Association between survivin gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to colon cancer development in the Turkish population.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Apoptosis is a necessary physiological process for cell elimination which is very important both cellular homeostasis and cell proliferation and differantiation. Dysregulation can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development. Survivin, a member of the IAP family, plays a key role in promotion of cell proliferation as well as inhibition of apoptosis in cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether specific genetic polymorphisms of survivin could be associated with colon cancer development and progression in a Turkish population. Our study is the first to our knowledge to investigate the relationship between colon cancer risk and survivin gene polymorphisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relation between colon cancer and survivin -31 G/C (rs9904341), -241 C/T (rs17878467) and -625 C/G (rs8073069) polymorphism in promotor site of survivin gene associated with apoptosis was investigated using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: Individuals with -31C allele and CC genotype were found to have a higher risk of developing colon cancer (OR=13.4, p=0.01). The -241 CT genotype considerably increased the risk of colon cancer (OR=12.0, p=0.0001). However, there was no significant varaition of the survivin -625 C/G polymorphism among colon cancer patients and controls in our study. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence that survivin -31 G/C and -241 C/T SNP significantly contribute to the risk of colon cancer in the Turkish population.

Scintigraphic and histopathologic evaluation of combined bone grafts.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess various bone grafts on bone formation using bone scintigraphy and histology, especially the first study that evaluated the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) + tricalcium phosphate (TCP) + hyaluronic acid (HA) combination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 pieces in groups of autogenous bone graft, TCP, DBM, DBM + TCP combination, and DBM + TCP + HA combination were applied to parietal bones of 24 New Zealand rabbits. Bone scintigraphies of the rabbits were performed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. The uptake ratios were compared for the different types of grafts. In addition, in 2, 6, and 12 weeks, the graft areas were taken from the sacrificed rabbits and examined histologically. RESULTS: In the 2-week evaluation, DBM + TCP combination and DBM + TCP + HA combination had more osteoblastic activity accumulation than the TCP and DBM groups. These findings supported that the DBM + TCP combination group showed new bone formation earlier in the histopathological evaluation. The DBM + TCP + HA combination had more uptake than the TCP and DBM groups on bone scintigraphy at 2 weeks, and this uptake ratio decreased in the following weeks. It was thought that the increased uptake in DBM + TCP + HA combination at 2 weeks was due to severe inflammation seen in the histopathological evaluation. CONCLUSION: The DBM + TCP + HA combination should not be used for graft repair, although it was thought to be a good combination in the early weeks.

Mast cells numbers and peritumoral microvessel density of the prostatic adenocarcinomas and correlation with prognostic parameters.

AIM: To determine the utility of mast cell numbers and microvascular density (MVD) in evaluating acinar type of prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa), and to ascertain a relationship between the number of mast cells with prognostic parameters (larger tumor volume, high Gleason score, lymphovascular, perineural, seminal vesicles invasion, metastatic lymph node). METHODS: The study comprised 97 radical prostatectomy specimens. The paraffin sections were stained with anti-CD31, anti- CD34 and Toluidine Blue. The numbers of positive staining of cells and microvessels in 10 high-power fields were counted systematically. RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship was found between MVDn and number of MC (r=0.218 and p=0. 032). There was no correlation between age and MC and MVD (p=0.406 and p=0.671, respectively). CONCLUSION: A correlation between mast cell number and microvascular density cannot depend on tumor angiogenesis or this relationship can be an independent parameter. More comprehensive studies could reveal relationship with prognostic parameters.

Leiomyoma of the urinary bladder in asymptomatic women.

Most bladder tumors are derived from the urothelium. Benign mesenchymal tumors are rare. Leiomyomas account for less than 0.43% of all bladder tumors. Genitourinary leiomyomata may arise in any anatomic structure containing smooth muscle. They have been reported to involve single or multiple organs. Since they may also mimic malignant lesions, they should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of any pelvic mass, with a possibility of being asymptomatic and discovered incidentally by radiographic imaging. We, herein, report a case illustrating clinical and pathological features in particular immunohistochemistry, and discuss its etiology and differential diagnosis.

Posttraumatic giant proliferating trichilemmal cysts on the parietal region of the scalp.

Proliferating trichilemmal (pilar) cysts, also known as pilar tumors, are most commonly found on the scalp of elderly women. Proliferating trichilemmal cysts are rare, slowly growing, lobular masses inherited autosomal dominantly and localized on scalps, and believed to arise due to a complication of a trauma and inflammation, and 5-10% of people are reported to be effected. Herein, we present the case of a 70-year-old woman with a 23-year history of multiple enlarging scalp masses. Clinically, squamous cell carcinoma was considered in the differential diagnosis, and the lesion was totally excised. Our case emphasizes the necessity for detailed clinical and pathological correlation for differential diagnosis.