to a number of stimuli. Most importantly, these cells express and secrete a distinct combination of cytokines, growth factors, and immune molecules that reflect their unique microenvironment. Therefore, DBMSCs could be attractive, alternative candidates for MSC-based therapies that treat diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.

Synchronous hepatic, mesenteric and pulmonary Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumors in a renal transplant recipient.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV-SMT) are distinct lesions that occur in immunocompromised patients. EBV-SMT following solid organ transplantation are rare and generally have an indolent biological behavior. Post-transplant EBV-SMT have been reported in various anatomical locations. This report describes a synchronous and multicentric development of EBV-SMT in liver, mesentery, and lung of a 33-yr-old male patient, 10 yr after a deceased allograft renal transplantation. The hepatic and mesenteric tumors were available for study. These tumors were composed of bland looking, desmin-positive, spindle-shaped cells which showed a strong nuclear staining for EBV with in situ hybridization technique. A literature review of post solid organ transplant EBV-SMT in the liver and lung, particularly regarding their pathogenesis, synchronicity and biological behavior would be provided.

Distinguishing diabetic nephropathy from other causes of glomerulosclerosis: an update.

Diabetic nephropathy is a common cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. It is characterised by diffuse or nodular glomerulosclerosis, afferent and efferent hyaline arteriolosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis and atrophy. Diffuse and nodular diabetic glomerulosclerosis share similar histological features with other clinical conditions. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies, and clinicopathological correlation are essential to differentiate diabetic nephropathy from other conditions that result in diffuse and nodular glomerulosclerosis.

Skin adnexal neoplasms--part 1: an approach to tumours of the pilosebaceous unit.

Skin adnexal neoplasms comprise a wide spectrum of benign and malignant tumours that exhibit morphological differentiation towards one or more types of adnexal structures found in normal skin. Most adnexal neoplasms are relatively uncommonly encountered in routine practice, and pathologists can recognise a limited number of frequently encountered tumours. In this review, the first of two, the normal histology of the skin adnexal structures is reviewed, and the histological features of selected but important benign and malignant tumours and tumour-like lesions of pilosebaceous origin discussed, with emphasis on the diagnostic approach and pitfalls in histological diagnosis.

Squamous cell carcinoma with rhabdoid phenotype and osteoclast-like giant cells in a renal-pancreas transplant recipient.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the commonest non-melanotic malignant skin tumour encountered after solid-organ transplantation. In this setting it is associated with a worse prognosis than sun-damage-induced SCC. Rhabdoid cells and osteoclastic giant cells are infrequently seen in SCC. This case highlights the unusual occurrence of rhabdoid cells and osteoclastic giant cells in a post-transplant SCC.

My approach to superficial inflammatory dermatoses.

Superficial inflammatory dermatoses are very common and comprise a wide, complex variety of clinical conditions. Accurate histological diagnosis, although it can sometimes be difficult to establish, is essential for clinical management. Knowledge of the microanatomy of the skin is important to recognise the variable histological patterns of inflammatory skin diseases. This article reviews the non-vesiculobullous/pustular inflammatory superficial dermatoses based on the compartmental microanatomy of the skin.

Double adenomas of the pituitary: transcription factors Pit-1, T-pit, and SF-1 identify cytogenesis and differentiation.

The diagnosis of double adenomas of the pituitary can be very complex and is usually suspected on histological assessment of a specimen and confirmed by immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies. The most commonly applied technique is currently immunohistochemical staining to localize the six pituitary hormones. Application of this technique may fail to identify double adenomas when hormone immunoreactivity is weak or absent in one or both cell populations. We examined specimens from eight patients diagnosed with double adenomas over a 15-yr period. We tested the ability to detect the difference in the two adenomas in each case using three immunostains for the pituitary transcription factors Pit-1, T-pit, and SF-1. We conclude that immunohistochemical localization of the transcription factors Pit-1, T-pit, and SF-1 accurately detects and classifies the distinct cytodifferentiation of double adenomas of the pituitary.