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Biomedical subjects

N Agnantis

Publications and source records attributed to N Agnantis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans occuring in a child.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) usually occurs in adults, however it can also occur in infancy and childhood. Diagnosis of DFSP in children is quite difficult given the rarity of the tumor and its variegated appearance. The behavior of this neoplasm is of borderline or intermediate malignancy with a high rate of recurrence but limited metastatic potential. We present the case of an eleven-year old boy who presented with a slightly raised, not tender lesion on his right shoulder. It had appeared two years before as a red-brown plaque and since then it had gradually grown to a nodule. An excisional biopsy was performed, and the diagnosis of DFSP was made based on the histological and immunohistochemical findings.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2004

A fatal case of sclerosing mesenteritis.

A 22-year-old patient was admitted because of abdominal pain and vomiting. Computed tomography diagnosed small intestinal malignancy. Ileal resection was performed, and the histological findings were consistent with sclerosing mesenteritis. The patient was treated with enteral nutrition, corticosteroids, azathioprine and methotrexate, but died 2 years later.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Clear cell ovarian carcinoma in a pregnant woman with a history of infertility, endometriosis and unsuccessful IVF treatment.

Ovarian cancer in pregnancy is a very rare event. We present here the case of a 37-year-old woman in whom a clear cell ovarian carcinoma was diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy. This patient had a history of infertility, endometriosis and two previous unsuccessful attempts of in vitro fertilization. Transvaginal sonography at six gestational weeks revealed a 6 x 4 cm ovarian cyst with an internal papillary excrescence. The cyst persisted throughout the first trimester, whereas the initial CA 125 value of 226 U/ml dropped to 61 U/ml at 12 gestational weeks. Exploratory laparotomy and cystectomy was performed at 14 weeks and the disease was classified as Stage Ic, arising in endometriosis. The couple decided to continue with pregnancy and the woman was followed by serial sonographic, MRI and CA 125 examinations. A cesarean section, hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy was performed at 34 weeks. Histology and cytology were negative for recurrence. Four months later the woman and baby are doing well. We review cases of ovarian clear cell carcinoma diagnosed during pregnancy and discuss the association of endometriosis, infertility, infertility drugs and ovarian cancer.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗
PubMed2002

Antitumour and toxic effects on Wistar rats of two new platinum complexes.

BACKGROUND: Cancer chemotherapy in humans based on metal complexes started at the clinical level in the late 1970s with the use of cisplatin, which forms intra-strand cross-links with DNA. METHODS: Two new platinum complexes of cis-geometry with the amino acids inosine (ino) and l-alanine (ala), Pt(ino)2Cl2 and cis-[Pt(NH3)2(ala)](NO3), respectively, were synthesized and pure samples were obtained by means of flash chromatography. These complexes were tested on benzo(a)pyrene-induced tumours in Wistar rats to detect their antitumour and toxic effects. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant prolongation of the mean survival time of the animals in the two groups tested (272 +/- 18 days and 246 +/- 26 days, respectively) compared to the control group (195 +/- 22 days) (P < 0.001). Toxic effects included a decrease in leucocyte cell count, mild haemolysis, mild haematuria, mild hepatotoxicity, elevated body temperature and hair loss. All of these effects were reversible after drug discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: The two new platinum complexes described here appear to have an effective antitumour activity without severe toxicity when tested on Wistar rats.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

An observational study of women with positive HPV-DNA tests and normal cytology and colposcopy.

PURPOSE: High risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are implicated in the aetiology of malignant cervical disease. The usefulness of HPV DNA tests in identifying women at risk of cervical cancer as an adjunct to cervical cytology is under evaluation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 47 women positive for high risk HPV but with negative cytology and negative colposcopy at the start of the study. Women were observed for three years or more (in 96% cases) using six-monthly combined HPV DNA tests, cytological and colposcopic evaluation. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, 29/47 (62%) women were still positive for high risk HPV, 45/47 (96%) women had normal cytology and 47/47 (100%) women continued to have normal colposcopy. CONCLUSIONS: Normal colposcopy has an excellent negative predictive value for HPV positive women with normal cytology. These women can be safely screened cytologically on a three-yearly basis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

C-MYC and IGF-II mRNA-binding protein (CRD-BP/IMP-1) in benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors.

Mouse coding region determinant-binding (mCRD-BP) and human IGF-II mRNA-binding 1 (hIMP-1) proteins are orthologous mRNA-binding proteins that recognize c-myc and IGF-II mRNA, respectively, and regulate their expression posttranscriptionally. Here, we confirm that human CRD-BP/IMP-1 binds to c-myc mRNA and that it is predominantly expressed in fetal tissues. Moreover, hCRD-BP/IMP-1 expression was detected in cell lines of neoplastic origin and in selected primary tumors. In a series of 33 malignant and 10 benign mesenchymal tumors, 73% and 40%, respectively, were found to express hCRD-BP/IMP-1. In particular, expression was significant in 14 Ewing's sarcomas, all of which were positive. The data suggest that hCRD-BP/IMP-1 plays a role in abnormal cell proliferation in mesenchymal tumors.

Amino Acid Motifs↗
PubMed2001

Mast cell distribution and density in the normal uterus--metachromatic staining using lectins.

This study investigates the number and the distribution of mast cells in the normal human uterus. Reliability of results was ensured by prompt tissue fixation and the use of biotin-labelled lectins in conjunction with the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) method. This design revealed that mast cells are, indeed, normal constituents of the human uterus. They occur in large numbers in the myometrium, but are only scanty in the endometrium where they tend to be confined to the stratum basalis. The mean mast cell counts per high power field (MC/HPF), after staining with Canavalia ensiformis agglutinin (Con A), were 17.9MC/HPF in the inner half of the myometrium, and 8.3MC/HPF in the outer half of the myometrium; 2.7MC/HPF in the basalis, and 0.3MC/HPF in the functionalis (P<0.05). There are no apparent differences in the number of mast cells between the normal proliferative and secretory phase endometrium, however, endometrial mast cells are considerably reduced and, apparently, depleted of metachromatic granules during the immediate pre-menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. It is presumed that this, almost exclusive, presence of mast cells in the basal layer of the endometrial matrix, combined with the discharge of their cytoplasmic granules towards the end of the cycle, may be related with the contracting process preceding menstruation. On the other hand, the relative paucity of mast cells in the functional layer may contribute to the immune tolerance of the gestational endometrium to the implantation of the blastocyst.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Long-term prognostic significance of HSP-70, c-myc and HLA-DR expression in patients with malignant melanoma.

AIM: Use of molecular markers indicative of the tumour oncogenic potential and host response may enhance our prognostic information for more effective treatment of melanoma patients. The roles of HSP-70 protein, c-myc oncogene and HLA-DR antigen expression were examined in melanoma patients and related to prognostic factors, recurrence rate and long-term survival. METHODS: Forty patients with tumours thicker than 1 mm were included in this study. All had elective node dissection and were followed for at least 7 years. Twenty-two had microscopic nodal metastases. Both primary melanoma tumour and lymph nodes were examined for the immunohistochemical expression of HSP-70 protein, c-myc oncogene and HLA-DR antigen. RESULTS: Eighteen patients had a recurrence (45%) and 23 patients survived overall (57.50%). Positive HSP-70 expression was observed in 52.50% of the primary melanomas and was associated with improved overall survival, especially in the patient group with tumours > or = 1.5 mm (70%vs 26.70%, P=0.0159). C-myc oncogene was overexpressed in 47.50% and HLA-DR antigen in 42.50% of the primary melanomas, but no correlation with survival was observed. The expression profile of these molecular markers in the primary tumour did not predict the status of regional nodes. HLA-DR expression in lymph nodes was observed exclusively in the nodal tissue surrounding the metastatic melanoma tumour in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: The immunohistochemical expression profile of HSP-70 but not of c-myc oncogene or HLA-DR antigen in the primary melanoma tumour could be of certain value in the identification of patients with graver prognosis who may benefit from more aggressive therapeutic strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of soft tissues of the calf.

Mesenchymal chondrosarcomas are distinct from conventional and dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas and are quite rare, making up less than 2% of all chondrosarcomas. We describe a mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the soft tissues of the calf and review the differential diagnosis of this poorly understood entity.

Chondrosarcoma, Mesenchymal↗
PubMed2000

Lectin-binding patterns in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic endometrium: the prognostic value of concanavalin A.

Lectins are proteins and glycoproteins of non-immune origin which bind specifically to carbohydrate residues, agglutinate cells and/or precipitate complex carbohydrates. Lectin-binding patterns in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic endometria were studied using four biotinylated lectins (Con A, LCA, e-PHA, l-PHA) and the avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. Canavalia ensiformis agglutinin (ConA) and Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) reacted strongly with the luminal borders and the cytoplasm of epithelial cells but, whilst in normal and benign endometrial tissues the cytoplasmic staining was confined to the apical and the basal aspect of the cells, in endometrial carcinomas and in some atypical hyperplasias lectin binding also occurred in the lateral cytoplasm (Con-A-lat), although in differing proportions of cells. Interestingly, extensive Con-A-lat in the tumour cells was much more frequent in non-endometrioid carcinomas (P<0.05) and was significantly associated with poor histological differentiation (P<0.0001), low oestrogen and progesterone receptor content (P<0.01 and P=0.0001, respectively) and an unfavourable long-term survival (P<0.05). With Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin (e-PHA) and leucoagglutinin (l-PHA) a linear, rather inconsistent, staining at the level of the basement membranes was observed in the glands: this, also noted with LCA, appeared intact in normal and hyperplastic glands without cytological atypia, and fragmented or absent in malignant glandular structures and in most hyperplastic glands showing cytological atypia. It is concluded that changes in the distribution of lectin-binding molecules in the endometrial cells are associated with the malignant state, whilst the extent of Con-A-lat reflects the biological behaviour of the tumours.

Carcinoma, Endometrioid↗
PubMed1996

Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis arising from balanitis xerotica obliterans.

Penile squamous cell carcinoma arising from balanitis xerotica obliterans is rarely reported. We describe a 58-year-old man in whom penile squamous cell carcinoma developed after 25 years of observation for balanitis xerotica obliterans. It is important to recognize the possibility of this uncommon complication of balanitis xerotica obliterans, because survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma depends on early diagnosis and treatment.

Balanitis↗
PubMed1996

The loss of lectin reactivity from human endometrium is a feature of malignant change.

Changes in the cell surface glycoproteins were investigated in endometrial adenocarcinomas using eight biotin-labelled lectins (Con A, LCA, WGA, e-PHA, l-PHA, SBA, PNA, LTA) which select for the major classes of N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides. The tissues studied were 14 normal endometria, 20 cases of simple hyperplasia and 30 endometrial adenocarcinomas. Sections were cut at 5 microns from formalin fixed paraffin embedded blocks and were stained with an avidin-peroxidase method. All normal and hyperplastic endometria contained the full range of expected saccharides (positive staining for Con A, LCA, WGA, SBA, PNA, LTA, e-PHA and l-PHA). By contrast, over half of the endometrial adenocarcinomas exhibited a loss of galactosamine (56.7%) and over a third of them failed to reveal galactose (36.7%) and fucose (30.0%) (negative staining for SBA, PNA and LTA, respectively). Interestingly, following neuraminidase treatment, galactose was identified in all adenocarcinomas studied, but the expression of galactosamine and fucose was unaffected. There was a discrete linear staining at the level of the basement membranes in a proportion of endometrial glands treated with e-PHA, l-PHA and LCA; this was continuous in normal and hyperplastic endometria, while it was fragmentary in endometrial adenocarcinomas. The loss of galactosamine reactivity from endometrial adenocarcinomas was significantly correlated with high grade differentiation, and also with the more frequent occurrence of a poor oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor status and with an unfavourable 5-year survival. No relationship was found between fucose reactivity and tumour differentiation, stage of disease, hormone receptor status or prognosis. It is concluded that galactosamine loss, together with reduced fucose expression, is a common feature of endometrial malignancy, and that galactosamine deficient tumours may reflect a more aggressive biological behaviour.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

HLA-DR antigen expression in pterygium epithelial cells and lymphocyte subpopulations: an immunohistochemistry study.

The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of pterygium using an immunohistochemical technique. Our material consisted of 35 surgically excised pterygia and 7 samples of normal conjunctiva obtained from an equal number of patients. HLA-DR antigen expression in epithelial cells, B-cells, suppressor and helper lymphocytes, Langerhans' cells, and monocytes/macrophages were studied immunohistochemically in frozen sections using anti-human HLA-DR, anti-CD22, anti-CD8, anti-CD4, anti-CD1a, and anti-LeuM5 monoclonal antibodies. Aberrant HLA-DR antigen expression in epithelial cells was detected in 30 of 35 cases of pterygium. Epithelial cells in samples of normal conjunctiva were found to be negative in HLA-DR antigen expression. HLA-DR antigen expression in pterygium was found to be closely related to the density of T4 cells and, especially, of CD4 lymphocytes. The present findings suggest that an immunopathologic mechanism plays a role in the pathogenesis of pterygium.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1994

Enhancement of the antineoplastic effect of anticarcinogens on benzo[a]pyrene-treated Wistar rats, in relation to their number and biological activity.

Naturally occurring anticarcinogens, such as vitamins C and E, and the microelement selenium were found to inhibit the induction of benzo[a]pyrene-induced malignant tumors in Wistar rats to various extends. The antineoplastic effect of the tested anticarcinogens is gradually increased according to the number of inhibitors selected. To date the maximum action against malignancy is manifested by use of the above three inhibitors. In the group of rats receiving vitamins C, E and selenium, the prolongation of life induced by adding more than one anticarcinogen to the treatment regime reached, and in some cases surpassed, the normal life expectancy of the rats. It is expected that by adding even more anticarcinogens, the antineoplastic potency (Ap) of the inhibitors will be further improved. These results encouraged us to conduct a clinical trial in terminal human cancer cases, in conjunction with the usual treatments of surgery or chemotherapy and irradiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Growth fractions in bladder cancer defined by Ki67: association with cancer grade, category and recurrence rate of superficial lesions.

Predicting future tumour behaviour has always been a major task when treating bladder cancer. Ki67 monoclonal antibody has been reported to be a good marker of proliferative activity in a variety of tumours. We have studied the association of growth fractions defined by the monoclonal antibody with tumour grade, category and recurrence rate of superficial lesions in 34 patients with bladder cancer and 15 normal controls. Mean Ki67 indexes (% stained cells) were 0.07 +/- 0.02% in normal urothelium, 1.27 +/- 1.55% in grade 1, 12.23 +/- 8.32% in grade 2 and 16.42 +/- 11.82% in grade 3 tumours, while the values were 5.45 +/- 5.87%, 12.66 +/- 9.81% and 17.18 +/- 12.41% in categories pTa, pT1 and T2-T3 respectively. Recurrence and non-recurrence groups of patients showed indexes of 13.29 +/- 9.49% and 4.15 +/- 5.0% respectively. Statistically significant differences in Ki67 values between normal urothelium and tumour, between tumours of different grades and categories as well as between recurrence and non-recurrence groups of patients led to the conclusion that Ki67 monoclonal antibody is a good tool in defining tumour behaviour in bladder cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Prognostic factors of gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the adult.

Sixteen patients, seven men and nine women, with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach (NHLS), have been managed in our institute during the past 15 years. Their median age was 68 years. Ten of them were classified, before treatment, at an early stage (I or II, Ann Arbor system) and six at an advanced one (III or IV). Ten patients were submitted to gastrectomy, and eight out of them had an adjuvant postoperative treatment (radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy). The remaining six patients were treated conservatively by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Two patients that were followed less than 24 months were excluded from further study. In the remaining 14 patients, the 5-year actuarial and age-corrected survival rates were 42% +/- 28 and 53% +/- 35, respectively. In the gastrectomy subgroup, the corresponding rates were 77% +/- 22 and 93% +/- 24. The later ameliorated results also, reflect the effect of an earlier stage. The most important prognostic factors appeared to be the stage and the histologic type. Old age and female sex seem to predispose to a better outcome, but they are not independent prognostic factors. Finally, a bad nutritional status, at presentation, seems an ominous prognostic sign.

Adult↗