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Sarkar M, Sharma H, Singh P, Ranu R, Sharma RD, Agrawal U, Pal R. Progesterone limits the tumor-promoting effects of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin via non-nuclear receptors. iScience 2022; 25:104527. [PMID: 35754725 PMCID: PMC9218381 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The post-menopausal state in women is associated with increased cancer incidence, the reasons for which remain obscure. Curiously, increased circulating levels of beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) (a hormonal subunit linked with tumors of several lineages) are also often observed post-menopause. This study describes a previously unidentified interplay between beta-hCG and progesterone in tumorigenesis. Progesterone mediated apoptosis in beta-hCG responsive tumor cells via non-nuclear receptors. The transgenic expression of beta-hCG, particularly in the absence of the ovaries (a mimic of the post-menopausal state) constituted a potent pro-tumorigenic signal. Significantly, the administration of progesterone had significant anti-tumor effects. RNA-seq profiling identified molecular signatures associated with these processes. TCGA analysis revealed correlates between the expression of several newly identified genes and poor prognosis in post-menopausal patients of lung adenocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and glioblastoma. Specifically in these women, the detection of intra-tumoral/extra-tumoral beta-hCG may serve as a useful prognostic indicator, and treatment with progesterone on its detection may prove beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Sarkar
- Immunoendocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Harsh Sharma
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University, Gurugram, Haryana 122413, India
| | - Parminder Singh
- Larry L. Hillblom Center, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Ranbala Ranu
- Cancer Research Imaging and Biobanking Lab, National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Ravi Datta Sharma
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University, Gurugram, Haryana 122413, India
| | - Usha Agrawal
- Cancer Research Imaging and Biobanking Lab, National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Rahul Pal
- Immunoendocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
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2
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Bozdag Z, Taslar AM, Tepe NB, Dizibuyuk OF, Ozcan HC, Karakök M. The re-awakening of hCG expression. Its role in the diagnosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Saudi Med J 2018; 39:873-877. [PMID: 30251729 PMCID: PMC6201007 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2018.9.22710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To compare immunohistochemical detection of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) expression in paraffin embedded tissue of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Methods: The samples in this retrospective study were obtained from the archives of the Pathology Department at Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey, over the period from January 2012 to September 2016. The study group consisted of 55 cases of SCC and 45 cases of HSIL. Tissue expression of hCG was detected by specific binding of anti-hCG antibody using an automated immunohistochemistry staining device. The categorical variables of intensity and coverage were analyzed statistically using Pearson Chi-Square test. Results: High grade squamous cell lesions cases showed weak (84.4%, n=38/45) to no (15.6%, n=7/45) staining for hCG. None of the HSIL cases showed strong positivity. Strong positivity for hCG was detected in 90.9% (n=50/55) of SCC cases. Conclusion: Our study supports the association of ectopic hCG expression in cancer pathogenesis by demonstrating strong hCG immunoreactivity only in SCC cases. This finding can be helpful in supporting the diagnosis of invasive carcinoma in small or fragmented biopsies, which can on their own be confusing for the pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Bozdag
- Department of pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University. E-mail.
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3
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Mustafa A, Bozdag Z, Tepe NB, Ozcan HC. An unexpected reason for elevated human chorionic gonadotropin in a young woman. Cervical squamous carcinoma. Saudi Med J 2017. [PMID: 27464870 PMCID: PMC5018710 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.8.14529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin has been used for decades, in addition to specific investigations, to detect pregnancy, trophoblastic tumors, as well as congenital defects. Rarely, it can be elevated in non-trophoblastic tumors such as squamous cell cancers and germ cell tumors. A 33-year-old Asian Syrian female had irregular menses accompanied with feelings of heaviness in the vagina. In addition to routine investigations, we measured the serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) level (based on the patient's complaint of amenorrhea), which was 50.05 ml UI/ml. Cervical biopsy revealed a non-keratinized large cell squamous carcinoma. After excluding other causes, ß-hCG elevation was explained by the ectopic secretion of cancer cells line. Cervical biopsy was suggestive of large cell non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma and positive for human chorionic gonadotropin on immunohistochemistry. As a result, we manage the possibility of ectopic secretion of ß-HCG from non- trophoblastic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynur Mustafa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey. E-mail.
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4
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Mustafa A, Bozdag Z, Tepe NB, Ozcan HC. An unexpected reason for elevated human chorionic gonadotropin in a young woman. Cervical squamous carcinoma. Saudi Med J 2017; 37:905-7. [PMID: 27464870 DOI: 10.15537/2016.8.14529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin has been used for decades, in addition to specific investigations, to detect pregnancy, trophoblastic tumors, as well as congenital defects. Rarely, it can be elevated in non-trophoblastic tumors such as squamous cell cancers and germ cell tumors. A 33-year-old Asian Syrian female had irregular menses accompanied with feelings of heaviness in the vagina. In addition to routine investigations, we measured the serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) level (based on the patient's complaint of amenorrhea), which was 50.05 ml UI/ml. Cervical biopsy revealed a non-keratinized large cell squamous carcinoma. After excluding other causes, ß-hCG elevation was explained by the ectopic secretion of cancer cells line. Cervical biopsy was suggestive of large cell non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma and positive for human chorionic gonadotropin on immunohistochemistry. As a result, we manage the possibility of ectopic secretion of ß-HCG from non- trophoblastic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynur Mustafa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey. E-mail.
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5
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Liu N, Peng SM, Zhan GX, Yu J, Wu WM, Gao H, Li XF, Guo XQ. Human chorionic gonadotropin β regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in human ovarian cancer. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:1464-1472. [PMID: 28713970 PMCID: PMC5549031 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin β (β-hCG) is a well-known and accurate marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy, trophoblastic tumors and ovarian germ cell tumors. Recently, β-hCG has been found to be closely related to poor prognosis and metastasis in various other malignant tumors, while its role and mechanism in ovarian cancer is still unclear. In the present study, lentiviral-mediated transfection and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to alter β-hCG expression in the ovarian cancer cell lines ES-2 and SKOV3, respectively. Then, migration and invasion activity regulated by β-hCG were evaluated by wound-healing and Transwell assays in vitro and in a peritoneal xenograft nude mouse model in vivo. EDTA and trypsin were utilized to investigate the attachment ability of these cells. Moreover, the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (β-catenin, Slug, vimentin, Snail, claudin, E-cadherin and N-cadherin) was assessed by western blotting and immunofluorescence in ES-2 and SKOV3 cells. Furthermore, β-hCG and EMT markers were evaluated in human ovarian cancer specimens by IHC. The results showed that overexpression of β-hCG clearly promoted migration and invasion in ES-2 and SKOV3 cells (P<0.05) and facilitated metastasis in peritoneal xenografts, while silencing of β-hCG led to the opposite effect. Moreover, β-hCG was closely associated with cell morphology, attachment ability and EMT marker expression in ES-2 and SKOV3 cells and human ovarian cancer specimens. Upregulation of β-hCG promoted cells from an epithelial-like morphology to a mesenchymal-like phenotype, decreased the adhesion ability (P<0.05), and reduced the expression of epithelial markers (E-cadherin) while inducing the expression of mesenchymal markers (vimentin, N-cadherin, β-catenin and Slug). Furthermore, the converse effects were confirmed by knockdown of β-hCG. These findings strongly suggest that β-hCG may regulate metastasis of ovarian cancer through EMT, and it may become a new target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Min Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - Guang-Xi Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Hao Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Qing Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
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Canham M, Charsou C, Stewart J, Moncur S, Hoodless L, Bhatia R, Cong D, Cubie H, Busby-Earle C, Williams A, McLoughlin V, Campbell JDM, Cuschieri K, Howie S. Increased cycling cell numbers and stem cell associated proteins as potential biomarkers for high grade human papillomavirus+ve pre-neoplastic cervical disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115379. [PMID: 25531390 PMCID: PMC4274002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
High risk (oncogenic) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes cervical cancer. Infections are common but most clear naturally. Persistent infection can progress to cancer. Pre-neoplastic disease (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia/CIN) is classified by histology (CIN1-3) according to severity. Cervical abnormalities are screened for by cytology and/or detection of high risk HPV but both methods are imperfect for prediction of which women need treatment. There is a need to understand the host virus interactions that lead to different disease outcomes and to develop biomarker tests for accurate triage of infected women. As cancer is increasingly presumed to develop from proliferative, tumour initiating, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and as other oncogenic viruses induce stem cell associated gene expression, we evaluated whether presence of mRNA (detected by qRT-PCR) or proteins (detected by flow cytometry and antibody based proteomic microarray) from stem cell associated genes and/or increased cell proliferation (detected by flow cytometry) could be detected in well-characterised, routinely collected cervical samples from high risk HPV+ve women. Both cytology and histology results were available for most samples with moderate to high grade abnormality. We found that stem cell associated proteins including human chorionic gonadotropin, the oncogene TP63 and the transcription factor SOX2 were upregulated in samples from women with CIN3 and that the stem cell related, cell surface, protein podocalyxin was detectable on cells in samples from a subset of women with CIN3. SOX2, TP63 and human gonadotrophin mRNAs were upregulated in high grade disease. Immunohistochemistry showed that SOX2 and TP63 proteins clearly delineated tumour cells in invasive squamous cervical cancer. Samples from women with CIN3 showed increased proliferating cells. We believe that these markers may be of use to develop triage tests for women with high grade cervical abnormality to distinguish those who may progress to cancer from those who may be treated more conservatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Canham
- Human Papillomavirus Group, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chara Charsou
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - June Stewart
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Moncur
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Hoodless
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ramya Bhatia
- Human Papillomavirus Group, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Duanduan Cong
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Cubie
- Human Papillomavirus Group, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Camille Busby-Earle
- Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair Williams
- Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria McLoughlin
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service National Science Laboratory, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - John D. M. Campbell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service National Science Laboratory, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Cuschieri
- Scottish Human Papillomavirus Reference Laboratory, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Howie
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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8
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Lawless ME, Jour G, Hoch BL, Rendi MH. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin expression in recurrent and metastatic giant cell tumors of bone: a potential mimicker of germ cell tumor. Int J Surg Pathol 2014; 22:617-22. [PMID: 24831855 DOI: 10.1177/1066896914534466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Giant cell tumors of bone (GCTs) are generally benign, locally aggressive neoplasms that rarely metastasize. The beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) is expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts and several nongynecologic neoplasms but has not been described in GCT. At our institution, we observed cases of elevated beta-hCG in patients with GCT leading to diagnostic difficulty and in one case, concern for metastatic choriocarcinoma. This study aims to determine the frequency of beta-hCG expression in GCT and any relationship to clinical aggressiveness. We evaluated tissue expression of beta-hCG by immunohistochemistry with 58% of cases staining for beta-hCG. Additionally, 2 of 11 patients with available serum and/or urine beta-hCG measurements demonstrated elevated beta-hCG due to tumor. It is important to be aware of beta-hCG expression by GCT and the potential for elevated urine and serum beta-hCG levels in patients with GCT so as to avoid misdiagnosis of pregnancy or gestational trophoblastic disease.
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9
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Becker N, Chernock RD, Nussenbaum B, Lewis JS. Prognostic significance of β-human chorionic gonadotropin and PAX8 expression in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid 2014; 24:319-26. [PMID: 23806007 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2013.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy with a median survival of five months. Multimodality treatment is associated with some improvement in survival, but patients are only infrequently curable. Although β-hCG secretion has been reported in many neoplasms, it has never been described in ATC. The objectives of this study were to report a case of β-hCG-secreting ATC and to study the expression and significance of β-hCG and PAX8 in an institutional cohort of ATC. METHODS The sentinel case was characterized and then immunohistochemistry was performed for β-hCG and PAX8 on 30 ATC patients. Clinical follow-up was obtained by chart review. RESULTS The sentinel patient with β-hCG-secreting ATC had a dramatic response to chemotherapy and radiation. After surgical excision of residual disease, the patient developed a regional recurrence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma at 18 months. However, she is now, 30 months after initial therapy, with no evidence of disease and no detectable serum β-hCG or thyroglobulin. Five of the 30 (17%) total ATCs were positive for β-hCG and 18 (60%) for PAX8. Outcomes for the β-hCG-positive cases were not significantly different from those for negative ones. However, none of the other four β-hCG-positive ATC patients received treatment with either chemotherapy or radiation. Interestingly, PAX8 positivity correlated with statistically significantly better overall survival (p=0.019). CONCLUSIONS β-hCG is expressed in a minority of ATCs. Although only a single case in the study had diffuse immunohistochemical expression, the response it showed to aggressive multimodality therapy and the resulting favorable outcome suggest that β-hCG-positive ATC may be a unique tumor subtype, or possibly even a unique entity. PAX8 is a useful marker of ATC and may be helpful in the differential diagnosis with other malignant neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Becker
- 1 Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
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10
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Coexistence of placental site nodule and cervical squamous carcinoma in a 72-year-old woman. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2013; 32:335-7. [PMID: 23518918 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0b013e31826a62d8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We report a unique case of the coexistence of cervical cancer and placental site nodule (PSN) in a 72-year-old multiparous woman presenting with vaginal bleeding. She had undergone tubal sterilization 30 years before. On admission, she had profuse vaginal bleeding, and a bulky cervical mass was seen on vaginal examination. Histology revealed the coexistence of a moderately differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma with a PSN in its stroma. Its immunohistochemistry revealed characteristic phenotypes for both lesions--the squamous carcinoma was strongly positive for p16. The intermediate trophoblasts of the PSN showed a diffuse positivity for CAM 5.2, human placental lactogen, CD10, and α-inhibin and, focally, for human chorionic gonadotropin. This is the first report on the coexistence of these 2 lesions in an elderly postmenopausal patient and demonstrates that PSN can be found after the menopause as an unexpected lesion in this age group, mimicking various cervical malignancies.
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11
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Li D, Wen X, Ghali L, Al-Shalabi FM, Docherty SM, Purkis P, Iles RK. hCG beta expression by cervical squamous carcinoma--in vivo histological association with tumour invasion and apoptosis. Histopathology 2008; 53:147-55. [PMID: 18752498 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2008.03082.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the correlation of beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG beta) expression by cervical carcinomas with measures of tumour apoptosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Eighty-nine cervical carcinoma patients' samples were subject to hCG beta immunohistochemistry and scored with respect to intensity of immunopositivity and percentage of positive cells. Apoptosis was evaluated by three independent parameters: morphological characteristics [haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)], terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) immunopositivity. Of the 12 adenocarcinomas, only one (8%) was hCG beta+. However, 87% (61/70) of the squamous cell and 100% (7/7) of adenosquamous cell carcinomas were hCG beta+. hCG beta reactivity and intensity was predominantly confined to peripheral tumour cells at the stromal-epithelial interface. Correlation analysis showed that H&E and PARP apoptotic immunopositivity negatively correlated with hCG beta expression (P < 0.001 and P = 0.028 respectively), whereas TUNEL did not (P = 0.12). However, immunopositivity for apoptotic cells by TUNEL was significantly less in tumours where hCG beta expression was greater (scoring >or= 6) and vice versa. hCG beta immunopositivity was also observed in newly formed blood vessels, as well as tumour cells within lymphatic vessels. When tumour vascularization was taken into account, samples with noted vascularization positively correlated with hCG beta scoring. CONCLUSIONS hCG beta expression correlates with reduced tumour cell apoptosis and may be involved in tumour vascularization and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Li
- Biomedical Science, Department of Natural Sciences, School of Health and Social Science, Middlesex University, Enfield, UK
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12
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Mittal K, Soslow R, McCluggage WG. Application of immunohistochemistry to gynecologic pathology. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2008; 132:402-23. [PMID: 18318583 DOI: 10.5858/2008-132-402-aoitgp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT A large variety of tumors and lesions arise in the female genital tract. Although the majority of these can be correctly recognized on routine hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides, occasional cases present a diagnostic challenge. Immunohistochemical stains are extremely useful in resolving many of these problematic cases. As the knowledge in this area is constantly expanding, it is useful to have this updated information in a review form for easy access. OBJECTIVE To present our current knowledge of immunohistochemistry of the lesions of the female genital tract in a readily accessible form. DATA SOURCES The review is based on previously published articles on this topic. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemical stains help in reaching a conclusive diagnosis in a variety of problematic lesions seen in gynecologic pathology. As in any other system, immunohistochemical findings need to be interpreted in light of the clinical history and morphologic findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khush Mittal
- Department of Pathology, NYU School of Medicine and Surgical and Ob-Gyn Pathology, Bellevue Hospital, Room 4 west 1, 462 First Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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13
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Kadivar M, Hosseini A. Cytological findings of intrauterine and cervical choriocarcinoma. Cytopathology 2008; 19:61-2. [PMID: 18205630 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2303.2006.00421.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Balachandra B, Marcus V, Jass JR. Poorly differentiated tumours of the anal canal: a diagnostic strategy for the surgical pathologist. Histopathology 2007; 50:163-74. [PMID: 17204029 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2006.02550.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Poorly differentiated malignancies affecting the anal canal are uncommon but pose diagnostic difficulties because of the wide range of normal cell types that may occur within a limited anatomical region. The range of lesions that may present as poorly differentiated tumours includes squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, small and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma expressing epithelial cytokeratins and other patterns of mixed differentiation, undifferentiated carcinoma, malignant melanoma, lymphoma and secondary tumours. This review discusses the differential diagnosis of these neoplasms with the aid of short illustrative case studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Balachandra
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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15
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McCluggage WG. Immunohistochemical and functional biomarkers of value in female genital tract lesions. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2006; 25:101-20. [PMID: 16633059 DOI: 10.1097/01.pgp.0000192269.14666.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
There has been a marked expansion in the literature pertaining to the use of immunohistochemical markers in female genital tract pathology, especially with regard to diagnosis. This review provides a survey of the antibodies commonly used in the diagnosis of gynecological lesions grouped as to function or type. Prognostic or predictive markers are also discussed where appropriate, although few of these are of value in everyday practice. It is stressed that when immunohistochemistry is used diagnostically, panels of markers provide better information than reliance on a single antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Glenn McCluggage
- Department of Pathology, Royal Group of Hospitals Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Naz RK, Gupta SK, Gupta JC, Vyas HK, Talwar AGP. Recent advances in contraceptive vaccine development: a mini-review. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:3271-83. [PMID: 16113040 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Contraceptive vaccines (CV) may provide viable and valuable alternatives to the presently available methods of contraception. The molecules that are being explored for CV development either target gamete production [luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)/GnRH, FSH], gamete function [sperm antigens and oocyte zona pellucida (ZP)], and gamete outcome (HCG). CV targeting gamete production have shown varied degrees of efficacy; however, they either affect sex steroids causing impotency and/or show only a partial rather than a complete effect in inhibiting gametogenesis. However, vaccines based on LHRH/GnRH are being developed by several pharmaceutical companies as substitutes for castration of domestic pets, farm and wild animals, and for therapeutic anticancer purposes such as in prostatic hypertrophy and carcinoma. These vaccines may also find applications in clinical situations that require the inhibition of increased secretions of sex steroids, such as in uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and precocious puberty. CV targeting molecules involved in gamete function such as sperm antigens and ZP proteins are exciting choices. Sperm constitute the most promising and exciting target for CV. Several sperm-specific antigens have been delineated in several laboratories and are being actively explored for CV development. Studies are focused on delineating appropriate sperm-specific epitopes, and increasing the immunogenicity (specifically in the local genital tract) and efficacy on the vaccines. Anti-sperm antibody (ASA)-mediated immunoinfertility provides a naturally occurring model to indicate how a vaccine might work in humans. Vaccines based on ZP proteins are quite efficacious in producing contraceptive effects, but may induce oophoritis, affecting sex steroids. They are being successfully tested to control feral populations of dogs, deer, horses and elephants, and populations of several species of zoo animals. The current research for human applicability is focused on delineating infertility-related epitopes (B-cell epitopes) from oophoritis-inducing epitopes (T-cell epitopes). Vaccines targeting gamete outcome primarily focus on the HCG molecule. The HCG vaccine is the first vaccine to undergo Phase I and II clinical trials in humans. Both efficacy and lack of immunopathology have been reasonably well demonstrated for this vaccine. At the present time, studies are focused on increasing the immunogenicity and efficacy of the birth control vaccine, and examining its clinical applications in various HCG-producing cancers. The present article will focus on the current status of the anti-sperm, anti-ZP, anti-LHRH/GnRH and anti-HCG vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Reproductive Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University, School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA.
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Sriraman R, Bardor M, Sack M, Vaquero C, Faye L, Fischer R, Finnern R, Lerouge P. Recombinant anti-hCG antibodies retained in the endoplasmic reticulum of transformed plants lack core-xylose and core-alpha(1,3)-fucose residues. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2004; 2:279-87. [PMID: 17134389 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7652.2004.00078.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Plant-based expression systems are attractive for the large-scale production of pharmaceutical proteins. However, glycoproteins require particular attention as inherent differences in the N-glycosylation pathways of plants and mammals result in the production of glycoproteins bearing core-xylose and core-alpha(1,3)-fucose glyco-epitopes. For treatments requiring large quantities of repeatedly administered glycoproteins, the immunological properties of these non-mammalian glycans are a concern. Recombinant glycoproteins could be retained within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to prevent such glycan modifications occurring in the late Golgi compartment. Therefore, we analysed cPIPP, a mouse/human chimeric IgG1 antibody binding to the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), fused to a C-terminal KDEL sequence, to investigate the efficiency of ER retrieval and the consequences in terms of N-glycosylation. The KDEL-tagged cPIPP antibody was expressed in transgenic tobacco plants or Agrobacterium-infiltrated tobacco and winter cherry leaves. N-Glycan analysis showed that the resulting plantibodies contained only high-mannose (Man)-type Man-6 to Man-9 oligosaccharides. In contrast, the cPIPP antibody lacking the KDEL sequence was found to carry complex N-glycans containing core-xylose and core-alpha(1,3)-fucose, thereby demonstrating the secretion competence of the antibody. Furthermore, fusion of KDEL to the diabody derivative of PIPP, which contains an N-glycosylation site within the heavy chain variable domain, also resulted in a molecule lacking complex glycans. The complete absence of xylose and fucose residues clearly shows that the KDEL-mediated ER retrieval of cPIPP or its diabody derivative is efficient in preventing the formation of non-mammalian complex oligosaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Sriraman
- University of Aachen, Department for Molecular Biotechnology, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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18
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Abstract
Although the majority of diagnoses in gynecological pathology are established on examination of routine hematoxylin and eosin stained sections, additional tests are occasionally required. Immunohistochemistry is widely used to provide additional diagnostic information in problematic cases. This review touches on some of the basics of the procedure, presents an example immunohistochemical panel, and discusses some of the most common immunohistochemical markers used in diagnostic gynecological pathology. Differential diagnostic problems and relevant immunohistochemical stains for the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovary are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Deavers
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Recent years have witnessed significant developments in the use of immunohistochemistry in diagnostic gynaecological pathology. This review details the most significant of these. In ovarian pathology, differential cytokeratin staining (CK7 and 20) assists in distinguishing between a primary ovarian adenocarcinoma and a metastatic adenocarcinoma, especially of colorectal origin. The development of markers characteristic of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumours (especially alpha-inhibin) facilitates diagnosis of these neoplasms which is often difficult by morphology alone due to the wide differential diagnosis. In the uterus, the distinction between a primary endometrial and endocervical adenocarcinoma may be facilitated by use of a small panel of antibodies, including CEA, ER and vimentin. Newly developed antibodies such as CD10 and h-caldesmon may be of use in the diagnosis of uterine mesenchymal lesions, especially in the distinction between endometrial stromal and smooth muscle lesions. Proliferation markers, such as MIB1, are of value in the cervix in the diagnosis of preinvasive squamous and glandular lesions. Recent studies have shown that cervical adenoma malignum exhibits a gastric phenotype. Advances have also been made in trophoblastic disease with the development of antibodies reactive against trophoblast such as alpha-inhibin, mel-Cam and p57. A newly developed monoclonal antibody HMGIC which is expressed in vulvovaginal aggressive angiomyxoma may prove to be of value in the often difficult distinction of this lesion from its histological mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- W G McCluggage
- Department of Pathology, Royal Group of Hospitals Trust, Belfast, UK.
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20
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Abstract
An intermediate trophoblast is a distinctive trophoblastic cell population from which four trophoblastic lesions are thought to arise: exaggerated placental site (EPS), placental site nodule (PSN), placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT), and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT). EPSs and PSTTs are related to the differentiation of the intermediate trophoblast in the implantation site (implantation site intermediate trophoblast), whereas PSNs and ETTs are related to the intermediate trophoblast of the chorion laeve (chorionic-type intermediate trophoblast). EPSs and PSNs are nonneoplastic lesions, whereas PSTTs and ETTs are neoplasms with a potential for local invasion and metastasis. Microscopically, intermediate trophoblastic lesions can be confused with a variety of trophoblastic and nontrophoblastic tumors, but an appreciation of the morphologic features and immunophenotype allows their diagnosis to be relatively straightforward in most instances. Correct diagnosis is important because each of these lesions may require different therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Shih
- Division of Gynecologic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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21
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Coleman RL, Lindberg G, Muller CY, Miller DS, Hameed A. Ectopic production and localization of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the cervix: a case report. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2000; 19:179-82. [PMID: 10782417 DOI: 10.1097/00004347-200004000-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A 32-year-old woman underwent a suction curettage for missed abortion. The initial serum human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) level was 40 IU/ml. The histologic examination of the uterine curettage specimen showed scant strips of a poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm and no chorionic villi. The tumor showed strong immunoreactivity for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and beta-hCG but no reactivity for human placental lactogen. The combination of histologic appearance, beta-hCG immunoreactivity, and elevation of serum beta-hCG raised a strong suspicion for epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT). Postcurettage serial serum beta-hCG levels remained in the range of 20 to 45 micrograms/ml. Computerized tomographic scan showed a 1.0-cm circumscribed mass in the upper endocervix. A radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were performed. Gross examination of the hysterectomy specimen likewise showed a well-circumscribed mass in the upper endocervix. Histologic examination revealed an undifferentiated carcinoma accompanied by intense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. A final diagnosis of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) was rendered. LELC with elevated serum beta-hCG level and immunoreactivity to beta-hCG should be distinguished from ETT in a small endocervical curettage sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Coleman
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9073, USA
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22
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Shintaku M, Kariya M, Shime H, Ishikura H. Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix with choriocarcinomatous and hepatoid differentiation: report of a case. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2000; 19:174-8. [PMID: 10782416 DOI: 10.1097/00004347-200004000-00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A case of adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix that showed choriocarcinomatous and hepatoid differentiation was encountered in a 65-year-old woman. She presented with genital bleeding and had multiple metastatic nodules in the lungs. At operation, a large, hemorrhagic, and necrotic tumor was found in the uterine cervix. The major portion of the tumor consisted of typical choriocarcinoma admixed with minor areas of hepatoid carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma. Human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein were detected in tumor cells in the choriocarcinomatous and hepatoid areas, respectively. The patient died of pulmonary metastasis 4 months after the operation. The coexistence of choriocarcinomatous and hepatoid carcinoma in an endocervical adenocarcinoma has not been reported previously. Both heterotopic components were probably derived from aberrant differentiation (or neometaplasia) of the somatic epithelial cells of the endocervical adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shintaku
- Department of Pathology, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Japan
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