Gürsel Sönmez

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and steroid receptor expressions in feline mammary tumors

We evaluated the presence of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) enzymes in 18 feline mammary tubulopapillary carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize ER, PR, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in situ. Western blotting and zymographic analyses also were performed to investigate the presence and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes in fresh tissue homogenates. ER immune expression was detected in five samples (27.7%) and PR was positive in sixteen (88.8%) samples. Diffuse cytoplasmic staining of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in neoplastic mammary epithelial cells, stromal fibroblasts and inflammatory cell was evident. MMP-2 and MMP-9 staining was observed also in metastasizing neoplastic cells within lymphatic vessels. MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes and their activities in fresh tumor homogenates were demonstrated by zymography. Comparison of MMP-9 gelatinolytic bands from tumor samples and controls revealed a statistically significant difference. We demonstrated elevated MMP-9 and MMP-2 levels in tumor samples by Western blotting; analysis of protein bands revealed 1.9-to-3 fold increase in MMP-9 in tumor samples and the difference was statistically significant. Our results suggest that the expression of MMP-9 can be an important indicator for tumor progression and the possible metastatic nature of feline tubulopapillary carcinomas.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in Marek's disease tumours

Mareks disease is an important lymphoproliferative neoplasm of chickens, caused by oncogenic strains of herpes virus. Visceral lymphomas and invasion of both central nervous tissues and peripheral nerves by lymphoid cells are common findings. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of enzymes responsible for extracellular matrix degradation and tumour metastases. The localisations of MMPs in tumour cells were evaluated immunohistochemically. As a result, positive reactions for MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzymes were found in the lymphoid tumour cells. These enzymes may take part in the pathogenesis of Mareks disease causing extracellular matrix degradation and metastasis.

Organic Distribution and Interrelationships of Lesions Occurring in Laying Hens Suffering from Gout and Urolithiasis

Gout as a multifactorial syndrome can cause the death of chicken. In this study, the lesions formed were studied macro-, and microscopically in 134 gouty chicken. The gross and microscopic changes were found in all kidneys and renal capsules, though the other internal organs were also involved in many cases. Their serosal surfaces were more severely affected than the parenchymal parts. These organs were liver, lungs, heart, spleen and synovial sacs. Uroliths were found in all cases and were formed in ureters. This finding indicated that the gouty lesions were the results of urolithiasis. Physical characteristics and the chemical composition of the stones were studied, and the results confirmed that they were made up by urates of calcium, ammonium cations.