Elastic Van Gieson Research Articles

Histopathological spectrum of lichen sclerosus Et atrophicus

Introduction: Lichen sclerosus (LS) et atrophicus is an inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology affecting skin and mucosa, especially the genital area. Clinically, its main features are whitish papules which converge to form plaques and atrophic patches. Histopathology of LS et atrophicus is characterized by the constellation of an atrophic epidermis with loss of rete ridges, some lymphocytes in the basal layer, a subepidermal band of sclerosis, and a lichenoid infiltrate of lymphocytes beneath that band is diagnostic of LS. Materials and Methods: Skin specimens from 25 patients with LS were collected from the hospital records for 5 years. The diagnosis of all cases was made on the basis of clinical morphology and histopathologic features. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Elastic-Van Gieson. Criteria evaluated included hyperkeratosis, epidermal atrophy, follicular plugging, basal cell vacuolation, vascular ectasia, hyalinosis, inflammatory infiltrate, dermal edema, and deep dermal fibrosis. Results and Conclusion: Of a total of 25 patients, 18 patients had extragenital (EG) LS and 7 had genital manifestations. Mean age of patients with EG was 28 years, and genital was 38 years. To summarize, the main histopathological findings seen in LS are essentially the same as reported in literature, namely, hyperkeratosis, epidermal atrophy, follicular plugging, basal cell vacuolation, vascular ectasia, hyalinosis, inflammatory infiltrate, dermal edema, and deep dermal fibrosis. Moreover, some interesting differences between the EG and genital forms of LS were seen. However, since the figures are too small to comment on, studies comprising larger series of patients are required to bring out a statistical significance.

The Use of Anti-Keratin 903 Antibodies to Visualize Colloid Bodies and Diagnose Lichen Planopilaris.

Cytokeratins are a major component of colloid bodies that are essentially diagnostic of lichen planopilaris (LPP). Here, the authors assess the ability of the cytokeratin 903 antibody (CK-903) to stain colloid bodies and differentiate LPP from other histologically similar appearing primary cicatricial alopecias. A retrospective review of all specimens submitted to the dermatopathology department over a 2-year window identified 18 cases of LPP and 20 cases of histologically similar appearing entities (discoid lupus erythematosus or central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia) through a combination of H&E, elastic van gieson, and periodic acid-schiff stains. All 38 samples were then prospectively stained with CK-903. Colloid bodies were identifiable in 3 of the 18 LPP cases based on H&E alone but were seen in 9 of 18 cases when CK-903 was used. There were no cases where colloid bodies were seen on H&E but not subsequently identified with CK-903. Additionally, there was no CK-903 staining in any of the 20 cases of similar appearing entities except 1 case of discoid lupus erythematosus, which is known to occasionally show colloid bodies. The authors conclude that CK-903 is a useful adjunctive tool that will allow for a quicker, less costly, and more accurate diagnosis of LPP given its ability identify colloid bodies even in the setting of significant inflammation and fibrosis and its advantages over direct immunofluorescence of low cost, short preparation time, and lack of need for a specialized fluorescent microscope.

Drug permeation and barrier damage in Leishmania-infected mouse skin.

Pathological disorder can disrupt the barrier integrity of the skin, thereby altering the drug delivery from topical formulations to the target site. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infection of the dermal layers of the skin and manifests as a variety of skin lesions from defined nodular forms to plaques and chronic ulcers. The aim of this work was to characterize the physiology and barrier integrity of the Leishmania-infected BALB/c mouse skin and how they impacted delivery of drugs into the skin. A histological evaluation of the structural differences between uninfected and infected skin was performed using haematoxylin/eosin, elastic Van Gieson and Iba-1 stains. As a CL nodule developed and progressed, the skin pH, hydration and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) were recorded. Finally, Franz diffusion cells were used to evaluate the influence of the infection on drug delivery through the skin. We found: (i) structural changes in both the epidermal and dermal layers due to the ingress of inflammatory cells, as shown by immunohistochemistry; (ii) a significant increase in TEWL; and (iii) significantly higher permeation of the model permeants caffeine and ibuprofen and the antileishmanial drugs buparvaquone and paromomycin, for Leishmania-infected skin compared with uninfected skin. The infection had no measurable influence on skin pH and hydration. We report profound changes in the skin barrier physiology, function and permeability to drugs of Leishmania-infected skin.

Endothelin ETA receptors predominate in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

AimsEndothelin-1 levels are raised in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Our aim in this study was to identify the presence of endothelin receptors in patients with CTEPH by analysing tissue removed at pulmonary endarterectomy. Main methodsPulmonary endarterectomy tissue cross-sections were analysed using autoradiography with [125I]-ET-1 using ligands selective for ETA or ETB to determine sub-type distribution. The precise cellular localisation of ETA and ETB receptors was determined using selective antisera to both sub-types and compared with haematoxylin and eosin, Elastic Van Gieson and smooth muscle actin labelled sections. Key findingsTwo patterns of ET-1 binding were found. In sections with frequent recanalised channels, ET-1 bound to the smooth muscle cells surrounding the channels. In sections where there was less organised thrombus with no obvious re-canalisation, minimal ET-1 binding was observed. Some contractile type smooth muscle cells not associated with recanalised channels and diffusely spread throughout the PEA material were associated with ET receptor antibody binding on immunohistochemistry. There was a greater expression of the ETA receptor type in the specimens. SignificanceThe presence of ET-1 receptors in the chronic thrombus in proximal CTEPH suggests ET-1 could act not only on the distal vasculopathy in the unobstructed vessels but may also stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation within chronic clot. The abundance of ET receptors within the tissue provides evidence that the ET pathway is involved in the pathology of chronic thrombus reorganisation leading to CTEPH providing a rationale for the repurposing of ET receptor antagonists in the treatment of this condition.

Regeneration of Vocal Fold Mucosa Using Tissue-Engineered Structures with Oral Mucosal Cells.

ObjectivesScarred vocal folds result in irregular vibrations during phonation due to stiffness of the vocal fold mucosa. To date, a completely satisfactory corrective procedure has yet to be achieved. We hypothesize that a potential treatment option for this disease is to replace scarred vocal folds with organotypic mucosa. The purpose of this study is to regenerate vocal fold mucosa using a tissue-engineered structure with autologous oral mucosal cells.Study DesignAnimal experiment using eight beagles (including three controls).MethodsA 3 mm by 3 mm specimen of canine oral mucosa was surgically excised and divided into epithelial and subepithelial tissues. Epithelial cells and fibroblasts were isolated and cultured separately. The proliferated epithelial cells were co-cultured on oriented collagen gels containing the proliferated fibroblasts for an additional two weeks. The organotypic cultured tissues were transplanted to the mucosa-deficient vocal folds. Two months after transplantation, vocal fold vibrations and morphological characteristics were observed.ResultsA tissue-engineered vocal fold mucosa, consisting of stratified epithelium and lamina propria, was successfully fabricated to closely resemble the normal layered vocal fold mucosa. Laryngeal stroboscopy revealed regular but slightly small mucosal waves at the transplanted site. Immunohistochemically, stratified epithelium expressed cytokeratin, and the distributed cells in the lamina propria expressed vimentin. Elastic Van Gieson staining revealed a decreased number of elastic fibers in the lamina propria of the transplanted site.ConclusionThe fabricated mucosa with autologous oral mucosal cells successfully restored the vocal fold mucosa. This reconstruction technique could offer substantial clinical advantages for treating intractable diseases such as scarring of the vocal folds.

Practical assessment of the quantification of atherosclerotic lesions in apoE⁻/⁻ mice.

Genetic manipulations have enabled the mouse to be widely used as an animal model for investigating the mechanisms of human atherosclerotic disease. However, there is no standard method for quantifying atherosclerotic lesions among different laboratories. The present study introduces a thorough and precise quantitative assessment of atherosclerotic lesions in mice. In the present study, 6‑week‑old apoE‑/‑ mice were fed either a chow diet or a high‑fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Plasma lipid levels were measured every four weeks. Aortic atherosclerotic lesions were quantified and analyzed using an image analysis system. The aortic tree was isolated and stained with Oil Red O to measure the gross lesion area. The heart was removed and divided into sequential cross sections, which were then assessed for microscopic intimal lesions in the aortic root as follows: (1) Elastic van Gieson staining was performed to determine the area of the atherosclerotic lesion; (2) cross sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis; and (3) cross sections were stained with Oil Red O and immunohistochemical staining for quantitative analysis of the cellular components within the lesions. ApoE‑/‑ mice fed with either the chow diet or HFD developed severe atherosclerosis in the aortic root, however, there were few lesions in the remainder of the aortic tree. Compared with the control group, the HFD apoE‑/‑ mice had increased plasma lipid levels and increases in the gross lesion area in the aortic tree, the microscopic lesion area in the aortic root and the number of macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells and neutral lipids present within the lesions. HFD feeding in the apoE‑/‑ mice accelerated the development of atherosclerosis. The quantitative method described in the present study may be used to assist in future investigations of atherosclerosis in mice.

Elastofibroma dorsi: a case report with an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies

Elastofibroma is a rare, benign, fibrous tumor formed by the proliferation of characteristic elastic fibers that commonly occurs between the lower margin of the scapula and the ribcage. We undertook a histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study of an elastofibroma dorsi beneath the right scapula of a 77-year-old woman. Tumor cells comprised collagen fiber bundles, numerous elastic fibers, and spindle cells resembling fibroblasts. The elastic and collagen fibers in the tumor were stained positively with Elastic van Gieson and Masson trichrome staining, respectively. Immunostaining showed that the fibroblasts were strongly positive for CD34, positive for vimentin, and weakly positive for α-smooth muscle actin. Ultrastructural observations revealed elastin and microfibrils between numerous irregularly arranged collagen fiber bundles. Signs suggestive of elastin deposition were also evident in the tangled collagen fibers themselves. The fibroblasts contained a large amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum and were surrounded on the outside of cells by microfibrils and collagen fibers. Although fibroblasts may produce large quantities of elastin, microfibrils, and collagen, our findings suggested that the deposition of elastin on collagen fibers may be involved in the formation of abnormal elastic fibers.

192 Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Reduced Experimental Atherosclerosis by Inducing Protective Haemodynamic Conditions

Introduction Dietary omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with protection from atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Blood flow generate a frictional force on endothelial cells called wall shear stress (WSS) that alters vascular wall function. The aim of this study was to determine whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, modulates vascular wall inflammation, blood flow velocity and WSS in experimental atherosclerosis. Methods ApoE –/– mice fed either high fat diet (control) or high fat diet plus DHA (300 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks (n = 12/group). Blood flow velocity was assessed using pulsed wave doppler echocardiography and blood pressure was monitored using Visitech tail-cuff system. Atherosclerosis was measured in whole aorta using enface Oil red O stain, and in aortic roots and brachiocephalic sections stained with Alcian Blue & Elastic Van Gieson stain. Computational flow dynamics (CFD) was used to map WSS magnitude and oscillation in the aorta. Plasma cholesterol levels were quantified by gas chromatography. Results Plasma high density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio was significantly increased in DHA treated mice compared to controls (10.77 ± 1.86 vs. 6.63 ± 1.04, p Conclusions/Implications Our study suggests that dietary DHA can act systemically by enhancing levels of HDL. It can also act locally by reducing oscillatory shear stress in the descending aorta. Dietary DHA reduced lesion formation specifically in the descending aorta, an effect that can be explained by its dual effects on oscillatory shear and HDL. Therefore, the current study suggests novel and interacting protective mechanisms for DHA actions in atherogenesis with implications for the development of dietary interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease.

PP15.4 – 2984: Aneurysms of the brachial and subclavian arteries in a child with TSC

Objective Aneurysms are twice more frequent in TSC (Tuberous Sclerosis Complex) compared with general population. We present a TSC case with 2 aneurysms of the right upper limb (brachial and subclavian artery) aiming to prove TSC causality of the aneurysm and not random association. Methods A 26 year old TSC male developed 2 aneurysms of the right upper limb at 13 and respectively 16 years of age. He was opperated for both. Pathology analysis consisted of: optic microscopy using Hematoxilin Eosin, Elastic van Gieson, Smooth Muscle Actin, and CD34 stains. The structure of the aneurysmal wall, aspect and quantity of elastin and smooth muscle fibers were evaluated and compared to normal vessel structure, TSC and non-TSC aneurysmal changes. Results Pathology examination revealed disorganization of the aneurysmal wall structure with elastin fragmentation, smooth muscle cell proliferation and neoformation vessels with thick walls with smooth muscle cell proliferation. Conclusion and discussion Based on the pathology TSC etiopathogenesis was demonstrated for the two aneurysms. Speculation on Everolimus treatment efficacy is aneurysms is made (with no existing data in the literature yet) and whether TSC patients should be systematically investigated for aneurysms. This is a rare case with only two other cases with similar localisation of the aneurysms described in the literature.

Dermatopathology quiz: A dome-shaped papule on the cheek

The 43-year-old woman was evaluated for a 0.4 cm erythematous, dome shaped papule on her left cheek. Clinically, an irritated or atypical nevus was suspected, and a shave biopsy of the lesion was performed. Histopathological sections revealed a compound, biphasic melanocytic neoplasm composed of both banal appearing nevus cells [Figure 1], and a second population of epithelioid melanocytes forming large dermal aggregates [Figures ​[Figures22 and ​and3].3]. While the conventional component of the neoplasm demonstrated evidence of maturation and dispersion with descent into the dermis, the epithelioid component was monomorphic throughout and showed no evidence of maturation. An Elastic Van Gieson (EVG) stain showed retained elastic fibers within the epithelioid nests. A BRCA1 associated protein-1 (BAP1) immunohistochemical stain mirrored the dichotomous morphology, with nuclear staining in the conventional-appearing nevus cells and the absence of nuclear staining in the epithelioid cells [Figure 4]. Strong p16 staining was noted in the epithelioid component [Figure 5]. Figure 1 A large nodule of epithelioid melanocytes is embedded among small banal nevus cells Figure 2 The epithelioid nodule is sharply circumscribed and the transition between the two populations is abrupt Figure 3 The nuclei of the epithelioid cells are hyperchromatic and pleomorphic. They are unlike the vesicular nuclei with prominent central nucleoli noted in Spitz nevi Figure 4 Nuclear BRCA1 Associated Protein-1 is expressed normally in the banal nevus population, but lost in the epithelioid population Figure 5 The epithelioid cells strongly express p16 The most likely diagnosis is: Malignant melanoma arising in a congenital nevus Epithelioid Spitz nevus Wiesner nevus Metastatic, familial uveal melanoma involving a nevus Balloon-cell change in a congenital nevus. ANSWER: C. Wiesner nevus

Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 1/4 as a Novel Target for Inhibiting Neointimal Formation After Carotid Balloon Injury.

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and IRAK4 play essential roles in the induction of inflammatory gene products. We aimed to investigate the effect of the inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4 kinase activities on neointimal formation in rats with carotid artery balloon injuries using the IRAK1/4 inhibitor N-(2-Morpholinylethyl)-2-(3-nitrobenzoylamido)-benzimidazole, a cell-permeable benzimidazole compound. Wistar rats and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from the thoracic aortas were used. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling pathway was revealed by microarrays analysis. In addition, the differential expression of the TLR4 pathway genes, including TLR4, IRAK1, IκBα, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical staining, elastic-van Gieson and Masson staining, 5-ethynyl-2´-deoxyuridine staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, transwell migration assay and western blotting were also contributed for relevant detection. The expression of TLR4 protein gradually increased at days 1, 3, 7, and 21 after balloon injury compared with the uninjured group. The dual inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4 attenuated neointimal formation and fibrotic remodeling after injury in vivo and suppressed VSMC proliferation and migration in vitro. The production of mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β in injured arteries were also reduced by the inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4. The expression of NFκB p65- and F4/80-positive cells in inhibitor rats were fewer than those in control rats at day 7, while IRAK1 expression was markedly higher at day 3 in inhibitor rats. Furthermore, western blotting analysis revealed that the IRAK1/4 inhibitor suppressed the IRAK1 and IRAK4 kinase activities and the activation of the TLR4-mediated NFκB pathway in vivo and in vitro. This study suggested that IRAK1/4 could serve as a potential therapeutic target to suppress neointimal formation in carotid arteries after balloon injury through the TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway.

Asymptomatic esophageal varices in a case of pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Asymptomatic esophageal varices in a case of pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Nevus Lipomatosis Cutaneous Superficialis – A clinicopathologic study of the solitary type

BackgroundNevus Lipomatosis Cutaneous Superficialis (NLCS) is a rare, benign hamartomatous lesion characterized by the ectopic presence of mature adipocytes in the reticular dermis not associated with the underlying subcutaneous tissue. Two clinical forms-classical and solitary occur. The solitary form is relatively uncommon, due to which these lesions are commonly clinically misdiagnosed. The aim was to study the clinical and histopathological features of the solitary type of NLCS. MethodsSeven cases of histopathologically documented solitary type of NLCS which presented at our institute between August 2013 and June 2014 were retrospectively analysed for clinical data and histopathological findings. Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Elastic Van Gieson (EVG) stained slides were studied in all cases. ResultsMean age of the patients was 42.5 years. These lesions were more common in adult females (5/7). Thigh was the commonest location (4/7). The mean duration of these lesions was 2.0 years. Clinical diagnosis was papilloma (4/7) and acrochordon (3/7). Histopathology revealed the presence of varying amounts of mature ectopic adipocytes in the dermis located around dilated, ectactic blood vessels. Disorganised dermal collagen bundles and atrophic pilosebaceous units were seen. ConclusionThis study is a first from the Indian subcontinent and highlights the need for awareness of this rare clinical condition both by the dermatologists and the surgeons. Histopathology is essential for diagnosis as clinically they may mimic papillomas or skin tags. An early diagnosis may permit a more conservative resection of the tumour.

Central Defect Type Partıal ACL Injury Model on Goat Knees

Objectives:The aim of this study is to investigate the primary healing capacity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the possible effect of fat pad excision on it. For this purpose, a central defect type ACL injury model was performed. Histopathological and biomechanical studies were performed on this model.Methods:Total of ten female adolescent Anatolian Black Goats were included in the study. A midsubstance central defect was created successfully with a four mm. arthroscopic punch in the ACLs of right knees of all the subjects through a medial mini-arthrotomy and goats were assigned to groups whether the fat pad was preserved (group I, n=5) or excised completely (group II, n=5). The left knees served as control. The histopathological evaluations of the defect area were performed utilizing Hematoxylene-Eosine, Masson Trichrome, Van Gieson, and elastic Van Gieson staining as well as measurement of type I collagen immunohistochemically in one sample from each group at 10th week postoperatively. The remaining knees were evaluated biomechanically at the 12th week, measuring anterior tibial translation (ATT) of the knee joints at 90 degrees of flexion and tensile properties (Maximum Tensile Load (MTL), Maximum Elongation (ME), Stiffness (S), failure mode (FM)) of the femur-ACL-tibia complex. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing SPSS v18 package program. Mann – Whitney U and Wilcoxon’s signed rank test were used for inter and intragroup analysis, respectively. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.Results:Histopathological analysis revealed that the central defect area was fully filled macroscopically and microscopically. However, mucoid degeneration was observed in group II. Relative collagen type I content increased in group II. There was no significant difference both within and between groups in terms of ATT values (p=0.715 and p=0.149 respectively). There was no statistical significance between and within groups in terms of MTL and ME; however group II demonstrated greater stiffness than group I (p=0,043) Overall (n=16 knees), tibial avulsion was the commonest mode of failure (n=9) in both control and operated knees.Conclusion:These findings revealed that the central defect type partial ACL injury model acted stable on A-P direction and had full healing capacity. The excision of the fat-pad had no additional effect except increased stiffness. Tibial insertion site seemed to be the weakest portion of the femur-ACL-tibia complex in adolescent goat knees.

Overexpression of HtrA1 and exposure to mainstream cigarette smoke leads to choroidal neovascularization and subretinal deposits in aged mice.

We determined the function of ARMS2 and HtrA1 in the choroid and retina using transgenic (Tg) mice and evaluated the effects of mainstream cigarette smoke on these mice. The chicken actin promoter (CAG) was used to drive mouse HtrA1, human ARMS2, and ARMS2 (A69S) expression in the entire body of a mouse for one year. Fundus observations were performed with a Spectralis HRA+ optical coherence tomograph (OCT). Eyes were sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and analyzed with immunohistochemistry. Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for 30 min/d, 5 d/wk for 12 weeks using a mainstream smoking chamber (INH06-CIGR02A, MIPS). After 12 weeks, fundus observations and pathological analyses were performed. Approximately 18.2% of 12-month-old HtrA1 Tg mice exhibited choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by OCT and positive immunostaining with anti-CD31 and anti-fibronectin antibodies. Furthermore, elastic van Gieson (EVG) staining showed Bruch's membrane damage in HtrA1 Tg mice. No retinal changes were observed in ARMS2 and ARMS2 (A69S) Tg mice. A total of 12 weeks of exposure to mainstream cigarette smoke led to CNV rates of 7.7% for wild type (Wt) mice and 20% for HtrA1 Tg mice, but had no effect on ARMS2 Tg mice. In addition, abnormal deposits were observed between photoreceptor cells and the RPE in an HtrA1 Tg mouse exposed to mainstream cigarette smoke. The HtrA1 overexpression and mainstream cigarette smoke can independently lead to CNV. The HtrA1 gene is a strong risk factor for wet AMD, but not all of the HtrA1 Tg mice developed CNV, suggesting that CNV development depends on multiple risk factors.

Interleukin-1/toll-like receptor-induced nuclear factor kappa B signaling participates in intima hyperplasia after carotid artery balloon injury in goto-kakizaki rats: a potential target therapy pathway.

The value of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is recognized worldwide, especially for diabetic patients. Interleukin-1/Toll-like receptor (IL-1/TLR) signaling is involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, but whether and how the IL-1/TLR-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway plays key roles in intimal formation is unclear. The underlying mechanism of intima hyperplasia was investigated with a model of carotid balloon injury in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) and Wistar rats and with lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Elastic-van Gieson staining showed the medial area peakedon Day 3 post-injury and decreased by Day 7 post-injury in both GK and Wistar rats. The N/M at Day 7 in GK rats was significantly higher than in Wistar rats (p<0.001). The percent of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining-positive cells on Day 3 post-injury was greater than seen on Day 7 post-injury in GK and Wistar rats. The percent of EdU-positive cells on Days 3 and 7 post-injury in Wistar rats was less than that found in GK rats (p<0.01; p<0.05). NFκBp65 immunostaining had increased by Day 7 post-injury. Agilent Whole Genome Oligo Microarray verified that the IL-1/TLR-induced NFκB pathway was activated by carotid balloon injury. TLR4, IL-1 receptor associated kinase, inhibitors α of NFκB, human antigen R, c-Myc (Proto-Oncogene Proteins), EGF-like module-containing mucin-like hormone receptor-like 1 and Interleukin-6 were up-regulated or down-regulated according to immunochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Overall, we conclude that the IL-1/TLR-induced NFκB pathway participates in the intimal hyperplasia after carotid injury in GK and Wistar rats and that GK rats respond more intensely to the inflammation than Wistar rats.

Epithelioid Leiomyosarcoma Arising in the Subcutis—A New Case Report of a Rare Variant

Epithelioid Leiomyosarcoma Arising in the Subcutis—A New Case Report of a Rare Variant

Stem cell and extracellular matrix-related molecules increase following melatonin treatment in the skin of postmenopausal rats.

The menopause has a negative effect in the skin. Melatonin affects skin functions and structures through actions mediated by cell-surface and putative-nuclear receptors expressed in skin cell. We have therefore determined the effects of melatonin treatment on stem cell in the epidermis and extracellular matrix related molecules in the dermis the skin of postmenopausal rats. A total of 45 female rats were divided into 5 groups: control group, group A [ovariectomy (OVX)], group B (OVX +10 mg/kg/day melatonin), group C (OVX +30 mg/kg/day melatonin), group S (sham operated + 10 mg/kg/day melatonin). Ventral skin samples were excised at 12th week after ovariectomy. Hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid- methylamine silver, elastic van Gieson staining techniques were used to measure histomorphometrically the thickness of elastic fibers and basement membrane, depths of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layer. Immunohistochemical staining methods were used for fibroblast growth factor β (FGF β), collagen type I, fibronectin, β-catenin, c-kit, c-Myc evaluation. Epidermal thickness, subcutaneous fat layer, and elastic fibers were significantly decreased in group C, and there was a significant increase after melatonin treatment. Although there was no difference in dermal thickness of group C, melatonin also significantly increased the dermal thickness. High FGF β, type I collagen, fibronectin, β-catenin, c-Myc immunoreactivity developed following melatonin in all groups. Thus melatonin treatment of postmenopausal rats was mostly due to the decrease of stem cell and extracellular matrix-related molecules in the skin.

Increase of elastic fibers in lichen sclerosus et atrophicus

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is histopathologically characterized by upper dermal hyalinization with vacuolar alteration, whereas no particular microscopic change in the mid to lower dermis has been described. The purpose of this study was to investigate any histopathologic changes involving elastic fibers in the mid to lower dermis in patients with LSA. We surveyed 22 paraffin-embedded specimens of vulval (18 cases) and extragenital (4 cases) LSA. The sliced skin sections were stained with elastic van Gieson (EVG), and then the degree of elastic fiber change was determined. We found an increase in elastic fibers in the mid to lower dermis in contrast to a decrease or disappearance of elastic fibers in the superficial hyalinized dermis. The level of increase of elastic fibers varies from normal (8/22 cases) to moderate (7/22 cases) to advanced (7/22 cases) levels. An increase in elastic fibers in the mid to lower dermis may reflect a repairing process in response to the degraded upper dermal elastic fibers, which could be related to the pathogenesis of LSA.

Massive fibroelastosis of gallbladder, a rare entity - Report of a case

Fibroelastosis is a rare entity in the gallbladder, not well described in the literature, for which the aetiology remains uncertain. We report here a case of massive fibroelastosis of gallbladder in association with smouldering cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. The gallbladder showed a 13 mm white nodule at the fundus. On histology the nodule was composed of degenerate elastin and collagen, demonstrated with elastic-Van Gieson (EVG) and tri-chrome stains. Literature search reveals only three cases of gallbladder fibroelastosis. 1-3 The origin of elastosis in such an unusual site is not well understood. Bile leakage into interstitium or local tissue response to cytokines liberated by histiocytes may play a role.