Charalabopoulos A

Cell proliferation and cell cycle control: a mini review.

Tumourigenesis is the result of cell cycle disorganisation, leading to an uncontrolled cellular proliferation. Specific cellular processes‐mechanisms that control cell cycle progression and checkpoint traversation through the intermitotic phases are deregulated. Normally, these events are highly conserved due to the existence of conservatory mechanisms and molecules such as cell cycle genes and their products: cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases (Cdks), Cdk inhibitors (CKI) and extra cellular factors (i.e. growth factors). Revolutionary techniques using laser cytometry and commercial software are available to quantify and evaluate cell cycle processes and cellular growth. S‐phase fraction measurements, including ploidy values, using histograms and estimation of indices such as the mitotic index and tumour‐doubling time indices, provide adequate information to the clinician to evaluate tumour aggressiveness, prognosis and the strategies for radiotherapy and chemotherapy in experimental researches.

Penetration of Antimicrobial Agents into the Prostate

In the present review article, the penetration of antimicrobial agents into prostatic fluid and tissue was examined. Three major factors determining the diffusion and concentration of antimicrobial agents in prostatic fluid and tissue are the lipid solubility, dissociation constant (pKa) and protein binding. The normal pH of human prostatic fluid is 6.5–6.7, and it increases in chronic prostatitis, ranging from 7.0 to 8.3. A greater concentration of antimicrobial agents in the prostatic fluid occurs in the presence of a pH gradient across the membrane separating plasma from prostatic fluid. Of the available antimicrobial agents, β-lactam drugs have a low pKa and poor lipid solubility, and thus penetrate poorly into prostatic fluid, expect for some cephalosporins, which achieve greater than or equal to the inhibitory concentration. Good to excellent penetration into prostatic fluid and tissue has been demonstrated with many antimicrobial agents, including tobramycin, netilmicin, tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, sulfonamides and nitrofurantoin.

Expression patterns of dysadherin and E-cadherin in lymph node metastases of colorectal carcinoma

Reduction/loss of E-cadherin is associated with the development and progression of many epithelial tumors, while in a limited number of neoplasms, E-cadherin is re-expressed in metastases. Dysadherin, recently characterized by members of our research team, has an anti-cell–cell adhesion function and downregulates E-cadherin in a posttranscriptional manner. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common tumors in the developed world, and lymph node metastases are harbingers of aggressive behavior. The aim of the present study was to examine the dysadherin and E-cadherin expression patterns in lymph node metastases vs primary CRC. Dysadherin and E-cadherin expression was examined immunohistochemically in 78 patients with CRC, Dukes’ stage C in the primary tumor and in one lymph node metastasis. Dysadherin was expressed in 42% while E-cadherin immunoreactivity was reduced in 45% of primary tumors. In lymph nodes, 33 and 81% of metastatic tumors were positive for dysadherin and E-cadherin, respectively. Dysadherin expression was not correlated with E-cadherin expression in the primary tumor with a reverse correlation evident in the lymph node metastases. Our results suggest that different mechanisms govern E-cadherin expression in the primary tumor and the corresponding lymph node metastases.

In breast carcinoma dysadherin expression is correlated with invasiveness but not with E-cadherin

Reduction/loss of E-cadherin is associated with the development and progression of many epithelial tumours. Dysadherin, recently characterised by members of our research team, has an anti-cell–cell adhesion function and downregulates E-cadherin in a post-transcriptional manner. The aim of the present study was to study the role of dysadherin in breast cancer progression, in association with the E-cadherin expression and the histological type. We have selected ductal carcinoma, which is by far the most common type and lobular carcinoma, which has a distinctive microscopic appearance. Dysadherin and E-cadherin expression was examined immunohistochemically in 70 invasive ductal carcinomas, no special type (NST), and 30 invasive lobular carcinomas, with their adjacent in situ components. In ductal as well as in lobular carcinoma dysadherin was expressed only in the invasive and not in the in situ component, and this expression was independent of the E-cadherin expression. Specifically, all 10 (100%) Grade 1, 37out of 45(82.2%) Grade 2 and six out of 15 (40%) Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinomas showed preserved E-cadherin expression, while ‘positive dysadherin expression’ was found in six out of 10 (60%) Grade 1, 34 out of 45(75.5%) Grade 2 and all 15 (100%) Grade 3 neoplasms. None of the 30 infiltrating lobular carcinomas showed preserved E-cadherin expression, while all the 30 infiltrating lobular carcinomas exhibited ‘positive dysadherin expression’. Dysadherin may play an important role in breast cancer progression by promoting invasion and, particularly in lobular carcinomas, it might also be used as a marker of invasion.

Meningitis associated with familial Mediterranean fever.

Neurologic involvement in patients with familial Mediterranean fever is relatively uncommon, and rarely described in the literature. Although headache occurs frequently, meningitis and convulsions are rare. We describe the case of a 30‐year‐old man with attacks of meningitis. After colchicine therapy, no further recurrence of fever and meningitis were observed. These findings suggest that meningitis should be considered as an unusual manifestation of familial Mediterranean fever.

Giardia lamblia intestinalis: a new pathogen with possible link to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. An additional element in the disease jigsaw.

A 16‐year‐old Caucasian girl of Albanian origin was admitted to the hospital complaining of intermittent fever (38 °C) for a week, nausea, vomiting, and abnormal laboratory findings (elevated serum aminotransferases levels AST/ALT 77/40 U/l and erythrocyte sedimentation rate 80 mm/first hour, as well as leukopenia 2.5 × 103/mm3), which were found in a blood examination. Physical examination revealed slight hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, as well as cervical and axillary lymphadenopathy. A diagnostic open lymph node biopsy was performed and Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD) was established based on the characteristic histological pattern. Other abnormal laboratory findings were C‐reactive protein 6.8 mg/dl and serum lactate dehydrogenase 900 U/l. Her history included a diarrhoea syndrome 2 months before the present admission, during the summer holidays, for which she was treated with metronidazole. At that time, characteristic cysts of giardia lamblia intestinalis were observed in the stools. Herein, we present this case hypothesising that the protozoal infection caused by the giardia lamblia intestinalis was probably triggering an immune response leading to KFD. The patients age in combination with this firstly reported protozoal pathogen, as a triggering agent leading to KFD, consist a very interesting originality. Additionally, some review data is also given.

Lung, Pleural and Colon Actinomycosis in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Rare Form of Presentation

Actinomycosis is caused by gram-positive filamentous organisms of the genus Actinomyces, which may spread through trauma. Most commonly, it is a cervicofacial disease due to dental infection or a thoracic disease secondary to aspiration of foreign bodies. Primary abdominal infection usually follows some form of mucosal disruption. Any organ of the human body may be involved so that a wide range of symptoms may be present. We report a rare form of actinomycosis involving the lung, pleura and colon concomitantly in an immunocompromised patient. A fine needle aspiration from a lung lesion detected the characteristic sulfur granules, and a pleural effusion culture confirmed the diagnosis. Clinical manifestations and treatment are discussed. Actinomycetes are rarely opportunistic agents in immunocompromised patients; thus the disease deserves special attention in those patients.

Low selenium levels in serum and increased concentration in neoplastic tissues in patients with colorectal cancer: Correlation with serum carcinoembryonic antigen

There is growing evidence to show that administration of selenium (Se) is associated with a substantial reduction in the incidence and mortality of various cancer types such as skin, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as in sarcomas in both animals and humans [1,2]. Epidemiological studies have shown a reduced risk for the same neoplasms for people living in geographic areas with comparatively high soil Se levels. Similarly, epidemiological and experimental studies suggest an inverse relationship between intake of dietary Se and/or a low-fat intake and CRC risk [3]. CRC is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Approximately 95% of cases are sporadic. Early detection and prevention are the two most important considerations facing CRC. Low Se intake and plasma levels have been implicated in the multistep process of colorectal carcinogenesis. However, their relationship remains elusive and intriguing [3 /5]. There are studies suggesting that selenium supplementation decreases the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and PGE-2 levels in cancer cells and increases the efficacy of cetuximab in patients with advanced CRC [6 /8]. Material and methods

Inhibition of benzo(a)pyrene-induced carcinogenesis by vitamin C alone and by vitamin C/vitamin E and selenium/glutathione

The reduction on peroxidation caused by benzopyrenes by some naturally occurring antineoplastic agents was studied in this experimental work. Inhibition/reduction of experimental carcinogenesis induced by benzo(a)pyrene by vitamin C alone and by vitamin C/vitamin E and selenium/glutathione was attempted in 224 female Wistar rats divided in four groups. Injected with 10.08 mL benzo(a)pyrene, the animals were treated with some naturally occurring substances like vitamin C alone and a combination of anticarcinogens. By calculating the carcinogenic potency of benzo(a)pyrene and the anticarcinogenic potency of substances used as well as histological examination of developed tumors and survival time of treated animals, it was found that vitamin C exerts a significant anticarcinogenic effect of 8.3 units and that the combination of the two anticarcinogens used produced a significant prolongation of the animals survival time with anticarcinogenic potency of 22.1 and 22.2 units, respectively. This is considered a potent anticarcinogenic effect. The question of an additional supportive administration of such agents complementary to the conventional cancer chemotherapy in humans is raised. Of course, further studies are needed.

Giant simple renal cyst complicated with hypertension.

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.