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Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent two major chronic diseases that affect a large percentage of the population and share common pathogenetic mechanisms, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Considering their common mechanistic aspects, and given the current lack of effective therapies for AD, accumulating research has focused on the therapeutic potential of antidiabetic drugs in the treatment or prevention of AD. Areas covered: This review examines the latest preclinical and clinical evidence on the potential of antidiabetic drugs as candidates for AD treatment. Numerous approved drugs for T2DM, including insulin, metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), are in the spotlight and may constitute novel approaches for AD treatment. Expert opinion: Among other pharmacologic agents, GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i have so far exhibited promising results as novel treatment approaches for AD, while current research has centered on deciphering their action on the central nervous system (CNS). Further investigation is crucial to reveal the most effective pharmacological agents and their optimal combinations, maximize their beneficial effects on neurons, and find ways to increase their distribution to the CNS. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by a broad spectrum of genomic imbalances, including gross chromosomal (polysomy/ aneuploidy) ones as well as specific gene alterations. Aberrant expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) seems to be a useful molecular marker for discriminating patients based on genetic signatures in a variety of solid malignancies, such as lung carcinoma. Our aim was to analyze ALK protein expression patterns in a series of OSCCs. Materials and Methods: Fifty (n=50) OSCC tissue sections were analyzed by implementing an ALK-based immunohistochemistry protocol. Digital image analysis was performed for measuring the corresponding protein expression levels. Results: ALK overexpression was observed in 14/50 (28%) OSCC tissue sections, whereas the rest 36/50 (72%) demonstrated low expression levels. ALK expression was negatively associated with grade (p=0.027) and stage (p=0.0028) of the examined cases. Conclusion: Abnormal ALK expression in subsets of patients with OSCC seems to be related to an aggressive phenotype (advanced stage/progressive dedifferentiation). ALK protein overexpression may be used as a significant marker for applying targeted therapeutic regimens. © 2022 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Background/Aim: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) demonstrates aggressive biological behavior in subgroups of patients with specific molecular characteristics. Concerning metastatic potential, disruption of cell to cell adhesion is a critical event in epithelial malignancies including OSCC. Our aim was to investigate the role of E-Cadherin expression in OSCC patients as a valuable protein marker. Materials and Methods: Fifty (n=50) tissue sections derived from primary OSCCs were analyzed by implementing an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay based on a proper anti-Ecadherin antibody. Digital image analysis was also implemented for an objective evaluation of the corresponding protein expression levels. Results: E-cadherin altered expression (low to negative) was observed in 34/50 (68%) cases, whereas the rest (16/50-32%) demonstrated normal (high to moderate) expression. E-Cadherin abnormal expressionwas associated with the stage of the examined malignancies (p=0.023), whereas no significant correlations with grade, gender, smoking status or human papilloma virus (HPV) history were observed. Conclusion: E-Cadherin down regulation is frequently observed in OSCC and is correlated to a progressively aggressive phenotype of the malignancy in the corresponding patients (advanced stage), but it seems that the impact of HPV persistent infection on these patients is not a critical parameter. © 2021 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Very recent work reported that patients can monitor their heartbeat at home and specify their heart conditions by means of a millimetre wave radar, but there exist serious limitations because the radar sensor is sensitive to significant body motions that cause Doppler frequency shifts. Such limitations do not exist when using a recently constructed portable photoplethysmography (PPG) electronic device, which gives results comparable with a standard electrocardiogram (ECG). Since all portable modern devices such as smart phones tablets etc support Bluetooth communication that allows easy and direct communication with our PPG device, it may give us remote sensing heart related information. Applying natural time analysis to data simultaneously collected with an ECG system and a PPG device and using two complexity measures quantifying the entropy change in natural time under time reversal, a distinction is achieved between healthy (H) individuals and congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. Employing a support vector machine classifier for CHF discrimination to a total of 99 individuals (including 67 CHF), we obtained 97.7% sensitivity. In a follow up study challenging results are obtained since during the subsequent period six individuals died, who remarkably obeyed additional complexity measures that may distinguish sudden cardiac death individuals from CHF. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Head and neck carcinoma (HNC) comprises a variety of pathological entities. Among them, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is histo-pathologically prominent. Specific malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) arise also from the same anatomical region. In all of them, genomic instability (GI) is implicated not only in the early stages of epithelial malignant transformation, but also in the aggressiveness of the corresponding phenotypes. Among the molecules that are frequently deregulated in solid malignancies including HNCs, topoisomerases (Topo) are of increased significance due to their involvement in DNA topological, structural, and functional stability. The main members are Topo I (20q11), Topo II alpha (17q21) and Topo IIb (3p24). In the current article, we describe the mechanisms of Topo I and Topo IIa deregulation leading to GI in a variety of HNCs. Furthermore, novel data regarding the corresponding targeted therapeutic strategies are presented. © 2021 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Coronavirus-related Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2) initially was detected in Wuhan, Hubei, China. Since early 2021, World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic due to rapidly transformed to a globally massive catastrophic viral infection. In order to confront this emergency situation, many pharmaceutical companies focused on the design and development of efficient vaccines that are considered necessary for providing a level of normalization in totally affected human social-economical activity worldwide. A variety of vaccine types are under development, validation or even some of them have already completed these stages, initially approved as conditional marketing authorisation by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other national health authorities for commercial purposes (in vivo use in general population), accelerating their production and distribution process. Innovative nucleoside-modified viral messenger RNA (v-mRNA)—based vaccines encapsulated within nanoparticles—specifically lipid ones (LNPs)—are now well recognized. Although this is a promising genetic engineering topic in the field of nanopharmacogenomics or targeted nucleic vaccines, there are limited but continuously enriched in vivo data in depth of time regarding their safety, efficacy, and immune response. In the current paper we expand the limited published data in the field of ribosome machinery and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA fragment vaccines interaction by describing their functional specialization and modifications. Additionally, alterations in post-transcriptional/translational molecules and mechanisms that could potentially affect the interaction between target cells and vaccines are also presented. Understanding these mechanisms is a crucial step for the next generation v-mRNA vaccines development. © Copyright © 2021 Tsiambas, Chrysovergis, Papanikolaou, Mastronikolis, Ragos, Batistatou, Peschos, Kavantzas, Lazaris and Kyrodimos.

Background/Aim: Oncogene up-regulation combined with suppressor gene down-regulation is a crucial genetic combination that promotes cell neoplastic phenotype and progressively malignant transformation in solid malignancies, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Among oncogenes, the Kirsten ras oncogene homolog (K-Ras) is involved in LSCC onset and progression. Patients and Methods: Sixty (n=60) primary LSCC tissue sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Digital image analysis (DIA) was also implemented for measuring K-Ras protein expression levels. Results: High KRas protein expression levels were observed in 20/60 (33.3%) LSCC tissue sections, whereas the rest of the cases (n=40; 66.7%) demonstrated low expression. Overall K-Ras expression was borderline significantly associated to the grade of the examined malignancies (p=0.048), whereas no other strong statistical correlations were identified. A progressive K-Ras overexpression was observed in all grades of the examined cases. Conclusion: K-Ras over expression is correlated to a progressive dedifferentiation in LSCC. © 2021 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Background/Aim: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive malignancy due to its increased ability for local metastases and distant lymph node metastases. Extensive cytogenetic analyses have detected chromosome instability (CI) patterns in OSCC including gross chromosome numerical alterations, such as polysomy and sporadically monosomy that negatively affect the biological behaviour of the malignancy. Our aim was to investigate the frequency and impact of chromosome 17 (Chr 17) numerical imbalances in OSCC. Materials and Methods: Fifty (n=50) formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary OSCCs tissue sections were used. Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) was implemented for detecting Chr 17 centromeric numerical imbalances. Concerning the screening process in CISH slides, a novel real-time reference and calibration grid platform was implemented. Results: Chr 17 multiple copies were observed in 12/50 (24%) of the examined cases. Polysomy was observed in 10/50 (20%) tissue sections, monosomy in 2/50 (4%), whereas the rest of them demonstrated a normal, diploid pattern (38/50-76%). Chr 17 numerical differences were associated with the grade of differentiation of the examined tumors (p=0.001). Conclusion: Chr 17 numerical imbalances (polysomy predominantly and monosomy) are observed in sub-groups of OSCCs correlating with a progressive dedifferentiation of malignant tissues. The proposed grid-based platform on CISH slides provides a novel, fast and accurate screeningmapping mechanism for detecting chromosome numerical aberrations. © 2020 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Background/Aim: Topoisomerase II alpha (TopoIIa) is a critical gene associated with response to chemo-therapeutic agents, such as anthracyclines, especially in breast adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of aberrant TopoIIa protein expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Materials and Methods: Fifty (n=50) LSCC cases were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemistry and a digital image analysis assay were implemented. Results: TopoIIa protein overexpression was observed in 32/50 (64%) cases, whereas low expression rates were detected in 18/50 (36%). TopoIIa overall expression presented strong association with the grade of the examined malignant tissues and borderline association with stage. TopoIIa overexpression correlated also with Human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity. Conclusion: TopoIIa overexpression was observed in significant subsets of LSCCs, and correlated predominantly with the grade of differentiation. HPV persistent infection seems to be associated with increased TopoIIa protein expression. TopoIIa expression analysis appears to be critical in identifying sub-groups of patients eligible for specific chemotherapy. © 2020 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of cervicovaginal co-infection with high-risk (HR) HPV types and other sexually transmitted pathogens (STPs) in women with anogenital warts (AGWs). Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, cervico-vaginal smears of women with AGWs were examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction for the presence of HR-HPV types and common STPs. Women with recent cervical HPV infection and general population were used for comparisons. Results: A total of 689 women participated in the study. Among the examined groups, higher rates of cervico-vaginal co-infection with HRHPV types and other STPs collectively were recorded in women with AGWs (p=0.0049 and p

Background: Deregulation of critical proteins involved in cell cycle stability, such as cyclins, is a frequent genetic event in the development and progression of solid malignancies. Concerning laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), cyclin D1 oncogenic transformation leads to an aberrant protein expression and seems to affect the biological behaviour of the neoplasm. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of cyclin D1 numerical imbalances with the corresponding protein expression levels in LSCCs. Material and Method: Using tissue microarray (TMA) technology, fifty (n=50) histologically confirmed primary LSSCs were cored at a diameter of 1.5 mm. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) analyses were applied. Concerning the screening process in CISH slides, a novel real-time reference and calibration grid platform was implemented. Results: Protein overexpression was observed in 22/50 (44%) cases; whereas, gene amplification was seen in 13/50 (26%) cases (p=0.02). Combined protein/ gene deregulation was associated with the stage of malignancy (p= 0.0014, p=0.001), whereas overall protein expression was strongly correlated with the grade of tumour (p= 0.001). Conclusion: Cyclin D1 gene amplification led to aberrant protein expression in LSCCs and it was also correlated with an aggressive biological behaviour. To best of our knowledge, this study was the first described grid based CISH analysis under conventional bright field microscopy for detecting gene numerical imbalances while providing a novel and accurate description for screening-mapping process in the entire slide area. © This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License.

Background/Aim: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) acts as an oncogene in malignancies. Our aim was to examine the role of combined EGFR/ anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression as molecular markers in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty (n=50) tissue sections derived from twenty-five (n=25) primary LSCCs were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: EGFR overexpression was observed in 17/25 (68%) cases. Concerning ALK, 23/25 (92%) demonstrated low expression. EGFR expression was associated with grade (p=0.049), whereas ALK expression was correlated with stage (p=0.048). ALK overexpression was detected at advanced-stage EGFR-positive cases. A biphasic EGFR protein expression pattern was observed in five (n=5) LSCC cases, whereas ALK expression was stable in all cases. Conclusion: EGFR overexpression is frequently observed in LSCC combined with low ALK expression. © 2019 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Background: Deregulation of apoptosis is critical regarding the development and progression of malignancies, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). B-Cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) (gene locus:18q21.33), located on the outer mitochondrial membrane, acts mainly as an anti-apoptotic factor suppressing and blocking apoptotic signal transduction. Materials and Methods: Fifty (n=50) primary LSCC tissue sections were used. Immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis were implemented for evaluating BCL2 protein expression levels. Results: High BCL2 protein expression levels were observed in 21/50 (42%) LSCC tissue sections, whereas the remaining cases (n=29) demonstrated a low expression. Overall, BCL2 expression was associated with grade (p=0.046) and anatomical region of the examined malignancies (transglottic, p=0.047). Interestingly, high BCL2 expression levels were strongly associated with radiotherapy-based only regimens (p=0.01) in corresponding patients. Conclusion: BCL2 overexpression was found to be correlated with an aggressive phenotype (advanced grade of differentiation) in LSCC, also demonstrating a potential selective anatomic localization (transglotic region). Additionally, BCL2 overexpression appears to be a negative regulator for successful radiotherapy implementation by reducing the apoptotic process in patients. © 2019 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Background: P53 is a key regulator of genomic stability and function, acting as a tumor suppressor protein. Our aim was to correlate P53 expression with murine double minute 2 (MDM2), a proto-oncogene that interacts with P53 and forms an auto-regulatory pathway, in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Materials and Methods: A total of 50 LSCC cases were included in the study. Immunohistochemistry was applied by using antibodies to P53 and MDM2 in the corresponding tissue sections. Protein expression levels for both molecules were measured by implementing a digital image analysis assay (immunostaining intensity levels, densitometric evaluation). Results: Overexpression of P53 protein was observed in 16/50 (32%) LSCC cases, while 22/50 (44%) cases strongly expressed MDM2 protein. Interestingly, in 13/50 (26%) cases, combined overexpression of P53/MDM2 was detected. Overall P53 was strongly positively correlated with MDM2 expression (p=0.001). Both P53 and MDM2 overexpression were significantly correlated with advanced stage of LSCC (p=0.032 and p=0.001, respectively). Additionally, MDM2 was found to be associated with poorer survival of patients (p=0.046). Conclusion: Aberrant co-expression of P53 and MDM2 is associated with advanced stage in LSCC. Furthermore, MDM2 overexpression is a frequent and critical genetic event in LSCC and seems to negatively affect survival. © 2019 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

In this paper, a prototype photoplethysmography (PPG) electronic device is presented for the distinction of individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF) from the healthy (H) by applying the concept of Natural Time Analysis (NTA). Data were collected simultaneously with a conventional three-electrode electrocardiography (ECG) system and our prototype PPG electronic device from H and CHF volunteers at the 2nd Department of Cardiology, Medical School of Ioannina, Greece. Statistical analysis of the results show a clear separation of CHF from H subjects by means of NTA for both the conventional ECG system and our PPG prototype system, with a clearly better distinction for the second one which additionally inherits the advantages of a low-cost portable device. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Background/Aim: The ability of a tumor to grow requires a sufficient blood supply. Microvascular density is considered the standard for assessing the neovasculature. Tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry refers to the formation of tumor cell-lined vessels that contribute to tumor neovascularization. The aim of the present work was to study angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry in benign and malignant melanocytic tumors of the eye and the periocular region. Patients and Methods: Histological sections from 118 patients were studied. Eighty-eight of the patients had nevi while the remaining 30 had malignant melanomas. Microvascular density was assessed by using antibodies against the endothelial cell markers CD31 and CD34. Vascular-like channels between neoplastic cells, that were not lined by endothelial cells and thus were negative for CD31 and CD34, represented areas of vasculogenic mimicry. Results: Angiogenesis was more pronounced in melanomas compared to melanocytic nevi and was increased in melanomas with high mitotic index and/or epithelioid cell preponderance compared to melanomas with low mitotic index and/or spindle cell predominance. Vasculogenic mimicry was observed in many melanomas, while it was evident in the minority of benign nevi as well. Conclusion: The existence of vasculogenic mimicry in benign nevi might have prognostic implications.

Background/Aim: Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) (gene locus: 10q23.3) -a tumor suppressor gene- is deleted, mutated or epigenetically hyper-methylated in a variety of malignancies. PTEN acts as a negative regulator in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling transduction pathway. Our aim was to investigate PTEN protein expression patterns in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC). Materials and Methods: Using tissue microarray technology, fifty (n=50) primary LSCCs were cored and reembedded into one recipient block. Immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis were implemented for evaluating protein expression levels. Results: Abnormal protein expression (low to negative staining intensity values) was observed in 28/50 (56%) tissue cores. Overall PTEN expression was associated with the anatomical region of the malignancies (p=0.039), whereas a borderline correlation with the differentiation grade was also assessed (p=0.05). Conclusion: Aberrant expression of PTEN tumor-suppressor gene in LSCCs seems to affect their biological behavior. Well-differentiated tumors express moderate to high protein levels, an evidence of normal gene function, whereas loss of its expression correlates with a progressive tumor dedifferentiation. Additionally, loss of its expression is detected more frequently in specific anatomical regions of the larynx (glottis, predominantly, and partially supraglottis).

Background/Aim: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) over-activation is observed in significant proportions of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). Our aim was to investigate the role of chromosome 7 multiplication with regard to its influence in EGFR expression, combined or not with gene amplification. Materials and Methods: Using tissue microarray technology, fifty (n=50) primary NSCLCs were cored and re-embedded into the final recipient block. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and also chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) were performed. Results: EGFR expression at any level was detected in 40/50 (80%) cores. Over-expression was observed in 23/40 (57.5%) cases. Gene amplification was identified in 11/50 (22%) cases whereas chromosome 7 polysomy in 8/50 (16%) cases. Pure chromosome 7 multiplication alone led to low or moderate levels of expression. Overall EGFR expression was correlated with gene (p=0.001) and interestingly with chromosome 7 centromere numerical imbalances (p=0.004). Conclusion: EGFR expression is associated not only with amplification, but also with chromosome 7 centromere multiple copies. Chromosome 7 multiplication -due to centromere region amplification or true polysomy- is critical for applying monoclonal antibody targeted therapeutic strategies excluding the pure non-amplified cases.

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) has been treated with various types of electromagnetic radiation methods such as transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), interstitial laser therapy (ILC), holmium laser resection (HoLRP). In the present study, the effects of a noninvasive method based on the exposure of patients with BPH to a pulsative EM Field at radiofrequencies have been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with BPH, aging 68-78 years old (y.o), were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group (10 patients, 74.0 +/- 5.7 y.o) treated with the alpha-blocker Alfusosin, 10 mg/24 h for at least 4 weeks, and the electromagnetic group (10 patients, 73.7 +/- 6.3 y.o) exposed for 2 weeks in a very short wave duration, pulsed electromagnetic field at radiofrequencies generated by an ion magnetic inductor, for 30 min daily, 5 consecutive days per week. Patients of both groups were evaluated before and after drug and EMF treatment by values of total PSA and prostatic PSA fraction, acid phosphate, U/S estimation of prostate volume and urine residue, urodynamic estimation of urine flow rate, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease before and after treatment of IPSS (P < 0.02), U/S prostate volume (P < 0.05), and urine residue (P < 0.05), as well as of mean urine flow rate (P < 0.05) in patients of the electromagnetic group, in contrast to the treatment group who had only improved IPSS (P < 0.05). There was also a significant improvement in clinical symptoms in patients of the electromagnetic group. Follow-up of the patients of this group for one year revealed that results obtained by EMFs treatment are still remaining. CONCLUSION: Pulsed electromagnetic field at radiofrequencies may benefit patients with benign prostate hyperplasia treated by a non-invasive method. Int Urol Nephrol

Experimental, epidemiologic, and clinical trial data indicate the antineoplastic effects of calcium and vitamin D in large-bowel neoplasia. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and parathormone (PTH) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and to extract conclusions comparing their different levels in serum with healthy individuals. Group 1 (cancer patients) was consisted of 140 patients with CRC with clinical stages Duke's A: 12, B: 52, C: 62, and D: 14. Serum levels of 25(OH)D 3, 1,25(OH)2D3, and PTH were determined in all patients. The findings are: (a) No significant difference was found in the serum levels of 25(OH)D3 in each Duke's clinical stage in cancer patients, (b) serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels decreased with advanced cancer stages, and (c) serum levels of PTH showed a corresponding increase. Low serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 on one hand and increased levels of PTH in patients with CRC on the other might be strongly related to the carcinogenetic process. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.

Anticancer Research

The diagnosis of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid is based on the two morphological features that best characterize this tumor, the papillae and the nuclear changes. However, both the architectural and cytological hallmarks may be encountered in other conditions such as multinodular goiter, Grave's disease, thyroiditis and hyperplastic areas of follicular neoplasms and thus produce problems in the histopathological interpretation. The distinction of these lesions from papillary carcinoma has important implications for clinical management. Thus the availability of supportive diagnostic evidence would be helpful. In the present study we compared the immunoreactivity for S-100 protein, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin (Ck) and carcynoembryonic antigen (CEA) in different thyroid pathologies. We conclude that the strong expression of S-100 protein, in combination with EMA expression, is of value in identifying papillary neoplasia and distinguishing it from papillary hyperplasia. Anticancer Res

Tenascin (TN) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein expressed in areas of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during embryogenesis and in neoplasia. We studied the expression of TN in a series of 35 squamous cell invasive carcinomas of the larynx, 13 in situ carcinomas, 41 cases of dysplasia, 10 papillomas and 18 cases of keratosis using the monoclonal antibody TN2 on paraffin-embedded tissue. TN expression was correlated with the expression of fibronectin, CD44 and cathepsin D (CD) proteins, with the proliferation indices Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as well as with conventional clinicopathological variables. Malignant tumours showed a significantly greater stromal TN staining than benign lesions. In invasive carcinomas, the immunoreactivity was statistically higher than that in situ (P=0.01), dysplastic lesions (P

CD44 is an integral membrane glycoprotein that has diverse functions in cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. It has been suggested that it may be a determinant of metastatic and invasive behavior in carcinomas. The immunohistochemical expression of CD44 was examined in a series of 34 squamous cell carcinomas, 13 in situ carcinomas, 35 cases with various degrees of epithelial dysplasia, 10 papillomas and 17 cases of keratosis. We used the monoclonal mouse antihuman phagocytic glycoprotein-1 CD44 (clone DF 1485), on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. CD44 expression was correlated with the expression of Rb and p53 proteins, with the proliferative indices Ki-67 and PCNA as well as with conventional clinicopathological data. The mean value of CD44 expression was 78.84 in squamous cell carcinomas, 78.04 in in situ carcinomas, 54.93 in dysplasia, 26.8 in papillomas and 24.97 in keratosis. There was no significant difference of CD44 expression between in situ and invasive carcinomas. However, a strong difference of reaction between carcinomas and the other cases was observed. CD44 expression was statistically higher in dysplastic lesions than the cases of keratosis (p

CD44 is an integral membrane glycoprotein that has diverse functions in cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. It has been suggested that it may be a determinant of metastatic and invasive behavior in carcinomas. The immunohistochemical expression of CD44 was examined in a series of 34 squamous cell carcinomas, 13 in situ carcinomas, 35 cases with various degrees of epithelial dysplasia, 10 papillomas and 17 cases of keratosis. We used the monoclonal mouse anti-human phagocytic glycoprotein-1 CD44 (clone DF 1485), on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. CD44 expression was correlated with the expression of Rb and p53 proteins, with the proliferative indices Ki-67 and PCNA as well as with conventional clinicopathological data. The mean value of CD44 expression was 78.84 in squamous cell carcinomas, 78.04 in situ carcinomas, 54.93 in dysplasia, 26.8 in papillomas and 24.97 in keratosis. There was no significant difference of CD44 expression between in situ and invasive carcinomas. However, a strong difference of reaction between carcinomas and the other cases was observed. CD44 expression was statistically higher in dysplastic lesions than the cases of keratosis (p < 0.0001) and papillomas (p = 0.01). In the group of invasive carcinomas, CD44 expression was statistically correlated with pRb (p = 0.011), while in preinvasive lesions it was correlated with PCNA (p = 0.016). The relationship with the degree of dysplasia or grade of carcinoma and p53 protein expression was insignificant. These observations suggest that CD44 expression may be involved in the multiple mechanism of the development and progression of laryngeal lesions and may help to predict the risk of transformation of the benign or precancerous lesions to cancer. Histol Histopathol

Solitary renal cysts are a common and usually asymptomatic occurrence in older patients. They may be associated with hypertension or abdominal disturbances, as they can be responsible for compression of surrounding tissues and distortion of renal vessels. This report presents an interesting case of a hypertensive patient with a solitary renal cyst of a marked size. Owing to the high risk of performing a surgical procedure in such a patient, a distinct therapeutic solution was opted for. Successful management of this case was achieved by a combination of percutaneous fluid aspiration and injection of alcohol and Vibramycin inside the cystic cavity. Percutaneous fluid evacuation combined with the administration of a sclerosing agent is suggested as a safe and effective alternative for cyst decompression and blood pressure normalisation. Int J Clin Pract Suppl