Cytokeratin 8/18-negative somatotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs, adenomas) show variable morphological features and do not represent a clinicopathologically distinct entity.

AIMS: In somatotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (adenomas), a pattern of cytokeratin (CK) 18 expression is used for tumour subclassification, with possible clinical implications. Rare somatotroph tumours do not express CK 18. We aimed to characterise this subset clinically and histologically. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical and pathological data for the study were derived from a previously published data set of a cohort of 110 patients with acromegaly. Data included serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), growth hormone (GH), prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), tumour diameter, tumour invasion defined by Knosp grade and immunohistochemical data concerning the expression of Ki67, p53, E-cadherin, somatostatin receptor (SSTR)1, SSTR2A, SSTR3, SSTR5 and D2 dopamine receptor. Additional immunohistochemical analysis (AE1/3, CK 8/18, vimentin, neurofilament light chain, internexin-α) was performed. CK 18 was negative in 10 of 110 (9.1%) tumours. One of these tumours was immunoreactive with CK 8/18 antibody, while the remainder expressed only internexin-α intermediate filament in patterns similar to CK 18 (perinuclear fibrous bodies). CK-negative tumours showed no significant differences with respect to biochemical, radiological or pathological features. They showed significantly higher expression of SSTR2A compared to the sparsely granulated subtype and significantly lower expression of E-cadherin compared to the non-sparsely granulated subtypes of tumours. The tumours showed divergent morphology and hormonal expression: two corresponded to densely granulated tumours and three showed co-expression of prolactin and morphology of either mammosomatotroph or somatotroph-lactotroph tumours. Four tumours showed morphology and immunoprofile compatible with plurihormonal Pit1-positive tumours. CONCLUSIONS: CK-negative somatotroph tumours do not represent a distinct subtype of somatotroph tumours, and can be further subdivided according to their morphology and immunoprofile.

CK 8∕18: the key to differentiating intracutaneous lesions with pagetoid features.

INTRODUCTION: Neoplasms with pagetoid features are a category of rare lesions defined by the presence of atypical cells at different levels of the epidermis. The most important diseases within this category are mammary Paget disease (MPD), extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), Bowen's disease, in situ melanoma, and pagetoid reticulosis. AIM: The aim of this analysis was to describe the importance of the cytokeratin 8∕18 (CK 8∕18) immunostaining in diagnosing MPD and EMPD and differentiating them from other lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was employed, based on the histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics of 30 cases that presented pagetoid features. The cases were processed and analyzed at the Department of Pathology, Mures Clinical County Hospital, Târgu Mures, Romania, from 2017 to 2020. RESULTS: Five MPD cases, one EMPD case, one pagetoid reticulosis case, 10 Bowen's disease cases, and 13 in situ melanoma cases were collected. Under Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, cells presented pale cytoplasm in MPD, EMPD, and in 25% of the melanoma cases. Hyperchromasia with nuclear enlargement was seen in all cases. Immunostaining with CK 8∕18 was positive in all MPD and EMPD cases. Tests for CK7, p63, and CK AE1∕AE3 were positive in MPD, EMPD, and Bowen's cases. Tests for S100, SRY-box transcription factor 10 (SOX10), human melanoma black 45 (HMB45), and Melan A were positive in melanoma cases, while cluster of differentiation (CD)3, CD4, and CD8 tests were positive in the pagetoid reticulosis case. CONCLUSIONS: CK 8∕18 is an IHC marker that can help establish the diagnosis of MPD and EMPD and differentiate them from other pagetoid neoplasms, ensuring the proper diagnosis and prognosis are provided.

Identification of a new sweat gland progenitor population in mice and the role of their niche in tissue development.

Sweat gland cells are responsible for the regulation of body temperature and are critical for wound repair. Furthermore, they have the regenerative potential in response to injury, and show a substantial turnover during both wound healing and homeostasis. However, as a usual research model of sweat gland, mice have not too much glandular cells for experiments. In this study, we identify previously unreported sweat gland progenitor population in mice and characterize them. The progenitor characteristics of sweat gland were confirmed using cellular immunofluorescence assay and quantitative real-time PCR assay. K8 and K18 expression was barely detected in the early stage of skin development (Embryo 17.5d) and increased to a high level at P5d (postnatal 5d), then showed reduction at adult stage (P28d). Further investigation of K8 and K18 positive cells using tissue immunofluorescence revealed the presence of sweat gland progenitors in back epidermis of mice at early stage of sweat gland development and continuous reduction during the developmental process. In vivo transplantation assay with animal models elucidated that sweat gland specific niche in paw pads was critical for the development of sweat gland cells. Although the relationship between new sweat gland progenitors and their niche still needs to be further investigated, the presence of these cells implicates that there is more source ascribed to sweat glands in addition to serving as progenitors in mice.

Ex vivo construction of a novel model of bioengineered bladder mucosa: A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To generate and to evaluate ex vivo a novel model of bioengineered human bladder mucosa based on fibrin-agarose biomaterials. METHODS: We first established primary cultures of stromal and epithelial cells from small biopsies of the human bladder using enzymatic digestion and selective cell culture media. Then, a bioengineered substitute of the bladder lamina propria was generated using cultured stromal cells and fibrin-agarose scaffolds, and the epithelial cells were then subcultured on top to generate a complete bladder mucosa substitute. Evaluation of this substitute was carried out by cell viability and histological analyses, immunohistochemistry for key epithelial markers and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The results show a well-configured stroma substitute with a single-layer epithelium on top. This substitute was equivalent to the control bladder mucosa. After 7 days of ex vivo development, the epithelial layer expressed pancytokeratin, and cytokeratins CK7, CK8 and CK13, as well as filaggrin and ZO-2, with negative expression of CK4 and uroplakin III. A reduction of the expression of CK8, filaggrin and ZO-2 was found at day 14 of development. An immature basement membrane was detected at the transition between the epithelium and the lamina propria, with the presence of epithelial hemidesmosomes, interdigitations and immature desmosomes. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that this model of bioengineered human bladder mucosa shared structural and functional similarities with the native bladder mucosa, although the epithelial cells were not fully differentiated ex vivo. We hypothesize that this bladder mucosa substitute could have potential clinical usefulness after in vivo implantation.

BRCA-mutated Invasive Breast Carcinomas: Immunohistochemical Analysis of Insulin-like Growth Factor II mRNA-binding Protein (IMP3), Cytokeratin 8/18, and Cytokeratin 14.

To evaluate the expression of insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein (IMP3), CK8/18, and CK14 in BRCA mutated and sporadic invasive breast carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry for IMP3, CK8/18, and CK14 was performed on 39 cases of invasive breast carcinomas with BRCA mutation (24 BRCA1, 14 BRCA2, and 1 dual BRCA1/BRCA2) and 54 cases of sporadic invasive breast carcinomas. The relationship between the IMP3, CK8/18, and CK14 and the tumor grade and molecular phenotypes were analyzed. IMP3, CK8/18, and CK14 positivity were present in 20 (51%), 22 (56%), and 14 (36%) of 39 BRCA-mutated breast carcinomas, and 11 (20%), 53 (98%), and 24 (44%) of 54 sporadic breast carcinomas respectively. The rates of IMP3 expression and absence of CK8/18 (44% versus 2%) in BRCA-mutated breast carcinomas was significantly higher than the sporadic breast carcinomas (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed for CK14 among the two groups (p = 0.408). No significant difference was observed among BRCA1-related and BRCA2-related breast carcinomas in the immunoprofile for IMP3, CK8/18, and CK14. No significant correlation was identified between the expression of IMP3 and CK8/18 and the tumor grade in both BRCA-mutated and sporadic breast carcinomas (p > 0.05). In cases with luminal A and B phenotypes, the rates of expression of IMP3 and loss of CK8/18 were significantly higher in BRCA-mutated as compared to sporadic breast carcinoma (p < 0.001). In cases with basal-like phenotype, the absence of CK8/18 expression was significantly higher in BRCA-mutated breast carcinomas (54% versus 0%, p = 0.001), while no difference was observed for IMP3 expression (p = 0.435). Regardless of mutation type, histologic grade, or molecular phenotype, the absence of CK8/18 expression and presence of IMP3 expression are seen at much higher rate in BRCA mutated breast carcinomas.

In stage II/III lymph node-positive breast cancer patients less than 55 years of age, keratin 8 expression in lymph node metastases but not in the primary tumour is an indicator of better survival.

Axillary lymph node status is one of the most important prognostic variables for breast cancer (BC). To investigate and understand the clinical, histopathological and biological factors that affect prognosis in node-positive young breast cancer patients, we compared the phenotype of 100 primary tumours with their corresponding loco-regional lymph node (LN) metastases using conventional immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers currently in use for molecular classification of breast cancer. By comparing the expression of ER, PR, HER-2, Ki67, K8, K5/6 and vimentin, we found that expression of HER-2, Ki67, K8 and vimentin is frequently lost in lymph node metastases. Between the primary tumour and corresponding lymph node metastases, expression of keratins K8 and K5/6 significantly changed. Expression of K8 in lymph node metastases, but not in primary tumours, segregates patients in two sub-groups with different outcomes. Survival of patients with K8-positive LN metastases at 5 years in comparison with patients with K8-negative LN metastases was 75 vs 48 %, at 10 years 62 vs 22 % and at 20 years 53 vs 14 % (p < 0.001). K8 immunostaining of tissue from the lymph node metastasis allows defining a sub-group of lymph node-positive BC patients with a highly unfavourable outcome, for whom therapeutic options might have to be reconsidered.

Differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into prostate-like epithelial cells in vivo.

Although human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have been identified as a new source of MSCs for potential application in regenerative medicine, their full potential of differentiation has not been determined. In particular, whether they have the capability to differentiate into epithelial cells of endodermal origin such as the prostate epithelial cells is unknown. Here we report that when hUC-MSCs were combined with rat urogenital sinus stromal cells (rUGSSs) and transplanted into the renal capsule in vivo, they could differentiate into prostate epithelial-like cells that could be verified by prostate epithelial cell-specific markers including the prostate specific antigen. The prostatic glandular structures formed in vivo displayed similar cellular architecture with lumens and branching features as seen for a normal prostate. In addition, the human origin of the hUC-MSCs was confirmed by immunocytochemistry for human nuclear antigen. These findings together indicate that hUC-MSCs have the capability to differentiate into epithelial-like cells that are normally derived from the endoderm, implicating their potential applications in tissue repair and regeneration of many endoderm-derived internal organs.

Degeneration of fungiform and circumvallate papillae following molar extraction in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Proper occlusion facilitates food intake and gustatory function is indispensable for the enjoyment of food. Although an interaction between dentoalveolar and gustatory afferent neurons has been suggested by previous studies, the relationship between occlusion and gustation remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of upper molar extraction which diminished occlusal support on peripheral gustatory receptors in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six 7-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group. All maxillary molars were extracted from rats in the experimental group under anesthesia, while a sham operation was conducted in the control group. The rats were euthanized 7, 14 or 28 days after the procedure. The morphology of the circumvallate papillae and taste buds using immunohistochemical methods and the fungiform papillae were visualized with 1% methylene blue. RESULTS: Defects in the gustatory epithelium were observed after maxillary molar extraction. Rats in the experimental group had significantly fewer fungiform papillae, narrower circumvallate papillae, shallower trench depth, smaller trench area, smaller taste bud area, lower ratios of taste bud area to trench area and fewer taste buds than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that molar extraction would affect peripheral gustatory receptors. This is the first study to characterize changes in rat fungiform and circumvallate papillae after maxillary molar extraction. This study suggests a possible synergic relationship between dentoalveolar perception and gustatory function, which has clinical implications that occlusion is closely correlated with gustatory perception.

Cytokeratin expression of engrafted three-dimensional culture tissues using epithelial cells derived from porcine periodontal ligaments.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the differentiation and proliferation of epithelial cells derived from periodontal ligaments after three-dimensional culture using collagen gel with fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Epithelial cells and fibroblasts were derived from porcine periodontal ligaments. Epithelial cells were labeled using a fluorescent red membrane marker (PKH-26GL) and were seeded onto collagen gel with fibroblasts, followed by incubation in an air-liquid interface for 7 days. Three-dimensional cultures were grafted onto the backs of nude mice and removed at 1, 7, and 14 days after surgery (in vivo model). Unfixed sections (5 µm) were used to detect the presence of red fluorescent cells. Paraffin sections were analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically. Specimens were compared with three-dimensional culture tissues at 8, 14 and 21 days (in vitro model). RESULTS: Grafted three-dimensional cultures formed a stratified epithelial structure similar to skin in vivo. Epithelial cells were sequenced in basal-layer-like structures at 14 days in vivo. Immunohistochemical findings showed that the expression of cytokeratin was detected in the epithelial layer in in vitro and in vivo models. Ck8 + 18 + 19 was expressed in the upper epithelial layer in the in vitro model at 14 and 21 days, but not in vivo. Involucrin was expressed in the certified layers in vitro at 14 days, but not in vivo. Laminin was detected at the dermo-epidermal junction in vivo at 7 and 14 days, but not in vitro. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that differentiation of three-dimensional culture tissues differs in vivo and in vitro.

Development and characterization of a surgical mouse model of reflux esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus.

Ideally, an animal model of Barrett's esophagus should recapitulate the human disease histologically and immunohistochemically, and be readily susceptible to genetic manipulation. We have developed such a model using a strain of mice commonly used for transgenic and knockout manipulations. We induced reflux by esophagojejunostomy (EJ) in 20 C57Bl/6 mice. At defined time points, sections of the esophagus were stained with H&E and Alcian blue, and immunohistochemical staining was performed for Sox9 (a transcription factor in Barrett's metaplasia), cytokeratin (CK) 8/18 (a columnar marker) and CK14 (a squamous marker). Procedural mortality was 40% for the first ten animals, 20% for the next 10. Reflux esophagitis developed by 13 weeks, and intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells developed by 34 weeks. The metaplasia expressed CK8/18, but not CK14, and exhibited nuclear immunostaining for Sox9. Nuclear Sox9 was also seen in scattered basal cells of squamous epithelium close to the EJ anastomosis. EJ can be performed successfully in C57Bl/6 mice, resulting in reflux esophagitis and intestinal metaplasia that exhibits phenotypic and molecular features of human Barrett's metaplasia. This surgical model in a mouse strain that is easy to manipulate genetically should be a valuable tool for studying the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus.

Cytokeratin 8 in venous grafts: a factor of unfavorable long-term prognosis in coronary artery bypass grafting patients.

BACKGROUND: Smooth muscle cells, present in the saphenous vein (SV) tunica media, may contribute to late occlusion of venous aortocoronary grafts. The aim of present study was to evaluate expression of selected cytoskeletal proteins in tunica media of SV grafts obtained from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and correlate procured results to late venous graft failure observed in these patients. METHODS: The study involved 218 patients (mean age of 62.5 ± 8.7 years) who underwent primary isolated CABG with the use of at least one venous aortocoronary bypass graft. Expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle-myosin heavy chain, calponin and cytokeratin 8 in SV wall were estimated by means of immunohistochemistry. The primary clinical endpoint was defined as the presence of any coronary artery disease (CAD) progression symptom while angiographic one as significant stenosis in the venous graft. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (18.1%) patients have reached the primary clinical endpoint. Freedom from clinical CAD deterioration was 0.95 ± 0.02, 0.87 ± 0.03 and 0.83 ± 0.04, for 12-, 24-,36-month follow-up, respectively. Forty-four study participants have reached the angiographic endpoint. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed an increased expression of cytokeratin 8 accompanied by calponin under expression in SV tunica media were independent risk factors for venous graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: An increased expression of cytokeratin 8 and weak of calponin in tunica media of SV grafts might be useful markers of unfavorable long-term prognosis in CABG patients. In the future, assessment of their expression may enable to select the most appropriate candidates for SV grafts.

The predictive ability of a CK5/p63/CK8/18 antibody cocktail in stratifying breast papillary lesions on needle biopsy: an algorithmic approach works best.

OBJECTIVES: Immunohistochemical markers have been shown to assist in the stratification of breast papillary lesions. We evaluated the ability of different cytokeratin (CK) and p63 expression profiles on needle biopsy specimens to predict excision diagnoses. METHODS: A CK5/p63/CK8/18 antibody cocktail was applied to 58 needle biopsy specimens (32 papillomas, 7 atypical papillomas, 19 papillary carcinomas on excision). RESULTS: p63 expression was greater in papillomas than in atypical papillomas (P = .044) and papillary carcinomas (P< .0001). Papillary carcinomas and atypical papillomas showed greater CK8/18 expression (and conversely less CK5 expression) than did papillomas (P < .0001). Negative or focal p63 expression was 96% sensitive for diagnosing any atypical lesion (atypical papilloma or papillary carcinoma) on excision, whereas CK8/18 predominant expression (≥80% cells) was 100% sensitive. In contrast, the sensitivity of the original diagnosis was only 81%. The greatest accuracy for the diagnosis of atypical papillary lesions (95%) was achieved when both p63 and cytokeratins were used in combination in an algorithmic fashion. This method also correctly identified all cases that had papillary carcinoma (100% sensitivity) on excision. CONCLUSIONS: Although a single stain or combination cannot independently stratify papillary lesions, a CK5/p63/CK8/18 antibody cocktail is a useful adjunct to morphology for evaluating breast papillary lesions in needle biopsy specimens.

Immunohistochemical sweat gland profiles.

BACKGROUND: Human sweat glands are heterogeneous in their structures and functions. Accordingly, eccrine, apocrine, and apoeccrine glands are distinguished. AIMS: Some immunohistochemical markers are expected to distinguish the sweat gland types in their secretory and excretory parts. METHODS: This study used two sets of antibodies. The first panel was composed of antibodies directed to well-defined sweat gland structures. The molecular targets included the low-molecular-weight cytokeratins CAM 5.2, the S100-B protein, the epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and the lectin Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-1). A second exploratory panel of antibodies targeted syndecan-1 (CD138), NKI-C3 (CD63), and CD68. They were used to disclose some undescribed antigen expressions in human sweat glands. RESULTS: The first set of antibodies confirmed previous findings. The immunoreactivities of the three sweat gland types were similar in the excretory ducts. By contrast, they were distinguished in the deeper coiled secretory portions of the glands. CONCLUSION: Clues supporting their distinction and probably their functional activity were obtained by immunohistochemistry using the S100-B protein, CEA and CD63 antibodies. The immunoreactivity to the S100-B protein, CEA and CD63 possibly help identifying apoeccrine sweat glands or a peculiar functional activity of eccrine sweat glands.

The feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy for gastric cancer: the experience from Serbia.

PURPOSE: The prediction of outcome for patients with gastric cancer is determined largely by the presence of lymph node metastases, which could be detected by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy (SLNB). The purpose of this work was to determine the feasibility of SLNB in patients with gastric cancer for the assessment of regional lymph node status, including performing immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of SLN tissue. METHODS: We reviewed 137 consecutive patients with operable gastric cancer over a 10-year period using a retrospective (to examine skip metastases) and prospective (to evaluate successful mapping) study design. SLNs were mapped, biopsied and subsequently explored by routine hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining and by IHC staining using a cytokeratin 8/18 antibody. RESULTS: The retrospective study showed a low incidence of skip metastases (3.7%). Mapping of SLNs in the prospective study was highly successful (98.2%). During the prospective study, IHC examination of SLNs from 56 patients showed statistically significant change in disease stage. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated highly successful mapping and biopsy of SLNs (98.2%), as well as highest specificity (100%), sensitivity (100%) and accuracy (100%) to predict metastasis in the surrounding lymph nodes of gastric carcinoma. In addition, we believe that IHC study might enable "ultra staging" and additional selection of patients for further cancer treatment.

An analysis of cyclin D1, cytokeratin 5/6 and cytokeratin 8/18 expression in breast papillomas and papillary carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the expression levels of cyclin D1 in breast papillomas and papillary carcinomas, and to analyze the types of cells that co-express cyclin D1 with cytokeratin 5/6 (CK 5/6) or with cytokeratin 8/18(CK 8/18). METHODS: Fifty-nine cases of papillary lesions including 36 papillomas and 23 intracystic papillary carcinomas were examined. Cyclin D1, CK 5/6 and CK 8/18 expression levels were evaluated by double immunostaining. RESULTS: Cyclin D1 is highly expressed in papillary carcinomas (27.54% ± 15.43%) compared with papillomas (8.81% ± 8.41%, p < 0.01). Cyclin D1 is predominantly expressed in cytokeratin 8/18- expressing cells, rather than in cytokeratin 5/6-expressing cells, regardless of the type of lesion. In papillomas, cyclin D1 exhibited a mean 11.42% (11.42% ± 10.17%) co-expression rate with cytokeratin 8/18 compared with a mean 2.50% (2.50% ± 3.24%) co-expression rate with cytokeratin 5/6 (p < 0.01). In papillary carcinomas, cyclin D1 exhibited a mean 34.74% (34.74% ± 16.32%) co-expression rate with cytokeratin 8/18 compared with a co-expression rate of 0.70% (0.70% ± 0.93%) with cytokeratin 5/6 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in cyclin D1 suggests an association of cyclin D1 staining with papillary carcinomas. Although cyclin D1 is an effective marker for the differential diagnosis of other papillary lesions, it cannot be used to distinguish between papilloma and papillary carcinoma lesions because its expression occurs in both lesions. Our results show that cyclin D1 and CK 5/6 staining could be used in concert to distinguish between the diagnosis of papilloma (cyclin D1 < 4.20%, CK 5/6 positive) or papillary carcinoma (cyclin D1 > 37.00%, CK 5/6 negative). In addition, our data suggest that cyclin D1 is expressed only in the cancer stem or progenitor cells that co-immunostained with CK 8/18 in papillary carcinomas, and predominantly with CK 8/18 in the papillomas. VIRTUAL SLIDES: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/7299340558756848.

In vitro reconstruction of human junctional and sulcular epithelium.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop and characterize standardized in vitro three-dimensional organotypic models of human junctional epithelium (JE) and sulcular epithelium (SE). METHODS: Organotypic models were constructed by growing human normal gingival keratinocytes on top of collagen matrices populated with gingival fibroblasts (GF) or periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PLF). Tissues obtained were harvested at different time points and assessed for epithelial morphology, proliferation (Ki67), expression of JE-specific markers (ODAM and FDC-SP), cytokeratins (CK), transglutaminase, filaggrin, and basement membrane proteins (collagen IV and laminin1). RESULTS: The epithelial component in 3- and 5-day organotypics showed limited differentiation and expressed Ki-67, ODAM, FDC-SP, CK 8, 13, 16, 19, and transglutaminase in a similar fashion to control JE samples. PLF supported better than GF expression of CK19 and suprabasal proliferation, although statistically significant only at day 5. Basement membrane proteins started to be deposited only from day 5. The rate of proliferating cells as well as the percentage of CK19-expressing cells decreased significantly in 7- and 9-day cultures. Day 7 organotypics presented higher number of epithelial cell layers, proliferating cells in suprabasal layers, and CK expression pattern similar to SE. CONCLUSION: Both time in culture and fibroblast type had impact on epithelial phenotype. Five-day cultures with PLF are suggested as JE models, 7-day cultures with PLF or GF as SE models, while 9-day cultures with GF as gingival epithelium (GE) models. Such standard, reproducible models represent useful tools to study periodontal bacteria-host interactions in vitro.

Loss of adhesion/growth-regulatory galectin-9 from squamous cell epithelium in head and neck carcinomas.

Galectins are potent effectors of cell adhesion and growth regulation. Their expression as comples network necessitates systematic study of each member of this family. Toward this aim, we here focus on the tandem-repeat-type galectin-9. Its presence is monitored in normal squamous epithelium of the head and neck, the surgical margin, and four types of squamous cell carcinoma. Lectin presence was detected in cells of the basal layer of the epithelium. All galectin-9-negative epithelia showed aberrant positivity for keratins 14 and 19. The surgical margin presented either a normal pattern of galectin-9 and keratin presence or a mosaic-like presence/absence of galectin-9 and aberrant expression of both keratins 14 and 19. All studied specimens of squamous cell carcinoma were negative for galectin-9. When biotinylated galectin-9, or its N-terminal domain, was tested, no significant tissue reactivity for both probes was observed. Neuraminidase treatment generated reactivity to the N-domain. In conclusion, galectin-9 is expressed in the majority of samples of normal epithelium, along with regular presence of keratins 14 or 19. This lectin can represent a potential marker of normality in the cases of the studied squamous cell epithelia.

Ultrasound increases nanoparticle delivery by reducing intratumoral pressure and increasing transport in epithelial and epithelial-mesenchymal transition tumors.

Acquisition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) tumor phenotype is associated with impaired chemotherapeutic delivery and a poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated the application of therapeutic ultrasound methods available in the clinic to increase nanotherapeutic particle accumulation in epithelial and EMT tumors by labeling particles with a positron emission tomography tracer. Epithelial tumors were highly vascularized with tight cell-cell junctions, compared with EMT tumors where cells displayed an irregular, elongated shape with loosened cell-cell adhesions and a reduction in E-cadherin and cytokeratins 8/18 and 19. Without ultrasound, the accumulation of liposomal nanoparticles administered to tumors in vivo was approximately 1.5 times greater in epithelial tumors than EMT tumors. When ultrasound was applied, both nanoaccumulation and apparent tumor permeability were increased in both settings. Notably, ultrasound effects differed with thermal and mechanical indices, such that increasing the thermal ultrasound dose increased nanoaccumulation in EMT tumors. Taken together, our results illustrate how ultrasound can be used to enhance nanoparticle accumulation in tumors by reducing their intratumoral pressure and increasing their vascular permeability.

Keratocystoma of the parotid gland: a clinicopathological study and literature review.

The authors investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of keratocystoma of the parotid gland. Two cases of parotid gland keratocystoma in the files of Nanjing Stomatological Hospital were analysed. These slowly growing parotid gland tumours occurred in two women aged 29 and 49 years. The cut surface showed multilocular cystic lesions filled with keratin materials. Histologically, there were multi-cystic spaces and solid epithelium islands, containing keratinized lamellae. Without cytological atypia, the lining stratified squamous epithelium showed apparent keratinization through an orthokeratotic or parakeratotic pathway. No skin appendage formation was observed. Both cases immunoreactively stained positively for AE1/AE3 and CK5/6 but negatively for CK8/18, S-100 and Calponin. There was no evidence of recurrence 3 or 4 years after superficial parotidectomy. The data from these two cases and cases previously published suggest that keratocystoma of the parotid gland is a benign cystic neoplasm. Surgical resection is apparently sufficient for cure.

Manifestation of an ameloblastic carcinoma ten years after follicular cyst enucleation in the mandibular ramus.

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is a rare tumour which can emerge de novo or from an ameloblastoma. To our knowledge, malignant transformation from an odontogenic cyst into an AC has not been documented yet. This case report describes the manifestation of an AC 10 years after enucleation of a histologically confirmed follicular cyst in the angle of the mandible.