[Albumin mRNA and pCEA in the histopathologic diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma]. / mRNA dell'albumina e pCEA nella diagnosi istopatologica del carcinoma epatocellulare.

Extrahepatic neoplasms metastatic to the liver histologically are often indistinguishable from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The differential diagnosis between HCC and metastatic liver tumours can be even more difficult in ultrasound guided fine-needle biopsies. Purpose of the present study was to investigate the utility of immunohistochemical staining with polyclonal anticarcinoembryonic antigen (pCEA) antibody and of in situ hybridization (ISH) revealing human albumin mRNA, with emphasis on tissues obtained via fine-needle procedure. Cases consisted of 52 primary HCC; 2 HCC metastatic to vertebral bones; 18 tumours metastatic to the liver; 24 non-hepatocellular tumours metastatic to the skin, lymph nodes and brain; 2 immature teratomas with areas of hepatoid differentiation. Forty-seven HCC (90%) and 7 liver metastases (38%) were obtained by ultrasound guided fine-needle biopsies (21 g needle was used). All the remaining cases were surgical specimens. All the cases were studied with immunohistochemistry for pCEA and ISH using a cRNA probe for human albumin mRNA. The immunohistochemical staining using pCEA showed a canalicular type of positivity in 37 cases of HCC (71%), in one HCC metastatic to vertebral bone and in the hepatoid areas of one immature teratoma. No canalicular type of positivity was obtained in non-hepatocellular neoplasms metastatic to the skin, brain, lymph-nodes and liver. Albumin mRNA was detected in 51 (98%) primary HCC, in both HCC bone metastases, and in the hepatoid areas of both immature teratomas. No positivity was obtained in non-hepatocellular tumours. The data here obtained indicate that immunostaining with pCEA and ISH revealing human albumin mRNA are markers of hepatocellular differentiation and confirm their diagnostic utility. Detection of albumin mRNA showed a higher sensitivity. In addition the cRNA probe here used seems more sensitive that the oligonucleotide probes employed in previous studies.

Benign regressing histiocytosis of the liver.

A case of benign regressing histiocytosis of the liver is reported. The patient, an adult male, presented with fever and diarrhoea and on abdominal echography multiple nodules were present in the liver. Histologically and immunohistochemically the lesions had features of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. The nodules regressed within four months, without therapy, and the patient is free of disease 29 months after presentation.

[Observations on dietary intake of iron in young adults of the city of Bologna and evaluation of the risk of iron deficiency]. / Osservazioni sull'apporto alimentare di ferro in giovani adulti della città di Bologna e valutazioni sul rischio delle carenze marziali.

The dietary iron intake was studied in 50 volunteers sample of young adults in Bologna neighbourhood; thirty men, mean age 28.9, and 20 women, mean age 30.4. A structured questionnaire was proposed individually by a skilled dietary interviewer. The mean dietary iron daily intake results similar to that found in western industrialised countries, as reported in previous studies, respectively 15.1 mg and 14.0 in men and women. This study reveals a lower percentage of animal origin dietary iron than in northern and central Europe in both sexes, as previously reported (male: 32.8%; female: 27.3%), furthermore the iron intake per kcal was markedly lower (male: 4.91/1000 kcal, female: 5.97) than the level of 7 mg/1000 kcal reported for those countries. The authors argue that the described dietary habit can lead to iron loss balance, mostly in women whose iron intake is far lower than one recommended by LARN (Recommended daily dietary allowances by National Nutrition Italian Institute). It is considered the increasing chance of iron therapy need in women, particularly during long-lasting hypocaloric diets.

[Clinical evaluation of the use of somatostatin (VAL 787) in the treatment of upper digestive hemorrhage]. / Valutazione clinica dell'uso della somatostatina (VAL 787) nel trattamento delle emorragie digestive superiori.

Personal experience with 30 patients treated with Somatostatin for upper gastrointestinal bleeding is reported. The conclusion is drawn that this drug, reducing chloro-peptic secretion and hepatic portal blood flow, can reduce and control bleeding and postpone the surgical operation, which has a high rate of mortality.