Different inoculum of Leishmania braziliensis concentrations influence immunopathogenesis and clinical evolution in the ear dermis hamster model of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is commonly used as a promising model for Leishmania braziliensis infection developing skin-ulcerated lesions. However, different protocols using high concentration of parasites inoculated in the footpad result in severe clinical disease. Here, we further investigate the outcome of the site of infection and concentration of L. braziliensis parasites inoculated on the immunopathogenesis and clinical evolution. Initially, hamsters were infected in the ear dermis or hind footpad with a concentration of 1 × 105 parasites. Animals infected in the ear dermis developed a disease, with an increased parasite load that more closely resembled human cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions comparing to the group infected in the footpad. Next, we evaluated if different parasite concentrations (104 , 105 and 106 ) inoculated in the ear dermis would impact the course and clinical aspects of infection. Hamsters infected with 104 and 105 parasites developed mild lesions compared to the group infected with 106 that presented severe and persistent lesions. The parasite load varied between the different parasite concentrations. The inflammatory response was more intense when infection was initiated with 106 parasites accompanied by an increased initial expression of IL-4, IL-10 and arginase in the lymph node followed by expression of both pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines comparing to groups infected with 104 and 105 parasites. In conclusion, the number of parasites inoculated, and the initial site of infection could influence the inflammatory response, and clinical presentation. Our results suggest that the ear dermis infection model induces a chronic disease that relates to immunopathological aspects of CL natural infection.

Paraprobiotic Enterococcus faecalis EC-12 prevents the development of irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis in mice.

AIMS: This study tested the protective effect of purified paraprobiotic Enterococcus faecalis (EC-12) and an E. faecalis-based formulation (Med LanS) on irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis murine model. MAIN METHODS: C57BL/6 male mice received saline, irinotecan (75 mg/Kg, i.p.), EC-12 (0.3, 1, or 3 × 107 CFU/Kg, p.o.) + irinotecan or Med Lan-S (3 × 107 CFU/Kg, p.o.) + irinotecan. Body mass variation was assessed daily, and blood samples were collected for evaluating bacteremia and leukocyte count. The ileum was harvested for myeloperoxidase assay, histopathology, quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence for macrophages (F4/80), TLR4, and IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP). KEY FINDINGS: The best therapeutic strategy was EC-12 administration at 3 × 107 CFU/Kg, starting 1 week before irinotecan. EC-12 and Med Lan-S did not prevent the irinotecan-induced body mass loss or leukopenia but attenuated the neutrophil infiltration in the intestine and increased the villus/crypt ratio (P < 0.05). Additionally, EC-12 and Med Lan-S reduced the mRNA expression of Cldn-2, Ocln, and Tlr4 versus the irinotecan group (P < 0.05). Irinotecan also augmented the expression of Il-18, IL-18BP, the immunofluorescence of F4/80, and TLR4, while only EC-12 prevented the expression of all these markers. Remarkably, EC-12 and Med Lan inhibited the irinotecan-induced bacterial translocation to the blood. SIGNIFICANCE: Paraprobiotic E. faecalis EC-12 prevents the development of intestinal mucositis by downregulating the inflammatory response. Med Lan-S also protects from mucositis. Possibly, the complexity of the formulation accounts for an innate immune-driven protective mechanism.

Disorder of Sex Development: A Case of Late-Diagnosed Ovotestis and Its Postsurgical Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: True hermaphroditism is characterized by the presence of both testicular and ovarian tissue. This case report aimed to describe a case of ovotestis in adolescents. CASE: A 17-year-old patient presented with undifferentiated genitalia. Thelarche occurred at age 14, menarche occurred at age 15, and menstruation was regular. Physical examination showed female phenotype, Tanner IV breasts, gynecoid hair, enlarged clitoris, and labia majora symphysis with a single orifice. The patient presented high levels of total testosterone. The left gonad contained typical ovarian tissue and the right gonad contained both seminiferous tubules and ovarian tissue (ovotestis). Vaginoscopy revealed a single orifice (urethra and vagina). Right gonadectomy confirmed the presence of ovotestis. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Knowledge of true hermaphroditism is important for early diagnosis and proper management.

Tumor de Buschke-Löwenstein: relato de três casos / Buschke-Löwenstein Tumor: report of three cases

O tumor de Buschke-Löwenstein é uma doença rara, de transmissão sexual, associada ao papilomavírus humano, principalmente dos subtipos 6 e 11. Caracteriza-se como uma lesão exofítica, em forma de couve-flor, de progressão lenta, com alto poder de infiltração local. O seu principal fator de risco é a imunossupressão e o tratamento geralmente é cirúrgico, com ou sem terapias adjuvantes. O impacto na vida da paciente é grande, com altas taxas de recorrência após excisão cirúrgica. Relatamos 3 casos de condiloma gigante com achados histopatológicos diversos, com graus de infiltração e papilomatose variados.

The Buschke-Löwenstein Tumor is a rare, sexually transmitted disease, triggered by human papillomavirus, specially the subtypes 6 and 11. It is characterized as a cauliflower-shape exophytic mass, slowly progressive, with high local recurrence rates and high infiltration. The main risk factor is immunosuppression. Surgical treatment is usually preferred, with or without adjuvant therapy. It has a great impact on the patients' life, impairing their life quality. We report three cases of Giant Condyloma with diverse histopathological findings with varying degrees of infiltration and papillomatosis.

Herpes genital crônico: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Chronic genital herpes: case report and literature review

Úlceras genitais são manifestações clínicas de etiologias diversas, o que pode dificultar o diagnóstico. Este relato de caso trata­se de mulher de 64 anos, com histórico de úlcera genital dolorosa há 4 meses, progressiva apesar do uso prévio de antiviral. Apresentava lesão ulcerada com comprometimento perianal. Histopatológico revelou neovascularização, edema e infiltrado inflamatório. Realizou tratamento com aciclovir endovenoso por 14 dias, com melhora parcial. O herpes simples crônico manifesta­se como verruga ou úlcera de pelo menos um mês, geralmente em imunossuprimidas. A resistência a agentes antivirais é uma complicação encontrada, mas a resposta ao tratamento costuma ser mais lenta do que nas infecções comuns.

Genital ulcers are clinical manifestations of diverse etiologies, which can make diagnosis difficult. This case report is about a 64­year­old woman with a history of progressive genital ulcer pain for 4 months, despite prior antiviral use. The ulcerated lesion showed perianal involvement. Histopathology revealed neovascularization, edema and inflammatory infiltrate. Despite the use of intravenous acyclovir for 14 days, the improvement was partial. Chronic herpes simplex reveals wart or ulcer of at least one month, usually in immunosuppressed patients. A resistance to antiviral agents is a complication factor, but the treatment response to common infections is usually slower.

Invasive ductal carcinoma: relationship between pathological characteristics and the presence of axillary metastasis in 220 cases.

Objective: to analyze the relation of anatomopathological features and axillary involvement in cases of invasive ductal carcinoma. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study of 220 breast cancer patients submitted to radical mastectomy or quadrantectomy with axilar emptying, from the Mastology Service of the Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School, Ceará, Brazil. We submitted the tumors to histological processing and determined the histological (HG), tubular (TG) and nuclear (NG) grades, and the mitotic index (MI) by the classification of Scarff-Bloom-Richadson, verified the presence of angiolymphatic invasion (AI) and measured the largest tumor diameter (TD). We then correlated these variables with the presence of axillary metastases. Results: the mean patients'age was 56.81 years ± 13.28. Tumor size ranged from 0.13 to 22 cm, with an average of 2.23cm ± 2.79. HG3, TG3 and NG3 prevailed, respectively 107 (48.6%), 160 (72.7%) and 107 (48.6%). Mitotic indexes 1, 2 and 3 presented a homogeneous distribution, respectively 82 (37.2%), 68 (31%) and 70 (31.8%). We observed no relation between the HG, TG and NG with the occurrence of axillary metastases (p=0.07, p=0.22 and p=0.21, respectively). Mitotic indices 2 and 3 were related with the occurrence of axillary metastases (p=0.03). Tumors larger than 2cm and cases that presented angiolymphatic invasion had a higher index of axillary metastases (p=0.0003 and p<0.0001). Conclusion: elevated mitotic indexes, tumors with a diameter greater than 2cm and the presence of angiolymphatic invasion were individuallyassociatedwith the occurrence of axillary metastases.

Objetivo: analisar a relação das características anatomopatológicas com o comprometimento axilar em casos de carcinoma ductal invasor. Métodos: estudo transversal de 220 pacientes com câncer de mama, submetidas à mastectomia radical ou quadrantectomia com esvaziamento axilar, oriundos do Serviço de Mastologia da Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand, Ceará, Brasil. Os tumores foram submetidos a processamento histológico e, em seguida, foram determinados os graus histológico (GH), tubular (GT), nuclear (GN), índice mitótico (IM) pela classificação de Scarff-Bloom-Richadson, verificada a presença de invasão angiolinfática (IA) e mensurado o maior diâmetro do tumor (DT). Tais variáveis foram correlacionadas com a presença de metástases axilares. Resultados: a média de idade das pacientes foi 56,81 anos ± 13,28. O tamanho do tumor variou de 0,13 a 22 cm, com média de 2,23cm ± 2,79. Os GH3, GT3 e GN3 prevaleceram: n=107 (48,6%), n=160 (72,7%) e n=107 (48,6%), respectivamente. Os índices mitóticos 1, 2 e 3 apresentaram distribuição homogênea: n=82 (37,2%), n=68 (31%) e n=70 (31,8%), respectivamente. Não foi evidenciada relação do GH, GT e GN com a ocorrência de metástases axilares (p=0,07; p=0,22 e p=0,21). Índices mitóticos 2 e 3 apresentaram relação com a o ocorrência de metástases axilares (p=0,03). Tumores maiores do que 2cm e casos com invasão angiolinfática apresentaram maior índice de metástases axilares (p=0,0003 e p<0,0001). Conclusão: índices mitóticos elevados, tumores com diâmetro maior do que 2cm e presença de invasão angiolinfática apresentaram isoladamente relação com a ocorrência de metástases axilares.

Invasive ductal carcinoma: relationship between pathological characteristics and the presence of axillary metastasis in 220 cases / Carcinoma ductal invasor: relação de características anatomopatológicas com a presença de metástases axilares em 220 casos

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the relation of anatomopathological features and axillary involvement in cases of invasive ductal carcinoma. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study of 220 breast cancer patients submitted to radical mastectomy or quadrantectomy with axilar emptying, from the Mastology Service of the Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School, Ceará, Brazil. We submitted the tumors to histological processing and determined the histological (HG), tubular (TG) and nuclear (NG) grades, and the mitotic index (MI) by the classification of Scarff-Bloom-Richadson, verified the presence of angiolymphatic invasion (AI) and measured the largest tumor diameter (TD). We then correlated these variables with the presence of axillary metastases. Results: the mean patients'age was 56.81 years ± 13.28. Tumor size ranged from 0.13 to 22 cm, with an average of 2.23cm ± 2.79. HG3, TG3 and NG3 prevailed, respectively 107 (48.6%), 160 (72.7%) and 107 (48.6%). Mitotic indexes 1, 2 and 3 presented a homogeneous distribution, respectively 82 (37.2%), 68 (31%) and 70 (31.8%). We observed no relation between the HG, TG and NG with the occurrence of axillary metastases (p=0.07, p=0.22 and p=0.21, respectively). Mitotic indices 2 and 3 were related with the occurrence of axillary metastases (p=0.03). Tumors larger than 2cm and cases that presented angiolymphatic invasion had a higher index of axillary metastases (p=0.0003 and p<0.0001). Conclusion: elevated mitotic indexes, tumors with a diameter greater than 2cm and the presence of angiolymphatic invasion were individuallyassociatedwith the occurrence of axillary metastases.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a relação das características anatomopatológicas com o comprometimento axilar em casos de carcinoma ductal invasor. Métodos: estudo transversal de 220 pacientes com câncer de mama, submetidas à mastectomia radical ou quadrantectomia com esvaziamento axilar, oriundos do Serviço de Mastologia da Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand, Ceará, Brasil. Os tumores foram submetidos a processamento histológico e, em seguida, foram determinados os graus histológico (GH), tubular (GT), nuclear (GN), índice mitótico (IM) pela classificação de Scarff-Bloom-Richadson, verificada a presença de invasão angiolinfática (IA) e mensurado o maior diâmetro do tumor (DT). Tais variáveis foram correlacionadas com a presença de metástases axilares. Resultados: a média de idade das pacientes foi 56,81 anos ± 13,28. O tamanho do tumor variou de 0,13 a 22 cm, com média de 2,23cm ± 2,79. Os GH3, GT3 e GN3 prevaleceram: n=107 (48,6%), n=160 (72,7%) e n=107 (48,6%), respectivamente. Os índices mitóticos 1, 2 e 3 apresentaram distribuição homogênea: n=82 (37,2%), n=68 (31%) e n=70 (31,8%), respectivamente. Não foi evidenciada relação do GH, GT e GN com a ocorrência de metástases axilares (p=0,07; p=0,22 e p=0,21). Índices mitóticos 2 e 3 apresentaram relação com a o ocorrência de metástases axilares (p=0,03). Tumores maiores do que 2cm e casos com invasão angiolinfática apresentaram maior índice de metástases axilares (p=0,0003 e p<0,0001). Conclusão: índices mitóticos elevados, tumores com diâmetro maior do que 2cm e presença de invasão angiolinfática apresentaram isoladamente relação com a ocorrência de metástases axilares.

Immunohistochemical Expression of the Tumor Suppressor Protein p16INK4a in Cervical Adenocarcinoma.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the p16ink4a protein expression as a marker for adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Methods In a cross-sectional study, p16ink4a expression was evaluated in 30 cervical biopsies from patients diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma from 2 reference clinics in Brazil, and compared with 18 biopsies of endocervical polyps (control cases). The performance of the tests for p16ink4a was evaluated using a conventional contingency table, and the Kappa (κ) index was used to evaluate the agreement of the marker with the tissue diagnosis. Results In total, 66% of the invasive adenocarcinoma cases were positive for p16ink4a. All of the adenomatous polyps cases used as negative controls were shown to be negative for p16ink4a. The marker showed a high sensitivity and a high negative predictive value. The Kappa index was good for p16ink4a (κ = 0.6). Conclusion Considering the strong association between the p16ink4a marker and the cervical adenocarcinoma, its use represents an important tool for reducing incorrect diagnoses of adenocarcinoma and thereby avoiding overtreatment.

Immunohistochemical Expression of the Tumor Suppressor Protein p16 INK4a in Cervical Adenocarcinoma / Expressão imunhistoquímica da proteína de supressão tumoral p16 INK4a em adenocarcinoma cervical

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the p16ink4a protein expression as a marker for adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, p16ink4a expression was evaluated in 30 cervical biopsies from patients diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma from 2 reference clinics in Brazil, and compared with 18 biopsies of endocervical polyps (control cases). The performance of the tests for p16ink4a was evaluated using a conventional contingency table, and the Kappa (k) index was used to evaluate the agreement of the marker with the tissue diagnosis. Results: In total, 66% of the invasive adenocarcinoma cases were positive for p16ink4a. All of the adenomatous polyps cases used as negative controls were shown to be negative for p16ink4a. The marker showed a high sensitivity and a high negative predictive value. The Kappa index was good for p16ink4a (k 1/4 0.6). Conclusion: Considering the strong association between the p16ink4a marker and the cervical adenocarcinoma, its use represents an important tool for reducing incorrect diagnoses of adenocarcinoma and thereby avoiding overtreatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a utilidade diagnóstica da expressão da proteína p16ink4a como marcador de adenocarcinoma do colo. Métodos: Em estudo transversal, a expressão de p16ink4a foi avaliada em 30 biópsias cervicais de pacientes diagnosticadas com adenocarcinoma invasivo de colo uterino provenientes de dois serviços de referência no Brasil, comparando com achados em 18 biópsias de pólipos endocervicais (grupo de controle). Para avaliar a performance do teste, foi utilizada tabela de contingência convencional, e para avaliar a concordância com o diagnóstico, foi aplicado o índice de Kappa (k). Resultados: No total, 66% dos casos de adenocarcinoma invasivo foram positivos para p16ink4a. Todos os pólipos adenomatosos foram negativos para p16ink4a. O marcador mostrou uma alta sensibilidade e alto valor preditivo negativo. O índice de Kappa foi bom para p16ink4a (k 1/4 0.6). Conclusion: Considerando a forte associação entre o marcador p16ink4a e o adenocarcinoma cervical, seu uso representa uma ferramenta importante para reduzir o risco de diagnóstico incorreto de adenocarcinoma e, por conseguinte, evitar o excesso de tratamentos.

Carcinoma ductal invasor: comparação dosgraus histológicos entre tumor primário e metástase axilar / Invasive ductal carcinoma: comparison of histological gradebetween primary tumor and axillary metastasis

Objetivo: Estabelecer o grau histológico das metástases axilares em casos de câncer de mama do tipo ductal invasor e comparar com os achados do tumor primário. Métodos: Estudo transversal de envolvendo 69 casos de câncer de mama do tipo ductal invasivo, oriundos do serviço de Mastologia da Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand, Ceará, Brasil, com suas respectivas metástases axilares. Os tumores primários da mama e os linfonodos metastáticos foram submetidos ao processamento histológico e, em seguida, foram determinados os graus histológico (GH), tubular (GT), nuclear (GN) e índice mitótico (IM) na mama e na axila pela classificação de Scarff-Bloom-Richadson. Resultados: Os GH mais elevados predominaram entre os tumores primários, sendo 52,2% classificados como GH 3. Quando comparadas ao tumor primário, as metástases axilares evidenciaram uma frequência maior de GH 3 (66,7%), GT 3 (85,5%), GN 3 (58%) e GM 2 (58%). A formação tubular foi menor nas metástases axilares (p=0,04). Conclusão: Os implantes axilares apresentaram morfologia tecidual mais desorganizada formando menos túbulos quando comparados aos tumores primários da mama. Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa do GH entre o tumor primário e a metástase axilar em nossa amostra.

Objective: To establish the histological grade of the axillary metastases in invasive ductal breast cancer cases and to compare it with the findings from the primary tumor. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 69 cases of invasive ductal breast cancer from the mastology service of Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School, Ceará, Brazil, and their respective axillary metastases. The breast primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes were subjected to histological processing and the histological grade (HG), tubular grade (TG), nuclear grade (NG) and mitotic index (MI) of the breast and axilla were subsequently determined by the Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grading system. Results: The highest HG prevailed among the primary tumors, with 52,2% classified as HG 3. When compared to the primary tumor, the axillary metastases showed a higher frequency of HG 3 (66,7%), TG 3 (85,5%), NG 3 (58%) and MI 2 (58%). Conclusion: The axillary implants revealed a more disorganized tissue morphology, which formed a lower number of tubules when compared to the breast primary tumors. However, there was no significant difference in the HG between the primary tumor and axillary metastasis in this sample.

Adequacy of Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology for Breast Lesions: The SurePath® Liquid-Based Technique versus Conventional Smears.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the cytological findings from fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of breast lesions with conventional smear (CS) and SurePath® (SP) cytology. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of women who underwent FNA from January 2012 to June 2013 for breast lesions with benign ultrasonography impressions in Fortaleza, Brazil. Two groups were formed. The first was composed of 102 samples subjected to CS and the second of 65 samples subjected to SP. The number of smears, the cellularity and the diagnostic hypotheses were compared. Fisher's exact tests with 95% confidence intervals were applied. RESULTS: The women ranged in age from 22 to 75 years. SP cytology indicated greater cellularity than CS for the cystic lesions (p < 0.05). In the CS group, 72.5% of the samples required 3-4 slides, but in the SP group, only 9.2% required a second slide. The cellularity of the cystic samples was significantly greater with the SP method (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In FNA cytology of the breast, SP is a tool that is comparable to CS, but with the added benefits of better cellularity results for cystic lesions and requiring fewer slides for analysis.

The risk of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in women with low serum levels of vitamin A.

BACKGROUND: The progression of the cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) is associated with many cofactors, and nutritional aspects are gradually assuming an important role in understanding the physiopathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the serum levels of retinol in women from a poor region of Brazil with a histological diagnosis of cervical high-grade SIL (HSIL). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 62 women aged 14-48 years who had a cervical biopsy and were treated at the Federal University of Ceara in Fortaleza, Brazil. Serum retinol levels were measured in peripheral blood by a spectrophotometry technique. Values were categorized as subnormal (<20 µg/dl) or normal (≥20 µg/dl). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between serum levels of retinol and HSIL for a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: Twenty-six out of 62 women (42%) had a negative histopathological result for SIL and 36 (58%) were diagnosed with SIL (20 low SIL and 16 high SIL). The level of retinol was more frequently low in women with HSIL, but there was no statistical significance [p = 0.409, OR: 2.26 (0.33-15.59)]. CONCLUSION: There was no association between high SIL and low levels of retinol in peripheral blood.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of scar endometriosis: study of seven cases and literature review.

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma outside the uterine endometrial lining. Endometrial tissue has also been identified in numerous surgical or procedure scars, including cesarean section and laparoscopic trocar tract. A prospective study was conducted at Maternidade-Escola Assis Chateaubriand, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil in seven patients with abdominal wall mass pathologically proven as scar endometriosis from January 2004 to December 2008. All cases were submitted to fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Age ranged from 21 to 42 years old (mean: 30) with parity ranging from 0 to 3 (mean: 1.4). The preceding history of pelvic procedures was miomectomy (1 of 7), cesarean section (3 of 7), and diagnostic laparoscopy (3 of 7). The complaints occurred about 18 months after the surgical proceeding. The FNAC findings were endometrial-like epithelial cells (6 of 7) and stromal cells (6 of 7); decidualization occurred in 2 of 7 cases. Hemosiderin-laden macrophages were present in all cases. FNAC is a fast and accurate method to make the diagnosis before the surgery, avoiding errors in the approach of the abdominal wall endometriosis' scars.

HPV-DNA hybrid capture test: influence of cellularity in penile samples.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the cellularity of Hybrid Capture samples (Digene, São Paulo, Brazil) influences the results of HPV-DNA Hybrid Capture tests in men. STUDY DESIGN: We harvested material from penile scrapings for the Hybrid Capture HPV test. This material was then used to make cytologic smears, which we used to evaluate for the presence of nonnucleated squamous cells, nucleated squamous cells and glandular cells. The cellularity of nucleated squamous cells was classified as absent, low, moderate or high. Subsequently, we performed the Hybrid Capture test to identify the low and high risk of HPV and compared these results with the cytologic findings. We used the Fisher and odds ratio tests at CI of 95% to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Of the 88 tests performed, 65 (74.0%) were negative for HPV-DNA and 23 (26.0%) were positive. Nucleated and nonnucleated squamous cells were absent on nine slides, all of which tested negative for HPV. When only nonnudcleated squamous cells were found, 20% of the cases were positive for HPV-DNA (p < 0.0001; OR = 26.185). The presence of nucleated squamous cells correlated with 33% HPV-DNA positivity (p < 0.0001, OR = 49.05). CONCLUSION: Assessing the presence of non-nucleated and nucleated squamous cells on cytologic smears prior to performing an HPV-DNA test is a useful tool for quality control in penile samples.

Papillary squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix, high-risk human papilloma virus infection and p16(INK4a) expression: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Papillary squamous cell carcioma is rare form of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix occurring in women in the sixth decade of life and is frequently misdiagnosed as high-grade intraepithelial lesion. Few reports with cytologic study have been performed, especially with cytology in liquid-based specimens. CASE: A 58-year-old woman who had 8 gestations (no abortions) and mitral cardiopathy treated with coumarin medication was referred for transvaginal bleeding of 20 days' duration. Specular examination showed an exophytic, easily bleeding lesion occupying all of the uterine cervix and superior third of the vagina. Liquid-based cytology showed squamous cells, mostly basaloid but some bizarre or in fiber, with clearly atypical nuclei. Second-generation hybrid capture for high-risk human papillomavirus was positive, with a viral load of 404 relative light unit/positive control B, and the tumor expressed p16(INK4a). CONCLUSION: This report adds further experience with liquid-based cytology to the existing conventional and liquid-based cytologic findings, particularly in the Brazilian female population.

[Association between high risk HPV viral load, p16ink4a expression and intra-epithelial cervical lesions]. / Associação entre a carga viral de HPV de alto risco, expressão de p16INK4a e lesões intra-epiteliais escamosas do colo uterino.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the (HR-HPV) high risk HPV viral load in squamous intra-epithelial lesions and association with p16INK4a expression. METHODS: A series of 109 cervical biopsies were studied (57 normal tissue, 26 low grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions [LSIL] and 26 high grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions [HSIL]). Detection of high risk HPV and viral load in cervical cells was made by molecular biology using hybrid capture 2nd generation collected before the biopsy. The p16INK4a was identified by immunohistochemistry using the p16INK4a kit (clone E6H4). RESULTS: High risk HPV was positive in 57.8% of all cases (29.8% in normal tissue, 80.8% in LSIL and 96.1% in HSIL). Protein p16INK4a was expressed in 23.8% of squamous intra-epithelial lesions (15.4% in LSIL and 84.6% in HSIL). In normal tissue all cases were negative to p16INK4a. The viral load was higher in p16 positive cases than in negative cases (positive p16INK4a mean of 669.9 RLU/PCB [9.47-2814.9] and negative p16INK4a mean of 253.94 RLU/PCB [1.07-1882.21] (p<0.05). However when studying just the HSIL cases differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: In this study although the HR-HPV viral load had shown a significant difference between p16 positive and negative cases, in HSIL cases this finding was not confirmed. New studies with a larger number of cases are necessary for consistent conclusions.

Neoplasia intra-epitelial vulvar - diagnóstico diferencial e conduta / Vulvar intra-epithelial neoplasia - differential diagnose and management

O estudo de patologias na vulva envolve a necessidade de conhecimentos não só em Ginecologia, como também em patologia e dermatologia, o que pode trazer dificuldades para o ginecologista geral na condução do diagnóstico e, conseqüentemente, do tratamento. Assim, a vulva acaba por ser uma região esquecida. Há necessidade de diretrizes que facilitem a avaliação da área vulvar de forma acessível, porém não esquecendo da necessidade de uma abordagem multidisciplinar. Os autores fazem uma revisão da literatura e propõem um fluxograma com o qual o examinador possa direcionar sua conduta no estudo das patologias da vulva, englobando as de origem ginecológica e não ginecológica, com especial ênfase nas neoplasias intra-epiteliais vulvares.

Lesões pré-invasivas da cérvice: marcadores diagnósticos e prognósticos / Pre-invasive lesions of the cervix: diagnostic and prognostic markers

Anualmente ocorrem mais de 500.000 casos no mundo, dos quais 80 porcento em países em desenvolvimento. No Brasil, cerca de 20.000 novos casos ocorrem a cada ano. O papilomavírus humano está, virtualmente, associado a todos os casos, mas a identificação de HPV de alto risco não é a única condição associada com a lesão ou com a possibilidade de progressão. Por outro lado, os mecanismos envolvidos na biologia do vírus, principalmente os genes E6 e E7, agem como passos essenciais na indução e progressão das lesões epiteliais. Recentemente, muitos marcadores têm sido estudados para identificar as lesões de pior prognóstico e especificamente para melhorar a reprodutibilidade do diagnóstico morfológico. Os autores fazem uma revisão de importantes marcadores imuno-histoquímicos (MIB-I, p53, p16 INK4a, Cdc6) de lesões intra-epiteliais escamosas e daqueles com possibilidade de uso em futuro bem próximo.