Follicular helper T lymphocytes in health and disease

A correct antibody response requires the participation of both B and T lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells. In this review we address the role of follicular helper T lymphocytes(T FH) in this reaction. We shall focus on the regulation of their development and function in health and disease. T FH can be characterized on the basis of their phenotype and the pattern of secretion of cytokines. This fact is useful to study their participation in the generation of antibody deficiency in primary immunodeficiency diseases such as common variable immunodeficiency, X-linked hyper Ig M syndrome orX-linked lymphoproliferative disease. Increased numbers of T FH have been demonstrated in several autoimmune diseases and are thought to play a role in the development of autoantibodies. In chronic viral infections caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B or C virus, increased circulating T FH have been observed, but their role in the protective immune response to these agents is under discussion. Likewise, an important role of T FH in the control of some experimental protozoan infections has been proposed, and it will be important to assess their relevance in order to design effective vaccination strategies.

卵巢恶性甲状腺肿2例并文献复习

目的探讨卵巢恶性甲状腺肿(malignantstrumaovarii,MSO)病因、临床病理特点、诊断与鉴别诊断及其命名。方法对2例MSO进行组织病理学观察及SP法免疫组化标记,并复习有关文献。结果卵巢恶性甲状腺肿2例患者年龄分别为59岁和41岁。2例TG、PCNA、p53均阳性;例2CK19乳头状癌阳性,例1CK19滤泡癌阴性。冷冻切片诊断困难,结合甲状腺癌的形态特点及免疫组化标记有助于确诊。结论MSO是一类转移率低、进展缓慢的卵巢恶性肿瘤,分为单纯型和癌变型。在组织学上分为乳头状型和滤泡型,在冷冻切片诊断时应引起注意。

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma arising from follicular lymphoma with warthin’s tumor of the parotid gland-immunophenotypic and genetic features: A case report

BACKGROUND Warthin’s tumor(WT)is composed of several cysts that are lined with tall,bilayered oncocytic columnar cells and lymphoid stroma.Within WT,the two components rarely transform into carcinoma or lymphoma,and when it does,carcinoma is the most common type.Approximately 28 cases of lymphoma with WT have been reported,most of which were non-Hodgkin lymphomas,and only a few cases were Hodgkin lymphomas.In the present report,we studied a case of diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL)arising from follicular lymphoma(FL)with WT in the parotid gland and its immunophenotypic and genetic features.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old man presented with a slowly enlarging right cheek mass for 12 years,and the mass began to change in size over a 2-mo time period.Over time,the patient felt mild local pain and right cheek discomfort.His medical history included a hepatitis B virus infection for 20 years and 30 years of smoking.Gross examination of the excised specimen showed a gray-red and gray-white appearance and a soft texture lobulated external surface neoplasm that measured 9 cm×8 cm×7 cm and was well circumscribed by relative normal parotid gland tissue.In cross section,the cut surfaces of the neoplasm were multicystic and had a homogeneous scaly appearance.A small fluid was discovered in the cyst.Bilateral oxyphilic,cuboidal or polygonal epithelium cells and lymphoid intraparenchymal components were observed.Many medium-to large-sized lymphoid cells were observed diffusely in part of the neoplasm,and a few secondary lymphoid follicles were observed at the center or edge of the neoplasm.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the columnar oncocytic cells were positive for AE1/AE3;neoplastic cells located in coarctate follicular were positive for CD20,Pax-5,bcl-2 and bcl-6;and the adjacent diffusely medium-to large-sized lymphoid cells were positive for Pax-5,bcl-6,CD20,MUM-1,bcl-2 and CD79a.The bcl-6(3q27)break-apart rearrangement was observed,and an Epstein Barr virus test was negative in the tumor cells.The patient survived 6 months after being diagnosed without any treatment.CONCLUSION WT-associated lymphoma is a very rare neoplasm in the parotid gland.Most cases are B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas and involve middle-age and older males.This case highlights the extremely rare association of DLBCL arising from FL with WT and the importance of deliberate evaluation of the WT intraparenchymal stroma.Molecular detection techniques have potential advantages in the diagnosis of lymphoma with WT.

Inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: A brief report of two cases

BACKGROUND Follicular dendritic cell(FDC)sarcoma/tumor is a rare malignant tumor of follicular dendritic cells,which is considered a low-grade sarcoma that can involve lymph nodes or extranodal sites.Conventional FDC sarcomas are negative for Epstein-Barr virus(EBV),whereas the inflammatory pseudotumorlike variant consistently shows EBV in the neoplastic cells.CASE SUMMARY We report two cases of inflammatory pseudotumor-like FDC sarcoma in the liver that received 3D laparoscopic right hepatectomy and open right hepatectomy separately.CONCLUSION EBV probe-based in situ hybridization and detection of immunohistochemical markers of FDC play an important role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor-like FDC sarcoma.Complete surgical excision combined with regional lymphadenectomy may be effective in reducing the postoperative recurrence and metastasis and improving long-term survival rates.

Imaging findings of inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell tumors of the liver:Two case reports and literature review

BACKGROUND Inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell(IPT-like FDC)tumors of the liver is an uncommon tumor with extremely low incidence.To date,the radiologic findings of this tumor in multiphase computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)imaging have not been described.CASE SUMMARY Patient 1 is a 31-year-old Chinese female,whose complaining incidentally coincided with the finding of multiple liver masses.In the local hospital,an abdominal enhanced CT found two hypo-dense solid lesions,with heterogeneous sustained hypoenhancement,in the upper segment of the liver’s right posterior lobe.In our hospital,enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)with hepatocyte-specific contrast agents showed a similar enhanced pattern of lesions with patchy hyperintensity in the hepatobiliary phase(HBP).The patient underwent surgery and recovered well.The final pathology confirmed an IPTlike FDC tumor.No recurrence was found on the regular re-examination.Patient 2 is a 48-year-old Chinese male admitted to our hospital for a huge unexpected hepatic lesion.A dynamic enhanced abdominal CT revealed a huge heterogeneous enhanced solid tumor in the right lobe of the liver with a size of 100 mm×80 mm,which showed a heterogeneous sustained hypoenhancement.In addition,enlarged lymph nodes were found in the hilum of the liver.This patient underwent a hepatic lobectomy and lymph node dissection.The final pathology confirmed an IPT-like FDC tumor.No recurrence was found upon regular re-examination.CONCLUSION When a hepatic tumor shows heterogeneous sustained hypoenhancement with a patchy enhancement during HBP,an IPT-like FDC tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma detected in hepatogastric ligament:A case report and review of the literature

The most common organ where follicular dendritic cell sarcoma(FDCS) occurs is in cervical lymph nodes, while few cases are found in extranodal organs such as liver, spleen, and soft tissue. This is a case report that FDCS occurs in the hepatogastric ligament. To our knowledge, there is no such case that has been reported previously. A 47-year-old male patient was found to have an intraabdominal mass during an annual physical examination. Computed tomography showed a 4.2 cm × 4.1 cm mass located at the lesser curvature of the stomach, above the pancreas. During operation, a tumor mass was found in the hepatogastric ligament and a radical resection was performed. The tumor was diagnosed as FDCS by pathology and immunohistochemical testing. The patient had a favorable recovery, and no obvious abnormality was found 3 months postoperation.

Detection of BCL2-IGHrearrangement on paraffin-embedded tissue sections obtained from a small submucosal tumor of the rectum in a patient with recurrent follicular lymphoma

A 59-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent follicular lymphoma(FL).Colonoscopic examination revealed a rectal submucosal tumor(SMT)without any erosions and ulcers.In this patient,it was difficult to distinguish non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL)invasion from other disorders of the colon including carcinoid tumor merely based on endoscopic findings.Histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies on biopsy specimens showed an infiltration of atypical lymphocytes that were positive for CD20 and BCL2 but negative for UCHL-1.Fluorescence in situ hybridization on paraffin-embedded tissue sections (T-FISH)identified a translocation of BCL2 with IGHgene. Based on these findings,the tumor was defined as an invasion of FL.T-FISH method is useful for the detection of a monoclonality of atypical lymphocytes in an SMT of the gastrointestinal tract,and particularly for the detection of chromosomal translocations specific to lymphoma subtypes.

Usefulness of positron emission tomography in primary intestinal follicular lymphoma

Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and video capsule endoscopy are useful for the diagnosis of lymphoma in the small intestine. However, DBE cannot be safely performed in cases with passage disturbance due to wall thickening and stenosis. Additionally, video capsule endoscopy cannot be performed in such cases because of the risk of retention. Here, we report 4 cases of primary follicular lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract that could be detected using 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT). The endoscopic findings of these 4 cases included lesions with wall thickening, which comprised macroscopically clusters of nodules, dense clusters of whitish granules or small nodules, fold thickening and ulcers with irregular margins that occupied the whole lumen with edematous mucosa. All patients fulfilled the World Health Organization grade 1 criteria. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT can help predict the risks that may result from certain endoscopic examinations, such as DBE and video capsule endoscopy.

Primary hepatic follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma(FDCS) is an uncommon type of tumor with low incidence. To date,no standard treatment for the disease has been established.Surgery remains the main treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are optional approaches. Metastatic cases require multidisciplinary collaborative treatments. However,the choice of chemotherapeutic drugs is controversial.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old Chinese woman presented to our hospital complaining of intermittent pain of right upper quadrant. An enhanced computed tomography(CT) scan of the abdomen revealed hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequently,the patient underwent a radical partial hepatectomy. Primary FDCS of the liver was diagnosed pathologically. Except for regular follow-up examinations,the patient did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However,fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT(PET/CT) confirmed lymph node metastases in the space of ligamentum hepatogastricum and pancreatic head,as well as the portacaval space. The patient was given systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine and docetaxel for she was unsuitable for surgery. Satisfactorily,the metastatic lymph nodes were significantly reduced to clinical complete remission after eight cycles of chemotherapy. Then,strengthened radiotherapy was followed when the patient rejected the opportunity of surgery. Eventually,the carcinoma got better control and the patient was free of progression.CONCLUSION This case highlights the importance of making suitable chemotherapy regimens for the rare tumor. The combination of gemcitabine,docetaxel,and consolidated radiotherapy may offer a new promising option for the treatment of metastatic hepatic FDCS in the future.

Probiotic Mixture VSL#3 Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Colitis in Mice by Downregulating T Follicular Helper Cells

Clinical trials have shown beneficial effects of probiotics on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), although the exact mechanism remains unknown. VSL#3, a mixture of 8 probiotic bacteria, has been confirmed to have adjunctive therapeutic effects on colitis. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, a new separate subset of CD4+ T helper cells, have been proved to play a vital role in autoimmunity. The present study aimed to identify the beneficial effect of the probiotic mixture VSL#3 on the mouse model of colitis by regulating Tfh cells. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to induce chronic colitis in C57BL/6 mice. VSL#3 (3x109 live bacteria) was given to C57BL/6 mice every other day for 60 days by gavage. The disease activity index (DAI), histological activity index (HAI), colon length and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were detected. Immunofluorescence was used to visualize the location of Tfh cells. Immunoglobulins, Tfh cells and plasma cells were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, real-time PCR or Western blotting. The results showed that after DSS treatment, the humoral immunity was disordered in C57BL/6 mice, with increased IgM, IgG and IgA levels in colonic mucus and increased Tfh cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). VSL#3 treatment showed anti-inflammatory effects as evidenced by reduced DAI score, HAI score and MPO activity. IgM, IgG and IgA levels were significantly reduced in colon mucus, and the number of Tfh cells was markedly decreased in MLN after VSL#3 treatment. It was concluded that VSL#3 alleviates DSS-induced colitis by downregulating Tfh cells, and Tfh cells may become a potential therapeutic target for IBD.

Operative indications of follicular type tumors,based on Japanese clinical guidelines

AIM: To investigate the accuracy of preoperative examinations in follicular type tumors, we re-evaluate results of our operative cases.METHODS: Cases are follicular neoplasms in 36 patients, which are more than 30 mm in diameter and underwent surgery in our hospital in 2005-2006. These cases had been suspected of malignancy on one or more of the preoperative examinations, including ultrasound(US), thallium-technecium(Tl-Tc) scinitigram,computed tomography(CT), or fine needle aspiration biopsy(FNA) examinations. Concern about operative procedure, lobectomy plus sentinel lymph node biopsy(SNB) was performed in all 36 follicular tumors at the first surgery. Because we can diagnose a suspected follicular tumor as carcinoma and can change the operative procedure intra-operatively, when the metastasis of lymph nodes, outside of the thyroid, is found. The operative procedure was changed from lobectomy to total thyroidectomy plus lymph nodes dissection(centralcomponent), when the SNB has metastasis. All thirty six cases were obtained to track the prognosis until 2012, for 6-7 years follow up periods.RESULTS: The final pathological results are 3 cases of follicular carcinoma, 6 cases of papillary carcinoma, 1 case of papillary carcinoma follicular type, 1 case of malignant lymphoma, 16 cases of follicular adenoma, and 9 cases of adenomatous goiter. The malignant tumor were observed in 11/36(30.6%) cases. All six papillary carcinomas were less than 20 mm, and present with follicular adenoma and adenomatous goiter, which have more than 40 mm diameter. In physical examination, tumor size of 36 cases of follicular neoplasm is more than 30 mm all at the time of surgery. The tumors were palpable somewhat stiff, such as no cystic component in 34 cases. Occasional dyspnea, dysphagia, and cough was accompanied in all 36 cases. The true ratio of correct diagnosis of preoperative US, Tl-Tc scinitigram, CT, and FNA were 17/36(47.2%), 16/36(44.4%), 24/36(66.7%), 21/36(58.3%), respectively. In 11 malignant cases, there was one SNB positive case(one lymph node metastasis in 3 SNB: 1/3). This case was changed the operative procedure from lobectomy to total thyroidectomy plus lymph node dissection(central component). There is other lymph nodes metastasis in dissected lymph nodes(4/15). For the remaining malignant 10 cases, the observations were selected without additional resection, because surgical margins and SN were negative in postoperative pathology results at the first operation. No recurrence and metastasis are allowed in 11 malignant cases, up to 7 years after post-operation. Over all, the more than 30 mm in diameter follicular neoplasms, which were suspected the malignancy in the one and more preoperative examinations, are present the malignancy by pathological diagnosis in 11/36(30.6%) cases after surgery. The non SNB metastasis cases had no symptoms of lymph nodes metastasis up to 7 years after post-operation.CONCLUSION: We think that more than 30 mm in diameter follicular neoplasms are considered as candidates of surgery from our results.

Nuclear Features in the Diagnosis of Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma—The Diagnostic Dilemma

Aim: Follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma [FVPC] as a diagnostic entity has been beset by many controversies. In this study, we describe the nuclear features essential for the diagnosis and analyze the difficulties that confront pathologists as it is important to avoid pitfalls because appropriate management protocol depends upon on an accurate diagnosis of this variant. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 cases, diagnosed as FVPC over a period of two years in the Department of Pathology, were taken for the study. Haematoxylin and Eosin stained sections were reviewed. The extent and distribution of nuclear features were analyzed. Results: The 30 cases of FVPC were categorized into encapsulated and infiltrative groups basing on the presence or lack of capsule and capsular invasion and vascular invasion. Conclusion: FVPC is diagnosed basing on specific nuclear features and hence histopathology still remains the gold standard for the accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of follicular lymphoma of the gastrointestinaltract:A better initial diagnostic workup

Due to an increasing incidence and more frequent recognition by endoscopists, gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma has been established as a variant of follicular lymphoma. However, due to its rarity, there are no established guidelines on the optimal diagnostic strategy for patients with primary gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma or secondary gastrointestinal involvement of systemic follicular lymphoma. This review offers an overview and pitfalls to avoid during the initial diagnostic workup of this disease entity. Previously reported case reports, case series, and retrospective studies are reviewed and focus on the disease's endoscopic and histological features, the roles of computed tomography and positron emission tomography scanning, the clinical utility of the soluble interleukin-2 receptor, and the possible pathogenesis.

Follicular fluid composition of ovulatory follicles in repeat breeder Holstein dairy cows

Objective: To examine differences in the metabolite, steroid and lipopolysaccharide of follicular fluid collected from the ovulatory follicle of Holstein repeat breeding cows, lactating cows, and virgin fertile heifers. Methods: Estrus was induced in animals possessing functional corpus luteum by intramuscular administration of prostaglandin F2α. Six to twelve hours after detection of the standing estrus, cervical samples were collected to detect subclinical endometritis via counting neutrophils on stained smears of cervical swabs. Then, follicular fluid of ovulatory follicles and serum samples were collected from repeat breeding cows (n=11), lactating cows (n=8) and virgin fertile heifers (n=10). Sodium and potassium were measured with a flame photometer method. Urea, total protein, glucose, cholesterol andβ-hydroxybutyric acid were assayed with commercial spectrophotometry kits. Chloride concentration was also measured with titration of samples against silver nitrate. Progesterone, estradiol-17βand lipopolysaccharide concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay kits. Results: All analysis of follicular fluid samples showed that repeat breeding and lactating cows had a mean higher lipopolysaccharide concentration than that of the virgin fertile heifers (P<0.05). But concentration of serum estradiol-17βin repeat breeding and lactating cows was lower than that of virgin fertile heifers (P<0.05). In addition, the mean percentage of neutrophils in the cervical secretion of repeat breeding cows was higher than that of lactating cows (P<0.05). Conclusions: High follicular fluid concentration of lipopolysaccharide in ovulatory follicles results in the occurrence of repeat breeding syndrome in dairy cows. Further, a lower serum estradiol-17βconcentration and a higher percentage of neutrophil in the cervical secretion on the day of artificial insemination may have resulted in the occurrence of repeat breeding syndrome in dairy cows.

Primary intestinal follicular lymphoma:How to identify follicular lymphoma by routine endoscopy

A 69-year-old Japanese female was diagnosed with primary intestinal follicular lymphoma. Esophagogas-troduodenoscopy with high-definition imaging revealed not only the typical feature of whitish polyps of up to 2 mm in diameter in the duodenal second and third portions, but also more detailed morphology, such as enlarged whitish villi and tiny whitish depositions. These findings appeared to reflect the pathological structures; infiltration of lymphoma cells into the villi were probably seen as enlargement of the villi, and the formation of lymphoid follicles were shown as opaque white spots or tiny white depositions. Thus, the above features might contribute to the distinct diagnosis of intestinal follicular lymphoma. This case indicates that routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy can visualize microsurface structures, which can be pathognomonic and help to diagnose intestinal follicular lymphoma, even without magnifying endoscopy.

Imbalance of Circulating Follicular Regulatory and Follicular Helper T Cell Subpopulations Is Associated with Disease Progression and Serum CYFRA 21-1 Levels in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective This study aimed to investigate the changes of follicular helper T(TFH)and follicular regulatory T(TFR)cell subpopulations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and their significance.Methods Peripheral blood was collected from 58 NSCLC patients at different stages and 38 healthy controls.Flow cytometry was used to detect TFH cell subpopulation based on programmed death 1(PD-1)and inducible co-stimulator(ICOS),and TFR cell subpopulation based on cluster determinant 45RA(CD45RA)and forkhead box protein P3(FoxP3).The levels of interleukin-10(IL-10),interleukin-17a(IL-17a),interleukin-21(IL-21),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in the plasma were measured,and changes in circulating B cell subsets and plasma IgG levels were also analyzed.The correlation between serum cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1(CYFRA 21-1)levels and TFH,TFR,or B cell subpopulations was further explored.Results The TFR/TFH ratio increased significantly in NSCLC patients.The CD45RA^(+)FoxP3^(int) TFR subsets were increased,with their proportions increasing in stages Ⅱ to Ⅲ and decreasing in stage IV.PD-1^(+)ICOS+TFH cells showed a downward trend with increasing stages.Plasma IL-21 and TGF-β concentrations were increased in NSCLC patients compared with healthy controls.Plasmablasts,plasma IgG levels,and CD45RA^(+)FoxP3^(int) TFR cells showed similar trends.TFH numbers and plasmablasts were positively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stages Ⅰ-Ⅲ and negatively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stage IV.Conclusion Circulating TFH and TFR cell subpopulations and plasmablasts dynamically change in different stages of NSCLC,which is associated with serum CYFRA 21-1 levels and reflects disease progression.

原发性瘢痕性脱发的研究进展

原发性瘢痕性脱发是一组以毛囊为中心受到永久性和炎症性破坏为特征的脱发性疾病,病因不明。按病理特点分为淋巴细胞性(如盘状红斑狼疮脱发和毛囊扁平苔藓)、中性粒细胞性(如脱发性毛囊炎和分割性蜂窝织炎/毛囊炎)、混合性(如瘢痕疙瘩性毛囊炎/痤疮)和非特异性4类。本病有不可复性,如不能及时而有效的接受治疗,进展到瘢痕晚期会导致永久脱发。治疗可阻止病变发展,但不能彻底根治,故本病易反复发作。本文对原发性瘢痕性脱发的诊断、治疗和发病机制等进展进行综述。

Follicular Aspiration Is Superior to Coasting as Effective Prophylactic Procedure against Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Objectives: Evaluation of outcome follicular aspiration compared to coating procedure for infertile women undergoing ICSI regarding frequency and severity of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Patients & Methods: Infertile PCOS women underwent controlled ovarian stimulation with luteal phase GnRH-agonist long down-regulation protocol. Women developed serum E2 level > 4000 pg/ml and/or >20 follicles of ≥10 mm in diameter were randomly divided to receive coasting strategy (Coasting group) or TVU-guided aspiration (Aspiration group). When ≥3 follicles were ≥18 mm and serum E2 level was and 10,000 IU was administered 36 h before oocyte retrieval, and ICSI was performed 72-hr thereafter and the frequency of moderate-to-severe OHSS was determined. Results: 82 women developed criteria for categorization and 21 women (25.6%) developed moderate-to-severe OHSS;5 women of aspiration and 16 of Coasting group;with significantly (P = 0.005) lower frequency in aspiration group. Twenty women developed ascites;3 women had clinically detectable, while 17 women had US detected ascites with significantly (P = 0.039) higher frequency among women that had coasting. All other manifestations of OHSS were significantly lower with aspiration procedure. Both coasting and aspiration therapy significantly reduced serum E2 and ovarian diameter on day of hCG injection compared to estimates taken at time of categorization. Conclusion: Coasting procedure prior to hCG injection could decrease incidence of OHSS and lessens its manifestation. Follicular aspiration provided more superior results and improved outcome of these women. Any of these modalities could be provided to infertile high-risk women according to the availability of experiences and patients’ selection.

Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3) mRNA Expression Level in Follicular Thyroid Tumors Using Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Blocks

Background: Differential diagnosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) from follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) is often difficult since presence or absence of capsular/vascular invasion can not be determined by preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology, and may not be judged unanimously on permanent sections even among experienced pathologists. Determination of molecular-genetic factors such as trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) mRNA in the follicular thyroid tumors may be useful aid to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, though it is considered to be unstable and relatively low concentrated genetic substance. Purpose of our study is to investigate expression level of TFF3 mRNA of thyroid follicular tumors using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. Methods: Study population included FFPE sections from 19 FTC cases, 20 FTA cases, 11 adenomatous goiter (G) cases and 12 samples of normal thyroid tissue (N) adjacent to thyroid tumors. RNeasy FFPE kit was used for extraction of total RNA. Purification and concentration values were determined by spectrophotometer. Extracted RNA was used for cDNA synthesis in reverse transcription. Synthesized cDNA subsequently proceeded for relative quantification of TFF3 mRNA by RT-qPCR using TFF3 primers. Glyceroldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and hypoxanthin phosphorobosyltransferase1 (HPRT1) were used as control genes. The mean and standard deviation of TFF3 mRNA expression level were analyzed by software Multiplate RQ. Results: Extraction by the FFPE kit yielded high concentration of RNA in all cases. Purification values were 1.8 in average. Concentration values were significantly higher in FTC and FTA relative to G and N tissues, possibly due to high density of thyrocytes in the samples. Relative quantification of TFF3 mRNA expression level showed broad ranges both in FTC and FTA, while the analyses in G and N tissues indicated narrow ranges. Conclusion: FFPE tissues from thyroid follicular tumors can be used for measurement of unstable and low concentrated genetic substances such as TFF3 mRNA. Its diagnostic value yet remains to be determined.

Follicular contact dermatitis revisited: A review emphasizing neomycin-associated follicular contact dermatitis

Follicular contact dermatitis clinically presents as individual papules that include a central hair follicle. Pathologic features involve the follicle and the surrounding dermis: spongiosis and vesicle formation of the follicular epithelium associated with perifollicular and perivascular lymphocytic inflammation. Using the Pub Med database, an extensive literature search was performed on follicular contact dermatitis and neomycin. Relevant papers were reviewed and the clinical and pathologic features, the associated chemicals(including a more detailed description of neomycin), the hypothesized pathogenesis, and the management of follicular contact dermatitis were described. Several agentseither as allergens or irritants-have been reported to elicit follicular contact dermatitis. Several hypotheses have been suggested for the selective involvement of the follicles in follicular contact dermatitis: patient allergenicity, characteristics of the agent, vehicle containing the agent, application of the agent, and external factors. The differential diagnosis of follicular contact dermatitis includes not only recurrent infundibulofolliculitis, but also drug eruption, mite infestation, viral infection, and dermatoses that affect hair follicles. The primary therapeutic intervention for follicular contact dermatitis is withdrawal of the causative agent; treatment with a topical corticosteroid preparation may also promote resolution of the dermatitis. In conclusion, follicular contact dermatitis may be secondary to allergens or irritants; topical antibiotics, including neomycin, may cause this condition. Several factors may account for the selective involvement of the hair follicle in this condition. Treatment of the dermatitis requires withdrawal of the associated topical agent; in addition, topical corticosteroids may be helpful to promote resolution of lesions.