Sessile serrated adenomas and classical adenomas: an epigenetic perspective on premalignant neoplastic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract

The diagnosis of sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) is challenging, and there is a great deal of interobserver variability amongst pathologists in differentiating SSAs from hyperplastic polyps (HPPs). The aim of this study was (i) to assess the utility of epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation in differentiating SSAs from HPPs and (ii) to identify common methylation based molecular markers potentially useful for early detection of premalignant neoplastic lesions of gastrointestinal tract. A total of 97 primary patient adenoma samples were obtained from The Johns Hopkins Hospital pathology archive with IRB approval and HIPAA compliance. We analyzed the promoter associated CpG island methylation status of 17 genes using nested multiplex methylation specific PCR (MSP). Methylation of CDX2, hMLH1 and TLR2 was detected in SSAs and SSAs with dysplasia but not in HPPs. A subset of genes including EVL, GATAs (4 and 5), HIN-1, SFRPs (1, 2, 4 and 5), SOX17 and SYNE1 were methylated frequently in all premalignant gastrointestinal adenomas including tubular adenomas, villous adenomas, SSAs and SSAs with dysplasia but infrequently in non-premalignant polyps such as HPPs. Methylation of CDX2, hMLH1 and TLR2 may be of diagnostic utility in differentiating, histologically challenging cases of SSAs from HPPs. Genes such as EVL, GATAs, HIN-1, SFRPs, SOX17 and SYNE1, which are frequently methylated in all types of tested premalignant adenomas, may be useful as biomarkers in stool-based strategies for early detection of these adenomas and CRCs in future.

Genomic and epigenomic integration identifies a prognostic signature in colon cancer

PURPOSE

The importance of genetic and epigenetic alterations maybe in their aggregate role in altering core pathways in tumorigenesis.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Merging genome-wide genomic and epigenomic alterations, we identify key genes and pathways altered in colorectal cancers (CRC). DNA methylation analysis was tested for predicting survival in CRC patients using Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

We identified 29 low frequency-mutated genes that are also inactivated by epigenetic mechanisms in CRC. Pathway analysis showed the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling pathway is silenced in CRC. Six ECM pathway genes were tested for their prognostic potential in large CRC cohorts (n = 777). DNA methylation of IGFBP3 and EVL predicted for poor survival (IGFBP3: HR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.37-4.87, P = 0.004; EVL: HR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.07-5.74, P = 0.034) and simultaneous methylation of multiple genes predicted significantly worse survival (HR = 8.61, 95% CI: 2.16-34.36, P < 0.001 for methylation of IGFBP3, EVL, CD109, and FLNC). DNA methylation of IGFBP3 and EVL was validated as a prognostic marker in an independent contemporary-matched cohort (IGFBP3 HR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.04-4.09, P = 0.038; EVL HR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.00-5.0, P = 0.05) and EVL DNA methylation remained significant in a secondary historical validation cohort (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.05-1.89, P = 0.022). Moreover, DNA methylation of selected ECM genes helps to stratify the high-risk stage 2 colon cancers patients who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (HR: 5.85, 95% CI: 2.03-16.83, P = 0.001 for simultaneous methylation of IGFBP3, EVL, and CD109).

CONCLUSIONS

CRC that have silenced genes in ECM pathway components show worse survival suggesting that our finding provides novel prognostic biomarkers for CRC and reflects the high importance of integrative analyses linking genetic and epigenetic abnormalities with pathway disruption in cancer.

[About the self-reported quality of life after amputation of the hand in patients with upper extremity tumors]

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

Amputation proximal to the wrist may be oncologically dictated in cases of upper extremity soft tissue sarcoma and aggressive fibromatosis. Literature on functional long-term results and patient-oriented assessment is sparse. Our study is concerned with subjective impressions of quality of life and upper extremity health status and their importance in the evaluation and interpretation of results after amputation of the hand.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Between 1999 and 2007, 14 patients (6 females/8 males; average age: 25 years) were operated because of a soft tissue sarcoma (n = 11) or aggressive fibromatosis (n = 3). Ten patients underwent limb-sparing surgery. There were two amputations at the level of the forearm. Local recurrence following forequarter amputation due to aggressive fibromatosis required reoperation in another patient. A heterotopic replantation after resection was carried out in one patient. In patients with amputations, the self-reported upper extremity-specific health status and quality of life were measured with the DASH score. Disturbances in body image and symptoms of depression were assessed psychiatrically.

RESULTS

In two cases with amputations, minimal impairments in everyday life and a high reported quality of life were observed (DASH scores: 3,5).

CONCLUSION

Self-reported upper extremity health status and quality of life following amputation of the hand can be in contrast to the objective pathology. In patient-oriented assessment of results, individual psychosocial factors that may affect results must be taken into consideration. They also must not be neglected when determining whether patients are suitable candidates for prosthetic devices.

[Optimal result after ear reconstruction following a dog bite injury]

A case of a young woman is reported who lost a big part of the right auricle by a dog bite. An aesthetically satisfying immediate reconstruction after refixation of the deep-ithelialised amputated helical rim could be achieved with the aid of a temporal fascial island flap and full thickness skin grafts.

Chronisches Kompartmentsyndrom der Unterarmbeuger beim Motocrossfahren

A case of a mechanic and motorcyclist is reported who developed unilateral chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the flexor muscles in the forearm. After years of discomfort and medical check-ups, a subcutaneous fasciotomy of the superficial compartments of the flexor muscles in the forearm led to a complete relief of symptoms, which allowed the patient unrestricted activity.

Tumor vascularization in experimental melanomas: correlation between unenhanced and contrast enhanced power Doppler imaging and histological grading

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of unenhanced and enhanced power Doppler sonography in visualization of intratumoral angioneogenesis. Thirty-seven malignant melanomas, which had been implanted intra- or subcutaneously in 22 mice, were examined. Various B-mode criteria, power Doppler criteria and spectral Doppler parameters were evaluated before and after IV-application of the d-galactose-based contrast agent Levovist. After sonographic examination, all tumors were analyzed histologically with semiquantitative grading of tumoral vascularization. Unenhanced, in 70% of the tumors, no intratumoral vessels were visible using power Doppler, but only in 11% of the intracutaneous and in 0% of the subcutaneous after injection of the contrast agent. The enhanced mode was definitely superior to unenhanced Doppler in showing the intratumoral vascularity. The intratumoral vascular structure could be sufficiently analyzed in 30% of all tumors by unenhanced Doppler, but in 92% enhanced. The mean percentage vessel area increased about 433% after application of Levovist (intracutaneous: 485%, subcutaneous: 280%). Despite the missing direct correlation between the sonographically and histologically determined grade of tumor vascularization (Pearson's correlation unenhanced 0,356, p <.05/enhanced 0.395, p <.05), the correlation between the percentage vessel area and the histologic grade of vascularization was improved after application of the contrast agent (Pearson's correlation unenhanced 0.347, p <.05/enhanced 0.686, p <.01). We did not find a significant direct correlation between histologically and sonographically determined degree of vascularization. However, the correlation was improved using a d-galactose-based signal-enhancing agent in power Doppler sonography.

[Doping in sports]

The first organized doping controls were carried out in the 1970s. In 1993, the Czech Antidoping Charter was signed and the Antidoping Committee was established. The medical commission of International Olympic Committee decides, which substances and methods are prohibited. The current classification is as follows: I. prohibited classes of substances--stimulants, narcotics, anabolic agents, diuretics and some hormones. II. prohibited methods--blood doping and pharmaceutical, chemical or physical manipulation. III. classes of drugs subject to certain restrictions--alcohol, marijuana, local anesthetics, corticosteroids and beta blockers. All substances are characterized from the ergogenic viewpoint and health risks are particularly emphasized. In practice, doping control starts by drawing the athletes and ends by urine sample analysis in a special laboratory. In case of positive results, the sportsman is banned from sports activity for 3 months, 2 years or for the rest of his life. In 24 worldwide laboratories in 1995 93,938 urine samples were analyzed. 1516 (1.61%) proved to be positive, including 986 anabolic steroid use. In 1997, the Czech laboratory carried out 843 checks, of which 15 (1.7%) were positive. The largest positive doping group were body builders. Doping poses a major risk among junior sportsmen. Prevalence worldwide is estimated at 2-10% of the male population. In the future a severe antidoping attitude, as well as antidoping enlightenment, are certain to continue. By these standards the activity of the Czech Antidoping Committee is on a very high level.