ABSTRACT
Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) is defined by the WHO 2022 classification as a malignant tumor derived from the renal tubular epithelium. However, the WHO 2016 classification subdivided PRCC into two types, with type 1 PRCC showing papillae covered by a single layer of neoplastic cells, and type II PRCC, which can show multiple types of histologies and is more aggressive. The WHO 2022 classification eliminated the subcategorization of PRCC. Here, we present a histopathological case study with a 4-year follow-up diagnosed in 2018 as type I PRCC (WHO 2016) with intra-pyelocalyceal growth pattern in a 59-year-old male patient with a history of Type II diabetes mellitus, left-sided renal-ureteral lithiasis, and benign hypertrophy of the prostate. Microscopically the tumor was composed of small cuboidal cells with inconspicuous nucleoli, arranged on a single layer of tubulo-papillary cores, and scant, foamy macrophages. The tumor had a non-infiltrative, expansive pyelocalyceal growth pattern. Immunohistochemically (IHC), the tumor cells were CK7-intense and diffusely positive, and stained granular for AMACR. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed for the tumor and the normal adjacent tissue for in-depth pathological characterization. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case where a PRCC displays this unique intra-pyelocalyceal growth pattern, mimicking a urothelial cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis system.
ABSTRACT
This paper presents an alternative vaccination platform that provides long-term cellular immune protection mediated by cytotoxic T-cells. The immune response via cellular immunity creates superior resistance to viral mutations, which are currently the greatest threat to the global vaccination campaign. Furthermore, we also propose a safer, more facile and physiologically appropriate immunization method using either intra-nasal or oral administration. The underlying technology is an adaptation of synthetic long peptides (SLPs) previously used in cancer immunotherapy. SLPs comprising HLA class I and class II epitopes are used to stimulate antigen cross-presentation and canonical class II presentation by dendritic cells. The result is a cytotoxic T cell-mediated prompt and specific immune response against the virus-infected epithelia and a rapid and robust virus clearance. Peptides isolated from COVID-19 convalescent patients were screened for the best HLA population coverage and were tested for toxicity and allergenicity. 3D peptide folding followed by molecular docking studies provided positive results, suggesting a favourable antigen presentation.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that rutin presents a heightened interest due to the plethora of biological activities. The major drawback for this phytocompound is the poor water solubility, a parameter that limits its bioavailability. The study aimed to prepare and assess the inclusion complexes of rutin with ß-cyclodextrin (BCD) and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPBCD), followed by the evaluation of the antioxidant, antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against B164A5 murine melanoma cell line. METHODS: Inclusion complexes were prepared by kneading method. Scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction were used in order to assess their formation. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay. Antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects where tested by MTT, respectively Annexin V-PI assays. Physico-chemical methods proved that incorporation took place. RESULTS: Results show that rutin presents antioxidant activity, and complexation increases this property. After 72 h of incubation at the concentration of 100 µM rutin proved to be an active antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic compound against B164A5 cells. CONCLUSION: Incorporation in BCD and HBCD maintained the activity, thus representing an important finding and open path for in vivo experiments.
