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ABSTRACT: The detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in urine, a specimen easily obtained by a non-invasive self-sampling method, has been the subject of a considerable number of studies. This review provides an overview of 41 published studies; assesses how different methods and settings may contribute to the sometimes contradictory outcomes; and discusses the potential relevance of using urine samples in vaccine trials, disease surveillance, epidemiological studies, and specific settings of cervical cancer screening. Urine sampling, storage conditions, sample preparation, DNA extraction, and DNA amplification may all have an important impact on HPV DNA detection and the form of viral DNA that is detected. Possible trends in HPV DNA prevalence in urine could be inferred from the presence of risk factors or the diagnosis of cervical lesions. HPV DNA detection in urine is feasible and may become a useful tool but necessitates further improvement and standardization.
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology 08/2011; 31(5):627-40. · 2.86 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Despite many improvements, cervical cancer screening is still subject to shortcomings. Diagnostic accuracy may improve by using molecular biological techniques, requiring RNA of superior quality. This study determined the effect of SurePath fixation on RNA integrity to assess the suitability of clinical samples collected in this medium for RNA-based molecular assays.
RNA isolation was performed on fresh and fixed HeLa cells and exfoliated cervical cells fixed in SurePath. The RNA integrity was evaluated by analysis of ribosomal RNA as an indicator of quality. The effect of SurePath preservation on PCR amplification was evaluated by real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR.
In contrast to unfixed cells, SurePath-fixed cells yielded less and severely degraded RNA, as shown by the absence of ribosomal RNA bands. RNA derived from SurePath-fixed cells showed poor real-time RT-PCR amplification characteristics, as evidenced by the absent correlation between threshold values and log cDNA concentration.
Implementation of molecular biology in a clinical context is on the rise and may alleviate shortcomings in current screening and diagnostics. This study shows that SurePath fixation gives rise to highly fragmented RNA with insufficient quality for further reliable analysis by standard real-time RT-PCR applications. The increasing prominence of molecular screening stresses the importance of this finding, which must be considered in relation to choice of an appropriate liquid-based cytology system.
Journal of clinical pathology 02/2008; 61(1):132-7. · 2.43 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A patient with breast cancer developed severe asthenia, accompanied with progressively increasing transaminases, during adjuvant chemotherapy with CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil). Additional blood tests and imaging were negative. A liver biopsy revealed a grade II toxic hepatitis. Because methotrexate was suspected to be the cause of the hepatotoxicity, the administration of this drug was stopped and mitoxantrone was given instead. A recovery of clinical symptoms and normalisation of the liver function tests was observed afterwards. In that sense, mitoxantrone appears to be a valuable alternative to methotrexate in cases of hepatotoxicity in patients with breast cancer. An overview of the literature regarding methotrexate hepatotoxicity is presented.
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine 07/2002; 60(5):216-22. · 2.07 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Free radicals are known to be involved in the host reaction during Schistosoma mansoni-induced inflammation in the liver and the intestine. In the present study, the influence of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) on the enteric neurons of infected ileum of mice was investigated. Cryosections and whole-mounts of the ileum of control, and 8- and 15-week-infected mice were processed for immunohistochemical localization of 3-nitrotyrosine, a biomarker of RNS, and of active caspase-3, a key executioner of apoptosis. An antibody directed against protein gene product 9.5 or S100 protein was used as a marker for neurons or enteroglial cells. In infected mice, but not in control animals, 3-nitrotyrosine was detected in parasite eggs and, as revealed by double immunolabelling, in some neuronal and enteroglial cells. Quantitative analysis of whole-mounts showed that the percentage of 3-nitrotyrosine-immunoreactive neurons significantly increased with time in both the submucous and myenteric plexus. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity was predominantly found in parasite eggs in infected mice. Immunoreactive enteric neurons were occasionally observed. The results indicate that inflammation-induced RNS are present in the ileum of S. mansoni-infected mice, and participate in the elimination of the schistosome eggs causing damage in a significant number of enteric neurons. However, neuronal cell death appears to be a rare phenomenon in the schistosome-infected mouse ileum.
Cell and Tissue Research 04/2001; 303(3):329-36. · 3.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the proliferation activity in CIN III lesions and Ia1 carcinoma according to the risk of recurrence.
The proliferation markers PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and mitotic index were studied in 75 patients with CIN III and in 20 patients with an Ia1 squamous carcinoma of the cervix by staining representative tissue sections for the PCNA and assessing the mitotic index. Associations between the studied proliferation markers and various histopathologic characteristics as well as recurrence were assessed.
Three groups of PCNA were constituted: <20, 20--40, > OR =40% positive tumour nuclei, which contained, respectively, 45 (47%), 29 (31%), and 21 (22%) patients. Microinvasive carcinomas have a higher proliferation activity than CIN III (PCNA P=0.005; mitotic index P=0.094). For CIN III, there was a significantly lower risk for recurrence in the group with lower mitotic activity, compared to the group with higher mitotic activity (Kaplan-Meier: log-rank testing P=0.044). Significance was, however, not reached for the different PCNA categories (Kaplan-Meier, log-rank test P=0.068). Multiple regression analysis showed that in our population of CIN III lesions, only age of diagnosis and treatment modality were relevant (independent) prognostic indicators for recurrence.
In CIN III lesions there is evidence for an association between proliferation activity and the risk of recurrence. The observed crude association weakens when adjusting for age at diagnosis and treatment modality. Apparently this feature is associated with more aggressive biological behaviour and could be used to identify women who are at higher risk of recurrence.
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 03/2001; 94(2):270-5. · 1.97 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Free radicals are known to be involved in the host reaction during Schistosoma mansoni-induced inflammation in the liver and the intestine. In the present study, the influence of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) on the enteric neurons of infected ileum of mice was investigated. Cryosections and whole-mounts of the ileum of control, and 8- and 15-week-infected mice were processed for immunohistochemical localization of 3-nitrotyrosine, a biomarker of RNS, and of active caspase-3, a key executioner of apoptosis. An antibody directed against protein gene product 9.5 or S100 protein was used as a marker for neurons or enteroglial cells. In infected mice, but not in control animals, 3-nitrotyrosine was detected in parasite eggs and, as revealed by double immunolabelling, in some neuronal and enteroglial cells. Quantitative analysis of whole-mounts showed that the percentage of 3-nitrotyrosine-immunoreactive neurons significantly increased with time in both the submucous and myenteric plexus. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity was predominantly found in parasite eggs in infected mice. Immunoreactive enteric neurons were occasionally observed. The results indicate that inflammation-induced RNS are present in the ileum of S. mansoni-infected mice, and participate in the elimination of the schistosome eggs causing damage in a significant number of enteric neurons. However, neuronal cell death appears to be a rare phenomenon in the schistosome-infected mouse ileum.
Cell and Tissue Research 02/2001; 303(3):329-336. · 3.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A case of vascular leiomyoma originating from the wall of the right common iliac vein is presented. Clinical and radiological features suggested a well circumscribed tumour arising from the duodenal wall. Laparotomy revealed a tumour without connection to the duodenum, but attached to the right iliac vein. The tumour was totally resected, including partial resection of the common iliac vein. Pathology showed a smooth muscle tumour with histological features of benignity. Six months after surgery the patient is asymptomatic.
European Journal of Surgical Oncology 12/2000; 26(7):717-9. · 2.50 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Schistosomiasis mansoni is a major health problem, mainly occurring in developing countries. A large proportion of infected individuals suffers from motility-related gastrointestinal problems. In the present study, the diffuse inflammatory response in the small bowel wall, as compared to the egg-induced granulomatous inflammation, was investigated. For this purpose, OF1 mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni 8-16 weeks prior to the experiment, and uninfected control mice were studied. The ileum showed both a diffuse mucosal inflammation as well as a granulomatous reaction. The diffuse mucosal inflammation caused an increase in the thickness of the mucosa, with blunting of the villi. A significant, transient increase of thickness of the muscularis propria after 12 weeks of infection was noted. There was an infection-related mast cell infiltrate in the muscularis propria, consisting of formalin fixation-insensitive connective tissue mast cells. Ganglionitis of the myenteric plexus was noted. Rarely, ganglia of the myenteric plexus contained apoptotic cells. A general pharmacological set of experiments showed a significant increase in intestinal contractility, both to exogenously administered, as well as to endogenously released neurotransmitters. Our results demonstrate that S. mansoni infection in the mouse ileum leads to diffuse specific enteric inflammation that is associated with an enhanced response to contractile agents.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility 11/2000; 12(5):431-40. · 3.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Limb-body wall complex (LBWC) is a rare, sporadic, congenital defect defined as a combination of at least two of three characteristics: 1. limb defects, 2. anterior body wall defects, and 3. exencephaly or encephalocoele with/without facial clefts. Three pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed: early amnion rupture, vascular disruption and embryonic dysgenesis. In this study we carried out the pathological evaluation of four fetuses with LBWC and their placentas. None of the cases had craniofacial defects. Three fetuses showed an abdominal wall defect with eventration of abdominal organs, cloacal exstrophy, absent external genitalia, abnormal internal genitalia, scoliosis and lower limb defects. One fetus showed failure of closure of both thoracic and abdominal walls with ectopia cordis, evisceration of left lung and abdominal organs, severe reduction defect of left arm, but normal colon, anus, bladder, genitalia and lower limbs. All cases had a short, malformed umbilical cord, incompletely covered by amnion. The umbilical vessels were embedded in an amniotic sheet which connected the skin margin of the anterior body wall defect to the placenta. These anomalies suggest an abnormal body stalk development as a pathogenic mechanism for LBWC. Prenatally, the abnormal fetoplacental attachment can be detected ultrasonographically by the end of the first gestational trimester. Postnatally, the examination of placenta, umbilical cord and membranes is crucial in confirming the diagnosis of LBWC.
Pathology - Research and Practice 02/2000; 196(11):783-90. · 1.21 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Recurrent experimental evidence indicates that schistosomal egg granuloma formation at least in the murine model results from a host response generated against both egg- and worm-derived antigens. Further experiments aimed at identifying the existence in vivo of cross-sensitization between Schistosoma haematobium worms and S. mansoni-derived egg antigens were performed with respect to S. mansoni egg antigen-induced granuloma formation and fibrogenesis in the liver. Male OF1 mice bisexually infected with S. haematobium or S. mansoni were hepatically challenged (cecal vein injection) with S. mansoni SEA (soluble egg antigen)-coupled Sepharose beads at the end of prepatent infection (8-10 days prior to the start of egg deposition). The mean granuloma volume (MGV) of in-vivo-generated synchronized hepatic granulomas (8 days old) and the fibrotic response were estimated. Just like S. mansoni-infected rodents, mice carrying an S. haematobium infection generated an accelerated hepatic granulomogenesis [respective MGVs 4.72 +/- 0.56 and 5.41 +/- 0.75 x 10(6) microm3; P < 0.0001 versus unsensitized (MGV 3.00 +/- 0.40 x 10(6) microm3) mice] and an enhanced fibrotic response against S. mansoni SEA. They also had significantly enlarged spleens (P < 0.0001) and moderately enlarged livers (P = 0.02) as compared with S. haematobium-infected mice that were not challenged with SEA. From these observations we infer that in vivo, S. haematobium worms can positively modulate S. mansoni egg antigen-induced granuloma formation and hepatic fibrogenesis, resulting in more severe liver pathology.
Parasitology Research 11/1999; 85(11):905-9. · 2.15 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Adult Schistosoma mansoni worms can positively modulate soluble egg antigen (SEA)-induced granulomas formed around SEA-coupled beads implanted in the liver. In this study, our aim was to further unravel the immunopathological characteristics of S.mansoni-worm-derived antigens in vivo. (a) Adult worm antigen (AWA)-coupled Sepharose beads, implanted into the liver, induced granulomas, containing numerous eosinophilic granulocytes and elicited marked periparticular fibrosis (composed of interstitial matrix proteins and basement membrane components). (b) Quantitative morphological analysis demonstrated that in naive mice, AWA-induced hepatic granuloma formation peaked in volume 16 days after injection of the beads. An accelerated response against AWA-coupled particles (peak volume at 8 days) was observed in mice carrying a single-sex, male S. mansoni infection. (c) When the granuloma volume induced by SEA-coupled beads in unisexually S. mansoni infected mice was compared to granulomas induced by beads laden with both SEA and AWA in unsensitized mice, no significant differences in granuloma volume were seen, indicating the existence of in vivo egg/worm antigen cross-sensitization. (d) Naive mice, sensitized with the worm antigens circulating anodic antigen (CAA) or circulating cathodic antigen (CCA), mounted a strongly accelerated response towards SEA-coupled beads implanted in the liver. We infer that, in vivo, worm antigens cross-sensitize with egg antigens and have both granulomogenic and fibrogenic characteristics. The S. mansoni soluble worm antigens CCA and CAA prime hepatic egg-antigen-induced granuloma formation possibly through the presence of immunogenic carbohydrates. These mechanisms lead to an accelerated response against SEA.
Parasitology Research 02/1999; 85(1):7-13. · 2.15 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Syndecan-1 binds basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), modulates neovascularization, plays a role in epithelial differentiation and is up-regulated by WT1. Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura is one of the most aggressive tumours known and expresses high levels of angiogenic growth factors. This study has analysed syndecan-1 expression in mesothelioma tumours and cell lines by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, using anti-syndecan-1 antibody directed against the core protein, and has examined its relation to morphology, bFGF, WT1, and intra-tumoural microvascular density (IMD). Shedding of syndecan-1 in the conditioned medium of mesothelioma cell lines was detected in variable amounts. These studies indicate that (1) there is no correlation of syndecan-1 with either bFGF expression or IMD in mesotheliomas in vivo; (2) syndecan-1 is strongly expressed in the epithelial type of mesothelioma and in the epithelial component of biphasic mesotheliomas and the expression is reduced or lost in sarcomatoid differentiation; together with the finding that (3) syndecan-1 correlates with WT1 immuno-expression, this suggests that syndecan-1 might relate to the differentiation state of mesothelial/mesothelioma cells; and (4) syndecan-1-positive tumours are associated with a longer survival (p = 0.02) than mesotheliomas with no or little syndecan-1 expression, on univariate analysis. These findings therefore indicate that syndecan-1 can be an important prognostic indicator in mesotheliomas and its loss may be important in the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of mesothelioma cells.
The Journal of Pathology 12/1998; 186(3):300-5. · 6.32 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In an attempt to elucidate further the immunopathological pathways that underlie fibrogenesis induced by Schistosoma mansoni, we have studied the distribution of basement membrane compounds, heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG) and the fibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in two models of experimental schistosomiasis mansoni (experimental murine infection and synchronous granulomas induced by injection of egg-antigen-coupled beads into the caecal vein). Deposition of the basement membrane proteins type IV collagen, laminin and entactin in schistosomal granulomas was seen 3 days after the implantation of egg-antigen-coupled beads in the liver and persisted over time (32 days). Up-regulation of the membrane-bound HSPG syndecan-1 was observed in the schistosomal granuloma. These syndecan-1-immunoreactive cells represented a distinct subpopulation of granuloma cells; they were different from both mature, unstimulated B-cells (CD40-positive) and endothelial cells (CD105-positive). Deposition of the matrix HSPG perlecan within the granuloma was most prominent 8-16 days after injection. TGF-beta expression was observed in acute (8 weeks) and chronically (13 weeks) infected mice, mainly at the periphery of the schistosomal granuloma and on Kupffer cells in the liver parenchyma. From these observations, we infer that schistosomal fibrosis is composed of various groups of matrix components and that TGF-beta, which is secreted by granuloma cells, is one of the fibrogenic mediators in schistosomal fibrogenesis.
Cell and Tissue Research 04/1998; 292(1):101-6. · 3.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We present the case of a 69 yr old, white male, suffering from diffuse interstitial lung disease, finally diagnosed as paracoccidioidomycosis or South American blastomycosis. During the course of his disease, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCAs) became positive, suggesting the possibility of a Wegener's granulomatosis. Transbronchial biopsies and a video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy revealed only the pulmonary yeast infection, without other co-existing pathology. During treatment with itraconazole, the patient improved clinically and functionally, and c-ANCAs became negative. Serological monitoring confirmed the diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing positive c-ANCAs in a patient with paracoccidioidomycosis. It re-emphasizes the fact that cautious interpretation of c-ANCAs in patients without convincing clinical signs or pathological evidence of a granulomatous vasculitis is absolutely necessary. In this era of increased mobility, a thorough medical history, including documentation of travel, remains an inexpensive tool in making a diagnosis and is still the cornerstone of good medical practice.
European Respiratory Journal 11/1997; 10(10):2419-22. · 5.89 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study concerns the distance between the centre of gravity of blood vessels and the basement membrane of the middle ear cleft mucosa. The measurements were performed perpendicular to the long axis of the cross-section of the vessels, and revealed a significant difference between two regions of the middle ear cleft. At the level of the postero-superior part (epitympanum, aditus ad antrum, mastoid antrum and highest part of the mastoid air cells system), the distance between the blood vessels and the basement membrane of the mucosa was statistically shorter than in the antero-inferior part of the middle ear cleft. This indicates a privileged function of gaseous exchange of the postero-superior part of the middle ear cleft and may divide the middle ear cleft into different functional parts.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica 10/1997; 117(5):704-7. · 1.08 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Synchronized liver granulomas were induced by injecting Sepharose beads to which SEA soluble egg antigen (SEA) or the concanavalin A binding fraction of SEA had been coupled into a mesenteric vein in naive, single-sex (35 days) and bisexually (28 days) Schistosoma mansoni-infected and Plasmodium berghei-immunized mice. Stereological analysis revealed that peak granuloma formation was already reached 8 days after injection in single-sex infected mice compared with 16 days in naive animals. No difference in granuloma formation between naive and P. berghei-immunized animals and between unisexually and bisexually S. mansoni-infected mice was observed. This suggests that the positive immunomodulatory effect on the granulomogenesis is worm specific and not likely to be due to arousal of the immune system by unrelated factors, nor is it influenced by the gender or degree of maturation of female worms. At all stages in time, the concanavalin A binding-fraction-induced granulomas reached only 65 to 70% of the volume of SEA-induced granulomas. Immunophenotyping of extracellular matrix proteins around deposited heads revealed that fibronectin was the dominant extracellular matrix protein and that also type I and IV collagen and laminin were deposited. Temporal analysis of the expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, LFA-1, VLA-4, and VLA-6 was performed. Morphological evidence is presented for the role of adhesion molecules in the initiation and maintenance of hepatic granuloma formation. The chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was expressed in the granuloma and in hepatic artery branches. From these data, it is concluded that adult S. mansoni worms positively modulate schistosomal hepatic granuloma formation in vivo. Adhesion molecules and chemokines play important roles in schistosomal granuloma formation.
American Journal Of Pathology 07/1997; 150(6):2033-45. · 4.89 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Adhesion molecules play an important role in inflammatory and immunological responses. We assessed the expression pattern of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocytefunction-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) in the livers of mice experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni and in synchronous hepatic granulomas induced by injection of soluble egg antigen (SEA)-coupled Sepharose beads in a mesenteric vein of mice. By immunohistochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and immunoelectron microscopy, ICAM-1 was localized on endothelial cells, sinusoidal-lining cells (Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelium), the hepatocyte cell membrane facing Disse's space, and inflammatory cells in the granuloma. LFA-1 was visualized on the inflammatory cells of the granuloma and on phagocytic sinusoidal-lining cells, most likely Kupffer cells. ICAM-1- and LFA-1-immunoreactive cells were present in the granuloma as early as at 3 days after injection of SEA-coupled beads and persisted with time. As granulomas became older, nonimmunoreactive granuloma cells appeared. We conclude that adhesion molecules play an important role in the genesis of the schistosomal granuloma.
Parasitology Research 02/1997; 83(5):405-12. · 2.15 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The Wilms tumour 1 (WT1) gene is believed to contribute to the growth and differentiation of certain tissues, including mesothelium. This study assessed WT1 gene status by mutational screening in 42 malignant mesotheliomas (MMs) and 3 MM cell lines and detected two tumours with identical heterozygous single nucleotide deletions in intron 7, with no apparent consequence for WT1 function. Furthermore, the expression pattern of the WT1 gene was studied in MMs and related lesions using three anti-WT1 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Strong to moderate nuclear immunoreactivity was noted in MM in situ (54/56), cultured mesothelioma cells (4/5), and hyperplastic and normal pleural (non-neoplastic, NNM) specimens. WT1 immunoreactivity was absent in all primary tumours of lung and in pleural metastases from adenocarcinomas of breast and colon; immunoreactivity was present in pleural metastases from renal carcinomas, melanomas, and papillary carcinomas of the ovary. Expression of the WT1 protein in MM was not correlated with survival. Coordinate expression of the WT1 protein and its putative transcriptional target genes was determined by correlating WT1 immunostaining with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression on MM and NNM; no significant correlation was found, irrespective of p53 expression status. Finally, the putative involvement of WT1 in cell-type transition was supported by this study, in that epithelial mesothelioma showed the strongest WT1 immunoreactivity while sarcomatous mesothelioma showed the least.
The Journal of Pathology 02/1997; 181(1):67-74. · 6.32 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Fifty-seven cases of malignant mesothelioma were analyzed for nuclear diameter, DNA content and ploidy-related parameters, using Feulgen stained paraffin sections with a digital imaging analysis system. Thirty cases had a mean nuclear diameter > 7 microns and 31 cases were classified as near-diploid. A statistically significant correlation between survival and the mean nuclear diameter (P = 0.0006) and between survival and DNA index (P = 0.007) was obtained. For other DNA content parameters (proliferation index, 5c exceeding rate), only one of the two statistical tests showed a significant correlation with survival while the other test was of borderline significance. In this malignant mesothelioma population, the prognosis for patients with the epithelial type was better than for those with sarcomatous tumours (P = 0.01). In this population of patients, about half of the malignant mesotheliomas were aneuploid. The mean nuclear diameter, DNA index analysis and proliferation index analysis of the tumour cells on Feulgen stained paraffin sections can be used as independent prognostic parameters.
Lung Cancer 07/1996; 14(2-3):229-37. · 3.43 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The differential diagnosis between malignant mesothelioma and benign pleural hyperplasia constitutes a well-known problem. In the present study we examined unbiased stereological techniques to assess the mean nuclear volume (MNV) using the point-sampled intercepts (PSI) in 37 cases of malignant mesothelioma and in 28 cases of benign pleural hyperplasia. Neither the use of different fixatives nor the histological type of malignant mesothelioma produced any significant difference on the measured nuclear volume. The differences observed between the MNV data obtained from benign pleural hyperplasia and those from any of the three types of malignant mesothelioma were found to be highly significant. All lesions with an MNV larger than 250 microns3 were found in our study to correspond to the malignant mesothelioma type, while an MNV that was smaller than 200 microns3 could only be detected in benign specimens. These observations lead us to propose the MNV measurement using PSI as an additional tool to enhance the differential diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma versus benign pleural hyperplasia.
Pathology - Research and Practice 02/1996; 192(1):10-4. · 1.21 Impact Factor