Monika Dzieniecka

Different distribution of c-kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal-like in children’s urinary bladders

We describe the presence of c-kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal-like (ICCs-like) in the walls of the urinary bladders of children. An immunohistochemical study of specimens, obtained at autopsy from either the trigonum (Group A) or the corpus (Group B), was performed using antibodies against c-kit (CD 117). Histological morphometry of the immunoexpression of c-kit positive ICCs-like was performed by means of image analysis system. The c-kit positive ICCs-like were identified by their morphology and counted in the vesical muscle layer in ten adjacent high power fields, each of 0.0479 mm(2). The areas of the epithelial and subepithelial layers containing c-kit positive mast cells (rounded body with no dendritic processes) were neglected. The results were expressed as the number of ICCs-like cells per mm(2). Differences between groups were tested using unpaired Students t-test preceded by evaluation of normality and Levenes test. Results were considered statistically significant if p 〈 0.05. In Group A, the mean number of ICCs-like cells was statistically significantly higher (41.5 cells/mm(2)) than in Group B (30.4 cells/mm(2)), p 〈 0.05. ICCs-like cells were found within the smooth muscle layer of the urinary bladder. There was a different distribution of these cells in particular parts of the bladder, which was probably due to the different roles of the trigonum and the corpus in the bladders of children.

Prognostic and Clinical Significance of miRNA-205 in Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the reproductive female tract, with endometrioid endometrial cancer being the most frequent type. Despite the relatively favourable prognosis in cases of endometrial cancer, there is a necessity to evaluate clinical and prognostic utility of new molecular markers. MiRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that take part in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Altered expression of miRNAs may be associated with cancer initiation, progression and metastatic capabilities. MiRNA-205 seems to be one of the key regulators of gene expression in endometrial cancer. In this study, we investigated clinical and prognostic role of miRNA-205 in endometrioid endometrial cancer. After total RNA extraction from 100 archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to define miRNA-205 expression levels. The aim of the study was to evaluate miRNA-205 expression levels in regard to patients’ clinical and histopathological features, such as: survival rate, recurrence rate, staging, myometrial invasion, grading and lymph nodes involvement. Higher levels of miRNA-205 expression were observed in tumours with less than half of myometrial invasion and non-advanced cancers. Kaplan-Maier analysis revealed that higher levels of miRNA-205 were associated with better overall survival (p = 0,034). These results indicate potential clinical utility of miRNA-205 as a prognostic marker.

Increased TGF-β: a drawback of tracheal occlusion in human and experimental congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

Survivors of severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) present significant respiratory morbidity despite lung growth induced by fetal tracheal occlusion (TO). We hypothesized that the underlying mechanisms would involve changes in lung extracellular matrix and dysregulated transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway, a key player in lung development and repair. Pulmonary expression of TGF-β signaling components, downstream effectors, and extracellular matrix targets were evaluated in CDH neonates who died between birth and the first few weeks of life after prenatal conservative management or TO, and in rabbit pups that were prenatally randomized for surgical CDH and TO vs. sham operation. Before tissue harvesting, lung tissue mechanics in rabbits was measured using the constant-phase model during the first 30 min of life. Human CDH and control fetal lungs were also collected from midterm onwards. Human and experimental CDH did not affect TGF-β/Smad2/3 expression and activity. In human and rabbit CDH lungs, TO upregulated TGF-β transcripts. Analysis of downstream pathways indicated increased Rho-associated kinases to the detriment of Smad2/3 activation. After TO, subtle accumulation of collagen and α-smooth muscle actin within alveolar walls was detected in rabbit pups and human CDH lungs with short-term mechanical ventilation. Despite TO-induced lung growth, mediocre lung tissue mechanics in the rabbit model was associated with increased transcription of extracellular matrix components. These results suggest that prenatal TO increases TGF-β/Rho kinase pathway, myofibroblast differentiation, and matrix deposition in neonatal rabbit and human CDH lungs. Whether this might influence postnatal development of sustainably ventilated lungs remains to be determined.

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata of unusual course with malignant transformation: case report

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata is a very rare, benign entity of unknown pathogenesis, characterized by the presence of multiple subperitoneal or peritoneal smooth muscle nodules throughout the peritoneal surface. Mostly the course is asymptomatic and it is found incidentally during laparotomy, laparoscopy or cesarean section. Non‐specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, abdominal mass or gastrointestinal signs are described. Rare cases of malignant transformation have been reported. We present a case of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis with an unusual course and transformation to endometrial sarcoma in a 26‐year‐old previously healthy woman, where the appearance of peritoneal nodules was preceded by multiple incidents of fast fibroid growth and delivery of myomatous growth into the cervical canal.

Clinical challenges in the management of a prenatally diagnosed cloacal malformation

Cloacal dysgenesis sequence is a severe malformation of the primitive cloaca and is characterized by a phallus‐like structure, smooth perineum and the absence of genitourinary and anal orifices. It is usually accompanied by oligohydramnios, kidney dysplasia, and pulmonary hypoplasia. We present a case of a 29‐year‐old woman who was referred at 26 weeks of gestation due to an enlarged fetal abdominal circumference. Investigations revealed the presence of fetal ascites, intrapelvic cysts, calcified meconium, severe oligohydramnios and a 46XX karyotype. Fetal abdominal parecentesis performed on several occasions failed to reduce intra‐abdominal pressure. To our knowledge this case represents the first variation of cloacal dysgenesis sequence to contain three dysmorphic structures along with the common findings of this anomaly.

Association of microRNA‐200c expression levels with clinicopathological factors and prognosis in endometrioid endometrial cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of gene expression, which play an important role in many critical cellular processes including apoptosis, proliferation and cell differentiation. Aberrant miRNA expression has been reported in a variety of human malignancies. Therefore, miRNAs may be potentially used as cancer biomarkers. miRNA‐200c, which is a member of the miRNA‐200 family, might play an essential role in tumor progression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic and clinical significance of miRNA‐200c in women with endometrioid endometrial cancer.

Ossifying fibroma–cementoma of jaw. Differences in histopathological nomenclature

Ossifying fibroma (cementoma) is a tumor of mesenchymal origin which represents about 1% of odontogenic tumors. It is commonly found in patients under 25, more often so in women. As its growth is slow and painless, it is usually accidentally detected by dental radiological examination. The aim of our study was to present the histopathological dilemma concerning the naming of a rare odontogenic tumor of the jaw. The authors present a rare jaw tumor, a benign ossifying fibroma, in the maxilla of a 12-year-old girl treated surgically, and they discuss the difficulty in making a definitive histopathological diagnosis. The clinical and histological criteria for identifying this type of tumor are still uncertain, as the most common sites, that is the tooth-bearing areas of the mandible, are very rare in the maxilla. The differentiation from the central fibro-osseous lesions in the maxilla bones is discussed. The final diagnosis of ossifying fibroma was based on the WHO classification. A literature search reveals a fundamental flaw in defining a unified classification for this type of change. As there is no clear diagnostic criterion, few repeatable diagnoses can be found. Although individual researchers tend to use their own means of classification in their routine work, the WHO classification should be applied.

Expression of miR-146a in patients with ovarian cancer and its clinical significance

The aim of the present retrospective study was to compare microRNA (miR)-146a expression levels in primary tumors and omental metastases of 48 patients, who had undergone surgery for advanced ovarian serous cancer. Possible correlations between miR-146a expression level and clinicopathological features were investigated, including chemosensitivity and survival. miR-146a was evaluated in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples. miR-146a expression level in primary tumors was demonstrated to be increased in comparison with normal ovary tissues (P=0.02) and metastases (P=0.01). A negative correlation was demonstrated between miR-146a expression in primary tumors and serum levels of cancer antigen 125 (R=-0.37; P=0.03) and Risk of Malignancy Algorithm index (R=-0.79; P=0.0007). Overall survival positively correlated with miR-146a expression in primary tumor tissue samples (R=0.38; P=0.01). Probability of survival was decreased in patients with low miR-146a expression levels in primary tumor tissues (hazard ratio=0.21; P=0.003). Lower levels of miR-146a in primary tumor tissue samples were correlated with a shorter progression-free survival (P=0.04) and platinum-resistance of metastases (P=0.006). In conclusion, miR-146a may be a prognostic marker for serous ovarian cancer.

The role of miRNA in endometrial cancer - with special consideration of miRNA 205.

MiRNAs are small non-coding molecules of ribonucleic acids of approximately 22 bp length that serve as regulators of gene expression and protein translation due to interference with messenger RNA (mRNA). MiRNAs, that take part in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis, may be associated with carcinogenesis. Aberrant expression of miRNAs in endometrial cancer might contribute to the endometrial cancer initiation or progression, metastasis formation and influence cancer invasiveness. Specific miRNAs expressed in endometrial cancer tissues may serve as diagnostic markers of the disease, prognostic biomarkers or play an important part in oncological therapy. We aimed to describe the role of miRNAs in endometrial cancer, with special consideration of miRNA 205.

P09.08: Biiometric evaluation of the lungs in fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia based on ultrasound and pathological findings

any of the twins which was confirmed on USG. Both babies were euthyroid at birth had normal development on follow up so far. Conclusion: Diagnosis of fetal hypothyroidism needs to be established at an early stage and appropriate hormone replacement treatment should be started. Fetal thyroid color Doppler is a new modality that helps in determining fetal thyroid function and can help to avoid invasive procedures like cordocentesis in appropriate cases. We emphasize on importance of noninvasive USG and maternal biochemical monitoring and correction as required. Hence, a strategic approach to fetal goiter is required to achieve optimal benefits at minimal fetal and maternal risk.