Combining germline, tissue and liquid biopsy analysis by comprehensive genomic profiling to improve the yield of actionable variants in a real-world cancer cohort

BACKGROUND

Comprehensive next-generation sequencing is widely used for precision oncology and precision prevention approaches. We aimed to determine the yield of actionable gene variants, the capacity to uncover hereditary predisposition and liquid biopsy appropriateness instead of, or in addition to, tumor tissue analysis, in a real-world cohort of cancer patients, who may benefit the most from comprehensive genomic profiling.

METHODS

Seventy-eight matched germline/tumor tissue/liquid biopsy DNA and RNA samples were profiled using the Hereditary Cancer Panel (germline) and the TruSight Oncology 500 panel (tumor tissue/cfDNA) from 23 patients consecutively enrolled at our center according to at least one of the following criteria: no available therapeutic options; long responding patients potentially fit for other therapies; rare tumor; suspected hereditary cancer; primary cancer with high metastatic potential; tumor of unknown primary origin. Variants were annotated for OncoKB and AMP/ASCO/CAP classification.

RESULTS

The overall yield of actionable somatic and germline variants was 57% (13/23 patients), and 43.5%, excluding variants previously identified by somatic or germline routine testing. The accuracy of tumor/cfDNA germline-focused analysis was demonstrated by overlapping results of germline testing. Five germline variants in BRCA1, VHL, CHEK1, ATM genes would have been missed without extended genomic profiling. A previously undetected BRAF p.V600E mutation was emblematic of the clinical utility of this approach in a patient with a liver undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma responsive to BRAF/MEK inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms the clinical relevance of performing extended parallel tumor DNA and cfDNA testing to broaden therapeutic options, to longitudinally monitor cfDNA during patient treatment, and to uncover possible hereditary predisposition following tumor sequencing in patient care.

Evaluating mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancer biopsy specimens

Mismatch repair (MMR) testing on all new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) has customarily been preferably performed on surgical specimens, as more tissue is available; however, new clinical trials for the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the neoadjuvant setting require MMR testing on biopsy samples. This study aims at identifying advantages, disadvantages and any potential pitfalls in MMR evaluation on biopsy tissue and how to cope with them. The study is prospective-retrospective, recruiting 141 biopsies (86 proficient (p)MMR and 55 deficient (d)MMR) and 97 paired surgical specimens (48 pMMR; 49 dMMR). In biopsy specimens, a high number of indeterminate stains was observed, in particular for MLH1 (31 cases, 56.4%). The main reasons were a punctate nuclear expression of MLH1, relatively weak MLH1 nuclear expression compared to internal controls, or both (making MLH1 loss difficult to interpret), which was solved by reducing primary incubation times for MLH1. A mean of  ≥ 5 biopsies had adequate immunostains, compared to ≤ 3 biopsies in inadequate cases. Conversely, surgical specimens rarely suffered from indeterminate reactions, while weaker staining intensity (p < 0.007) for MLH1 and PMS2 and increased patchiness grade (p < 0.0001) were seen. Central artefacts were almost exclusive to surgical specimens. MMR status classification was possible in 92/97 matched biopsy/resection specimen cases, and all of these were concordant (47 pMMR and 45 dMMR). Evaluation of MMR status on CRC biopsy samples is feasible, if pitfalls in interpretation are known, making laboratory-specific appropriate staining protocols fundamental for high-quality diagnoses.

Integrative molecular analysis of combined small-cell lung carcinomas identifies major subtypes with different therapeutic opportunities

BACKGROUND

Combined small-cell lung cancer (C-SCLC) is composed of SCLC admixed with a non-small-cell cancer component. They currently receive the same treatment as SCLC. The recent evidence that SCLC may belong to either of two lineages, neuroendocrine (NE) or non-NE, with different vulnerability to specific cell death pathways such as ferroptosis, opens new therapeutic opportunities also for C-SCLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen C-SCLCs, including five with adenocarcinoma (CoADC), five with large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (CoLCNEC) and three with squamous cell carcinoma (CoSQC) components, were assessed for alterations in 409 genes and transcriptomic profiling of 20 815 genes.

RESULTS

All 13 cases harbored TP53 (12 cases) and/or RB1 (7 cases) inactivation, which was accompanied by mutated KRAS in 4 and PTEN in 3 cases. Potentially targetable alterations included two KRAS G12C, two PIK3CA and one EGFR mutations. Comparison of C-SCLC transcriptomes with those of 57 pure histology lung cancers (17 ADCs, 20 SQCs, 11 LCNECs, 9 SCLCs) showed that CoLCNEC and CoADC constituted a standalone group of NE tumors, while CoSQC transcriptional setup was overlapping that of pure SQC. Using transcriptional signatures of NE versus non-NE SCLC as classifier, CoLCNEC was clearly NE while CoSQC was strongly non-NE and CoADC exhibited a heterogeneous phenotype. Similarly, using ferroptosis sensitivity/resistance markers, CoSQC was classified as sensitive (as expected for non-NE), CoLCNEC as resistant (as expected for NE) and CoADC showed a heterogeneous pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support routine molecular profiling of C-SCLC to search for targetable driver alterations and to precisely classify them according to therapeutically relevant subgroups (e.g. NE versus non-NE).

Tumor regression grading after neoadjuvant treatment of esophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: results of an international Delphi consensus survey

Complete histopathologic tumor regression after neoadjuvant treatment is a well-known prognostic factor for survival among patients with adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. The aim of this international Delphi survey was to reach a consensus regarding the most useful tumor regression grading (TRG) system that could represent an international standard for histopathologic TRG grading of gastroesophageal carcinomas. Fifteen pathologists with special interest in esophageal and gastric pathology participated in the online survey. The initial questionnaire contained of 43 statements that addressed the following topics: (1) specimen processing, (2) gross examination, (3) cross sectioning, (4) staining, (5) Barrett's esophagus, (6) TRG systems, and (7) TRG in lymph node (LN). Participants rated the items using a 5-point Likert style scale and were encouraged to write comments for each statement. The expert panel recommended a 4-tiered TRG system for assessing the primary tumor: grade 1: No residual tumor (complete histopathologic tumor regression), grade 2: less than 10% residual tumor (near-complete regression), grade 3: 10%-50% residual tumor (partial regression), grade 4: greater than 50% residual tumor (minimal/no regression), combined with a 3-tiered system for grading therapeutic response in metastatic LNs: grade a: no residual tumor (complete histopathologic TRG), grade b: partial regression (tumor cells and regression), grade c: no regression (no sign of tumor response). This TRG grading system can be recommended as an international standard for histopathologic TRG grading in esophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

Quality control in diagnostic immunohistochemistry: integrated on-slide positive controls

Standardization in immunohistochemistry is a priority in modern pathology and requires strict quality control. Cost containment has also become fundamental and auditing of all procedures must take into account both these principles. Positive controls must be routinely performed so that their positivity guarantees the appropriateness of the immunohistochemical procedure. The aim of this study is to develop a low cost (utilizing a punch biopsy-PB-tool) procedure to construct positive controls which can be integrated in the patient's tissue slide. Sixteen frequently used control blocks were selected and multiple cylindrical samples were obtained using a 5-mm diameter punch biopsy tool, separately re-embedding them in single blocks. For each diagnostic immunoreaction requiring a positive control, an integrated PB-control section (cut from the appropriate PB-control block) was added to the top right corner of the diagnostic slide before immunostaining. This integrated control technique permitted a saving of 4.75% in total direct lab costs and proved to be technically feasible and reliable. Our proposal is easy to perform and within the reach of all pathology labs, requires easily available tools, its application costs is less than using external paired controls and ensures that a specific control for each slide is always available.

The dynamics of the oesophageal squamous epithelium 'normalisation' process in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease treated with long-term acid suppression or anti-reflux surgery

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors and laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) offer long-term symptom control to patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

AIM

To evaluate the process of 'normalisation' of the squamous epithelium morphology of the distal oesophagus on these therapies.

METHODS

In the LOTUS trial, 554 patients with chronic GERD were randomised to receive either esomeprazole (20-40 mg daily) or LARS. After 5 years, 372 patients remained in the study (esomeprazole, 192; LARS, 180). Biopsies were taken at the Z-line and 2 cm above, at baseline, 1, 3 and 5 years. A severity score was calculated based on: papillae elongation, basal cell hyperplasia, intercellular space dilatations and eosinophilic infiltration. The epithelial proliferative activity was assessed by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

A gradual improvement in all variables over 5 years was noted in both groups, at both the Z-line and 2 cm above. The severity score decreased from baseline at each subsequent time point in both groups (P < 0.001, all comparisons), attaining a normal level by 5 years. Corresponding decreases in Ki-67 expression were observed (P < 0.001, all comparisons). No significant differences were found between esomeprazole treatment and LARS. Neither baseline severity score nor Ki-67 expression predicted the risk of treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Five years of treatment is generally required before squamous epithelial cell morphology and proliferation are 'normalised' in patients with chronic GERD, despite endoscopic and symptomatic disease control. Control of the acid component of the refluxate seems to play the predominant role in restoring tissue morphology.

Segmental infarction of the testis: can frozen sections avoid orchidectomy?

Segmental infarction (SI) of the testis is a rare condition that can masquerade as a mass lesion, thus requiring exclusion of tumour. If clinical exams do not exclude a neoplastic lesion with certainty, orchidectomy is usually performed. A case of SI of the testis is presented; the use of frozen section of the enucleated mass demonstrated the ischaemic nature of the lesion, so avoiding orchidectomy. The 8 year follow-up was uneventful. The use of frozen section in SI could permit the selection of cases in which testicular-sparing surgery should be considered.

Molecular characterization of an Italian series of sporadic GISTs

PURPOSE

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Most (80 %) contain activating mutations in the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, roughly 10 % in platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRA). In a small subset, BRAF mutations are an alternative molecular pathway. GISTs respond well to imatinib, but low response is seen in patients with wild-type KIT or PDGFRA. Resistance has also been reported as a result of mutations in downstream effectors such as BRAF.

METHODS

We provide here a molecular characterization of a series of primary GISTs from Italian patients. Of 121 GIST cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2012, 83 were evaluated by PCR amplification and direct sequencing for mutations in KIT exons 8, 9, 11, 13, and 17, PDGFRA exons 12, 14, and 18, and BRAF exon 15. Eighty-one GISTs also underwent K-RAS testing.

RESULTS

Sixty-four GISTs were positive: 55 had mutations in KIT and 9 in PDGFRA; 16 patients were mutation negative. Three samples came from NF1 patients and were KIT- and PDGFRA negative. Overall, we identified six novel mutations in KIT (p.K550_M552delinsL, p.Q556_W557delinsG p.Q556_G575del, p.W557_V559delinsQ p.P573_R588dup, p.G592_K593dup) and one novel mutation in PDGFRA (p.D842_N848delinsVDV), thus contributing to widening the spectrum of known mutations in GIST tumors and confirming the most frequently altered regions underlying GIST development.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the 64 KIT- and PDGFRA-positive sporadic patients in our series, no BRAF or KRAS mutations were identified, suggesting that co-occurrence of these mutations is likely to be rare in the northwestern Italian population and not a frequent cause of primary resistance to imatinib in KIT-positive GIST patients.

Gastric exocrine and endocrine cell morphology under prolonged acid inhibition therapy: results of a 5-year follow-up in the LOTUS trial

BACKGROUND

Sustained acid inhibition with PPI stimulates gastrin secretion, exerting a proliferative drive on enterochromaffin-like cells (ECL cells) of the oxyntic mucosa. It may also accelerate development of gastric gland atrophy in Helicobacter pylori-infected individuals.

AIMS

To evaluate gastric exocrine and endocrine cell changes in GERD patients randomised to laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS, n = 288) or long-term (5 years) esomeprazole (ESO) treatment (n = 266).

METHODS

Antral and corpus biopsies were taken at endoscopy and serum gastrin and chromogranin A levels were assayed, at baseline and after 1, 3 and 5 years' therapy.

RESULTS

Biopsies were available at each time point for 158 LARS patients and 180 ESO patients. In H. pylori-infected subjects, antral mucosal inflammation and activity improved significantly (P < 0.001) and stabilised after 3 years on esomeprazole while no change in inflammation was observed after LARS. Oxyntic mucosal inflammation and activity remained stable on esomeprazole but decreased slightly over time after LARS. Neither intestinal metaplasia nor atrophy developed in the oxyntic mucosa. ECL cell density increased significantly after ESO (P < 0.001), corresponding with an increase in circulating gastrin and chromogranin A. After LARS, there was a significant decrease in ECL cell density (P < 0.05), accompanied by a marginal decrease in gastrin and chromogranin.

CONCLUSIONS

Antral gastritis improved in H. pylori-infected GERD patients after 5 years on esomeprazole, with little change in laparoscopic antireflux surgery patients, who acted as a control. Despite a continued proliferative drive on enterochromaffin-like cells during esomeprazole treatment, no dysplastic or neoplastic lesions were found and no safety concerns were raised. NCT 00251927.

Contribution of germline mutations in the BRCA and PALB2 genes to pancreatic cancer in Italy

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) is the third most common cancer associated with BRCA mutations. Most notice has been given to BRCA2, while the association between BRCA1 and PC is less widely reported. Recently, PALB2 has been implicated in both PC and breast cancer (BC) susceptibility. We selected 29 Italian PC patients from a case-control study of PC according to their personal and family history of both PC and breast/ovarian cancer (BC/OC) and tested them for presence of germline mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2. We identified no germline mutations or deletions in PALB2, but detected 7 BRCA mutations (4 in BRCA1 and 3 in BRCA2). These findings suggest that PALB2 does not play a major role in PC susceptibility in our population. As we found an almost equal frequency of germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, germline alterations in either of these genes may explain a subset of Italian families presenting both PC and BC/OC. Moreover, as we began the observation of these families from probands who are affected by PC, we provide here a direct assessment of the role of PALB2 and BRCA mutations in PC susceptibility.

Germline MLH1 and MSH2 mutations in Italian pancreatic cancer patients with suspected Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome is an inherited cancer syndrome caused by germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. LS predisposes to high risk of early-onset colorectal, endometrial and other tumors. Patients with Lynch syndrome have also been shown to have an elevated risk for pancreatic cancer (PC). In this study, we aimed to estimate the frequency of suspected Lynch syndrome among a series of 135 PC patients. Further, we wanted to determine the frequency of MMR gene mutations in the suspected Lynch syndrome cases. We also aimed to verify the pathogenicity of any novel non-truncating variants we might detect with a functional assay. Based on personal and/or familial cancer history, 19 patients were classified as suspected Lynch syndrome cases. DNA material for mutation analysis was available for eleven of them. Four patients were found to carry a total of five MLH1 or MSH2 variants. Of these, MSH2-Q402X, MSH2-G322D, and MLH1-K618A had been previously reported, while the MSH2-E205Q and MSH2-V367I variants were novel. MSH2-Q402X is a known stop mutation and reported here for the first time here in association with PC. MLH1-K618A was found in the unaffected branch of a kindred, suggesting that it may be a polymorphism or a low penetrance variant. MSH2-G322D likely does not cause a MMR defect, although this variant has also been associated with breast cancer as indeed seen in our patient. The novel variants MSH2-E205Q and MSH2-V367I were found in the same patient. Both novel variants were however functional in the applied MMR assay. Our findings suggest that only a small subset of pancreatic cancer patients carry pathogenic MMR mutations.

The impact of biopsy number and site on the accuracy of intestinal metaplasia detection in the stomach A morphometric study based on virtual biopsies

BACKGROUND

Intestinal metaplasia is a risk factor for gastric carcinoma. So far few studies have focused on the efficacy of endoscopic biopsies in detecting intestinal metaplasia in relation with the site and number of biopsies performed. The present study is aimed to assess the efficacy of single and multiple gastric biopsies in the detection and staging of intestinal metaplasia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 455 gastrectomies. We defined the extent of intestinal metaplasia on surgical specimens sampled by the "Swiss roll" technique and assessed the efficiency of an increasing number of "virtual" biopsies performed on the same rolls in recognising the true extent of intestinal metaplasia in the antro-angular region.

RESULTS

Seventy-four out of 455 cases showed intestinal metaplasia in more than 5% of the antro-angular mucosa. The correlation between antro-angular intestinal metaplasia on rolls and on virtual biopsies was always highly significant, both when a single biopsy was considered and when groups of multiple biopsies (from 2 to 6 samples) were taken into account (p<or=0.0001 and rho ranging from 0.304 to 0.817). By increasing the number of biopsies (from 1 to 6) we observed an increase in the rate of correct estimations when 20% extent was used as a cut-off: the increase was statistically significant in both intestinal metaplasia >or=20% and intestinal metaplasia <20% groups (p<0.0001). The highest value of concordance between intestinal metaplasia extent in virtual biopsies and in rolls was recorded for a set of 4 antral+1 angular biopsies whereas a set of 2 antral+1 angular biopsies turned out to be the most effective in terms of number/efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

A three biopsy set (2 antral+1 angular) allows correct detection of intestinal metaplasia extent in 90% of cases.

Cell proliferation of squamous epithelium in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: correlations with clinical, endoscopic and morphological data

BACKGROUND

The microscopic assessment of squamous epithelium lesions in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is subjective. The Ki67 nuclear antigen expressed by proliferating cells provides an objective measure of regeneration in the squamous epithelium.

AIM

To evaluate Ki67 expression in GERD patients and controls, in comparison with histological lesions, pH-metry and endoscopic data.

METHODS

Eighty-seven patients with GERD symptoms and 20 symptom-free controls underwent endoscopy and 24-h pH monitoring. Oesophageal biopsies (4 cm, 2 cm and Z-line) were stained with Ki67/MIB-1 antibodies; the Ki67-positive nuclear area was assessed with an image analysis system and expressed as percentage of the whole epithelial area (Ki67-%).

RESULTS

Ki67-% was significantly higher in 32 patients with erosive oesophagitis, 44 endoscopy-negative GERD and 11 patients with functional heartburn than in controls (P = 0.0001). Both controls and patients showed a progressive increase in Ki67-% from 4 cm to the Z-line (P < 0.0001). Ki67-% showed a significant correlation with other conventional histological lesions (P ranged between 0.0151 and <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ki67 evaluation provides quantitative and objective data on squamous epithelium proliferative activity. This marker can be applied in the distinction of endoscopy-negative GERD from healthy controls.

Carditis in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: results of a controlled study based on both endoscopy and 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring

BACKGROUND

There are conflicting reports on the role of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori infection in the aetiology of carditis.

AIM

The role of reflux and H. pylori infection in causing carditis was assessed in 113 consecutive patients with GERD and in 25 controls.

METHODS

All subjects underwent endoscopy and pH test and carditis was diagnosed on biopsies taken across the squamocolumnar junction. Helicobacter pylori was assessed by histology and rapid urease test. GERD was diagnosed by endoscopic oesophagitis or abnormal pH test.

RESULTS

Carditis was detected in 53 of 71 GERD patients and in 15 of 20 controls. Among patients, 18 showed absent, 39 mild and 14 marked cardia inflammation and their H. pylori infection rates were 17, 23 and 57%, respectively (P < 0.025). Most patients with carditis (68%) lacked H. pylori infection. pH-metry was abnormal in 15 of 18 patients with normal cardia, 33 of 39 with mild carditis and 12 of 14 with marked inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Carditis is a frequent finding in GERD and controls. Mild, non-active carditis is frequent in GERD patients. Marked inflammation is associated with both H. pylori and abnormal pH testing. Thus, both GERD and H. pylori infection may play a role in inducing carditis.

[Parosteal ossifying lipoma of the femur. Description of a case]

A case of parosteal ossifyng lipoma of femour in 67 years-old female patient is described. Review of literature (1966-1999) about parosteal lipoma reveals less then 70 referred cases; much less common is the ossifyng type; in our knowledge five cases of this very rare subtype are referred in last thirty years.

Helicobacter pylori infection is not involved in the pathogenesis of either erosive or non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

The majority of reflux patients have non-erosive reflux disease.

AIM

To evaluate the influence of Helicobacter pylori on oesophageal acid exposure in patients with both non-erosive and erosive reflux disease and in a group of controls. The pattern and distribution of chronic gastritis were also assessed.

METHODS

One hundred and twelve consecutive patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease agreed to undergo both upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 24-h oesophageal pH-metry. Patients were grouped as H. pylori-positive or H. pylori-negative on the basis of both CLO-test and histology, and as cases with or without oesophagitis on the basis of endoscopy. The controls consisted of 19 subjects without reflux symptoms and with normal endoscopy and oesophageal pH-metry.

RESULTS

H. pylori was positive in 35 patients (31%) and in six controls (31%); oesophagitis was found in 44 patients (39%) and non-erosive reflux disease in 68 (61%). The prevalence of chronic gastritis in the antrum and corpus was higher in H. pylori-positive than in H. pylori-negative patients (P < 0.001), but was more frequently mild (P < 0.001) than moderate or severe. The percentage total time the oesophageal pH < 4.0 was higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.008-0.001), but there was no difference between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative patients (12.3% vs. 12%, P = 0.43) or H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative controls (1.07% vs. 1.47%, P = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori infection had the same prevalence in reflux patients and in controls. It did not affect oesophageal acid exposure, as there was no difference between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative individuals. The high prevalence of mild body gastritis in H. pylori-positive patients suggests that H. pylori eradication is unlikely to lead to gastric functional recovery, which might precipitate or worsen symptoms and lesions in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma: interactions between genetic alterations, cellular phenotype and cancer histotype

Gastric cancer develops through the accumulation of multiple genetic lesions that involve oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and DNA mismatch repair genes. Lauren's classification of gastric carcinoma does not correlate with cellular phenotypes expressed by neoplastic cells and gastric and intestinal cell differentiation markers are widely expressed in both types (intestinal and diffuse) of gastric carcinoma. In contrast, the study of the correlation between morphologic events and genetic alterations, which come about in the cancerogenetic process, seems to indicate the existence of distinct cancerogenetic pathways for the intestinal (or glandular) and diffuse type carcinoma, both originating from a HP-positive gastritis. In particular there seem to be three different profiles of cancerogenesis: 1) p53 mutations which accompany the onset of dysplasia and intestinal-type carcinoma; 2) DNA repair mechanism alterations conditioning microsatellite instability, seem mutually exclusive with regards to p53 mutations. Microsatellite instability correlates with antrally located intestinal-type carcinoma, with little metastatic tendency and a better prognosis; microsatellite instability frequently involves the TGF beta RII, IGF II R genes or the BAX proapoptotic gene, in as much as these contain microsatellite sequences; 3) alterations of E-cadherin, both with regards to mutations and abnormal expression. These lead to junctional and cell polarity loss and are primarily associated with diffuse type carcinoma, which is characterized by poorly cohesive neoplastic cells. Some tumors, initially arising as intestinal-type (glandular structure), acquire a mixed histotype during neoplastic progression, in which both the typical alterations of the intestinal cancerogenesis (p53, microsatellite instability) and those of the diffuse carcinoma (E-cadherin) coexist. The identification of a mixed histotype could have importance both in epidemiologic, pathogenetic and prognostic terms.

Liver iron accumulation in chronic hepatitis C patients without HFE mutations: relationships with histological damage, viral load and genotype and alpha-glutathione S-transferase levels

BACKGROUND

Host and viral factors have been suggested as possible causative factors for the presence of liver iron accumulation in chronic hepatitis C. However, there is no agreement regarding the influence of liver iron accumulation on the biochemical and histological severity of chronic hepatitis C. Moreover, data concerning the relationships between both viral load and genotype and liver iron accumulation are scanty.

AIMS

To evaluate the biochemical, histological and virological assessment of a group of chronic hepatitis C patients without risk factors for iron overload, on the basis of the presence, degree and distribution of liver iron accumulation.

METHODS

Fifty-three chronic hepatitis C patients (34 men, 19 women; age 44 +/- 11 years) with no risk factors for liver iron accumulation and showing no HFE mutations were chosen from a broader cohort of chronic hepatitis C patients. The presence, degree and distribution of liver iron accumulation were assessed using Deugnier's score. Relationships between the presence of liver iron accumulation and grading and staging were carried out separately. Hepatitis C virus RNA serum levels and viral genotype were compared in patients with or without liver iron accumulation. Alpha glutathione S-transferase serum levels were assessed in all patients.

RESULTS

Overall, liver iron accumulation was mild and was present in 19 patients (36%). It was associated with male gender (P = 0.0358), and was reflected by high serum iron levels (P = 0.001) and high ferritin levels (P < 0.0001). Hepatitis C virus RNA levels and genotype were not associated with the presence of liver iron accumulation. In multivariate analysis, ferritin was the only variable significantly associated with liver iron accumulation (P < 0.0001). Grading was higher in patients with liver iron accumulation regardless of the site of iron deposition. Fibrosis was present in all patients with iron overload; these patients were more frequently cirrhotic. Moreover, patients with mesenchymal or mixed deposition had higher staging than patients with hepatocytic or no iron deposition. This feature was reflected by higher alpha-glutathione S-transferase levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver iron accumulation is mild in chronic hepatitis C patients without HFE mutations and is mainly reflected by serum ferritin levels. Viral characteristics do not seem to play a role in iron deposition. Liver iron accumulation is associated with higher grading, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Moreover, higher staging is associated with mesenchymal or mixed iron deposition. In these patients, higher alpha-glutathione S-transferase levels seem to reflect more complex damage.

Increased levels of gammaGT suggest the presence of bile duct lesions in patients with chronic hepatitis C: absence of influence of HCV genotype, HCV-RNA serum levels, and HGV infection on this histological damage

Damage to bile ducts in chronic hepatitis C is a characteristic histological lesion. Moreover, the presence of abnormal levels of gammaGT in these patients is also a common finding. Assessing whether the presence of bile duct lesions is indicated by biochemical abnormalities or whether virological characteristics can influence their development may help in the definition of clinical-histological relationships in chronic hepatitis C. In this study we evaluated the relationships among routine biochemical parameters, serum bile acids, and pi-class glutathione S-transferase levels, and the presence of bile duct lesions in 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C. Furthermore, we assessed whether the presence of bile duct lesion might be related to HCV genotype, HCV-RNA serum levels, and positivity for HGV-RNA. We found that gammaGT was the only parameter related to the presence of bile duct lesions. Although a trend towards higher serum bile acids and pi-class glutathione S-transferase levels was observed in patients with bile duct lesions, this trend did not reach statistical significance. Different HCV genotypes and RNA levels, and HGV-RNA positivity did not seem to influence the presence of bile duct damage. In conclusion we found that gammaGT levels point out the presence of bile duct lesions in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Since we observed a different pattern of alteration of gammaGT, serum bile acids, and pi-class glutathione S-transferase, we suggest that these various biochemical alterations reflect a more complex damage to bile duct structures, which is not likely represented by the common assessment of bile duct lesions. Viral factors such as HCV genotype and RNA levels as well as HGV-RNA positivity are probably not the main cause of this histological damage.

Leptin has no role in determining severity of steatosis and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C

OBJECTIVE

The presence of steatosis is a common histological finding in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The causes of the severity of this condition are not yet clear, although both metabolic and viral factors supposedly are involved. In this study our aim was to examine the possible influence that leptin levels, hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels, and hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection have on the severity of steatosis and on the presence and degree of fibrosis in patients with CHC.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-two CHC patients with histological findings of steatosis were chosen from among a cohort of patients referred to our center for staging of liver disease. Among them 48 CHC patients were accurately selected so as to rule out possible confounding factors for the presence of steatosis (diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia, obesity, alcohol). Leptin levels, HCV RNA levels, and HCV genotype, and the presence of HGV RNA were assessed in these patients and related to histological findings.

RESULTS

We found that leptin levels in CHC patients were similar to those in healthy subjects. No relationship was found between leptin levels and severity of steatosis. HCV RNA levels, HCV genotype, and the presence of HGV infection were no different among CHC patients with various degrees of steatosis. Leptin was not related to different degrees of fibrosis, whereas higher viral load was the only parameter associated to higher fibrosis scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the degree of steatosis in patients with CHC does not seem to depend on serum leptin levels or on viral factors, at least as far as HCV viremia and genotype and HGV infection are concerned. The severity of fibrosis does not seem to be influenced by leptin levels, whereas HCV viral load does seem to play some role.

Leptin has no role in determining severity of steatosis and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C

OBJECTIVE

The presence of steatosis is a common histological finding in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The causes of the severity of this condition are not yet clear, although both metabolic and viral factors supposedly are involved. In this study our aim was to examine the possible influence that leptin levels, hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels, and hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection have on the severity of steatosis and on the presence and degree of fibrosis in patients with CHC.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-two CHC patients with histological findings of steatosis were chosen from among a cohort of patients referred to our center for staging of liver disease. Among them 48 CHC patients were accurately selected so as to rule out possible confounding factors for the presence of steatosis (diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia, obesity, alcohol). Leptin levels, HCV RNA levels, and HCV genotype, and the presence of HGV RNA were assessed in these patients and related to histological findings.

RESULTS

We found that leptin levels in CHC patients were similar to those in healthy subjects. No relationship was found between leptin levels and severity of steatosis. HCV RNA levels, HCV genotype, and the presence of HGV infection were no different among CHC patients with various degrees of steatosis. Leptin was not related to different degrees of fibrosis, whereas higher viral load was the only parameter associated to higher fibrosis scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the degree of steatosis in patients with CHC does not seem to depend on serum leptin levels or on viral factors, at least as far as HCV viremia and genotype and HGV infection are concerned. The severity of fibrosis does not seem to be influenced by leptin levels, whereas HCV viral load does seem to play some role.