Francisco Valdeci de Almeida Ferreira

CD99/MIC‐2 surface protein expression in breast carcinomas

CD99/MIC‐2 surface protein expression in breast carcinomas

Prognostic markers of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions: the role of p16INK4a and high-risk human papillomavirus.

Background. p16INK4a seems to be an indicator of the grade of Human Papillomavirus‐induced lesions and a possible predictor of the lesion evolution. There are few studies about the role of HPV test and p16INK4a in diagnosis of high‐grade cervical lesions in South‐American women. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of p16INK4a and high‐risk HPV‐DNA expression in cases diagnosed as squamous intra‐epithelial lesion and evaluate their role in the approach of high‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesion. Methods. p16INK4a and high‐risk Human papillomavirus were investigated in 96 samples of the cervix (13 cases of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 26 cases of low grade intraepithelial lesions and 57 normal tissues). The p16INK4a was identified by immunohistochemistry using the p16INK4a kit (E6H4 clone, DakoCytomation, Carpinteria, CA) and Human papillomavirus DNA was classified by hybrid capture (Digene®). Associations were evaluated by the KAPPA index. Results. The p16INK4a was detected in 92.3% of the high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, in 15.4% of the low‐grade and in none of the normal tissues. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for high‐grade lesion were 92.3%, 100%, 100%, and 98.3%, respectively when considering p16INK4a expression, and 100%, 70.2%, 43.3% and 100%, respectively when considering high‐risk HPV. Conclusions. p16INK4a test was better associated with high‐grade intraepithelial lesion (κ = 0.95) than was the presence of high‐risk HPV (κ = 0.47). Both tests could be complementary to high‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesion screening and help to define the diagnosis of the inconclusive low‐grade/high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cases.

The Microalga Spirulina platensis Presents Anti-inflammatory Action as well as Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Properties in Diabetic Rats

Abstract Spirulina platensis (Spi) is a microalga presenting high contents of proteins, γ-linolenic acid, vitamins and minerals, and showing many biological activities. It is a promising drug for the treatment of diseases including diabetes. The objectives of this work were to study Spi effects on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, and associate this to its anti-inflammatory activity. The treatment with Spi (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) started 48 h after the alloxan injection, continuing for 5 or 10 days. Biochemical parameters were measured in sera of treated and untreated animals. The anti-inflammatory activity of Spi was assessed by the formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. Immunostainings for TNF-alpha were carried out in the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, before and after the Spi treatment, and its effect on the release of myeloperoxidase from human neutrophils was also determined. Spi decreased glycemia as well as triglyceride and total cholesterol levels of diabetic rats. Levels of urea and creatinine were also reduced, while liver transaminases were unaltered. Spi also decreased dose-dependently the 1st (neurogenic) and mainly the 2nd phase (inflammatory) of the formalin test, as well as the carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of Spi was further confirmed by decreases in TNF-alpha immunostaining in the inflamed paw and in the myeloperoxidase release from human neutrophils. The results showed that the anti-diabetic effect of S. platensis is already manifested after a 5-day treatment. Additionally, considering the relationship between diabetes and inflammation, the microalga anti-inflammatory action may also be involved.

Estudo das alterações relacionadas com a idade na pele humana, utilizando métodos de histo-morfometria e autofluorescência

FUNDAMENTOS: O processo de envelhecimento tecidual e evidente nas modificacoes visiveis na pele, resultando em importantes implicacoes psicologicas para o individuo e crescente interesse cientifico. OBJETIVOS: O presente trabalho objetivou analisar as alteracoes da pele normal com o envelhecimento mediante estrategias de histomorfometria e autofluorescencia. METODOS: Foram coletadas amostras de pele do abdomen de 18 cadaveres, incluindo cinco individuos jovens (menos de 20 anos), sete individuos com idade intermediaria (20-60 anos) e seis individuos idosos (mais de 60 anos). Foram feitos cortes histologicos em parafina seguidos de coloracao pela Hematoxilina-Eosina (H&E) e pelo tricromio de Van Gieson-elastina. Avaliaram-se a espessura da epiderme e derme, e a superficie de contato epidermo-dermica. Investigaram-se ainda as modificacoes qualitativas do aparelho colageno-elastico, considerando sua disposicao espacial na derme. Especimes corados em H&E tambem foram utilizados para autofluorescencia. RESULTADOS: A espessura da epiderme e derme do grupo idoso foi significativamente diminuida (p<0,05) em relacao aos demais grupos. Os grupos idoso e intermediario exibiram acentuada reducao na superficie de contato epiderme-derme (p<0,05). Detectaram-se a perda da distribuicao em rede das fibras elasticas com sua progressiva fragmentacao, alteracoes da compactacao do colageno e espessamento da membrana basal com o envelhecimento. CONCLUSAO: O envelhecimento leva a reducao da espessura da derme e epiderme, bem como ao aplanamento da juncao dermo-epidermica. As mudancas da pele ao longo da vida nem sempre seguem um perfil linear, mostrando drasticas alteracoes nas ultimas decadas de vida. O metodo de autofluorescencia mostrou-se um instrumento valioso no estudo da complexa relacao espacial das fibras elasticas e colagenas.

Orbital metastasis as primary clinical manifestation of thyroid carcinoma: case report and literature review

Capillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common neoplasm of thyroid. It usually grows slowly and is clinically indolent; although rare, its aggressive forms with local invasion or distant metastases can occur. Metastatic thyroid carcinoma rarely involves the orbit. We reported an uncommon case of orbital metastasis of PTC. A 66-years-old woman presented proptosis of the right eye. The biopsy of the tumor in orbit revealed metastatic thyroid carcinoma. The ultrasensitive TSH level was 1,34 mUI/L and free T4 level was 1,65 ng/dL. A total thyroidectomy was performed and histopathological analysis of the nodule revealed follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Currently, the patient has been receiving palliative chemotherapy with Clodronate Disodium. The importance of the case is due to its unusual presentation, which emerged as a primary clinical manifestation. Although rare, thyroid carcinoma should be suspected in orbit metastasis.

Antinociceptive and antiedematogenic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract and coumarin from Torresea cearensis Fr. All.

This work studied the antinociceptive and antiedematogenic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) and coumarin (Coum) from T. cearensis in experimental models of nociception in mice, and carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw edema in rats. HAE (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and Coum (5-20 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced in a dose - dependent manner the nociception produced by acetic acid and formalin. In the hot plate test, HAE (100-400 mg/kg, p.o.) and Coum (5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the latency time to the thermal stimulus 90 min after administration. While naloxone partially reversed the antinociceptive effect of the HAE but not that of Coum, L-arginine reversed the antinociceptive effect of Coum in the formalin test. HAE (200 mg/kg, p.o.) and Coum (10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced edemas in rats but not the dextran-induced edema. This antiedematogenic effect on the carrageenan model was supported by histological studies performed in sections of the rat paw. In conclusion, the antinociceptive effects of HAE and Coum occur by a mechanism at least in part dependent on the opioid system. The nitric oxide system possibly has also a role in the Coum nociception. In addition, the antiedematogenic activity is manifested in inflammatory processes dependent on polimorphonuclear cells.

Bone marrow fibrosis (pseudo-myelofibrosis) in human kala-azar

Thirty cases of human kala-azar were diagnosed by iliac crest biopsy and myeloculture. Histological analysis of 12 patients showed diffuse thickening of reticulin fibers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third report describing secondary bone marrow fibrosis (myelofibrosis-like) associated with kala-azar. Patients with positive bone marrow fibrosis (pbmf = 12) were compared to patients without detectable bone marrow fibrosis (wbmf = 18). There were no significant differences in clinical and blood parameters following treatment. All patients showed regression of hepatosplenomegaly. Our findings suggest that associated bone marrow fibrosis is transient and did not interfere in the evolution of treated patients.

Modelo experimental de tumor na cavidade oral de ratos com carcinossarcoma de Walker 256

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer um modelo experimental de desenvolvimento tumoral na cavidade oral de ratos, permitindo, assim, o estudo da osteolise induzida pelo tumor nos ossos do complexo maxilomandibular como tambem nas estruturas dentais, atraves da caracterizacao histomorfologica da reabsorcao ossea e dentaria. METODOS: Uma suspensao de celulas tumorais (0,1mL) do Carcinossarcoma de Walker 256, na concentracao de 106 celulas/mL foi implantado na cavidade alveolar de ratos previamente aberta por exodontia. Os animais foram observados durante 12 (doze) dias consecutivos para determinacao da curva de peso corporeo, sendo posteriormente sacrificados e as mandibulas removidas para exames radiografico e histologico. RESULTADOS: No exame radiografico foi verificada area litica, sem evidencia de reparo, na regiao dos alveolos. No exame microscopico foi identificada infiltracao ossea, periferica e central, de pequenas celulas hipercromaticas e pleomorficas, com leve infiltrado inflamatorio mononuclear associado e areas de necrose. O indice de pega foi de 100%. CONCLUSAO: O modelo animal de invasao ossea, do tumor de Walker na cavidade oral, possibilita a avaliacao in vivo de drogas antitumorais e esquemas terapeuticos no tratamento do câncer bucal.

Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of bone: an unusual presentation.

Primary lymphoma of bone (PLB) is an extremely rare condition that is usually confused with other primary injuries of the bone. It is characterized by the involvement of one or more bone locations, with or without involvement of regional lymph nodes and viscera. PLB constitutes 3-7% of all malignant bone tumors and approximately 3% of all extranodal lymphomas. It is found at all ages, being most frequently seen in adult life. Any part of the skeleton can be involved, but a trend exists in favor of bones with persistent bone marrow. We report a case of PLB with an unusual presentation: involvement of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. Treatment with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) plus etoposide established complete remission. Consolidation with radiotherapy of the femur and phalanx was performed. There was no evidence of recurrence at the 14 th month follow-up.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adolescents: prognostic factors and analysis of survival

Objective To describe the clinical and laboratory features of children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated at three referral centers in Ceará and evaluate prognostic factors for survival, including age, gender, presenting white blood cell count, immunophenotype, DNA index and early response to treatment. Methods Seventy-six under 19-year-old patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with the Grupo Brasileiro de Tratamento de Leucemia da Infância – acute lymphoblastic leukemia-93 and -99 protocols between September 2007 and December 2009 were analyzed. The diagnosis was based on cytological, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic criteria. Associations between variables, prognostic factors and response to treatment were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fishers exact test. Overall and event-free survival were estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared using the log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent prognostic factors. Results The average age at diagnosis was 6.3 ± 0.5 years and males were predominant (65%). The most frequently observed clinical features were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Central nervous system involvement and mediastinal enlargement occurred in 6.6% and 11.8%, respectively. B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia was more common (89.5%) than T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A DNA index >1.16 was found in 19% of patients and was associated with favorable prognosis. On Day 8 of induction therapy, 95% of the patients had lymphoblast counts <1000/μL and white blood cell counts <5.0 × 109/L. The remission induction rate was 95%, the induction mortality rate was 2.6% and overall survival was 72%. Conclusion The prognostic factors identified are compatible with the literature. The 5-year overall and event-free survival rates were lower than those reported for developed countries. As shown by the multivariate analysis, age and baseline white blood cell count were independent prognostic factors.