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The technique of liquid-based cytology (LBC) is of increasing diagnostic value in non-gynecological cytology. The purpose of the present study was to validate modifications to stages of the LBC process and to assess the diagnostic usefulness of the LBC technique. Between May 2021 and January 2022, a total of 484 samples were prepared from routine cytology tests carried out in the Department of Tumor Pathology of The Greater Poland Cancer Center. The material was obtained from fine-needle aspiration biopsies and fluid samples. One hundred cases were selected for the research described in the article. The slides were prepared using the Becton Dickinson Totalys SlidePrep device. Based on the research, it was concluded that predominantly the LBC technique gives better results than a conventional smear because the background, which would otherwise make it difficult to assess preparations, was eliminated. Additionally, in LBC preparations the cellularity was increased, and the cells were arranged in a monolayer system, which improves the image quality. The introduction of modifications to the LBC method facilitated the process of sample preparation, without adversely affecting the quality of the obtained material.

Purpose: Claudins are tight junction proteins partaking in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns of claudin-1 and claudin-4 in thyroid pathologies, discussed their links with the pathogenesis of thyroid cancers, and reviewed the therapeutic potential of targeting claudins in cancers. Methods: The research group 162 cores of thyroid samples from patients (70 female and 11 male) diagnosed with thyroid adenoma, goiter, papillary, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancers. All samples were stained for the expression of claudin-1 and claudin-4, and the analysis of IHC was performed. Results: Goiter samples showed negative claudin-1 and mostly positive expression of claudin-4. Papillary thyroid cancer and thyroid adenoma showed positive expression of claudin-1, while claudin-4 was positive in papillary thyroid cancers, goiters, and adenomas. In The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort, claudin-1 and claudin-4 were overexpressed in papillary thyroid cancer compared to normal thyroid tissues. Patients with high claudin-1 expression had significantly lower 5-year overall survival than patients with low claudin-1 levels (86.75% vs. 98.65, respectively). In multivariate analysis, high claudin-1 expression (HR 7.91, CI 95% 1.79–35, p = 0.006) and advanced clinical stage remained statistically significant prognostic factors of poor prognosis in papillary thyroid cancer. Conclusions: The pattern of claudin-1 staining was pathology-specific and changed between cancers of different histology. This phenomenon may be associated with the different pathogenesis of thyroid cancers and early metastasis. The loss of claudin-1 and claudin-4 characterized more aggressive cancers. Several studies have shown the benefits of targeting claudins in cancers, but their implementation into clinical practice requires further trials.

The HER2 gene is a biomarker for breast cancer prognosis and treatment. Overexpression of HER2 protein determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or amplification of the HER2 gene determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a condition for qualifying patients for anti-HER2 therapy. Due to the high toxicity of anti-HER2 treatment, proper patient selection is essential. In our study we compared 40 cases with IHC staining of HER2 antibody determined by Ventana PATHWAY anti-HER2/neu antibody (4B5) as HER2 2+ with the new antibody (HercepTest™ mAb PharmDx [Dako Omnis] [GE001]). Then using a double-blind study we compared the (IHC) evaluation with FISH results. In 65% of cases (26/40) the IHC 2+ score remained unchanged, in 32.5% of cases (13/40) expression of HER2 protein after IHC with new antibody was indicated as 3+ score, and in one case we observed a decrease of HER2 protein expression to 1+. In all cases but one, in which we found IHC HER 3+ with new antibody, there was FISH amplification. We have reason to believe that the new antibody will reduce the diagnostic time and avoid unnecessary costs. Due to the small study group, further investigation is needed.

Abstract Although infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) does not appear to be as serious a threat to public health as it was in 2020–2021, the increased transmissibility of multiple Omicron descendants may constitute a continuous challenge for health care systems, and reliable detection of new variants is still imperative. This study evaluates the performance of three SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests: Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real Time Multiplex RT-PCR Kit (Liferiver); Vitassay qPCR SARS-CoV-2 (Vitaassay) and TaqPath COVID‑19 CE-IVD RT-PCR Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The analytical sensitivity of the assays as well as their specificity were determined with the use of synthetic nucleic acid standards and clinical samples. All assays appeared to be 100% specific for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in general and the Omicron variant in particular. The LOD determined during this validation was 10 viral RNA copies/reaction for Liferiver and TaqPath and 100 viral RNA copies for Vitassay. We cannot exclude that the LOD for the Vitassay might be lower and close to the manufacturer's declared value of ≥ 20 genome copies/reaction, as we obtained 90% positive results for 10 viral RNA copies/reaction. Mean Ct values at the concentration of 10 viral RNA copies/reaction for the Liferiver, Vitassay and TaqPath kits (35, 37 and 33, respectively) were significantly lower than the cutoff values declared by the manufacturers (≤ 41, ≤ 40 and ≤ 37, respectively). We suggest reporting outcomes based on LOD and cutoff Ct values determined during internal validation rather than those declared by the assays’ producers.

Abstract The oncological treatment can significantly affect patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which should be monitored to ensure our patients’ well-being. The often-used HRQoL measurer is the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) indicator of the disease burden, describing both quality and quantity of life lived. The main aim of the study was to discuss the methodology and usefulness of evaluating QALYs using the HRQoL questionnaires: EuroQoL (EQ)-5 dimensions-3 levels (EQ-5D-3L) and EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) in 32 cervical cancer patients. We obtained the questionnaire and calculated QALYs based on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) method. In our study, the total scoring of the EQ-Index, EQ-VAS evaluation was 2620 and 2409 points, respectively, which corresponds with the QALYs value of 26.2 and 24.9, respectively. We expressed the QALYs outcome into the economic equivalent of nearly 900,000 US dollars (USD) as the total health profit for both the patients and the healthcare system. Obtaining the QALY factor can help establish the medical management’s influence on the patients’ HRQoL and improve the healthcare services to ensure the best health outcomes.

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary malignancy of the eye in adults. It may involve the choroid and ciliary body, and in only 2-3% of cases it involves the iris. We present a case of a 56-year-old patient with a 6-year history of unilateral, inflammatory, refractory glaucoma of the right eye. Due to acquired heterochromia and heterogeneous thickness of the iris, iris melanoma was suspected, but the incisional biopsy did not confirm the diagnosis. In the next months, the lesion enlarged and the eye globe was enucleated. Histopathological examination revealed an iridociliary melanoma with annular growth pattern.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare type of malignancy that originates from melanocytes in the choroid, iris and the eye’s ciliary body. Biomarkers for early detection and progression of UM, especially the molecular traits governing the development of metastasis, are still not available in clinical practice. One extensively studied components of liquid biopsies are extracellular vesicles. Due to their unique molecular cargo, they can contribute to early cancer development and at the same time carry markers for disease onset and progression. For characterisation of the miRNA profiles present in circulating serum-derived exosomes of patients with diagnosed primary and metastatic UM, we have analyzed the miRNA cargos using next-generation sequencing followed by RT-qPCR validation in a cohort of patients (control n = 20; primary n = 9; metastatic n = 11). Nine miRNAs differentiating these patient groups have been established. We show that hsa-miR-144-5p and hsa-miR-191-5p are the most promising biomarker candidates, allowing the categorization of patients into local and advanced UM. Additionally, the comparison of miRNA expression levels in exosomes derived from UM patients with those derived from healthy donors revealed that hsa-miR-191-5p, -223-3p, -483-5p, -203a has the potential to be used as an early marker for the presence of UM. This pilot study reveals that miRNAs extracted from circulating exosomes could be exploited as potential biomarkers in UM diagnosis and, more importantly, for indicating metastatic spread.

Abstract The study aimed to show that including the brain region into the standard 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) study protocol may result in detecting clinically silent brain tumours. We retrospectively analyzed the group of 10,378 from the total of 12,011 consecutive patients who underwent the torso and brain [18F]FDG PET/CT scanning, considering an ability of the method to evaluate undetected before brain tumours in patients diagnosed and treated in our institution. While collecting the database, we followed the inclusion criteria: at least 1-year of follow-up, a full medical history collected in our institution, histopathologic examination or other studies available to confirm the type of observed lesion, and the most importantly—no brain lesions reported in the patients’ medical data. In this study, performing the torso and brain [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging helped to detect clinically silent primary and metastatic brain tumours in 129 patients, and the benign lesions in 24 studied cases, in whom no suspicious brain findings were reported prior to the examination. In conclusion, including the brain region into the standard [18F]FDG PET/CT protocol can be considered helpful in detecting clinically silent malignant and benign brain tumours.

Abstract This study developed a new procedure of urinary bladder transplantation on a rat model (n = 40). Heterotopic urinary bladder transplantation (n = 10) in the right groin vessels was performed. Direct urinary bladder examination, microangiography, histological analysis, and India ink injection were performed to evaluate the proposed method's functionality. Observation time was four weeks. One week after the procedure, the graft survival rate was 80%, two urinary bladders were lost due to anastomosis failure. The rest of the grafts survived two weeks without any complications. Lack of transitional epithelium or smooth muscle layer loss and lack of inflammatory process development were observed. This study was performed in order to obtain the necessary knowledge about urinary bladder transplantation. The proposed technique offers a new approach to the existing orthotropic models.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15-20% of all breast carcinomas and represents an aggressive variant with a high mortality rate. PD-L1 is a protein that plays a pivotal role in suppressing the adaptive immune system. It has become a central target of the immunotherapy approach. Determining the PD-L1 status can identify TNBC patients who may benefit from targeted therapy. This study was performed to estimate the prevalence of PD-L1 expression among Polish TNBC patients. A total of 123 patients with TNBC were tested for PD-L1 expression using immunohistochemical studies. The PD-L1-positive tumors were found in 55 patients (45%), while PD-L1-negative tumors were found in 68 patients (55%). The PD-L1 positive tumors included 17 patients (31%) with the expression covering up to 1% of tumor area, 23 patients (42%) covering 2-5%, 8 patients (14%) covering 6-10% and 7 patients (13%) covering more than 10% of tumor area. The PD-L1 negative tumors included 17 patients (25%) with the expression covering less than 1% of tumor area and 51 patients (75%) with a complete lack of expression. There were no significant differences between the groups with different status of PD-L1 and the clinical tumor and lymph node stages as well as the patients’ age.

Abstract Background Alveolar capillary dysplasia (ACD) is a rare cause of severe pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure in neonates. The onset of ACD is usually preceded by a short asymptomatic period. The condition is refractory to all available therapies as it irreversibly affects development of the capillary bed in the lungs. The diagnosis of ACD is based on histopathological evaluation of lung biopsy or autopsy tissue or genetic testing of FOXF1 on chromosome 16q24.1. Here, we describe the first two Polish patients with ACD confirmed by histopathological and genetic examination. Case presentation The patients were term neonates with high Apgar scores in the first minutes of life. They both were diagnosed prenatally with heart defects. Additionally, the first patient presented with omphalocele. The neonate slightly deteriorated around 12th hour of life, but underwent surgical repair of omphalocele followed by mechanical ventilation. Due to further deterioration, therapy included inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), inotropes and surfactant administration. The second patient was treated with prostaglandin E1 since birth due to suspicion of aortic coarctation (CoA). After ruling out CoA in the 3rd day of life, infusion of prostaglandin E1 was discountinued and immediately patient’s condition worsened. Subsequent treatment included re-administration of prostaglandin E1, iNO and mechanical ventilation. Both patients presented with transient improvement after application of iNO, but died despite maximized therapy. They were histopathologically diagnosed post-mortem with ACD. Array comparative genomic hybridization in patient one and patient two revealed copy-number variant (CNV) deletions, respectively, ~ 1.45 Mb in size involving FOXF1 and an ~ 0.7 Mb in size involving FOXF1 enhancer and leaving FOXF1 intact. Conclusions Both patients presented with a distinct course of ACD, extra-pulmonary manifestations and response to medications. Surgery and ceasing of prostaglandin E1 infusion should be considered as potential causes of this variability. We further highlight the necessity of thorough genetic testing and histopathological examination and propose immunostaining for CD31 and CD34 to facilitate the diagnostic process for better management of infants with ACD.

Green tea contains many polyphenolic constitutes, which might prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate whether green tea extract (GTE) given at doses reflecting habitual consumption of green tea beverages prevents development of NAFLD in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (two study and two control groups). The study groups received a HFD (approximately 50% energy from fat), enriched with 1.1% and 2.0% GTE, respectively, for a total of 56 days. The control groups were fed a HFD alone and normal standardised diet (low-fat diet), respectively, for the same period of time. The percentage of hepatocytes affected by steatosis in the HFD group (median [1st-3rd quartile]: 25% [12-34%]) was higher (p < 0.033 and p < 0.050, respectively) than in the HFD-2.0%GTE group (9% [3-18%]) and normal diet group (10% [5-18%]). No significant differences were observed for the group consuming HFD-1.1%GTE, in which intermediate results were observed (15% [4-30%]). This finding points towards the hepatoprotective potential of GTE in preventing dietary-induced liver steatosis. In view of the increasing incidence of overweight and obesity a simple and cheap dietary modification, such as GTE supplementation, could prove to be useful clinically.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) serve as nanoparticles due to their size, and for that reason, when in contact with the biological system, they can have toxic effects. One of the main mechanisms responsible for nanotoxicity is oxidative stress resulting from the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, oxidative stress biomarkers are important tools for assessing MWCNTs toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in male rats. Our animal model studies of MWCNTs (diameter ~15–30 nm, length ~15–20 μm) include measurement of oxidative stress parameters in the body fluid and tissues of animals after long-term exposure. Rattus Norvegicus/Wistar male rats were administrated a single injection to the knee joint at three concentrations: 0.03 mg/mL, 0.25 mg/mL, and 0.5 mg/mL. The rats were euthanized 12 and 18 months post-exposure by drawing blood from the heart, and their liver and kidney tissues were removed. To evaluate toxicity, the enzymatic activity of total protein (TP), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S–transferase (GST), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), nitric oxide (NO), and catalase (CAT) was measured and histopathological examination was conducted. Results in rat livers showed that TEAC level was decreased in rats receiving nanotubes at higher concentrations. Results in kidneys report that the level of NO showed higher concentration after long exposure, and results in animal serums showed lower levels of GSH in rats exposed to nanotubes at higher concentrations. The 18-month exposure also resulted in a statistically significant increase in GST activity in the group of rats exposed to nanotubes at higher concentrations compared to animals receiving MWCNTs at lower concentrations and compared to the control group. Therefore, an analysis of oxidative stress parameters can be a key indicator of the toxic potential of multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

The inflammatory process plays a significant role in the development of colon cancer (CRC). Intestinal cytokine networks are critical mediators of tissue homeostasis and inflammation but also impact carcinogenesis at all stages of the disease. Recent studies suggest that inflammation is of greater importance in the serrated pathway than in the adenoma-carcinoma pathway. Interleukins have gained the most attention due to their potential role in CRC pathogenesis and promising results of clinical trials. Malignant transformation is associated with the pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic cytokines. The harmony between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors is crucial to maintaining homeostasis. Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment modulate immune sensitivity and facilitate cancer escape from immune surveillance. Therefore, clarifying the role of underlying cytokine pathways and the effects of their modulation may be an important step to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer in the world in terms of incidence and second in terms of mortality. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for GC. The greatest challenge and major cause of GC treatment failure is resistance to chemotherapy. As such, research is ongoing into molecular evaluation, investigating mechanisms, and screening therapeutic targets. Several mechanisms related to both the tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are involved in resistance to chemotherapy. TME promotes the secretion of various inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have revealed that inflammatory cytokines affect not only tumor growth, but also chemoresistance. Cytokines in TME can be detected in blood circulation and TME cells. Inflammatory cytokines could serve as potential biomarkers in the assessment of chemoresistance and influence the management of therapeutics in GC. This review presents recent data concerning research on inflammatory cytokines involved in the mechanisms of chemoresistance and provides new clues in GC treatment.

Background: Conventional treatments for follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) can be ineffective, leading to poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify mutations associated with FTC that would serve as novel molecular markers of the disease and its outcome and could potentially identify new therapeutic targets. Methods: FLT3 mutations were first detected in a 29-year-old White female diagnosed with metastasized, treatment-refractory FTC. Analyses of FLT3 mutational status through next-generation sequencing of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded FTC specimens were subsequently performed in 35 randomly selected patients diagnosed with FTC. Results: FLT3 mutations were found in 69% of patients. FLT3 mutation-positive patients were significantly older than those that were FLT3 mutation-negative [median age at diagnosis 54 (36–82) versus 45 (27–58) ( p = 0.023)]. Patients over 60 years were 23 times more likely to be FLT3 mutation-positive ( p = 0.006). However, the number of FLT3 mutations did not correlate with age ( r -Pearson: –0.244, p -value: 0.25). A total of 26 mutations were identified in the FLT3 gene with 2–16 FLT3 mutations in each FLT3 mutation-positive patient (mean: 5.6 mutations/patient). Tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations in the FLT3 gene were detected in 58% of FLT3 mutation-positive patients. All FLT3 mutation-positive patients with a disease stage of pT2N1 or worse harbored at least one mutation in the TKD of FLT3 . Conclusions: There is a wide spectrum and high frequency of FLT3 mutations in FTC. The precise role of FLT3 mutations in the genesis of FTC, as well as its potential role as a therapeutic target, requires further investigation.

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular complications are responsible for increased mortality and morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Functional and structural changes of peritoneal membrane are reported in CKD patients both on conservative treatment and on renal replacement therapy (RRT). The aim of the study was to assess the structure of peritoneal membrane small arteries (precapillary arterioles) in diabetic and non-diabetic CKD stage 5 patients before initiation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and evaluate its relationship with heart and large arteries abnormalities and with selected biochemical parameters. Methods: Evaluation of 42 CKD stage 5 patients before starting PD. Diabetic (n=26) and non-diabetic (n=16) patients were compared. Peritoneal membrane samples were taken during Tenckhoff catheter insertion. Histopathological evaluation of peritoneal precapillary arterioles (arteriolar evaluation) with measurement of wall thickness (WT) and calculation of lumen/vessel (L/V) ratio was performed in each patients. Echocardiography, intima media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and biochemical parameters assessment: serum albumin (SA), total cholesterol (TCH), hemoglobin (Hgb), parathormone (PTH), serum calcium (Ca), serum phosphorus (P), transferrin saturation (TSAT%), C-reactive protein (CRP) were performed in each participant. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in peritoneal membrane arteriolar indices – wall thickness (WT) and L/V ratio between investigated groups. There was statistically significant higher PWV value in diabetic patients. There were no statistically significant differences in echocardiographic indices, IMT, laboratory data in analyzed groups. There were some linear correlations between: PWV vs IMT (R=0,84; p=0,0006); PWV vs PP (R=0,58; p=0,03) in non-diabetic and linear correlation between: PWV vs age (R=0,75; p=0,02); WT vs DP (R=-0,93; p=0,001); WT vs DBP ( R=0,64; p=0,04) in diabetic group. Conclusion: Peritoneal membrane arteriolar damage seems to be an integrated part of cardiovascular system damage in CKD stage 5 patients.

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of semiquantitative PET-derived parameters as well as hematological parameters in overall survival in HNSCC patients using neural network analysis. Retrospective analysis was performed on 106 previously untreated HNSCC patients. Several PET-derived parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, TotalSUV, MTV, TLG, TLRmax, TLRmean, TLRTLG, and HI) for primary tumor and lymph node with highest activity were assessed. Additionally, hematological parameters (LEU, LEU%, NEU, NEU%, MON, MON%, PLT, PLT%, NRL, and LMR) were also assessed. Patients were divided according to the diagnosis into the good and bad group. The data were evaluated using an artificial neural network (Neural Analyzer version 2.9.5) and conventional statistic. Statistically significant differences in PET-derived parameters in 5-year survival rate between group of patients with worse prognosis and good prognosis were shown in primary tumor SUVmax (10.0 vs. 7.7; p = 0.040), SUVmean (5.4 vs. 4.4; p = 0.047), MTV (23.2 vs. 14.5; p = 0.010), and TLG (155.0 vs. 87.5; p = 0.05), and mean liver TLG (27.8 vs. 30.4; p = 0.031), TLRmax (3.8 vs. 2.6; p = 0.019), TLRmean (2.8 vs. 1.9; p = 0.018), and in TLRTLG (5.6 vs. 2.3; p = 0.042). From hematological parameters, only LMR showed significant differences (2.5 vs. 3.2; p = 0.009). Final neural network showed that for ages above 60, primary tumors SUVmax, TotalSUV, MTV, TLG, TLRmax, and TLRmean over (9.7, 2255, 20.6, 145, 3.6, 2.6, respectively) are associated with worse survival. Our study shows that the neural network could serve as a supplement to PET-derived parameters and is helpful in finding prognostic parameters for overall survival in HNSCC.

Congenital and adult-onset hyperinsulinism (CHI) must be taken under consideration in the differential diagnosis of hypoglycaemia symptoms with endogenous hyperinsulinism, especially in cases in which there was failure to find an insulinoma. Histological examination is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. CHI is a disorder with three histopathological variants: focal CHI, diffuse CHI, and atypical CHI. These variants are clinically indistinguishable. According to published statistics, 0.5 to 5% of nesidioblastosis cases occur in adults. Clinical manifestation ranges from mildly symptomatic up to life-threatening hypoglycaemia. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in young and very young patients because early treatment accounts for favourable mental outcomes.

Abstract Larynx squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is characterized by complex genotypes, with numerous abnormalities in various genes. Despite the progress in diagnosis and treatment of this disease, 5-year survival rates remain unsatisfactory. Therefore, the extended studies are conducted, with the aim to find genes, potentially implicated in this cancer. In this study, we focus on the FAM107A (3p14.3) gene, since we found its significantly reduced expression in LSCC by microarray profiling (Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 array). By RT-PCR we have confirmed complete FAM107A downregulation in laryngeal cancer cell lines (15/15) and primary tumors (21/21) and this finding was further supported by FAM107A protein immunohistochemistry (15/15). We further demonstrate that a combined two hit mechanism including loss of 3p and hypermethylation of FAM107A promoter region (in 9/15 cell lines (p

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men in the world. The most common types of tumors are adenocarcinomas. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer. The incidence increases with age. Evaluation of proinflammatory factors such as IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-17RA, and IL-17RC expression makes it possible to assess the impact of inflammatory process on progression of PCa. The aim of the study was to retrospectively assess the histological material of PCa divided into few groups using the Gleason score. Studies were carried out on archival tissue material in the form of paraffin blocks of 40 men with PCa after radical prostatectomy. The control group was composed of 10 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The material was obtained by the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Immunohistochemistry was performed on prepared material using specific primary antibodies against IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-17RA, and IL-17RC. Expression of the antibody to be examined using light microscopy and the Remmele-Stegner score (IRS) in cancer staining was then evaluated. Expression of IL-17 RA was not shown in a group of patients with PCa and in the control group. In the group of patients with Gleason score 8 and 9 PCa, the expression of IL-17A was higher compared to that of IL-17F. In addition, in PCa with an increased grade of Gleason scale, a decrease in the expression of the study inflammatory parameters was found. The inflammatory process has an impact on PCa. A study on IL-17 may become a starting point for further research on an attempt to use, for example, immunotherapy in PCa.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are suspected to be responsible for the cancer recurrence and in the consequence for cancer therapy failure. CD133 is a potential marker for detection of melanoma CSCs. Experiments were performed on the B16-F10 mouse melanoma cell line. CD133+ cells were isolated using an immunomagnetic cell sorting technique. After isolation proliferative and clonogenic potential of CD133+, CD133- and CD133+/- were evaluated. The potential of CD133+ and CD133- cells for tumor induction was conducted on C57BL/6J mouse model. Three different cell quantities (100, 1000, 10000) were tested. Tumor morphology, number of mitoses, and tumor necrosis area were analyzed. Average 0.12% CD133+ cells were isolated. Compared to CD133- and unsorted CD133+/- cells, CD133+ cells were characterized by the higher proliferative and clonogenic potential. These properties were not confirmed in vivo, as both CD133+ and CD133- cells induced tumor growth in mouse model. No statistical differences in mitosis number and tumor necrosis area were observed. Simultaneous detection of CD133 antigen with other markers is necessary for accurate identification of these melanoma cancer stem cells.

According to the international societies’ recommendations, the 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) technique should not be used as the method of choice in brain tumour diagnosis. Therefore, the brain region can be omitted during standard [18F]FDG PET/CT scanning. We performed comprehensive literature research and analysed results from 14,222 brain and torso [18F]FDG PET/CT studies collected in 2010–2020. We found 131 clinically silent primary and metastatic brain tumours and 24 benign lesions. We concluded that the brain and torso [18F]FDG PET/CT study provides valuable data that may support therapeutic management by detecting clinically silent primary and metastatic brain tumours.

We report a case of 40-year-old Caucasian man presented with an asymptomatic nodule localized on his arm. The puzzle histiocytosis composed of juvenile xanthogranuloma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis was diagnosed. The results of immunohistochemical studies confirm the dual character of histological texture of the lesion.

Purpose. To investigate the frequency and activation status of peripheral plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and myeloid DCs (mDCs) as well as gastric mucosa DC subset distribution in Helicobacter pylori- (H. pylori-) infected and noninfected children. Materials and Methods. Thirty-six children were studied; twenty-one had H. pylori. The frequencies of circulating pDCs (lineage-HLA-DR+CD123+) and mDCs (lineage-HLA-DR+CD11c+) and their activation status (CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR expression) were assessed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the densities of CD11c+, CD123+, CD83+, CD86+, and LAMP3+ cells in the gastric mucosa were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results. The frequency of circulating CD83+ mDCs was higher in H. pylori-infected children than in the noninfected controls. The pDCs demonstrated upregulated HLA-DR surface expression, but no change in CD86 expression. Additionally, the densities of gastric lamina propria CD11c+ cells and epithelial pDCs were increased. There was a significant association between frequency of circulating CD83+ mDCs and gastric lamina propria mDC infiltration. Conclusion. This study shows that although H. pylori-infected children had an increased population of mature mDCs bearing CD83 in the peripheral blood, they lack mature CD83+ mDCs in the gastric mucosa, which may promote tolerance to local antigens rather than immunity. In addition, this may reduce excessive inflammatory activity as reported for children compared to adults.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not surgical biopsy of sinus tissue in chronic sinusitis, not responsive to treatment, would detect E. coli. We intended to evaluate E. coli virulence genes, therefore dispute the causal role of such an unusual microorganism in chronic sinusitis, as well as consider effective pathogen-targeted therapy. Patients with E. coli isolated by intra-operative puncture biopsy were included in the study. Genetic analysis of E. coli isolates, including phylogenetic grouping and virulence factor characteristics, were done by multiplex PCR. We identified 26 patients with chronic sinusitis, in which 26 E. coli isolates were cultured. The E. coli isolates belonged mainly to pathogenic phylogenetic group B2, and carried multiple virulence genes. Three genes in particular were present in all (100%) of examined isolates, they were (1) marker agn43 gene for forming biofilm, (2) type 1 fimbriae (fimG/H gene) and (3) yersiniabactin receptor (fyuA). Furthermore, a pseudo-phylogenetic tree of virulence genes distribution revealed possible cooperation between agn43, fimG/H, and fyuA in the coding of biofilm formation. Intra-operative-biopsy and culture-based therapy, targeting the isolated E. coli, coincided with long-term resolution of symptoms. This is the first report demonstrating an association between a highly pathogenic E. coli, chronic sinus infection, and resolution of symptoms upon E. coli targeted therapy, a significant finding due to the fact that E. coli has not been considered to be a commensal organism of the oropharynx or sinuses. We postulate that the simultaneous presence of three genes, each coding biofilm formation, may in part account for the chronicity of E. coli sinusitis.

Background/Aims: Analysis of gene expression in renal tissue is considered to be a diagnostic tool predicting the clinical course of glomerulonephritis. The present study quantified the relative transcript levels of VEGF, CTGF and HIF-1α in renal tissue to establish their relationship with some clinical variables in patients suffering from chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). Methods: 28 patients (6F and 22M, mean age 51.2±15.0) with CGN were enrolled. Type of CNG recognized by kidney biopsy (histopatological evaluation) was as follows: minimal change disease (MCD)-3pts, IgA nephropathy-5pts, FSGS-3pts, membranous nephropathy-4pts, mesangio-proliferative glomerulonephritis-3pts; MPGN-1pts, lupus nephritis-6pts, granulomatosis with polyangitis-2 pts; hypertensive nephropathy- 3pts. Renal tissue from 3 individuals with normal eGFR and histology was taken as control. Mean clinical follow-up of patients was 12 months after biopsy eGFR and daily urinary protein excretion (DPE) was assessed at the time of biopsy and then in 6 months intervals. Real-time PCR was used to determine relative gene expression. The housekeeping gene GAPDH was used as normalization control. Results: At the time of the biopsy relative expression of 3 analyzed genes was diminished in comparison to control. There were statistically significant differences in VEGF gene relative expression level in patients which varied according to eGFR and tendency in patients which varied according to DPE. HIF-alfa and CTGF gene showed only a tendency. Conclusions: Overexpression of the VEGF gene in subjects with DPE>3,5g may point to insufficient oxygen supply in renal tissue which may result in tubulointerstitial fibrosis with further functional renal impairment and decline of eGFR.

Prostate cancer treatment is currently based on surgical removal, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. In recent years, another therapeutic method has emerged—immunological treatment. Immunotherapy modulates and strengthens one’s immune responses against cancer. Neoplastic cells naturally escape from the control of the immune system, and the main goal of immune therapy is to bring the control back. Satisfying outcomes after treatment of advanced melanoma and lung cancer suggest a great potential of immunotherapy as an approach for other tumors’ treatment, especially in patients primarily introduced to palliative care. After initial clinical trials, immunotherapy seems to have different side effects than chemotherapy. Prostate cancer was the first neoplasm in which a specific vaccine significantly improved survival. There is a tremendous potential for synergistic combinations of immunotherapy with conventional cancer treatments. A combination of several drugs or methods can be a key in radical treatment of metastatic prostate cancer as demonstrated by preliminary studies.

In the present paper we correlate clinical data, as well as histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular biology methods, with the occurrence of both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) i.e. ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. We found that patients with a history of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, as well as steroid treatment, had increased susceptibility to the development of IBD. The diagnosis of IBD was confirmed by histopathology. Previous infections by EBV and CMV, as well as M. tuberculosis, were proved by PCR-based techniques and in situ hybridization. We found PCR-proved latent viral infections in 30–50% of the IBD patients we studied. However, we were unable to prove the presence of viral antigens by immunohistochemistry for EBV or CMV. We found positive correlations between the presence of anti-CMV IgG, as well as PCR-positive results for M. tuberculosis with an ulcerative colitis diagnosis. Additionally, up to 80% of IBD patients used steroids, which was found to be correlated with a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. Our data may support the theory that IBD could be related to previous viral infections and the use of steroids. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011, Vol. 49, No. 2, 357–362)

In the present paper we correlate clinical data, as well as histopathological, immunohistochemicaland molecular biology methods, with the occurrence of both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) i.e.ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. We found that patients with a history of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) orcytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, as well as steroid treatment, had increased susceptibility to the developmentof IBD. The diagnosis of IBD was confirmed by histopathology. Previous infections by EBV and CMV, as well asM. tuberculosis, were proved by PCR-based techniques and in situ hybridization. We found PCR-proved latentviral infections in 30–50% of the IBD patients we studied. However, we were unable to prove the presence ofviral antigens by immunohistochemistry for EBV or CMV. We found positive correlations between the presenceof anti-CMV IgG, as well as PCR-positive results for M. tuberculosis with an ulcerative colitis diagnosis. Additionally,up to 80% of IBD patients used steroids, which was found to be correlated with a diagnosis of Crohn’sdisease. Our data may support the theory that IBD could be related to previous viral infections and the use ofsteroids.

OBJECTIVE:Due to the capacity of the amniotic membrane (Am) to support re-epithelisation and inhibit scar formation, Am has a potential to become a considerable asset for reconstructive urology i.e., reconstruction of ureters and urethrae. The application of Am in reconstructive urology is limited due to a poor mechanical characteristic. Am reinforcement with electrospun nanofibers offers a new strategy to improve Am mechanical resistance, without affecting its unique bioactivity profile. This study evaluated biocomposite material composed of Am and nanofibers as a graft for urinary bladder augmentation in a rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Sandwich-structured biocomposite material was constructed from frozen Am and covered on both sides with two-layered membranes prepared from electrospun poly-(L-lactide-co-E-caprolactone) (PLCL). Wistar rats underwent hemicystectomy and bladder augmentation with the biocomposite material. RESULTS:Immunohistohemical analysis (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E], anti-smoothelin and Masson's trichrome staining [TRI]) revealed effective regeneration of the urothelial and smooth muscle layers. Anti-smoothelin staining confirmed the presence of contractile smooth muscle within a new bladder wall. Sandwich-structured biocomposite graft material was designed to regenerate the urinary bladder wall, fulfilling the requirements for normal bladder tension, contraction, elasticity and compliance. Mechanical evaluation of regenerated bladder wall conducted based on Young's elastic modulus reflected changes in the histological remodeling of the augmented part of the bladder. The structure of the biocomposite material made it possible to deliver an intact Am to the area for regeneration. An unmodified Am surface supported regeneration of the urinary bladder wall and the PLCL membranes did not disturb the regeneration process. CONCLUSIONS:Am reinforcement with electrospun nanofibers offers a new strategy to improve Am mechanical resistance without affecting its unique bioactivity profile.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world. For a long time, only one pathway of colorectal carcinogenesis was known. In recent years, a new “alternative” pathway through serrated adenoma was described. Recent meta-analysis estimated these cancers as about 10% to 30% of all CRCs. Serrated polyps are the second most popular groups of polyps (after conventional adenomas) found during colonoscopy. Serrated polyps of the colon are clinically and molecularly diverse changes that have common feature as crypt luminal morphology characterized by glandular serration. Evidence suggests that subtypes of serrated polyps, particularly TSA and SSA/P, can lead to adenocarcinoma through the serrated pathway. Moreover, the data indicate that the SSA/P are the precursors of colorectal carcinoma by MSI and may be subject to rapid progression to malignancy. An important step to reduce the incidence of CRC initiated by the serrated pathway is to improve the detection of serrated polyps and to ensure their complete removal during endoscopy. Understanding of the so-called serrated carcinogenesis pathway is an important step forward in expanding possibilities in the prevention of CRC.