Intergenerational sex and early sexual debut are associated with HIV infection among transgender women in Paraguay.

INTRODUCTION: HIV prevalence among transgender women is high worldwide. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the current prevalence of HIV and identify factors associated with high HIV burden among transgender women in Paraguay. METHODS: Transgender women aged ≥15 years in four regions of Paraguay were recruited by Starfish sampling between February and March 2021. RESULTS: In total, 322 transgender women were included. Mean age was 31 years (range 15-67), and 102 had positive HIV test results (31.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 26.6-37.1). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with HIV infection were age at first intercourse ≤17 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.47; 95% CI 1.05-28.42), >10 years difference in age with the last sexual partner (aOR 1.60; 95% CI 1.04-2.46), substance use (mostly cocaine) (aOR 3.00; 95% CI 1.47-6.12), higher risk perception (aOR 3.08; 95% CI 1.53-6.17), not testing for HIV (aOR 1.23; 95% CI 1.09-1.39), and accessed by a peer educator (aOR 3.86; 95% CI 1.77-8.38). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual debut as a minor and a large age difference with sexual partners are associated with high burden of HIV among transgender women in Paraguay. Our study corroborates the finding of cocaine use during sex as a risk factor for HIV. Prevention programmes must address structural and social vulnerabilities to stem the tragically high burden of HIV among transgender women.

HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men in three regions of Paraguay, 2020.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to measure HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in three regions of Paraguay in 2020. METHODS: MSM were recruited for cross-sectional surveys in three regions of Paraguay using respondent-driven sampling. Interview were conducted face-to-face to collect demographic characteristics and risk and preventive behaviors. The analysis assessed HIV prevalence and associated risk factors in the three samples of MSM within each region. RESULTS: A total of 1,207 MSM were recruited, including 559 in Asunción-Central, 245 in Alto Paraná, and 403 in Caaguazú. HIV prevalence was 24.2% (95% CI 20.6-27.9) in Asunción-Central, 10.2% (95% CI 6.7-14.6) in Alto Paraná, and 3.2% (95% CI 1.7-5.4) in Caaguazú. In Asunción-Central, associations with HIV were age ≥25 years (1.86, 95% CI 1.15-3.00), being employed (1.82, 95% CI 1.07-3.11), self-reporting as homosexual (1.90, 95% CI 1.06-3.43), having sex with a known HIV-positive partner acquisition (4.19, 95% CI 2.37-7.43), self-perceived as being at higher risk for HIV acquisition (4.15, 95% CI 2.54-6.77), and able to access condoms and lubricants (1.82, 95% CI 1.08-3.05). In Alto Paraná, associations with HIV were self-reporting as homosexual (4.33, 95% CI 1.19-15.65) and having higher HIV knowledge (2.53, 95% CI 0.97-6.61). In Caaguazú, associations with HIV were self-reporting as homosexual (7.06, 95% CI 1.53-32.46) and being diagnosed with depression (4.68, 95% CI 0.89-24.43). CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevalence among MSM in Paraguay varied by region, being highest in the capital and major metropolitan area of Asunción-Central, followed by the border area of Alto Paraná. While being self-identified as homosexual was associated with HIV in all three regions, other associations differed, indicating prevention programs need to be tailored to the locale.

Prevalencia del VIH/Sífilis y comportamientos de riesgo en mujeres trabajadoras sexuales en Paraguay / Prevalence of HIV/Syphilis and risk behaviors in female sex workers in Paraguay

Introducción: En Paraguay, la epidemia del VIH se encuentra concentrada en población clave. La ruta principal de transmisión de las infecciones de transmisión del VIH y la Sífilis es la sexual. Las mujeres trabajadoras sexuales (MTS) presentan riesgo incrementado debido a su trabajo sexual y sus comportamientos de riesgo. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de VIH/Sífilis y el comportamiento de riesgo de la población de mujeres trabajadoras sexuales en seis regiones sanitarias del país durante el año 2017. Material y Métodos: El diseño del estudio fue observacional, corte transversal. La metodología utilizada para la selección de la muestra fue la de TLS (muestreo tiempo-ubicación). Se utilizaron pruebas rápidas como tamizaje inicial en todas las mujeres que ingresaron al estudio y a la vez se aplicó un instrumento para los comportamientos de riesgo. Resultados: Ingresaron 643 MTS, la edad media fue de 27 años, donde el 50% tenían entre 22 y 34 años. El 88.11% (585) realizaba el trabajo sexual en locales (prostíbulos, saunas, salón de masajes y departamentos) y el 11.89% (58) en paradas en las calles. La prevalencia del VIH fue de 1.34% (CI95% 0.513.48) y de Sífilis 8.59% (CI95% 5.78-12.59). El uso de condón en la última relación con el cliente fue de 96.02% y del 25.78% con la pareja estable en la última relación sexual. El consumo de drogas en los últimos 6 meses por más de 25 días fue de 10.78% (44/643) para la cocaína. El 54.17% de las MTS encuestadas se consideraron en igual riesgo de adquirir el VIH en comparación con el resto de las personas. Conclusión: La prevalencia de VIH fue baja y de Sífilis elevada en MTS. Se observó bajo porcentaje de uso de condón con la pareja estable, alto consumo de drogas y baja percepción de riesgo. Es importante considerar estos aspectos en el momento de planificar las intervenciones en MTS: parejas, drogas y percepción de riesgo para que se pueda lograr la eficiencia de las mismas. Palabras clave: Seroprevalencia de VIH; Serodiagnóstico de la Sífilis; Grupos de Riesgo; Paraguay

Introduction: The HIV epidemic in Paraguay is concentrated in key population. The main route of HIV and Syphilis infections transmission is sexual. Female sex workers (FSW) have increased risk due to their sex work and risk behaviors. Objective: To determine the HIV/Syphilis prevalence and risk behavior in the population of female sex workers in six health regions from the country during 2017. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The methodology used for the selection of the sample was the TLS (time-location sampling). Rapid tests were used as initial screening of all women who entered the study and at the same time an instrument for risk behaviors was applied. Results: Of 643 FSW enrolled, the average age was 27 years, where 50% were between 22 and 34 years old. 88.11% (585) performed sex work in premises (brothels, saunas, massage parlors and departments) and 11.89% (58) at street. The HIV prevalence was 1.34% (95% CI 0.513.48) and 8.59% Syphilis (95% CI 5.78-12.59). Condom use in the last relationship with the client was 96.02% and 25.78% with the stable partner in the last sexual relationship. 54.17% of the FSW surveyed were considered at equal risk of acquiring HIV compared to the rest of the people. Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV was low and Syphilis was high in MTS. A low percentage of condom use was observed with the stable partner, high drug use and low risk perception. It is important to consider these aspects when planning interventions in MTS: couples, drugs and low risk perception so that their efficiency can be achieved. Keywords: HIV seroprevalence; Serodiagnostic of Syphilis; Risk Groups; Paraguay

ROR1 contributes to melanoma cell growth and migration by regulating N-cadherin expression via the PI3K/Akt pathway.

The Receptor tyrosine kinase-like Orphan Receptor 1 (ROR1) is primarily expressed by neural crest cells during embryogenesis. Following a complete downregulation after birth, ROR1 was shown to re-express in various types of cancers. Little is known about ROR1 expression and function in melanoma. Here we show that ROR1 is aberrantly expressed in both melanoma cell lines and tumors and that its expression associates with poor Post-Recurrence Survival of melanoma. Using gain- and loss-of-function approaches we found that ROR1 enhances both anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of melanoma cells. In addition, ROR1 decreases cell adhesion and increases cell motility and migration. Mechanistically, ROR1 was found to induce upregulation of Akt and the mesenquimal markers N-cadherin and vimentin. The regulation of N-cadherin by ROR1 relies on both Akt dependent and independent mechanisms. ROR1 does not affect Wnt canonical pathway but was found to be engaged in a positive feedback loop with Wnt5a. In summary, we show that ROR1 contributes to melanoma progression and is a candidate biomarker of poor prognosis. Although further studies are needed to confirm this possibility, the present work indicates that ROR1 is a good prospective target for melanoma cancer therapy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Estudio fenotípico de inestabilidad microsatelital en cáncer colorrectal. Correlación con parámetros histológicos y clínicos / Immunohistochemical study of microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer. Correlation with histological and clinical parameters

La detección de proteínas de reparación del ADN por inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) ha demostrado ser útil para determinar inestabilidad de microsatélites (IM). Las guías de Bethesda revisadas y el MsPath Score permiten detectar pacientes de alto riesgo. Se analizaron criterios histológicos sugestivos de IM en 115 pacientes con cáncer colorrectal (CCR). Se efectúo el MsPath Score e IHQ para la demostración de proteínas de reparación del ADN (MMR): MLH1 MSH2, MSH6 y PMS2. La distribución por sexos fue de 66 varones y 49 mujeres, con un rango etario de 16 a 78 años. Cincuenta y tres casos tuvieron rasgos morfológicos de IM: linfocitos intraepiteliales (n = 31), infiltrados tipo Crohn (n = 17), morfología mucinosa/células en anillo de sello (n = 32) y/o pobre diferenciación (n = 12) en forma simultánea o aisladamente. Se observó patrón aberrante para MMR en 16 casos: ausencia de expresión de MLH1/PMS2 (n = 11), MSH2/MSH6 (n = 3), MLH1 (n = 1) y PMS2 (n = 1). Los adenocarcinomas con rasgos morfológicos convencionales no mostraron alteraciones en las MMR (n = 62) (AU)

The detection of mismatch repair proteins (MMR) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a useful tool in the identification of microsatellital inestability (MI). The revised Bethesda guidelines and MsPath score allow the detection of patients at high-risk for MI. We studied 115 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and evaluated the histological criteria of MI. Detection of MMR: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 were analyzed by IHC. Sixty-six male and 49 female patients (age range 16-78). Histological picture of MI was observed in 53 cases: intraepithelial lymphocytosis (n = 31), Crohn like infiltrates (n = 17), mucinous or ringed cell histology (n = 32) and/or poorly differentiated histology (n = 12). Aberrant immunostaining pattern of MMR was observed in 16 cases: negative MLH1/PMS2 (n = 11), negative MSH2/MSH6 (n = 3), negative MLH1 (n = 1) and negative PMS2 (n = 1). The 62 cases with conventional histology had normal immunostaining. Conventional histology (n = 62) did not show any alterations in MMR (AU)

Inducible nitric oxide synthase and PPARγ are involved in bladder cancer progression.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase and PPARγ as prognostic factors for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase and PPARγ were evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in a mouse bladder cancer model of nonmuscle invasive and invasive MB49-I tumor cells, and in human bladder cancer samples. RESULTS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression was negative in mouse normal urothelium and higher in invasive than in noninvasive MB49 tumors. In vitro inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, determined as nitrite, was higher in MB49-I than in MB49 cells (p <0.001). In human samples expression was also associated with tumor invasion. Nuclear PPARγ expression was negative in normal mouse urothelium but higher in nonmuscle invasive MB49 than in MB49-I tumors. Similarly in human tumors low PPARγ was associated with poor prognosis factors, such as high histological grade (p = 0.0160) and invasion status (p = 0.0352). A positive correlation was noted between inducible nitric oxide synthase and PPARγ in low histological grade and nonmuscle invasive tumors (Pearson correlation index 0.6368, p = 0.0351, 0.4438 and 0.0168, respectively). As determined by gene reporter assay, PPARγ activity was induced by nitric oxide only in nonmuscle invasive MB49 cells (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that increased PPARγ controls inducible nitric oxide synthase expression at early tumor stages. However, regulation is lost at advanced tumor stages, when the increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase and the decrease in PPARγ seem to be associated with bladder cancer progression.

Multiplexed methylation profiles of tumor suppressor genes and clinical outcome in lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Changes in DNA methylation of crucial cancer genes including tumor suppressors can occur early in carcinogenesis, being potentially important early indicators of cancer. The objective of this study was to examine a multiplexed approach to assess the methylation of tumor suppressor genes as tumor stratification and clinical outcome prognostic biomarkers for lung cancer. METHODS: A multicandidate probe panel interrogated DNA for aberrant methylation status in 18 tumor suppressor genes in lung cancer using a methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay (MS-MLPA). Lung cancer cell lines (n = 7), and primary lung tumors (n = 54) were examined using MS-MLPA. RESULTS: Genes frequently methylated in lung cancer cell lines including SCGB3A1, ID4, CCND2 were found among the most commonly methylated in the lung tumors analyzed. HLTF, BNIP3, H2AFX, CACNA1G, TGIF, ID4 and CACNA1A were identified as novel tumor suppressor candidates methylated in lung tumors. The most frequently methylated genes in lung tumors were SCGB3A1 and DLC1 (both 50.0%). Methylation rates for ID4, DCL1, BNIP3, H2AFX, CACNA1G and TIMP3 were significantly different between squamous and adenocarcinomas. Methylation of RUNX3, SCGB3A1, SFRP4, and DLC1 was significantly associated with the extent of the disease when comparing localized versus metastatic tumors. Moreover, methylation of HTLF, SFRP5 and TIMP3 were significantly associated with overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: MS-MLPA can be used for classification of certain types of lung tumors and clinical outcome prediction. This latter is clinically relevant by offering an adjunct strategy for the clinical management of lung cancer patients.

[Orbital and ocular adnexal lymphomas. Clinico-pathological correlation in 25 cases]. / Linfomas de la órbita y anexos oculares. Correlación clínico patológica de 25 casos.

Clinical, histological features and outcome of a cohort of patients with orbital and adnexal lymphoproliferative tumors were evaluated. Twenty-five cases in an oncologic referral center from 1995 to 2008, were included in the study. Each case had detailed immunophenotypic analysis using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (CD45, CD20, CD3, CD5, CD23, BCL2, BCL6, BCL10, Ki67, CD30, CD15, BCL1, Kappa, Lambda, CD138). Lesions were classified by using WHO (2008) lymphomas classification. Twenty-three patients were found to have primary and two secondary lymphomas. Histological subtypes were: 16 patients with marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, four diffuse large B cell lymphomas, two mantle cell lymphomas, two follicular lymphomas, and one Hodgkin lymphoma. Among the 25 patients studied, 22 had localized stage. Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma was the most frequent type of primary orbital and adnexal lymphoma. In this study localized disease was observed in most cases, and distant spread of the lymphomas was infrequent.

Linfomas de la órbita y anexos oculares: Correlación clínico patológica de 25 casos / Orbital and ocular adnexal lymphomas: Clinico-pathological correlation in 25 cases

Se evaluaron las características clínicas, histológicas y la evolución de una cohorte de pacientes con linfomas de la órbita y anexos oculares. Entre 1995 y 2008 se estudiaron 25 casos de linfomas de la órbita y anexos oculares en un centro oncológico de referencia. En cada caso se analizó el inmunofenotipo usando un panel de anticuerpos monoclonales (CD45, CD20, CD3, CD5, CD23, BCL2, BCL6, BCL10, Ki67, CD30, CD15, BCL1, Kappa, Lambda, CD138). Las lesiones fueron evaluadas utilizando el sistema de clasificación de linfomas (OMS, 2008). Se analizaron 23 linfomas primarios y dos secundarios. Los subtipos histológicos fueron: 16 linfomas B de la zona marginal asociados a las mucosas (MALT), cuatro linfomas difusos de células grandes B, dos linfomas foliculares y un paciente con linfoma Hodgkin. De los 25 casos estudiados, 22 presentaron estadios localizados. El linfoma MALT fue el subtipo más frecuente. En este estudio se observó enfermedad localizada en la mayoría de los casos y con baja progresión a distancia.

Clinical, histological features and outcome of a cohort of patients with orbital and adnexal lymphoproliferative tumors were evaluated. Twenty-five cases in an oncologic referral center from 1995 to 2008, were included in the study. Each case had detailed immunophenotypic analysis using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (CD45, CD20, CD3, CD5, CD23, BCL2, BCL6, BCL10, Ki67, CD30, CD15, BCL1, Kappa, Lambda, CD138). Lesions were classified by using WHO (2008) lymphomas classification. Twenty-three patients were found to have primary and two secondary lymphomas. Histological subtypes were: 16 patients with marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, four diffuse large B cell lymphomas, two mantle cell lymphomas, two follicular lymphomas, and one Hodgkin lymphoma. Among the 25 patients studied, 22 had localized stage. Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma was the most frequent type of primary orbital and adnexal lymphoma. In this study localized disease was observed in most cases, and distant spread of the lymphomas was infrequent.

[Hematodermic CD4+ CD56+ neoplasm in childhood]. / Neoplasia hematodérmica CD4+ CD56+ en la infancia.

Hematodermic CD4+ CD56+ neoplasm with plasmacytoid dendritic cell phenotype is a rare and aggressive neoplasm recently recognized by the WHO-EORTC classification. It generally appears in elderly adults, exceptionally in childhood. We present a 12-year-old girl with severe mental retardation, genetic clinical features and multiple nodular cutaneous lesions on legs and arms. Histologically the nodules showed diffuse dermal infiltrate of medium and small cells and expression of CD4, CD56, CD43, S100 and plasmacytoid dendritic markers: CD123, BDCA-2 under flow cytometry study. Peripheral blood and bone marrow were not involved. Clinical remission of cutaneous lesions was observed after two weeks of acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy.

[Cutaneous B cell processes with nodular pattern]. / Procesos linfoides B cutáneos con patrón nodular.

Cutaneous lymphomas are low grade malignant neoplasms with favourable prognosis. Those related to the germinal centre with nodular pattern may be: follicular lymphomas (LFC) or extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (LMC). They are difficult to tell apart, and from reactive processes like cutaneous follicular hyperplasia and cutis immunocytomas. The objective of this study was to check the incidence and the value of both histology and immunohistochemistry in differential diagnosis. Fifty six patients with cutaneous lymphomas were selected within the period 1995-2004. The biopsies were studied with hematoxilin eosin and immunohistochemistry. Thirty two out of the fifty six cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates were of T origin (57.1%) and twenty four of B origin (42.8%), ten out of this last figure (17.7%) were lymphoid processes with nodular pattern Four LFC, three LMC and three HLC were diagnosed. Convergent follicles with scarce mantle and germinal centres with monomorph celullarity were observed in the LFC. Among the LMC, follicles with prominent mantle and nests of monocitoid cells in the mantle, interfollicular zone and in the germinal centers observed. In the HLC macrophages with detritus were found in the germinal centers. LFC showed: CD20 (+), CD 10 (+), bcl-2 (+) or (-), and bcl-6 (+) in the follicle and in the interfollicular area. LMC showed: CD 20 (+), bcl-2 (-), CD 10 (+/-), and bcl-6 (+) in the follicle, and bcl-2 (+), CD10 (-/+) and bcl-6 (-) in the interfollicular area. The HLC results were: bcl-2 (-), bcl-6 (+) and CD 10 (-) in the follicle and bcl-2 (+), bcl-6 (-) and CD 10 (-) in the interfollicular zone. We conclude that lymphoid B cell processes with nodular pattern are unusual. Histology and immunohistochemistry proved to be useful in the differential diagnosis of these lymphomas, and for differentiating these from lymphoid hyperplasias or non tumoral hyperplasias.

[Primary sarcomas of the breast]. / Sarcomas primarios de mama.

Primary sarcomas of the breast are extremely rare with less than 1% of all malignant tumours of the breast reported in literature. At our Institution 1315 malignant tumours of the breast were diagnosed between 1999-2004; nine of them corresponded to primary sarcomas: angiosarcoma (3), leiomyosarcoma (1), low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (1), dematofibrosarcoma protuberans (1), liposarcoma (1), osteosarcoma (1), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (1). Histopathological specimens stained with routine techniques and immunoperoxidase were reviewed; proliferation index and p53 over-expression were also determined. Patients' clinical reports were also reviewed to determine prognosis (favorable and unfavorable). The incidence observed (0.7%) is similar to those already published by others authors. Proliferation index was correlated with type of evolution, being an unfavourable prognosis factor when it was equal or major to 30%. Most of the tumours (67%) showed p53 (mayor or equal to 20% of nuclear staining) over-expression but this did not show a direct relationship with the evolution of each neoplasm.

Sarcomas primarios de mama / Primary sarcomas of the breast

Los sarcomas primarios de mama son extremadamente raros y representan menos del 1% de lostumores mamarios comunicados en la literatura. Entre los años 1999 y 2004 se diagnosticaron ennuestra institución 1315 tumores malignos de mama, entre ellos nueve correspondieron a sarcomas primarios:tres angiosarcomas, un leiomiosarcoma, un sarcoma fibromixoide de bajo grado, un dermatofibrosarcoma, unliposarcoma, un osteosarcoma y un tumor maligno de la vaina de los nervios periféricos. Se revisaron los preparadoshistológicos, teñidos con técnicas de rutina y de inmunoperoxidasa, estableciéndose la fracción de crecimiento(FC) y sobre-expresión de proteína p53. Se estudiaron también las historias clínicas de las pacientespara determinar tipos de evolución (favorable y desfavorable). La incidencia observada (0.7%) es similar a lasya publicadas por otros autores. La FC se correlacionó con la evolución, siendo un factor pronóstico desfavorablecuando fue mayor o igual al 30%. La mayoría de los tumores (67%) mostró sobre-expresión de proteína p53(mayor o igual al 20% de tinción nuclear) pero esto no demostró tener una relación directa con la evolución decada neoplasia.

Primary sarcomas of the breast are extremely rare with less than1% of all malignant tumours of the breast reported in literature. At our Institution 1315 malignanttumours of the breast were diagnosed between 1999-2004; nine of them corresponded to primary sarcomas:angiosarcoma (3), leiomyosarcoma (1), low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (1), dematofibrosarcoma protuberans (1),liposarcoma (1), osteosarcoma (1), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (1). Histopathological specimensstained with routine techniques and immunoperoxidase were reviewed; proliferation index and p53 over-expressionwere also determined. Patients´ clinical reports were also reviewed to determine prognosis (favorable andunfavorable). The incidence observed (0.7%) is similar to those already published by others authors. Proliferationindex was correlated with type of evolution, being an unfavourable prognosis factor when it was equal ormajor to 30%. Most of the tumours (67%) showed p53 (mayor or equal to 20% of nuclear staining) over-expressionbut this did not show a direct relationship with the evolution of each neoplasm.

Sarcomas primarios de mama / Primary sarcomas of the breast

Los sarcomas primarios de mama son extremadamente raros y representan menos del 1% de lostumores mamarios comunicados en la literatura. Entre los años 1999 y 2004 se diagnosticaron ennuestra institución 1315 tumores malignos de mama, entre ellos nueve correspondieron a sarcomas primarios:tres angiosarcomas, un leiomiosarcoma, un sarcoma fibromixoide de bajo grado, un dermatofibrosarcoma, unliposarcoma, un osteosarcoma y un tumor maligno de la vaina de los nervios periféricos. Se revisaron los preparadoshistológicos, teñidos con técnicas de rutina y de inmunoperoxidasa, estableciéndose la fracción de crecimiento(FC) y sobre-expresión de proteína p53. Se estudiaron también las historias clínicas de las pacientespara determinar tipos de evolución (favorable y desfavorable). La incidencia observada (0.7%) es similar a lasya publicadas por otros autores. La FC se correlacionó con la evolución, siendo un factor pronóstico desfavorablecuando fue mayor o igual al 30%. La mayoría de los tumores (67%) mostró sobre-expresión de proteína p53(mayor o igual al 20% de tinción nuclear) pero esto no demostró tener una relación directa con la evolución decada neoplasia. (AU)

Primary sarcomas of the breast are extremely rare with less than1% of all malignant tumours of the breast reported in literature. At our Institution 1315 malignanttumours of the breast were diagnosed between 1999-2004; nine of them corresponded to primary sarcomas:angiosarcoma (3), leiomyosarcoma (1), low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (1), dematofibrosarcoma protuberans (1),liposarcoma (1), osteosarcoma (1), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (1). Histopathological specimensstained with routine techniques and immunoperoxidase were reviewed; proliferation index and p53 over-expressionwere also determined. Patients´ clinical reports were also reviewed to determine prognosis (favorable andunfavorable). The incidence observed (0.7%) is similar to those already published by others authors. Proliferationindex was correlated with type of evolution, being an unfavourable prognosis factor when it was equal ormajor to 30%. Most of the tumours (67%) showed p53 (mayor or equal to 20% of nuclear staining) over-expressionbut this did not show a direct relationship with the evolution of each neoplasm. (AU)

Sarcomas primarios de mama / Primary sarcomas of the breast

Los sarcomas primarios de mama son extremadamente raros y representan menos del 1% de lostumores mamarios comunicados en la literatura. Entre los años 1999 y 2004 se diagnosticaron ennuestra institución 1315 tumores malignos de mama, entre ellos nueve correspondieron a sarcomas primarios:tres angiosarcomas, un leiomiosarcoma, un sarcoma fibromixoide de bajo grado, un dermatofibrosarcoma, unliposarcoma, un osteosarcoma y un tumor maligno de la vaina de los nervios periféricos. Se revisaron los preparadoshistológicos, teñidos con técnicas de rutina y de inmunoperoxidasa, estableciéndose la fracción de crecimiento(FC) y sobre-expresión de proteína p53. Se estudiaron también las historias clínicas de las pacientespara determinar tipos de evolución (favorable y desfavorable). La incidencia observada (0.7%) es similar a lasya publicadas por otros autores. La FC se correlacionó con la evolución, siendo un factor pronóstico desfavorablecuando fue mayor o igual al 30%. La mayoría de los tumores (67%) mostró sobre-expresión de proteína p53(mayor o igual al 20% de tinción nuclear) pero esto no demostró tener una relación directa con la evolución decada neoplasia. (AU)

Primary sarcomas of the breast are extremely rare with less than1% of all malignant tumours of the breast reported in literature. At our Institution 1315 malignanttumours of the breast were diagnosed between 1999-2004; nine of them corresponded to primary sarcomas:angiosarcoma (3), leiomyosarcoma (1), low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (1), dematofibrosarcoma protuberans (1),liposarcoma (1), osteosarcoma (1), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (1). Histopathological specimensstained with routine techniques and immunoperoxidase were reviewed; proliferation index and p53 over-expressionwere also determined. Patients´ clinical reports were also reviewed to determine prognosis (favorable andunfavorable). The incidence observed (0.7%) is similar to those already published by others authors. Proliferationindex was correlated with type of evolution, being an unfavourable prognosis factor when it was equal ormajor to 30%. Most of the tumours (67%) showed p53 (mayor or equal to 20% of nuclear staining) over-expressionbut this did not show a direct relationship with the evolution of each neoplasm. (AU)

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in tumoral and non-tumoral epithelia from bladder cancer patients.

We have previously demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) is elevated in the urine from bladder cancer patients. As the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces high NO output, the aim of this study was to examine iNOS expression and activity in tumoral (BT) and non-tumoral bladder tissue (NT). iNOS expression was determined by Western blot in 42 BT, 22 NT, and 4 normal bladders (normal B). iNOS activity was evaluated by conversion of [(14)C]l-arginine to [(14)C]l-citrulline plus NO, in additional 15 BT, 8 NT, and 1 normal B. iNOS tissue localization was studied by immunohistochemistry. iNOS expression and activity were found in almost 50% of bladder cancer patients, in both BT and in NT. A similar positive or negative iNOS expression in each pair of NT and BT tissue compared was observed, suggesting that high urine NO levels could be generated by an active iNOS present not only in the tumor but also in the non-tumoral bladder tissue. By immunohistochemistry, heterogeneous iNOS staining was detected in tumor cells from superficial and invasive tumors, while it was not evident in the normal bladder epithelium. A follow-up of 21 patients during 2 years showed recurrences in 80% with positive iNOS. On the contrary, no recurrences were observed in 73% of iNOS negative patients. Our results suggest that iNOS expression in bladder tissue may predispose to cancer recurrences.

Prognostic value of cell cycle regulator molecules in surgically resected stage I and II breast cancer.

Success in breast cancer treatment depends greatly upon early detection, and in the employment of prognostic markers able to anticipate the evolution of the disease, allowing a more rational management of the patient. A fundamental cause of cancer is the alteration of the genetic material, which may modify the expression of proteins that play key roles in cell cycle progression. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of cyclins D1, E, and B1 and of the CDKIs p16 and p21 in a population of uniformly treated patients with stage I or II breast tumors (n=56) compared with patients with benign breast pathology (n=23). Malignant breast tumors showed higher cyclin E and lower p21 expression than benign breast pathology (NS), determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In breast cancer patients, overexpression of cyclins D1 and E was associated with the presence of ER and stage respectively independently of other prognostic variables (multivariate analysis). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that only overexpression of cyclin E was associated with a longer recurrence-free survival. Cox analysis showed that neither cyclins nor CDKIs were independent prognostic markers. We demonstrated that several regulators of cell cycle progression were altered in a large number of breast tumor cases, however, these abnormalities were not indicators of a worse outcome in breast cancer patients of stages I and II.

[Signet ring cell lymphoma mimicking mucin-producing carcinoma]. / Linfoma de células en anillo de sello que simula carcinoma mucosecretante.

Signet ring cell lymphoma is a rare neoplasm characterized by large, vacuolated and clear cells mimicking mucin-producing adenocarcinoma. It is localized in nodal and extranodal sites. A case of a 59 years old male, with a diffuse lymphoma signet ring cell type localized on oropharyngeal mucosa is reported. The histopathology study showed signet ring cells and the immunophenotype was: vimentine(+), CD45(+), CD20(+), Ig M(+), Kappa chain(+) and high index proliferative activity of neoplastic cells (Ki 67:70%). After a review of the literature and previous reports, we could not find a similar case in this anatomic site. The patient had a unfavourable clinical course and died two months after the diagnosis without receiving any treatment.

Linfoma de células en anillo de sello que simula carcinoma mucosecretante. / [Signet ring cell lymphoma mimicking mucin-producing carcinoma]

Signet ring cell lymphoma is a rare neoplasm characterized by large, vacuolated and clear cells mimicking mucin-producing adenocarcinoma. It is localized in nodal and extranodal sites. A case of a 59 years old male, with a diffuse lymphoma signet ring cell type localized on oropharyngeal mucosa is reported. The histopathology study showed signet ring cells and the immunophenotype was: vimentine(+), CD45(+), CD20(+), Ig M(+), Kappa chain(+) and high index proliferative activity of neoplastic cells (Ki 67:70

). After a review of the literature and previous reports, we could not find a similar case in this anatomic site. The patient had a unfavourable clinical course and died two months after the diagnosis without receiving any treatment.