Mean Nuclear Area Research Articles

Value of computer‐assisted quantitative nuclear morphometry for differentiation of reactive renal tubular cells from low‐grade urothelial carcinoma

To assess whether computer-assisted quantitative morphological parameters can be an effective tool for objectively distinguishing reactive renal tubular cells from low-grade urothelial carcinoma cells (LG-UCs) in voided urine. Nuclear morphometry was performed by a computer-assisted image analyser system on Papanicolaou-stained cytological specimens. The circumference of reactive renal tubular cells (n = 40) or LG-UC (n = 20) nuclei were manually traced, and the following nuclear morphometric parameters were analysed: (i) area, (ii) perimeter, (iii) roundness factor, (iv) maximum length, and (v) linear factor. For each nuclear measurement, we calculated the maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviation. The mean nuclear area and nuclear perimeter were higher in reactive renal tubular cells compared to the LG-UCs. The mean of roundness and linear factors (reflecting a tendency for the nuclear outline to be regular and oval, respectively) were higher in LG-UCs compared with reactive renal tubular cells. Among nuclear areas, the nuclear perimeter, roundness factors and maximum length did not show any significant differences between reactive renal tubular cells and LG-UCs. On the other hand, the linear factor showed a mean higher value among LG-UCs than reactive renal tubular cells (P = 0.023). Of five quantitative nuclear morphological parameters, only linear factor was statistically significant in differentiating reactive renal tubular cells in renal disease from LG-UCs.

Protective role of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) extract on hepatocytes morphometric changes in STZ diabetic Wistar rats

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica leaves on the quantitative morphometric changes in the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into control (G1), diabetic (G2), diabetic + Urtica dioica (G3) groups. The control group received only sham injections of intraperitoneal saline; the diabetic group received intraperitoneal saline for 5 days followed by streptozotocin (80 mg/kg) on the 6th day; and the diabetic + Urtica dioica group received 100 mg/kg Urtica dioica intraperitoneal (7) injections for 5 days and streptozotocin injection on the 6th day. After five weeks, the animals were sacrificed and whole livers removed. Liver specimens were used for quantitative morphometric analysis after hematoxylin and eosin staining. All data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and expressed as the mean with standard error of means. In the G3 (diabetic + Urtica diocia) group, the mean surface area of hepatocytes in the periportal zone (Z1) was greater than in G2 (diabetic) and G1 (control) groups, but this difference was not significant. No alteration was observed in the surface area of hepatocytes in the perivenous zone (Z3) in the diabetic + Urtica dioica (G3) group compared to the diabetic (G2) group. The mean nuclear area of hepatocytes of the rats in the diabetic + Urtica dioica (G3) group was higher in Z1 and lower in Z3 than that of rats in the diabetic (G2) group. The mean diameter of hepatocyte nuclei in the diabetic + Urtica dioica (G3) group was lower than that of diabetic (G2) and control (G1) groups in both Z1 and Z3. This study revealed that the administration of extract of Urtica dioica leaves before induction of diabetic with streptozotocin has a protective effect on the morphometric alterations of hepatocytes in the periportal and perivenous zones of the liver lobule in rats.

Prevention of Cutaneous Tissue Contracture During Removal of Craniofacial Implant Superstructures for CT and MRI Studies

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to analyze the morphological change of cell nuclei and the change of proliferating activity of oral malignancy and epithelial dysplasia between before and after photodynamic therapy in order to predict recurrence.Material and methodsWe experienced 14 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma, one case of verrucous carcinoma and seven cases of epithelial dysplasia treated by photodynamic therapy (PDT). The mean nuclear area (NA) and coefficient of variation of the nuclear area (NACV) of 100 nuclei per slide were calculated using computer-assisted image analysis in hematoxylin and eosin stained biopsy specimens before and after PDT. Additionally, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry was carried out in each specimen.ResultsThe mean NA after PDT was significantly lower than that before PDT in the nonrecurrent group. However, there was no significant difference in mean NA before and after PDT in the recurrent group. There were no significance differences in NACV before and after PDT in either the nonrecurrent or recurrent group. Furthermore, the PCNA labelling indices of the specimens after PDT was significantly lower than that before PDT in both the nonrecurrent and the recurrent group.ConclusionsMean nuclear area in the biopsy specimen after photodynamic therapy is likely to be a predictive marker for the recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma or epithelial dysplasia subjected to photodynamic therapy, while coefficient of variation of the nuclear area and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling indices are less helpful in predicting the recurrence of such lesions.

Comparative morphometric analysis of recurrent and nonrecurrent canine basal cell carcinomas: a preliminary report

Most reports of canine basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) focus on morphologic appearance rather than biologic behavior. Rare recurrences and no metastases have been reported in dogs. Quantitative nuclear morphometry may be useful in predicting tumor recurrence. The aim of the present study was to compare quantitative nuclear parameters of canine BCCs that did not recur within 60 weeks of excision with those that recurred. Cytologic specimens obtained from spontaneous BCCs from 11 dogs were analyzed by computerized nuclear morphometry. The dogs were monitored by their owners over a period of 60 weeks to detect local recurrence of the tumor; recurrent tumors were confirmed histologically. For each initial tumor specimen, nuclei of at least 100 neoplastic cells were measured by 2 independent observers, and mean nuclear area (MNA), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP), and mean nuclear diameter (MND) were calculated. Six nonrecurrent and 5 recurrent tumors were analyzed. Neoplastic cells from BCCs that subsequently recurred had higher MNA (102.41 +/- 4.57 microm(2)), MNP (36.27 +/- 0.61 microm), and MND (11.21 +/- 0.27 microm) than cells from nonrecurrent BCCs (MNA 87.66 +/- 4.79 microm(2), MNP 33.51 +/- 0.78 microm, MND 10.36 +/- 0.29 microm) (P<.001; Mann-Whitney U-test). Based on these preliminary results, nuclear morphometry may be a useful tool to predict local recurrence of BCCs in dogs.

Cytomorphological Analysis of Keratinocytes in Oral Smears from Tobacco Users and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lesions — A Histochemical Approach

AimTo analyse the cytomorphological features of keratinocytes in smears obtained from the oral mucosa of tobacco users and from oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions.MethodologyOral smears were obtained from clinically, normal appearing mucosa of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients (n=20) and from the mucosa of smokers (n=20), and apparently healthy individuals (n=20) were used as controls. The smears were histochemically stained and cytomorphological assessment of the keratinocytes was carried out. One-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was used for comparing the parameters among multiple groups and Tukey-HSD test was used to compare the mean values between groups.ResultsThe mean nuclear area of keratinocytes from the mucosa of tobacco users was 46 ± 2.57 and that of the oral squamous cell carcinoma lesion was 81.54 ± 4.31. While there was a significant (P=0.001) reduction in the cellular area of keratinocytes from oral squamous cell carcinoma lesion when compared with those from oral smears of tobacco users.ConclusionCytomorphometric analysis of keratinocytes can serve as a useful adjunct in the early diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Prognostic value of nuclear morphometry in spontaneous canine sebaceous carcinomas: a preliminary report

Stained cytological specimens from eight canine sebaceous carcinomas (CSCs) were analyzed by computer-assisted nuclear morphometry in order to evaluate the prognostic value of this technique. Four tumors had metastases in regional lymph nodes at the time of the diagnosis. The morphometric parameters evaluated in this study were mean nuclear area (MNA, µm2), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP, µm), mean nuclear diameter (D mean, µm), minimum nuclear diameter (D min, µm), and maximum nuclear diameter (D max, µm). Associations between MNA, MNP, D mean, D min, and D max in non-metastatic and metastatic tumors were assessed using the analysis of variance/least significant difference test (Statistica 6.0, StatSoft, USA) at a level of significance P < 0.05. The correlation between nuclear morphometric parameters and metastases to the regional lymph nodes was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation test (P < 0.05). The mean values of these parameters were significantly greater in dogs with lymph node metastases compared to parameters of tumor cells from dogs which were lymph node-negative. Significant differences in MNA, MNP, D min and D mean were seen between metastasizing and non-metastasizing neoplastic formations. The results from our investigation showed that nuclear morphometry is an objective and reproducible procedure that could be used as additional tool for evaluating the metastatic potential of CSCs.

Significance of nuclear morphometry in cytological aspirates of breast masses

Background:Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy globally. Cytological evaluation in breast lesions is largely subjective. Gradual progression of cells from normal to invasive involves nuclear changes that need to be viewed objectively.Aims:This study aims to apply nuclear morphometry on cytological breast aspirates. It evaluates its utility in differentiating benign vs. malignant lesions and correlates it with cytologic grading in malignant cases.Setting and Design:Nuclear morphometric parameters of malignant and benign cases were compared. Parameters of malignant cases were correlated with cytologic grading.Materials and Methods:Cytology was used to categorize aspirates from breast lumps into malignant (53 cases) and benign (29 cases). One hundred cells per case in both groups were mapped on DEBEL Cytoscan and six geometrical and three textural parameters obtained were compared. In malignant cases, morphometry was correlated with Robinson’s cytologic grading, which was further correlated in tissue sections (45 cases) with modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson histologic grading.Statistical Analysis:Students “t”-test was applied for comparison between benign and malignant cases. One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s post hoc comparison was applied to compare the three cytologic grades. Results were considered significant when P<0.05.Results:Nuclear morphometry successfully differentiated between benign and malignant aspirates and correlated significantly with cytologic grades. Morphometry was especially useful in the diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ. Useful parameters were mean nuclear area, long axis, short axis and total run length. Cytohistologic correlation was 83.3%, 88.9% and 88.9% for cytological grades 1, 2 and 3 respectively.Conclusions:Nuclear morphometry was thus a useful objective tool in the evaluation of breast masses.

Image analytic study of nuclear area in mantle cell lymphoma

BackgroundMalignant lymphomas are classified on the basis of morphology, immunohistochemistry, and genetic and molecular biological features. Morphology is considered the most important and basic feature. Lymphomas can be classified as small, medium, or large depending on the cell size, but this criterion tends to be rather subjective. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of an objective approach based on quantitative measurements.MethodsTwenty specimens of mantle cell lymphoma and 2 specimens of the tonsil were examined. The nuclear area of 6,401 tumor cells of mantle cell lymphoma and 743 normal mantle cells of reactive tonsils were measured by 3 authors by using a user-controlled image-analyzer. The images of the nuclei were outlined using the spline method and the i-solution software, and the data were assessed using ANOVA and Student's t-test.ResultsThe mean nuclear areas of mantle cell lymphoma cells measured by the 3 authors were 37.9 [7.9] µm2, 37.9 [7.2] µm2, and 38.2 [7.7] µm2 and those of normal mantle cells in reactive tonsil were 28.6 [2.3] µm2, 28.8 [2.0] µm2, and 27.0 [3.0] µm2. There was no statistical difference between the 3 observations of mantle cell lymphoma (P=0.580) and normal tonsils.ConclusionFor morphology, nuclear area is considered an important feature in the classification schemes of lymphoma. We showed that nuclear area measurement by using image analyzer can be used as an objective quantitative method. We think that nuclear morphometry may play a significant role in the diagnosis of lymphoma.

Nuclear Morphometry in Cytopathology: A Prognostic Indicator for Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors

Twenty-nine canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) were morphometrically analyzed with regard to mean nuclear area (MNA) using cytopathology smears. The results showed a correlation between MNA and survival. When graded into 2 morphometrically different groups, there were statistically significant differences among high- and low-grade MCTs, regarding both Romanowsky-type stain and hematoxylin and eosin. Cytomorphometry could also separate histologic grade II tumors with better prognosis from the more aggressive MCTs. The results indicated that nuclear morphometry on cytopathology preparations can predict the biological behavior of cutaneous MCTs in dogs in an independent manner, yielding a rapid and reproducible diagnosis, which renders the method useful for veterinary oncology.

Clinical Value of Morphometric and DNA Flow Cytometric Variables as Independent Predictors of Survival in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma: A 5-year Follow-up Study

The aim of this follow-up study is to validate the clinical significance of quantitative morphometric and DNA flow cytometric variables as independent prognostic factors of overall survival and progression-free survival in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Tumor samples were collected from 135 patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma at 3 hospitals in the Netherlands. Evaluated clinico-pathologic variables were age, histologic subtype, differentiation grade, clinical stage [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)], presence of ascites, serum CA-125, and the completeness of debulking surgery. Morphometry and DNA flow cytometric techniques were assessed on each tumor sample to determine the mitotic activity index (MAI), volume percentage epithelium, mean nuclear area (MNA), standard deviation of MNA (SD MNA), nuclear perimeter (NP), and DNA ploidy. Univariate analysis showed that differentiation grade, FIGO stage, presence of ascites, preoperative CA-125 levels, DNA ploidy, and MAI, NP, and MNA were of significant prognostic value. After multivariate analysis (using forward Cox proportional hazard analysis), only differentiation grade and FIGO stage remained significant. From this study, we can conclude that morphometry and DNA flow cytometry are not independent prognosticators and therefore have no clinical value in predicting prognosis in ovarian carcinoma.

Estrogen receptor β– an independent prognostic marker in estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor‐positive breast cancer?

Both subtypes of estrogen receptor (ER), ERalpha and ERbeta, are normally present in the mammary gland. The role of ERalpha as a prognostic marker in breast cancer is well established due to the beneficial effect of providing tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy. The role of ERbeta, however, is less clear. To gain insight into the importance of ERbeta in breast cancer, 145 primary breast cancers were examined by immunohistochemistry for ERbeta, and the expression level was compared with ERalpha and progesterone receptor (PR) status. Especially, we wanted to examine the significance of ERbeta in the contrasting ERalpha+/PR+ and ERalpha-/PR- subgroups. In the ERalpha+/PR+ subgroup (dual positive), the survival difference between patients with low, medium and high ER beta level was statistically significant (p = 0.004), with more than 70% of patients with medium and high ERbeta levels surviving 100 months, compared with less than 30% in the group with low ERbeta level. Further, for ERalpha+/PR+ patients there was a reduced risk of fatal outcome by multivariate analysis with increasing ERbeta levels (p(trend) < 0.01 [univariate analysis]; p(trend) = 0.05 [multivariate analysis]). The risk was 31% and 27% for medium and high ERbeta levels, respectively, compared with low ERbeta level, adjusting for standard prognostic factors such as tumor diameter, nuclear tumor grade (quantified by mean nuclear area), lymph node status, and patient age at operation. For patients with ERalpha-/PR- tumors (dual negative), however, there was no association between ERbeta levels and patient outcome. Our findings indicate that ERbeta expression provides independent prognostic information for breast cancers with ERalpha/PR-positive status, a feature typical among screen-detected breast cancers. The role of ERbeta needs to be further evaluated especially in this group of breast cancers.

Sigma-2 Receptor Expression in Bovine Papillomavirus-Associated Urinary Bladder Tumours

The expression of sigma-2 receptors was investigated in nine urothelial tumours of the urinary bladder of cattle. Each tumour was associated with the presence of DNA of bovine papillomavirus type-2 (BPV-2) and expression of the E5 viral oncoprotein. Five tumours were classified as low-grade carcinoma on the basis of morphological criteria and calculation of mean nuclear area (MNA) and mean nuclear perimeter (MNP). Four tumours were classified as high-grade carcinoma. Sigma-2 receptors were overexpressed in both types of carcinoma. In control normal bovine bladder tissue the density of receptors (expressed as the B(max)) was 0.37 pmol/mg of protein. Low-grade carcinomas had a mean B(max) of 1.37+/-0.32 pmol/mg of protein (range 1.03-1.86) and in high-grade carcinomas the mean B(max) was 10.9+/-2.8 pmol/mg of protein (range 8.2-14). The difference in B(max) between low- and high-grade carcinomas was statistically significant (P=0.0001).

Assessment of Cytological Atypia, AgNOR and Nuclear Area in Epithelial Cells of Normal Oral Mucosa Exposed to Toombak and Smoking

The purpose of this study was to assess cellular proliferative activity of clinically healthy oral mucosal epithelial cells of toombak dippers and smokers by means of AgNOR counts and nuclear areas via nuclear morphometry. Smears were collected from normal-appearing mouth floor mucosa and tongue of 75 toombak dippers, 75 smokers and 50 non-tobacco users between the ages of 20 and 70 with a mean age of 36 years. AgNORs were counted in the first 50 well-fixed, nucleated squamous cells and nuclear areas were calculated via microscopic stage micrometer. Cytological atypia was ascertained in 6 tobacco users and could not be ascertained in non-tobacco users. Statistically mean AgNOR numbers per nucleus in the non-tobacco users (2.45±0.30) was lower than the toombak dippers (3.081±0.39, p<0.004), and the smokers (2.715±0.39, p<0.02), and mean nuclear areas of epithelial cells of toombak dippers (6.081±0.39, p<0.009) and smokers (5.68±10.08, p<0.01) was also significantly higher than non-smokers (5.39±9.4). The mean number of nuclei having more than 3 AgNORs was 28%, 19% and 7% in toombak dippers, smokers and non-tobacco users, respectively. These findings support the view that toombak dipping and smoking are severe risk factors for oral mucosal proliferative lesions and exfoliative cytology is valid for screening of oral mucosal lesions.

The relation between gleason score, and nuclear size and shape factors in prostatic adenocarcinoma

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the size and shape characteristics of prostatic adenocarcinoma cell nuclei using a computer-assisted analysis system, and to compare the results with the Gleason score. Materials and Methods: Morphometric nuclear parameters, such as roundness factor, form ellipse, area, length, and perimeter, were evaluated based on specimen slides of 130 prostatic adenocarcinoma cases (77% needle biopsies and 23% prostatectomy specimens) using a computerized image analysis system. Correlation analysis between Gleason score and morphometric results was performed. Results: The Gleason score was correlated with mean nuclear area (r = 0.516, P = 0.01), mean nuclear length (r = 0.298, P = 0.01), and mean nuclear perimeter (r = 0.303, P = 0.01) for all specimens. In the needle biopsy group the Gleason score was correlated with mean nuclear area (r = 0.522, P = 0.01), mean nuclear length (r = 0.398, P = 0.01), and mean nuclear perimeter (r = 0.432, P = 0.01), whereas in the prostatectomy group the Gleason score was correlated only with mean nuclear area (\sigma = 0.619, P = 0.01) and mean nuclear roundness factor (\sigma = -0.425, P = 0.05). Conclusions: Nuclear size and shape factors, especially mean nuclear area, were concordant with the Gleason score. Nuclear size and shape assessment may aid in the evaluation of the pathological status of prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Nuclear morphometry in relation to tumor grade in canine spontaneous cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas

In a retrospective study on cytological specimens from 17 dogs with histologically confirmed cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the morphometric variables were studied and compared to tumors' nuclear grade. The morphometric parameters evaluated in this study were mean nuclear area (MNA, µm2), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP, µm), mean nuclear diameter (D mean, µm), minimum nuclear diameter (D min, µm), and maximum nuclear diameter (D max, µm). Associations between MNA, MNP, D mean, D min, and D max and tumors' grade were assessed using the ANOVA/LSD test (Statistica 6.0, StatSoft, USA) at a level of significance of P < 0.05. The result indicated an increase in the mean values of the nuclear parameters with increasing tumor grade. In the cases examined, significant differences in MNA, MNP, and D mean occurred between tumors in all grades. Besides, no significant differences in D max (between grade I-II and II-III) and D min (grade II-III) were found. In conclusion, nuclear morphometry could be used as an additional tool for differentiating nuclear grade in canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.

Computer-Assisted Nuclear Morphometry in the Cytological Evaluation of Canine Perianal Adenocarcinomas

Stained cytological specimens from 18 canine perianal adenocarcinomas were analyzed by computer-assisted nuclear morphometry in order to evaluate the prognostic value of this technique. In each case, the nuclei of at least 100 neoplastic hepatoid cells were measured and the mean nuclear area (MNA), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP), mean nuclear diameter (D mean), maximum nuclear diameter (D max) and minimum nuclear diameter (D min) were calculated. There were significant differences in all of these parameters when non-metastatic tumours were compared with tumours in which lymph node metastasis had been identified. A statistically significant correlation was found between the survival period of the dogs and MNA, MNP, D max and D mean. The age of the dog, diameter of the tumour and presence of nodal metastasis were also correlated with survival, but there was no correlation with breed, sex or D min. These results indicate that MNA, MNP, D max and D min may be used as prognostic indicators for canine perianal adenocarcinoma.

Morphometrical approach for predicting regional lymph node micrometastatic load in canine mast cell tumours: preliminary results

Canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) have a variable biologic behaviour, and accurate staging is necessary to dictate therapy and predict outcome. Regional lymph node (RLN) involvement is a relevant prognostic factor. While obvious lymph node (LN) metastases are relatively easy to be diagnosed, micrometastatic disease recognition is challenging. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the number of mast cells (MCs) in the LNs of clinically healthy dogs (n = 4, group 1), dogs with inflammatory diseases (n = 31, group 2) and dogs with cutaneous MCT (n = 27, group 3), including animals with no RLN metastases (subgroup 3.1), those with occasional MCs in RLNs (3.2) and those with obvious RLN metastasis (3.3). MCs also were morphometrically evaluated for the following nuclear parameters: mean nuclear area (MNA), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP), largest to smallest diameter length (LS ratio), mean nuclear form factor and coefficient of variation of nuclear area. The average percentages of MCs were 0.0 and 0.01 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and 0.07, 2.4 and 47.1 in subgroup 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. MNA and MNP were significantly higher in subgroup 3.3 than in group 2 (P < 0.05). MNA and MNP in subgroup 3.2 suggested the presence of neoplastic MCs; this prediction of micrometastatic load correlated with outcome. Analysis of preliminary results shows that nuclear morphometry is useful to detect micrometastatic disease in RLN of dogs bearing cutaneous MCTs.

Quantitative classification of breast fine needle aspirates using the AxioHOME system

Fine needle aspiration cytology is useful in the pre-operative assessment of patients with breast lumps. Lesions are reported as benign, suspicious or malignant. The number of suspicious categories is high in inexperienced hands thus limiting this useful diagnostic tool. The aim was to evaluate quantitative methods of classifying breast fine needle aspirates using the Highly Optimized Microscope Environment system. May- Grumwald Giemsa-stained archived slides were retrieved and smear quality assessed. Fifty epithelial cells corresponding to the cytological grading on each slide were measured using the system\'s general morphometry program. Generated data was exported to Microsoft Excel for analysis. A significant difference in the mean nuclear area, mean nuclear perimeter, mean largest nuclear diameter was found between the slides graded as benign, suspicious malignant and malignant. C2 & C4, D 1, P < 0.004. C4 & C5, Area P < 0.001. The means of the number count of nucleoli was able to distinguish between FNAC Benign and Malignant category C2/C5, P = 00440 and suspicious benign and malignant C3/C5 P = 0.00486. Morphometry could be useful in situations where experienced cytopathologists are unavailable especially when this program can also measure the degree of dispersion between cells Keywords: Morphometric image analysis, aspiration cytology, breast. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences Vol. 2 (2) 2008: pp. 139-145

Quantitative analysis in spontaneous canine anal sac gland adenomas and carcinomas

Stained cytological specimens from 7 canine anal sac gland adenomas and 11 canine anal sac gland carcinomas were analyzed by computer-assisted nuclear morphometry. In each case, the nuclei of at least 100 neoplastic cells were measured, and the mean nuclear area (MNA), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP), mean nuclear diameter (MND) and nuclear roundness (NR) were calculated. The study aimed to evaluate (1) the possibility of using nuclear cytomorphometry as an auxiliary diagnostic method to differentiate between canine anal sac gland adenomas and adenocarcinomas, and (2) the prognostic value of nuclear morphometry in canine anal sac gland adenocarcinomas. The results indicated that (1) MNA, MNP, MND and NR could be used as effective auxiliary tools for differential diagnosis between canine anal sac gland adenomas and adenocarcinomas, and (2) MNA, MNP and MND are reliable prognostic indicators for canine anal sac gland adenocarcinomas.

Mean Nuclear Area and Metallothionein Expression in Ductal Breast Tumors: Correlation With Estrogen Receptor Status

Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy in women. Estrogen is an important growth factor for breast tumor that plays an important role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of normal and malignant mammary epithelial cells. Nuclear morphometry and metallothioneins (MTs) are indicators of proliferation that have been used as predictors of prognosis in many tumors. The present study aimed to study mean nuclear area (MNA) and MT; estrogen receptor (ER) expression in fibroadenoma (FA), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast. Also MNA and MT expression will be correlated with histologic grade and ER status in breast carcinoma. Breast tissues from 18 patients with FA, 10 patients with DCIS, and 40 patients with IDC were used in this study. MNA and MT expression; as proliferation markers; were investigated and correlated with ER status. All cases of FA, 7 out of 10 cases (70%) of DCIS and 23 out of 40 cases (57.5%) of IDC were positive for ER. MNA of cancer cells was significantly larger than that of normal and benign breast tissue. A significant direct correlation was found between MNA and histologic grades. MNA of ER-negative carcinomas was significantly larger than that of ER-positive tumors. In normal and benign breast tissue, myoepithelial cells consistently expressed the MT protein. Four out of 10 DCIS cases (40%) and 24 out of 40 cases of IDC cases (60%) were positively stained for MT. MT positivity was directly correlated with histologic grade of IDC. There was a highly significant inverse correlation between MT and ER overexpression. From this study, it is concluded that in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, the large MNA and MT overexpression are correlated with histologic grades and ER negativity. Therefore, large MNA and MT overexpression may be possible important indicators for more aggressive and less differentiated breast carcinoma.