Peritoneal Fat Research Articles

A simple clinical decision rule to rule out appendicitis in patients with nondiagnostic ultrasound results.

The objective was to identify a set of clinical features that can rule out appendicitis in patients with suspected acute appendicitis and nondiagnostic ultrasound (US) results, allowing safe discharge and next-day reevaluation without initial computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data on clinical and US evaluation, including a number of prespecified variables potentially associated with acute appendicitis, were prospectively collected in two diagnostic accuracy studies of imaging. These studies included patients with suspected appendicitis seen in the emergency department (ED). For development and validation of the clinical decision rule (CDR), only patients with inconclusive or negative US results were included. There were 199 (of 422) patients in the development cohorts and 120 (of 211) patients in the validation cohort. Logistic regression analysis was used for data from patients with inconclusive or negative US results, and profiles were created of all possible combinations of predictors retained in the multivariable model. A final diagnosis was assigned by an expert panel based on perioperative data, histopathology, and clinical follow-up of at least 3 months. The CDR selected patients after negative or inconclusive US for discharge and next-day reevaluation without initial CT or MRI if fewer than two of the following predictors were present: male sex, migration of pain to the right lower quadrant, vomiting, and white blood cell (WBC) count higher than 12.0 × 10(9) /L. Applying the CDR in the development set selected 126 of 199 (63%) patients with negative or inconclusive US results for discharge without further imaging. This rule reduced the probability of appendicitis from 26% (51 of 199) in the total group of patients with negative or inconclusive US results to 12% (15 of 126) in the group that would be discharged based on the rule (p = 0.001). In the validation set (n = 120), the decision rule selected 72 (60%) patients for discharge and next-day reevaluation and reduced the probability of appendicitis from 20% (24 of 120) in the total group to 6% (4 of 72) in the patients selected on the rule (p = 0.001). The negative predictive value of the decision rule in the validation set was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 87% to 98%). In comparison, the negative predictive value of CT in the same group was 99% (95% CI = 93% to 100%, p = 0.14), and that of MRI was 99% (95% CI = 94% to 100%, p = 0.12). Alternative decision rules based on combinations of the present decision rule with C-reactive protein (CRP) results did not improve selection. This newly developed CDR significantly reduces the probability of appendicitis in a large subgroup of patients with negative or inconclusive US results. These patients can be safely discharged for outpatient reevaluation without further initial imaging if proper follow-up is available. This could assist in lowering the number of ED imaging investigations in patients with suspected appendicitis.

Sindbis Viral Vectors Transiently Deliver Tumor-associated Antigens to Lymph Nodes and Elicit Diversified Antitumor CD8+ T-cell Immunity

Tumors are theoretically capable of eliciting an antitumor immune response, but are often poorly immunogenic. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have recently emerged as a promising strategy for the immunogenic delivery of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) to cancer patients. However, safe and effective OV/TAA therapies have not yet been established. We have previously demonstrated that vectors based on Sindbis virus (SV) can inhibit tumor growth and activate the innate immune system in mice. Here, we demonstrate that SV vectors carrying a TAA generate a dramatically enhanced therapeutic effect in mice bearing subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and lung cancers. Notably, SV/TAA efficacy was not dependent on tumor cell targeting, but was characterized by the transient expression of TAAs in lymph nodes draining the injection site. Early T-cell activation at this site was followed by a robust influx of NKG2D expressing antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells into the tumor site, subsequently leading to the generation of long-lasting memory T cells which conferred protection against rechallenge with TAA-positive as well as TAA-negative tumor cells. By combining in vivo imaging, flow cytometry, cytotoxicity/cytokine assays, and tetramer analysis, we investigated the relationship between these events and propose a model for CD8+ T-cell activation during SV/TAA therapy.

Detection of Toxic Effects of Clostridial Crude Toxin in Experimental Rats

The present study was conducted for the detection of toxic effects of clostridial crude toxin in experimental rats. The crude toxin of Clostridium perfringens was prepared and the rats were injected intraperitoneally (IP) 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml and 2.0 ml of crude toxin. The rats were observed for 24 hrs. The crude toxin inoculated rats showed the dose dependent clinical signs; depression, rough hair coat, respiratory distress, diarrhea and rapid heart beats, whereas PBS inoculated rats did not show any clinical sings. Necropsy changes were variable however, highly dilated and distended whole intestine with blood stained semifluid contents and gas along with congestion in all the affected rats were found dose dependently. Liver, lung and kidney were congested, hemorrhagic and swollen. More or less hydrothorax was seen during the postmortem of all affected rats. The peritoneal fat was frequently congested in all affected rats. Histopathological changes in intestine (0.5 ml inoculated rats) involved congestion, slightly swollen goblet cells and hemorrhages. The most severe lesions comprised of profuse hemorrhages in the mucosa and submucosa with complete necrosis, desquamation and intense leukocytic infiltration in 2 ml inoculated rats. Affected liver (1 ml inoculated rats) exhibited engorgement of central veins, sinusoidal spaces with blood and fatty change. The hepatocytes revealed swelling, granulation and vacuolation of cell cytoplasm, extensive hemorrhage and congestion were seen in 2 ml toxin inoculated rats. Congestion and sometimes extravasation were observed in the subepicardial region of heart. The myocardium revealed mild degenerative changes in the form of granularity of myocardial fiber. In lungs there was congestion, hemorrhage and leukocytes infiltration in the interstitial spaces around the bronchioles in both 1 and 2 ml toxin inoculated rats. Affected kidneys of different doses of crude toxin showed hemorrhage, congestion and inflammatory cells dose dependently. From the above findings, it may be concluded that clostridial crude toxin induced clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions dose dependently in experimental rats.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16753 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 65 - 72, 2010

Accumulation of epicardial fat rather than visceral fat is an independent risk factor for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

BackgroundSymptoms of heart failure with preserved left ventricular systolic function are common among patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Epicardial fat (EpF) is an ectopic fat depot with possible paracrine or mechanical effects on myocardial function. The aim of our current study is to assess the association between EpF and Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in patients undergoing PD and to clarify the relationships among EpF, inflammation, and LVDD in this population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 149 patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function who were undergoing PD. LVDD was diagnosed (according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines) and EpF thickness measured by echocardiography. The patients without LVDD were used as controls. The serum inflammatory biomarker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured. The location and amount of adipose tissue were assessed by computed tomography (CT) at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra.ResultsSubjects with LVDD had higher levels of hsCRP, more visceral and peritoneal fat, and thicker EpF (all p < 0.001) than controls. Visceral adipose tissue, hsCRP, and EpF all correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with LVDD. Multivariate regression analysis rendered the relationship between visceral adipose tissue and LVDD insignificant, whereas EpF was the most powerful determinant of LVDD (odds ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval = 1.43–4.08, p < 0.01). EpF thickness also correlated significantly with the ratio of transmitral Doppler early filling velocity to tissue Doppler early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e’; r = 0.27, p < 0.01).ConclusionEpF thickness is significantly independently associated with LVDD in patients undergoing PD and may be involved in its pathogenesis.

Milky Spots Promote Ovarian Cancer Metastatic Colonization of Peritoneal Adipose in Experimental Models

The goal of controlling ovarian cancer metastasis formation has elicited considerable interest in identifying the tissue microenvironments involved in cancer cell colonization of the omentum. Omental adipose is a site of prodigious metastasis in both ovarian cancer models and clinical disease. This tissue is unusual for its milky spots, comprised of immune cells, stromal cells, and structural elements surrounding glomerulus-like capillary beds. The present study shows the novel finding that milky spots and adipocytes play distinct and complementary roles in omental metastatic colonization. Invivo assays showed that ID8, CaOV3, HeyA8, and SKOV3ip.1 cancer cells preferentially lodge and grow within omental and splenoportal fat, which contain milky spots, rather than in peritoneal fat depots. Similarly, medium conditioned by milky spot-containing adipose tissue caused 75% more cell migration than did medium conditioned by milky spot-deficient adipose. Studies with immunodeficient mice showed that the mouse genetic background does not alter omental milky spot number and size, nor does it affect ovarian cancer colonization. Finally, consistent with the role of lipids as an energy source for cancer cell growth, invivo time-course studies revealed an inverse relationship between metastatic burden and omental adipocyte content. Our findings support a two-step model in which both milky spots and adipose have specific roles in colonization of the omentum by ovarian cancer cells.

MICRONODULAR ULTRASOUND LESIONS IN THE COLONIC SUBMUCOSA OF 42 DOGS AND 14 CATS

Micronodular ultrasound lesions have been detected in the colonic submucosa of dogs and cats at our hospital. The lesions had rounded/oval shapes, measured 1-3 mm in size, and exhibited a hypo/anechoic ultrasonographic pattern. To our knowledge, these lesions have not been previously reported in human or veterinary patients. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine whether micronodular lesions were associated with other abdominal ultrasound abnormalities or clinical findings. Medical records of dogs and cats with sonographic reports describing micronodular lesions within the colonic submucosa were reviewed. Concurrent ultrasonographic abnormalities were recorded and compared with clinical sidgns and follow-up data. A total of 42 dogs and 14 cats met inclusion criteria. Concurrent sonographic abnormalities included the following: increased colon wall thickness (12.5%); small bowel wall thickening, altered layering, and/or hyperechoic mucosa (45%); abdominal effusion (29%); caudal mesenteric lymphadenopathy (46%); mesenteric lymphadenopathy (27%); and pericolic peritoneal fat reactivity (9%). Fifty of 56 animals presented with diarrhea. Twenty-seven cases had clinical signs of colitis and ultrasonographic lesions were limited to the colonic submucosa. In nine cases, follow-up examination at 6-8 weeks showed resolution of clinical and ultrasonographic signs. Ultrasonographic and clinical examinations in 17 patients at 12-18 months and in 20 patients at 18-30 months from initial diagnosis showed resolution of submucosal lesions and clinical signs of enteropathy. The authors propose that micronodular submucosal ultrasound lesions may represent reactive intraparietal lymphoid follicles and may be indicators of colonic inflammatory diseases in dogs and cats.

Dissecting the Mechanisms of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Inflammation in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

ObjectivePatients with symptoms of heart failure and preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function are commonly encountered in clinical practice especially in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We hypothesized that adiposity might influence LV diastolic function through systemic inflammation in this specific group.MethodsWe designed a cross-sectional study in 173 prevalent PD patients. LV diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed by echocardiography. PD patient without LV diastolic dysfunction served as the control group. Serum inflammatory biomarkers were examined including tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The location and amount of adipose tissue were assessed by computerized tomography (CT) at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra.ResultsSubjects with LV diastolic dysfunction had higher levels of the pro-inflammation cytokines and more visceral and peritoneal fat (all P<0.001) than control subjects. A significant correlation was found between visceral adipose tissue and pro-inflammatory cytokines (r = 0.70; P<0.001). Multivariable regression analysis found that the relationship between visceral adipose tissue and LV diastolic dysfunction became insignificant when either TNF-α or IL-6 were introduced into the model, although TNF-α and IL-6 were both significantly associated with LV diastolic dysfunction even after adjusting for visceral fat (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.09–2.02; P = 0.033 and OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.09–1.82; P = 0.031, respectively).ConclusionsLarger amounts of adipose tissue were associated with higher serum pro–inflammatory levels in PD patients, which might be related to the development of LV diastolic dysfunction. Modulating inflammatory reactions in PD patients can be a useful therapeutic approach for managing LV diastolic dysfunction.

Anthropometry, ultrasonography and abdominal bio-electrical impedance as predictors of metabolic abnormalities in normal and obese subjects

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an important cardiovascular risk factor and visceral fat plays a central role in its development. Visceral fat measurement by TC or MRI is difficult to apply in routine clinical practice. Our aim was to evaluate anthropometric measurements, abdominal ultrasonography (US) and a new abdominal bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (ViScan, TANITA) as predictors of metabolic abnormalities. 105 subjects, (age 52.8 ± 14.7 years, BMI of 29.2 ± 5.3 kg/m2) were analysed. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, adipochine and inflammatory citochines were determined. Waist and hip circumferences and sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) were measured and abdominal BIA with ViScan was performed; peri-renal, para-renal, peri-hepatic, pre-peritoneal, and peritoneal fat thicknesses were measured by US Anthropometric indexes, ViScan and US measurements were evaluated as predictors of MS abnormalities in a partial correlation analysis adjusted for BMI. Only SAD and peritoneal US fat thickness are good predictors for the metabolic abnormalities related to MS after adjusting for BMI. The correlation among different anthropometric, abdominal BIA and ultrasonographic measurements, corrected for BMI, showed that SAD had a strong correlation with peritoneal fat thicknesses. Both SAD and US peritoneal fat thickness are good predictors of metabolic abnormalities.

MRI findings in patients with defecatory dysfunction after surgical correction of anorectal malformation

Postoperative anorectal malformation patients frequently have defecatory dysfunction. MRI may be useful in the management of these patients. To analyze static and dynamic MRI findings in patients with defecatory dysfunction after correction of anorectal malformation (ARM), and compare differences between patients with constipation and fecal incontinence. Pelvic MRI studies of 20 constipated and 32 incontinent postoperative ARM patients were analyzed retrospectively to determine the location and morphology of the neorectum, presence of peritoneal fat herniation, presence of scarring, development of the striated muscle complex (SMC) and any other abnormalities. The two groups were then compared using χ(2)-test. Eighteen patients also underwent MRI defecography to evaluate pelvic floor function and abnormalities are reported. The children with incontinence were more likely to have abnormal location of the neorectum (P = 0.031), increased anorectal angle (ARA) (P = 0.031) and peritoneal fat herniation (P = 0.032), and less likely to have dilation of the neorectum (P = 0.027), than the children with constipation. There were no significant differences between the two groups in incidence of focal stenosis of the neorectum (P = 0.797), presence of extensive scarring (P = 0.591) and developmental agenesis of the SMC (P > 0.05). MRI defecography showed 6 anterior rectoceles, 6 cystoceles and 18 pelvic floor descents. MRI is a helpful imaging modality in postoperative ARM patients with defecatory dysfunction, and it shows distinct differences between the children with constipation and incontinence and provides individualized information to guide further treatment.

Abstract B65: Milky spots are required for ovarian cancer metastatic colonization of peritoneal adipose depots

Abstract Introduction: In ovarian cancer, attachment of cells to the omentum represents a rate-limiting step in metastasis formation. Thus, there is significant interest in identifying the tissue microenvironments involved in cancer cell colonization of this preferred metastatic site. The omentum is composed of translucent membranes and adipose, which contains immune structures known as milky spots. Two general models of omental colonization can be discerned from the published literature. In the “milky spot-driven” model, cancer cell lodging is due to factors produced by milky spots which serve as a colonization niche1. In contrast, the “adipose-driven” model proposes that adipocyte-derived factors are solely responsible for cancer cell lodging2. By taking advantage of peritoneal adipose deposits which either contain or lack milky spots, we set forth to test the hypothesis that these unusual immune structures are required for cancer cell colonization of adipose-rich tissues such as the omentum. Methods: Ovarian cancer cell migration, lodging and growth was assessed in a panel of peritoneal fat depots which either contain milky spots (omentum, splenoportal fat) or lack them (uterine fat, mesentery, and gonadal fat). The presence or absence of milky spots was confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD45. Ovarian cancer cell lodging was evaluated via experimental metastasis assays using SKOV3ip.1 (human) or ID8 (mouse) ovarian cancer cells injected into Athymic Nude or C57BL/6 mice, respectively. At 7 days post injection (dpi) peritoneal fat depots were harvested and evaluated for the presence of cancer cells using histology and pan-cytokeratin IHC. The relative chemoattractant ability of tissue-conditioned media was evaluated by transwell migration assays using SKOV3ip.1 and ID8 cells. Results: The presence of milky spots in omental and splenoportal fat and their absence in uterine, gonadal, and mesenteric fat was confirmed by histology and IHC. In metastasis assays, cancer foci were observed in omental and splenoportal milky spots at 7 dpi. In contrast, cancer cells were never observed in adipose that lacked milky spots; even at 63 dpi. Consistent with this, conditioned media from milky-spot containing tissues had a significantly increased ability to promote ovarian cancer cells migration . Conclusions: In sum, our findings show that milky spots are an absolute requirement for cancer cell lodging on peritoneal adipose. Consistent with this, migration assays show that the presence of milky spots causes a significant enhancement in the ability of peritoneal adipose to promote directed migration. Taken together, these finding suggest that while adipose may secrete a general chemoattrative signal, additional contributions from the milky spots are required for localization and invasion. Current experiments include investigating the chemoattractant(s) used by the milky spots to attract cancer cells and the cell type(s) responsible for their secretion. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Effects of dietary cypermethrin on chickens

In the following study effects of dietary cypermethrin in chickens were observed. Chickens were administered cypermethrin in the feed in nominal concentrations of 150, 300 and 600 ppm (mean measured concentrations: 130, 285 and 655 mg/kg feed) for a period of 28 days. The following parameters were monitored: clinical symptoms and mortality, feed consumption and body weight gain, liver weight, plasma ChE activity, hematological and biochemical effects. Any accumulation of cypermethrin in the liver, peritoneal fat, breast and leg muscle was monitored, as well. The results obtained showed that cypermethrin added to the chickens feed did not significantly affect feed intake, body weight gain and liver weight. Also, cypermethrin did not adversely affect the activity of plasma ChE and ALT in the serum. Serum AST activity was significantly increased in the treated chickens, in males at 300 and 600 ppm and in females at all three tested doses. ALP activity was significantly decreased in comparison with the control, in males at doses 300 and 600 ppm, but in females only at the dose of 600 ppm. Hematological data showed that cypermethrin induced a statistically significant increase only in PLT number (both sexes, all three doses tested). The obtained results also showed that cypermethrin did not accumulate in organs and tissues of chickens.

Diagnosis of Peritoneal Metastases with Abdominal Malignancies: Role of ADC Measurement on Diffusion Weighted MRI.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the utility of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value measurement in the diagnosis of peritoneal metastases on diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Diffusion weighted imaging with conventional magnetic resonance imaging sequences was performed on twenty consecutive oncology patients (group I) with peritoneal metastases. The ADC values of the metastases, the peritoneal fat around the metastases (group I) and the peritoneal fat in patients with no malignancy (group II) at b(0-100), b(0-600), and (b 0-1000) s/mm(2) gradients were measured and compared. The apparent diffusion coefficient values of three gradients in peritoneal metastases (2.27±0.4; 1.67±0.7 and 1.09±0.4×10(-3) mm(2)/s at b 100, 600 and 1000 gradients, respectively) were significantly lower than the ADC values of the peritoneal fat around metastases (3.07±0.4; 2.07±0.4; 1.33±0.3×10(-3) mm(2)/s at b 100, 600 and 1000 gradients, respectively) (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the ADC values of peritoneal fat in the patients of group I and group II at the 3 diffusion gradients (p>0.05). The measurement of ADC values may be used as a complementary diagnostic method in differentiating peritoneal metastases from peritoneal fat on Diffusion Weighted MRI (DWMRI DWMRI).

Repeated administration of an aqueous spray-dried extract of the leaves of Passiflora alata Curtis (Passifloraceae) inhibits body weight gain without altering mice behavior

Ethnopharmacological relevancePassiflora alata is a Southern American species that constitutes many traditional remedies as well as phytomedicines used for sedative and anxiolytic purposes in Brazil. However studies on repeated treatment effects are scarce. Aim of the studyTo evaluate behavioral, physiological and biochemical effects of the repeated treatment with an aqueous spray-dried extract of Passiflora alata leaves containing 2.5% (w/v) of flavonoids (PA) in mice. Material and methodsMale adult CF1 mice were treated (p.o.) for 14 days with PA (2.5; 25 or 250mg/kg). The feeding behavior was evaluated at the beginning (1h after the first administration) and at the end of the treatment (15th day). The body weight gain and food consumption were monitored along the days. On day 15 mice were evaluated on plus maze, spontaneous locomotor activity, catalepsy and barbiturate sleeping time tests. Serum glucose, lipids, ALT and AST enzymes were determined. Liver, kidney, perirenal fat, epididymal and peritoneal fat were analyzed. ResultsThe repeated treatment with the highest dose tested (250mg/kg) did not alter the mice behavior on open field, elevated plus maze, catalepsy and barbiturate sleeping time tests. Repeated administration of PA 250 decreased mice feeding behavior and weight gain. PA 25 and PA 250 reduced mice relative liver weight and caused mild hepatic hydropic degeneration as well as a decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serum level. ConclusionsThese results indicate that Passiflora alata does not present central cumulative effects and point to the needs of further studies searching for its hepatotoxicity as well as potential anorexigenic.

Effects of Curcumin and Telmisartan on Olanzapine and high fructose diet induced Metabolic Syndrome in Spraugue Dawly Rats

Objective: To study the effects of curcumin and telmisartan on olanzapine, high fructose diet (HFD) and both olanzapine and HFD-induced metabolic syndrome. Method: Adult male Spraugue Dawly (SD) rats were used for the study. Animals were divided into ten groups including normal and HFD controls. The obesity/metabolic syndrome was induced using olanzapine (1 mg/kg; i.p.), a second generation antipsychotic and HFD. Effect of curcumin (50 mg/kg; p.o.) and telmisartan (5 mg/kg; p.o.) on olanzapine, HFD and both olanzapine and HFD-induced metabolic syndrome. All drugs were administered for 28 days. The blood sample was collected through retro orbital sinus and the plasma was separated at the end of study. The plasma sample was used to estimate the biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (ALT ), alanine aminotransferase (ALT ), urea, uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride; and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were analyzed and the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were calculated using Frieldwann's equation. After completing the experiment, all experimental animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and their organs such as heart, liver, kidney and peritoneal fat pads were removed and the absolute organ weight was measured. Result: The animals treated with olanzapine and fed with HFD showed significant increase in body weight and biochemical parameters when compared to the control group. Curcumin and telmisartan were significantly (P<0.001) inhibited, the HFD and olanzapine induced increase in body weight and also brought the biochemical levels to normal when compared to the olanzapine and HFD groups, respectively. The animals treated with telmisartan showed significant inhibition on the liver weight and peritoneal fat levels when compared to control group. Conclusion: The study results suggested that curcumin and telmisartan significantly inhibited the olanzapine and HFD-induced metabolic syndrome. Telmisartan affects the total lipid profile, glucose metabolism and decreases the body weight.

Abstract 2680: Characterization of cultured circulating melanoma cells for individualized therapy

Abstract In the presented study circulating melanoma cells (CMSs) have been isolated from a B16 mouse melanoma model and from melanoma patients. Culture of CMCs has enabled us to perform drug sensitivity testing on them. The main hypothesis was to compare drug sensitivity of primary tumor cells grown in culture with the sensitivity of CMCs grown in vitro after capture. B16 murine melanoma was implanted i.p. in mice. Fourteen days after peritoneal injection, mice were sacrificed and blood obtained by cardiac puncture for CMCs-capture. The CMCs were captured either by immunomagnetic separation (Adnagen, AdnaTest Melanoma Select™, Germany) and/or blood added to culture flask containing growing medium. Sensitivity to cisplatin (CDDP) was tested with the MTT-assay at different concentrations. Primary melanoma and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) were also cultured and tested. The DTCs were isolated from peritoneal washing (ascites like cells), lymph nodes and peritoneal fat tissue. CMCs and DTCs were found less sensitive to CDDP than primary melanoma cells. The ability to capture and culture CTCs enabled these studies which can be used for individualized therapy design. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2680. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2680

The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of green, red and white teas and their effects on the lipid profiles of rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activities (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities) of different teas from Camellia sinensisand their effects on the blood lipid profiles of rats. Green, red and white teas were examined. Liquid and dietary intake, body weight, peritoneal fat, lipid profiles (total cholesterol and fractions and triacylglycerols) and lipids in the liver and faeces were measured. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following five groups: standard (commercial feed diet and water); control (hypercholesterolemic diet and water); green (hypercholesterolemic diet and green tea); red (hypercholesterolemic diet and red tea); and white (hypercholesterolemic diet and white tea). C. sinensis teas revealed different properties. Green tea demonstrated the highest DPPH radical scavenging activities. Green, red and white teas affected neither dietary intake nor weight gain. Both green and white teas reduced peritoneal fat. White tea reduced very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and increased fat elimination in the faeces. Red tea reduced hepatic lipids and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL). Key words: Camellia sinensis, catechin, obesity, lipid metabolism.

The diagnostic value of indirect ultrasound signs during acute adult appendicitis

To evaluate the diagnostic value of indirect ultrasound signs during acute appendicitis. Our retrospective study lasted 5 years, from May 2005 to April 2010. It concerned 620 cases of appendectomy performed following prior ultrasound examination of the right iliac fossa (RIF). In 448 cases, ultrasonography clearly showed the appendix, which was inflamed. The presence of indirect signs of appendix inflammation without visualisation of the appendix was confirmed by ultrasound examination in 160 cases. In 12 cases, the appendix was not visualised nor were there any indirect signs on the ultrasound image. The indirect signs involved were hypertrophy of the peritoneal fat (HPF), pain caused by compression on exploration of the right iliac fossa, and localised hypokinesia in the digestive loops (LHL). We compared the results found by ultrasonography with the operative and anatomical pathology reports. The positive predictive value of the indirect signs of appendicitis on the ultrasound scan was 95.8% if the three indirect signs were associated, 87.5% for the association of pain and HPF, 45.8% for the association of pain and LHL, and 25% if there was just pain. The negative predictive value of the indirect signs of appendicitis on the ultrasound scan was 57.2% if the three signs were associated, 65.9% for the association of pain and HPF and 60.7% for the association of pain and LHL, with 83.3% for pain alone. The sensitivity of the indirect signs was 83.9% if the three signs were associated, 31.8% for the association of pain and HPF, 50% for the association of pain and LHL, and 50% if there was just pain. The specificity of the indirect signs was 85.7% if the three signs were associated, 96.7% for the association of pain and HPF, 56.7% for the association of pain and LHL, and 62.5% if there was just pain. When tomodensitometry cannot be performed and the appendix is not visible on ultrasound examination, indirect ultrasound signs must be systematically sought, particularly in populations in which appendicitis are highly prevalent.

Peritoneal amyloidosis: unusual localization of gastrointestinal amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis is a rare disease that results from the extracellular deposition of amorphous fibrillar protein. It is usually observed in a systemic form. Gastrointestinal involvement is frequent but peritoneal localization is unusual. A 43-year-old male was investigated for nephritic colic. Morphologic explorations revealed small intestine agglomerans in the periumbilical region, infiltration of peritoneal fat and multiple coelio-mesenteric lymph nodes. There were no clinical or biological abnormalities and endoscopic examinations were normal. The patient then underwent an exploratory laparoscopy. Macroscopically false membranes were seen throughout the peritoneum and small bowel without ascites. Anatomopathologic examination diagnosed peritoneal amyloidosis. After several investigations a diagnosis of a primary peritoneal amyloidosis was confirmed. The patient was treated with melphalan and prednisone with a favorable outcome. Our case illustrates a particular presentation of peritoneal amyloidosis. Despite improved imaging methods, peritoneal biopsy remains essential for diagnosis.

Ruptured Endometrial Cysts as a Rare Cause of Acute Pelvic Pain

To evaluate the usefulness of CT in the differentiation of ruptured endometrial cysts and corpus luteal cysts. Sixteen patients (mean age, 26 years) with a surgically proven ruptured endometrial cyst and 19 patients (mean age, 28 years) with a surgically proven corpus luteal cyst were included in this study. All patients had undergone portal phase contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans. We retrospectively analyzed the CT findings on the ovarian cysts for the size and shape of the ovarian cyst, the thickness of the cyst wall, the attenuation of the cyst content, the presence of a discontinuity of the cyst wall, and on the peritoneum for the amount and attenuation of the ascites and the presence of hazy infiltration in the peritoneal fat. We compared the CT imaging characteristics in patients with ruptured endometrial cysts and corpus luteal cysts, using the Mann-Whitney U test. Ruptured endometrial cysts tend to show larger, multilocular cysts with a thicker wall compared to ruptured corpus luteal cysts (P < 0.05). A distorted shape of the cyst was more commonly seen in ruptured endometrial cyst, but direct CT findings that can suggest a rupture of an ovarian cyst, such as a discontinuity of the cyst wall and hemoperitoneum, were more commonly seen in ruptured corpus luteal cysts than in endometrial cysts (P < 0.05). Computed tomography is useful in the differentiation of ruptured endometrial cysts and corpus luteal cysts in a patient with acute pelvic pain.

Abstract 1602: Mucinous adenocarcinoma developed from human fallopian tube epithelial cells through a combination of defined genetic modifications and tumor microenvironment

Abstract Epithelial ovarian cancer includes several distinct histologic types including serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell. The cell origin of these distinct epithelial ovarian cancers has been debated for many years. Recent studies have suggested that some ovarian and pelvic serous carcinomas could originate from the fimbrial end of distal fallopian tube, although direct experimental evidence supporting this hypothesis is still lacking. To test this hypothesis, we immortalized a normal human fallopian tubal epithelial (FTE) cell line by using a retrovirus-mediated infection expressing the early region of SV40 T/t antigen and the human telomerase reverse transcriptase. These immortalized FTEs were then transformed by ectopic expression of oncogenic human HRASV12. Tumorigenicity of the immortalized and/or transformed cells was subsequently tested by anchorage-independence assay and inoculation into nude mice via subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injections. As expected, the HRASV12-transformed FTEs produced tumors through both subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, while no tumor growth was observed in immortalized FTEs. To our surprise, however, while histopathologic examination of resulting tumor from subcutaneous injections revealed a largely undifferentiated carcinoma with focal mucin production, tumors from intraperitoneal injections showed mucinous adenocarcinoma with rich mucin production from an undifferentiated area. The mucinous differentiation of tumors was most prominent near the peritoneal fat and other peritoneal organs including the pancreas, spleen, and intestine. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells showed positive staining for the epithelial cell markers cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and CA125. Our study demonstrates that FTEs can generate mucinous adenocarcinoma through genetic modifications and that such mucinous differentiation is dependent on the peritoneal microenvironment. Thus, the experiment described here provided the first experimental evidence that fimbrial epithelial cells of the fallopian tube could be a potential source of ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma, a distinct histologic entity of epithelial ovarian cancers whose origin is largely unknown. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1602. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1602