Multinucleated giant cells of bladder mucosa are modified telocytes:Diagnostic and immunohistochemistry algorithm and relation to PDL1 expression score

BACKGROUND Multinucleated giant cells(MGCs)in bladder carcinomas are poorly studied.AIM To describe the function,morphogenesis,and origin of mononuclear and MGCs in urothelial carcinoma(UC)of the bladder in Bulgarian and French patients.METHODS Urothelial bladder carcinomas(n=104)from 2016-2020 were analyzed retrospectively using immunohistochemical(IHC)and histochemical stain examination.Giant cells in the bladder stroma were found in 35.6%of cases,more often in highgrades.RESULTS We confirm that MGCs in the mucosa in UC of the bladder were positive for both mesenchymal and myofibroblast markers(vimentin,smooth muscle actin,Desmin,and CD34)and the macrophage marker CD68.Furthermore,IHC studies revealed the following profile of these cells:Positive for p16;negative for epithelial(CK AE1/AE3 and GATA-3),vascular(CD31),neural(PS100 and CKIT),cambial,blastic(CD34-blasts and C-KIT),and immune markers(IG G,immunoglobulin G4,and PD-L1);no proliferative activity,possess no specific immune function,and cannot be used to calculate the Combined Positive Score scale.CONCLUSION In conclusion,the giant stromal cells in non-tumor and tumor bladder can be used as a characteristic and relatively constant,although nonspecific,histological marker for chronic bladder damage,reflecting the chronic irritation or inflammation.Likewise,according to the morphological and IHC of the mono-and multinucleated giant cells in the bladder,they are most likely represent telocytes capable of adapting their morphology to the pathology of the organ.

Expression of transcription factors Slug in the lens epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by connective tissue growth factor

AIMTo investigate the expression of transcription factors Slug in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).METHODSHLECs were treated with CTGF of different concentrations (20, 50 and 100 ng/mL) or without CTGF (control) for 24h. The morphological changes of HLECs were analysed by microscopy. The expression and cellular localization of Slug was evaluated by immumo-fluorescence. Expressions of Slug, E-cadherin and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were further determined by Western blot analysis.RESULTSHLECs showed spidle fibrolasts-like characteristics and loosely connected each other after CTGF treatment. The immuno-fluorescence staining indicated that Slug was localized in the nuclei and its expression was induced by CTGF. The relative expressions of Slug protein were 1.64±0.11, 1.96 ±0.03, 3.12 ±0.10, and 4.08±0.14, respectively, in response to control group and treatment with CTGF of 20, 50 and 100 ng/mL (F=443.86, P<0.01). The increased Slug protein levels were correlated well with up-expression of α-SMA (0.78±0.05, 0.85±0.06, 2.17±0.15, 2.86±0.10; F=449.85, P<0.01) and down-expression of E-cadherin (2.50±0.11, 1.79±0.26, 1.05±0.14, 0.63±0.08; F=101.55, P<0.01).CONCLUSIONTranscription factor Slug may be involved in EMT of HLECs induced by CTGF in vitro.