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M Paglierani

Publications and source records attributed to M Paglierani.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Comparison of integrin alpha chain expression in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the distribution of the alpha chain of the integrin family of extracellular matrix receptors in a series of adenomas and carcinomas of salivary gland origin to determine if the malignant phenotype is associated with modification of the expression of these receptors. STUDY DESIGN: Cryostat sections of 36 tumor specimens were stained by a standard streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase technique using primary monoclonal antibodies against alpha 1-6 and alpha v integrin chains. The immunohistochemical reaction was scored using a three-point scale and the results were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: In salivary adenomas, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 4, alpha 6, and alpha v chains were widely expressed in most of the cases studied. The alpha 1 subunit was prominently expressed by the epithelial cells of Warthin's tumor, whereas a minority of pleomorphic adenomas showed immunoreactivity for this antigen. We observed alpha 5 subunit expression only in the mesenchymal-like component of pleomorphic adenomas. In salivary carcinomas, integrin alpha chain expression was heterogeneous, varying greatly between different histotypes and within the same histotype. The distribution of the antigens was similar to that of adenomas, except for the alpha 6 chain, which localized not only at the interface between cell and matrix, but also at sites of cell-cell contact. When the immunohistochemical levels of integrin alpha chain expression were compared in adenomas and carcinomas, expression significantly decreased for the alpha 6 and alpha v chains (p = 0.0007; p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Loss of alpha 6 and alpha v integrin subunits occurring in salivary gland carcinomas could modify the adhesive properties of malignant cells, contributing to the invasive potential of these tumors.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

Aging of the human endometrium: peri-implantation phase endometrium does not show any age-dependent variation in lectin binding.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the peri-implantation endometrium shows age variations in lectin patterns, which suggest possible age variations in embryo-maternal recognition. STUDY DESIGN: Peri-implantation endometria of younger ( < 30 years of age: n = 13) and older ( > 40 years of age: n = 17) normally menstruating women was studied. Endometrial specimens were routinely fixed in buffered formaline and embedded in paraffin. Sections (5 microns) were studied using seven lectins: DBA (Dolicus biflorus, binding specificity alpha-D-GalNAc), PNA (Arachis hypogea, binding specificity D-Gal (beta 1 --> 3)-D-GalNAc), SBA (Glycine max binding specificity alpha/beta-D-GalNAc > D-Gal), WGA (Triticum vulgare binding specificity (alpha-D-GlcNAc)n and sialic acid), ConA (Canavalia ensiformis binding specificity alpha-D-Man > alpha-D-Glc), LTA (Lotus tetragonolobus binding specificity alpha-L-fucose) and UEA 1 (Ulex europaeus binding specificity alpha-L-fucose). RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the glycoconjugates sugar residue content and distribution between the endometria of women < 30 years of age and those of women > 40. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that human endometrium does not age, at least while cyclic hormonal stimulation and menstruation are present.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Morphological and functional aspects of the endometrium of asymptomatic post-menopausal women: does the endometrium really age?

The morphological and functional aspects of the endometrium were investigated in 28 asymptomatic post-menopausal women to evaluate the ageing phenomenon of this tissue. Haematoxylin-eosin staining showed an atrophic endometrium in 12 cases and a hyperplastic endometrium in the other 16 cases. Masson's trichrome identified moderate fibrosis in all post-menopausal endometrial stroma. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on the endometrial specimens to evaluate the distribution of the capillary system, the cellular proliferation index and the presence of oestrogen and progesterone receptors. Our data showed a discrepancy between the morphological pictures and the functional aspects of the post-menopausal endometrium. In fact, the morphological pictures suggested an involution of this tissue according to the increase in collagen fibres, the decrease in vascular distribution and the frequent atrophic patterns. On the other hand, data from steroid receptors and the cell proliferation index suggest that post-menopausal endometrium is an active structure. So, endometria from normal post-menopausal women appear to be in a more quiescent state than in a really atrophic condition. This leads to the question: does the endometrium really age?

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Chorion villosum does not express progesterone and estrogen receptors during the first trimester of pregnancy.

First-trimester chorion villosum plays the key role in the development of human placenta and secretes a large number of hormones and hormone-related substances. To test whether progesterone and estrogen could have regulatory effects on first-trimester chorion villosum functions, we investigated the presence of progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER) in 47 chorion villosum samples from patients who underwent abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. The study was carried out using immunohistochemical methods. No ER and PR positivity was evidenced in the 47 chorion villosum samples examined. The possibility that progesterone and estrogen play a role in the regulation of chorion villosum functions should therefore be excluded.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1995

I. Aging of the human endometrium: a basic morphological and immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if human endometrium presents morphological variations suggestive of an age-related decline in endometrial receptivity. STUDY DESIGN: Peri-implantation endometrium of younger (<30 years of age: n = 13) and older (>40 years of age: n = 17) normally menstruating women was studied. Endometrial specimens were routinely fixed in buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections (5 mu m) were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Trichrome conforming to Masson according to conventional histologic examination. Several consecutive sections were used for the following immunohistochemical study: vascular localization (CD34), cellular proliferation index (PCNA), progesterone and estrogen receptors. RESULTS: Using both the traditional morphological evaluation and monoclonal antibodies, no significant differences were found between the endometria of women <30 years of age and those of women >40. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that human endometrium does not age, at least while cyclic hormonal stimulation and menstruation are present.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Immunolocalization of extracellular matrix components in mixed tumors of the skin.

Mixed tumors of the skin are characterized by a proliferation of epithelial cells embedded in a mesenchymal matrix with a wide spectrum of histologic appearances. The characterization of the extracellular matrix components of mixed tumors of the skin has so far received little attention. We performed an immunohistochemical study of type IV collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and tenascin distribution in a series of 10 mixed tumors of the skin. Laminin localized at the basement membrane around solid epithelial nests and tubulo-alveolar structures, whereas type IV collagen, fibronectin, and tenascin were also expressed in the myxoid stroma. Tenascin and fibronectin localized in the chondroid matrix. The extracellular matrix components were prominently expressed in mixed tumors of the skin, suggesting that they could play an important role in the formation and organization of myxoid and chondroid matrices and in the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions of these tumors.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗
PubMed1995

Pseudosarcoma of the urinary bladder.

A case of pseudosarcoma of the urinary bladder is described in a woman aged 23. The tumor presenting with symptoms of cystitis arised in the left wall and invaded vesical cavity and pelvis. Histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and electron microscope studies revealed a fibroblastic and myofibroblastic proliferation with atypias, accompanied by inflammatory infiltrates and rich vascularity. The tumor was furthermore characterized by extensive necrosis, involving the muscularis propria, and infiltrated the perivesical fat. The favourable outcome four years after partial cystectomy suggests the diagnosis of pseudosarcoma. The differential diagnosis and the pathogenesis of this rare lesion is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Decidual progesterone and estrogen receptors in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Receptor content of human decidua in early pregnancy (weeks 6-12) was investigated. Fifty-three tissue samples were obtained from voluntary patients undergoing abortion and whose gestational age range from 6 to 12 weeks. Blood samples were drawn at the time of operation in order to measure circulating estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) concentrations. Tissue samples underwent first histological confirmation and then were analyzed for receptor content by immunohistochemistry (IH) and by the conventional ligand binding technique (LBA). Estrogen receptors (ER) appeared to be always undetectable by IH (53 samples). LBA measured a significant amount of ER (> 10 fmol/mg) in two samples, borderline values (3-10 fmol/mg) in 6 and no binding in the other three. No relation was apparent between PR levels and either gestational age or blood P concentration. ER were possibly downregulated by the high E levels, and their synthesis inhibited by the high P levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Immunolocalization of alpha 2, alpha 5, and alpha 6 integrin subunits in salivary tissue and adenomas of the parotid gland.

The localization of the integrin subunits alpha 2, alpha 5, alpha 6 was studied immunohistochemically in samples of normal salivary gland and in a series of 8 pleomorphic adenomas, 5 Warthin's tumors, and 2 basal cell adenomas. In normal salivary tissue, acinar and ductal cells expressed alpha 2 and alpha 6 chains at the basal cell pole facing the basement membrane. alpha 2 also localized at sites of cell-cell contact. No staining of the epithelial component was seen with alpha 5. The polarized expression of alpha 2 and alpha 6 subunits was retained in salivary adenomas. These subunits were present at the basal cell pole of solid nests, tubules and ducts of pleomorphic adenomas, as well as of the basal layer of the epithelium of Warthin's tumor, and of the trabecular structures of basal cell adenomas. The alpha 5 subunit was consistently expressed only by cells embedded in the myxoid or chondroid matrix of pleomorphic adenomas. We conclude that the pattern of a integrin subunit expression in salivary adenomas may be related to the "epithelial" or "mesenchymal" phenotype of the neoplastic cells.

Adenolymphoma↗
PubMed1993

Prognostic value of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in lymph node-negative breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) has been demonstrated in recent studies of human tumors including breast cancer. METHODS: PCNA immunoreactivity was assessed retrospectively in a consecutive series of 173 lymph node-negative primary breast cancer cases. The PCNA grade was determined according to estimated quartiles of nuclear immunostaining, and its association to disease-free and overall survival was studied. RESULTS: PCNA grade was associated significantly with nuclear grade. On univariate analysis, PCNA grade was associated significantly with both 5-year relapse-free survival rate (Grades 1-2 = 78%; Grades 3-4 = 52%; P = 0.0117) and overall survival. On multivariate analysis, T category and PCNA were associated independently and significantly with both relapse-free and overall survival. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the association of PCNA grade to prognosis was low (relative risk of recurrence in patients with PCNA Grades 3-4 versus Grades 1-2 = 2.13), and only 24% of all relapses or 28.8% of all cancer deaths observed at 5 years occurred in patients with PCNA Grades 3-4. CONCLUSIONS: The predictive value of the relationship of PCNA grade to prognosis was too low to be of value as an independent prognostic indicator.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal tract: a clinicopathologic study of 18 cases.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) of the nose and paranasal sinuses is a relatively rare tumor. It commonly affects subjects exposed to wood or leather dust. METHODS: The authors present the clinicopathologic findings of 18 cases of sinonasal ITACs and review the proposed histologic classifications. RESULTS: All patients, except one, were males; mean age was 60 years (range, 41-79); in 9 cases an occupational exposure to wood or leather dust was found. Common presenting symptoms were epistaxis, nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea. Histologically, tumors were divided into four groups: well-differentiated (G1) ITACs = 3 cases; moderately differentiated (G2) ITACs = 8 cases; poorly differentiated (G3) ITACs = 2 cases; mucinous (M) ITACs = 5 cases. Immunocytochemically, 16/17 cases were positive for carcinoembryonal antigen, 1/17 for somatostatin, and 0/16 cases for gastrin. CONCLUSIONS: Sinonasal ITACs are aggressive tumors, often diagnosed in a relatively advanced stage. Owing the close similarity of the microscopic aspects, a histologic classification of ITACs analogous to that of colonic adenocarcinomas is proposed.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1993

Prognostic significance of c-erbB-2 expression in node negative breast cancer.

The prognostic value of c-erbB-2 oncogene expression was studied retrospectively in a consecutive series of 230 node negative breast cancers, followed-up for at least 7 years after primary treatment. The expression of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein was determined on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, using a monoclonal anti-c-erbB-2 antibody by the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method. Positive immunostaining was observed in 20.9% of cases, whereas strong diffuse positivity was recorded only in 8.7% of cases. C-erbB-2 gene product showed no association to T category or nuclear grade. A significant association of c-erbB-2 expression to prognosis was observed only for cases showing a strong diffuse immunostaining, but such an association was no longer statistically significant at multivariate analysis adjusting for other prognostic factors such as T category and nuclear grading. C-erbB-2 expression is of no value to predict the clinical course of node negative patients in the current practice.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Histologic spectrum of carcinomas with eccrine ductal differentiation (sweat-gland ductal carcinomas).

Seven cases of sweat-gland carcinomas showing eccrine ductal differentiation (ductal carcinomas) are presented. The tumors had a variable histological appearance, but were basically characterized by the following histological elements: (a) tubular structures, sometimes cystic or having a "tadpole" appearance; (b) solid islands of squamous, basaloid, or clear cells; (c) periodic acid-Schiff-positive endoluminal and/or intracellular material; and (d) infiltrating growth. Immunocytochemically, tumor cells were positive for keratin and negative for actin. Endoluminal material contained carcinoembryonic antigen in five of seven cases. Although it is not yet clear whether carcinomas exhibiting eccrine ductal differentiation may represent a specific histotype or a group encompassing several distinct clinicopathological entities, the histological analysis of the cases suggested that the wide spectrum of their histological appearances may be due to variable grades of differentiation.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1990

Effect of sensory denervation with capsaicin on liver fibrosis induced by common bile duct ligation in rat.

Hepatic fibrosis represents an important stage in the progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis. In the present paper we have investigated whether capsaicin-sensitive neuropeptide-containing sensory neurons may participate in the development of liver fibrosis. The expression of hepatic fibrosis induced by common bile duct obstruction has been studied both in capsaicin- and vehicle-treated rats. Common bile duct-induced liver fibrosis was less marked in capsaicin-treated rats than in vehicle-treated rats. Diffuse alterations of liver parenchyma structure with marked collagen deposition and nodular regeneration occurred 8 weeks after common bile duct ligation in vehicle-treated animals, while none of the capsaicin-treated rats exhibited the formation of complete connective septa altering the parenchyma architecture. Both vehicle- and capsaicin-treated rats showed an increasing number of desmin-positive cells in the perivenular zone, but the density of these cells was lower in treated animals than in untreated rats. The hydroxyproline content of the liver increased after common bile duct ligation in a time-dependent manner. Eight weeks after bile duct obstruction vehicle-treated rats showed a 7-fold increase of liver collagen content in comparison to normal animals. This enhancement was about 3.5-fold in capsaicin-treated rats. These findings raise the possibility that the peripheral release of neuropeptides stored in sensory nerves might participate in the development of liver fibrosis following common bile duct obstruction.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Expression and amplification of HER-2/neu oncogene in uterine carcinosarcomas: a marker for potential molecularly targeted treatment?

Surgery is the treatment of choice for uterine carcinosarcomas; nevertheless, the poor effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy represents an insidious problem for patients with metastatic or unresectable disease, and indeed, new therapeutic approaches are clearly required to improve survival of uterine carcinosarcoma patients. The HER-2 oncogene, located on chromosome 17, encodes for a tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor. We analyzed HER-2/neu overexpression by immunohistochemistry in 28 uterine carcinosarcomas. HER-2/neu amplification with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was tested in positive cases. The expression of HER-2/neu was correlated with disease-free interval and survival (Kaplan-Meier estimates). We observed HER-2/neu overexpression in nine cases (32.1%) and HER-2/neu amplification in all the four HER-2/neu 3+ score positive cases tested by FISH. HER-2/neu expression was not correlated with clinical outcome. Patients with disease limited to the uterus (stages I-II) displayed a significantly better disease-free survival (P= 0.004) and actuarial survival (P= 0.01). Demonstration of HER-2/neu overexpression and amplification in uterine carcinosarcoma may represent the first rationale step for further investigations. Hence, the results of this analysis may support the challenge of a new therapeutic approach, which could test the role of anti-HER-2 (trastuzumab) in patients with advanced or metastatic uterine carcinosarcoma.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Expression of nm23 gene in gastric cancer is associated with a poor 5-year survival.

The nm23 gene is thought to play a role as an inhibitor of metastatic progression in several human cancers and its down-regulation has been associated with increased metastasis and reduced survival in some studies, though not in others. To better investigate the role of nm23 in gastric cancer (GC), the expression and prognostic impact of this gene was examined in 107 radically operated GC patients in a high risk area. The expression of nm23 was determined immunohistochemically by using the rabbit antibody anti-human nm23 protein. The expression of nm23 was detected in 40.2% (n = 43) of 107 gastric tumours and correlated with a poorer clinical outcome. In a survival analysis at 5 years, patients with nm23-positive tumours had significantly worse prognosis than patients (n = 64) with nm23-negative tumours (p < 0.05). The prognostic significance of nm23 expression was confirmed by multivariate analysis including terms for tumour stage and lymph node involvement. Our results suggest that the expression of the nm23 gene in gastric carcinoma is significantly related to tumour progression and poor prognosis at 5 years.

Adult↗