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Biomedical subjects

L Vecchio

Publications and source records attributed to L Vecchio.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression is increased in small bowel epithelium in the elderly.

Although previous studies suggest that in aging animals the small intestine is in a hyperproliferative state, no information is currently available on the influence of age on the proliferation pattern of human small bowel enterocytes. The immunohistochemical expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the villous height to total mucosal thickness ratio and the enterocyte height were evaluated in a panel of duodenal biopsy specimens obtained from 18 subjects aged less and 14 subjects aged more than 65 years. There was a significant positive correlation (P < 0.001) between age in years and percent of positive PCNA enterocytes both at the level of crypts (rs = 0.50) and villi (rs = 0.77). Moreover, the percentage of PCNA+ enterocytes was significantly higher in elderly versus adult subjects, both at the level of villi (6.5 vs 0%; P < 0.001) and of crypts (40.0 vs 23.7%; P < 0.01). No correlation was found between the percentage of PCNA + enterocytes and enterocyte height or villous height to total mucosal thickness ratio. Our results show that PCNA reactivity increases with advancing age both in crypts and villi. This abnormality of the proliferation pattern may explain the coexistence of normal morphology and impaired absorptive function in the elderly.

Adult↗

Mucinous cystadenoma of the lung.

A 56-year-old male patient came under our observation when a peripheral round mass in his right lung which he had since 1991 and which was believed to be a bronchogenic cyst, showed a volumetric enlargement of 2 cm. After performing a lobectomy of the middle lobe, the histopathological examination revealed the presence of a mucinous cystadenoma of borderline malignancy.

Cystadenoma, Mucinous↗

[Staging of bronchogenic cancer. Determination of mediastinal lymphatic involvement using magnetic resonance].

Twenty-five patients with bronchogenic carcinoma were prospectively studied by both CT and MR during 10 days preceding thoracotomy. MR scans included contiguous axial and coronal slices. Results of CT and MR studies were compared with the surgical and pathological findings. Although no significant difference was found between the two imaging methods for the evaluation of mediastinal nodes. MR appear to be superior to CT in the aortopulmonary and subcarinal node areas.

Adult↗

[Importance of bronchial biopsy in the histologic typing of cancer of the lung. Case study contribution (1980-1987)].

The diagnostic significance of the histological typing of lung cancer carried out on preoperative bronchoscopic biopsy samples is assessed in relation to final morphological diagnosis on operating material. In this connection 176 of 624 cases of lung cancer documented histologically from January 1980 to December 1987 in which preoperative biopsy sample was followed by removal of the lung are analysed. The 4 basic histotypes of lung cancer according to the WHO (1981) classification are considered. A positive diagnosis for cancer was encountered in 138 cases (78.4%) with histotype confirmed in 122, whereas a negative diagnosis was encountered in 38 cases (21.6%). These findings also permitted further considerations, including the possible limitations of the technique.

Aged↗

Follicular lymphomas with predominant splenic involvement: report of two cases.

The authors describe the results of histological, cytomorphological, cytochemical and immunological studies carried out in two cases of follicular lymphoma characterized at onset by an exceptional degree of splenomegaly. Although several different histological types seem to be capable of giving rise to prominent splenic involvement, the authors, on the basis of the reported findings, suggest the possibility that some cases of follicular lymphoma presenting with conspicuous splenomegaly and which at present are classified in the group of the so-called intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma, might be an expression of proliferation of a cell type normally recognizable in the marginal zone of the splenic follicles.

Aged↗

[Tumors of the chest wall].

The aim of this work was to evaluate the different surgical repair procedures and to discuss their technical applications according to the indications. From april 1989 to november 1999 we observed 18 patients, 12 males (66.7%) and 6 females (33.3%) presenting tumors of the chest wall. All patients were submitted preoperatively to a general respiratory check-up, and to an assessment of loco-regional and metastatic lesions. In 13 patients (72.2%), on the basis of topographical and morphological characteristics of the mass, we performed a transthoracic needle biopsy under scanner monitoring. The exeresis, in 6 patients (33.3%), implied a large resection of osteo-muscular structures. In 10 patients (55.6%), the benign nature of lesion, required extirpation solely of the tumor. In 2 patients (11.1%), owing to the extensive infiltration of the primary neoplasm, solely complementary treatment was carried out. Reconstruction of the thoracic wall was performed using associated myoplasty in all cases. In 3 subjects a prosthesis was installed; in 1 case a costal transposition association is necessary. Histological observation of the excised material revealed 16 primary tumors, 12 benign (75%) and 4 malignant (25%). Transthoracic needle biopsy under scanner monitoring confirmed the diagnosis in 100% of the cases operated. Fourteen patients (87.5%) are alive 73 +/- 35 months after intervention, without resumption of the disease. Two patients died (12.5%) VIII and VI months following the operation. Two patients not operated, died after VI and V months. Appropriate choice of techniques and of repair materials allowed valid oncological, aesthetical and functional results independently from the extent of the parietal defect.

Adolescent↗

Ultrastructural analysis of testes from mice fed on genetically modified soybean.

We have considered the possible effects of a diet containing genetically modified (GM) soybean on mouse testis. This organ, in fact, is a well known bioindicator and it has already been utilized, for instance, to monitor pollution by heavy metals. In this preliminary study, we have focussed our attention on Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes by means of immunoelectron microscopy. Our results point out that the immunolabelling for Sm antigen, hnRNPs, SC35 and RNA Polymerase II is decreased in 2 and 5 month-old GM-fed mice, and is restored to normal at 8 months. In GM-fed mice of all ages considered, the number of perichromatin granules is higher and the nuclear pore density lower. Moreover, we found enlargements in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in GM-fed mice Sertoli cells. A possible role played by traces of the herbicide to which the soybean is resistant is discussed.

Animals↗

Association between chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and secondary tumours: unusual occurrence of a neuroendocrine (Merkell cell) carcinoma.

The authors describe a case of cutaneous neuroendocrine (Merkell cell) carcinoma in a patient previously treated for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL). The authors discuss some of the mechanisms concerning the increased frequency of a second tumour in patients with CLL and focus attention on the high incidence in CLL of secondary tumours, especially skin tumours, of which Merkell cell carcinoma is a rare example. The authors consider the possible therapeutic approaches, reported in the literature, for the treatment of this particular skin carcinoma, which on account of its aggressiveness and the preexistence of a leukaemic process requires a particularly careful therapeutic approach.

Aged↗