[Effects of PDGF AB on extracellular matrix synthesis by human mammary fibroblasts]. / Effetti del PDGF AB sulla sintesi di matrice extracellulare da parte di fibroblasti mammari umani.

PDGF AB effect on extracellular matrix protein synthesis and release by a primary culture of non transformed human mammary fibroblasts was analyzed. Primarily PDGF AB induced a modified protein distribution, with a global enhancement of secreted proteins as compared to intracytoplasmatic proteins. Furthermore, an increase in synthesis and release of the extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin and type I and IV collagens upon PDGF AB treatment with specific immunoprecipitation was demonstrated.

[A case of loco-regional recurrence of carcinoma of the male breast]. / Su di un caso di recidiva loco-regionale di carcinoma della mammella maschile.

The case of a 47-year-old man surgically treated with Halsted mastectomy for breast cancer and submitted to Tamoxifen therapy for more than four years is reported. A loco-regional recurrence following withdrawal of oestrogen antagonist therapy was observed and surgically treated by local excision. Normal karyotype analysis of peripheral leucocytes, normal male phenotype of the patient, his height and the lack of family history for breast cancer, as well as a possible dysfunction of the endocrine system were considered in the aetiopathogenesis of the disease.

[Rare peritoneal tumors in the aged. Apropos of a case of Castleman's syndrome]. / Nell'ambito dei tumori rari retroperitoneali in età geriatrica. A proposito di un caso di sindrome di Castleman.

An unusual case is reported of the rare Castleman's disease localized in the retroperitoneal area in an elderly asymptomatic patient. A similar benign lymphoadenopathy of unknown etiology is generally found in the mediastinum and interests just one lymph-node that results abnormally hyperplastic. Histologically, most cases are of the hyaline-vascular type and much more rarely of the plasmacell variant. After a careful review of the literature the anatomical, pathological and clinical characteristics, the main etiopathogenetics hypotheses and diagnostic criteria are explained. The particular size of the neoformation is emphasized and also the impossibility to reach a correct preoperatory diagnosis owing to a suspect kidney parenchyma infiltration observed by RM. Also the intraoperatory report seemed to confirm the diagnostic hypothesis of a malign neoplasm infiltrating the lower pole of the kidney and which necessitated the total ablation of the retroperitoneal mass and left kidney. We concluded that the case which we have observed (the 32nd in world literature dealing with the retroperitoneal space) is not really comparable to those previously described by other authors. In fact the histopathological picture presents a series of ialino-vascular and plasmacell aspects which make any hypothesis of etiopathogenetic uncertain.

[The clinico-diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in carcinoma of the male breast]. / Considerazioni clinico-diagnostiche e terapeutiche nel carcinoma della mammella maschile.

Three cases of male breast cancer, observed during the last 10 years at the III Surgical Department of the University of Rome "La Sapienza", out of a total of 282 operations performed for mammary carcinoma are reported. In agreement to what reported in the literature the M/F ratio was 1:100. It is pointed out how male breast cancer compared to the female one, involves older subjects. Furthermore, since the disease in males reaches its most advanced stages quite rapidly a radical surgical treatment such as the traditional Halsted operation is mandatory. The prevalence of the histopathological form of invasive ductal carcinoma and the high frequency of intratumoral estradiol and progesterone receptors are confirmed. The latter in many cases allows for adjuvant hormonal therapy and represents, in association with polychemotherapy, a valid alternative to traditional endocrino-surgical therapy, both in terms of long term prognosis and quality of life.

[The effect of aging on the replication activity of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro]. / Effetto dell'invecchiamento sull'attività replicativa di fibroblasti gengivali umani in vitro.

Human gingival fibroblast primary cultures were obtained from healthy donors of different ages (20/50/65 years). The identity and homogeneity of the histotype were determined by immunofluorescence of cytoskeletal intermediate filaments (vimentin versus cytokeratin). Cell growth characteristics and doubling times, determined by growth curves, were compared in the same culture, during aging process induced in vitro, and also in cultures from donors of different ages. A progressive decrease of proliferation was found during both physiologic aging in vivo and induced aging in vitro.

[The modification of the extracellular matrix synthesized in vitro by human gingival fibroblasts in relation to aging]. / Modificazione della matrice extracellulare sintetizzata in vitro da fibroblasti gengivali umani in rapporto all'invecchiamento.

Human gingival fibroblast primary cultures were obtained from healthy donors of different ages (20/50/65 years). The synthesis of extracellular matrix was analyzed and the relative protein production was compared either in different cultures at the same passage or in the same culture at following passages. In the first passages of the 3 cultures the protein patterns resulted similar in quantity and quality. However, a quantitative modification in protein synthesis was evident in each culture during the aging process induced in vitro, with a progressive decrease in global protein production, parallel to the increase of the number of culture passages.