Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Review

Aneurysmal bone cyst: a review: Elham Nasri, John David Reith; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):81-87. Published online March 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.02.23

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Abstract PDF: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign locally destructive bone neoplasm composed of multi-loculated blood-filled cystic spaces. The most common sites of involvement are the meta-diaphysis of the long bones and posterior elements of the vertebrae. Secondary, ABC-like changes can complicate a variety of other benign and malignant primary bone neoplasms, including giant cell tumor, fibrous dysplasia, and osteosarcoma. About two-third of primary ABCs have a rearrangement of the USP6 gene, which is not present in the ABC-like changes that occur secondary to other primary bone tumors (i.e., secondary ABC). Primary ABC of bone carries a variable but generally high rate of local recurrence. This paper provides an overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, radiographic and pathologic findings, treatment, and prognosis of ABC.

Case Study

Unusual biclonal IgA plasma cell myeloma with aberrant expression of high-risk immunophenotypes: first report of a new diagnostic and clinical challenge: Carlos A. Monroig-Rivera, Clara N. Finch Cruz; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):132-137. Published online March 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.02.07

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Abstract PDF: IgA plasma cell myeloma (PCM) has been linked to molecular abnormalities that confer a higher risk for adverse patient outcomes. However, since IgA PCM only accounts for approximately 20% of all PCM, there are very few reports on high-risk IgA PCM. Moreover, no such reports are found on the more infrequent biclonal IgA PCM. Hence, we present a 65-year-old Puerto Rican female with acute abdominal pain, concomitant hypercalcemia, and acute renal failure. Protein electrophoresis with immunofixation found high IgA levels and detected a biclonal IgA gammopathy with kappa specificity. Histomorphologically, bone marrow showed numerous abnormal plasma cells (32%) replacing over 50% of the marrow stroma. Immunophenotyping analysis detected CD45-negative plasma cells aberrantly expressing CD33, CD43, OCT-2, and c-MYC. Chromosomal analysis revealed multiple abnormalities including the gain of chromosome 1q. Thus, we report on an unusual biclonal IgA PCM and the importance of timely diagnosing aggressive plasma cell neoplasms.

Original Articles

Clinicopathologic significance of the delta-like ligand 4, vascular endothelial growth factor, and hypoxia-inducible factor-2α in gallbladder cancer: Sujin Park, Junsik Kim, Woncheol Jang, Kyoung-Mee Kim, Kee-Taek Jang; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):113-122. Published online March 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.02.01

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Abstract PDF: Background
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is usually detected in advanced stages with a low 5-year survival rate. Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha (HIF2α) have been studied for their role in tumorigenesis and potential for therapeutic target, and multiple clinical trials of the agents targeting them are ongoing. We investigated the expression of these markers in surgically resected GBC and tried to reveal their association with the clinicopathologic features, mutual correlation of their expression, and prognosis of the GBC patients by their expression.
Methods
We constructed the tissue microarray blocks of 99 surgically resected GBC specimens and performed immunohistochemistry of DLL4, VEGF, and HIF2α. We used the quantitative digital image analysis to evaluate DLL4 and VEGF expression, while the expression of HIF2α was scored manually.
Results
The expression of VEGF and HIF2α showed a significant trend with tumor differentiation (p= .028 and p= .006, respectively). We found that the high DLL4 and VEGF expression were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (p= .047, both). The expression of VEGF and HIF2α were significantly correlated (p < .001). The GBC patients with low HIF2α expression showed shorter recurrence-free survival than those with high HIF2α expression.
Conclusions
This study suggested the possibility of the usage of DLL4 and VEGF to predict the lymph node metastasis and the possibility of VEGF and HIF2α to predict the expression level mutually. Further studies may be needed to validate our study results and eventually accelerate the introduction of the targeted therapy in GBC.

Postmortem lung and heart examination of COVID-19 patients in a case series from Jordan: Maram Abdaljaleel, Isra Tawalbeh, Malik Sallam, Amjad Bani Hani, Imad M. Al-Abdallat, Baheth Al Omari, Sahar Al-Mustafa, Hasan Abder-Rahman, Adnan Said Abbas, Mahmoud Zureigat, Mousa A. Al-Abbadi; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):102-112. Published online March 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.01.30

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Abstract PDF: Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a pandemic for more than 2 years. Autopsy examination is an invaluable tool to understand the pathogenesis of emerging infections and their consequent mortalities. The aim of the current study was to present the lung and heart pathological findings of COVID-19–positive autopsies performed in Jordan.
Methods
The study involved medicolegal cases, where the cause of death was unclear and autopsy examination was mandated by law. We included the clinical and pathologic findings of routine gross and microscopic examination of cases that were positive for COVID-19 at time of death. Testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed through molecular detection by real-time polymerase chain reaction, serologic testing for IgM and electron microscope examination of lung samples.
Results
Seventeen autopsies were included, with male predominance (76.5%), Jordanians (70.6%), and 50 years as the mean age at time of death. Nine out of 16 cases (56.3%) had co-morbidities, with one case lacking such data. Histologic examination of lung tissue revealed diffuse alveolar damage in 13/17 cases (76.5%), and pulmonary microthrombi in 8/17 cases (47.1%). Microscopic cardiac findings were scarcely detected. Two patients died as a direct result of acute cardiac disease with limited pulmonary findings.
Conclusions
The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in postmortem examination can be an incidental or contributory finding which highlights the value of autopsy examination to determine the exact cause of death in controversial cases.

Current state of cytopathology residency training: a Korean national survey of pathologists: Uiju Cho, Tae Jung Kim, Wan Seop Kim, Kyo Young Lee, Hye Kyoung Yoon, Hyun Joo Choi; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):95-101. Published online March 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.01.06

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Although the Korean Society for Cytopathology has developed educational goals as guidelines for cytopathology education in Korea, there is still no systematic approach to cytopathology education status for pathology residents. Furthermore, satisfaction with cytopathology education and with the outcome of the current training/educational program has not been investigated in Korea. This study aimed to obtain comprehensive data on the current state of cytopathology education for residents and evaluate education outcomes.
Methods
An online survey was conducted in December 2020 for the board-certified pathologists and training residents registered as members of the Korean Society for Cytopathology. The questionnaire comprised questions that investigated the current status of cytopathology at each training institution, the degree of satisfaction with the work and education related to cytopathology, outcomes of cytopathology training, and educational accomplishments.
Results
Of the participants surveyed, 12.3% (132/1,075) completed the questionnaire, and 36.8% (32/87) of cytopathology residents participated. The mean overall satisfaction with cytopathology education was 3.1 points (on a 1- to 5-point scale, 5: very satisfied). The most frequent suggestion among the free description format responses was to expand educational opportunities, such as online education opportunities, outside of the individual institutions.
Conclusions
Our results showed that cytopathology training in Korea needs further improvement. We expect that this study will inform systematic training of competent medical personnel armed with broad cytopathology knowledge and strong problem-solving abilities.

Reviews

A standardized pathology report for gastric cancer: 2nd edition: Young Soo Park, Myeong-Cherl Kook, Baek-hui Kim, Hye Seung Lee, Dong-Wook Kang, Mi-Jin Gu, Ok Ran Shin, Younghee Choi, Wonae Lee, Hyunki Kim, In Hye Song, Kyoung-Mee Kim, Hee Sung Kim, Guhyun Kang, Do Youn Park, So-Young Jin, Joon Mee Kim, Yoon Jung Choi, Hee Kyung Chang, Soomin Ahn, Mee Soo Chang, Song-Hee Han, Yoonjin Kwak, An Na Seo, Sung Hak Lee, Mee-Yon Cho; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(1):1-27. Published online January 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.12.23

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: The first edition of ‘A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer’ was initiated by the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists and published 17 years ago. Since then, significant advances have been made in the pathologic diagnosis, molecular genetics, and management of gastric cancer (GC). To reflect those changes, a committee for publishing a second edition of the report was formed within the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists. This second edition consists of two parts: standard data elements and conditional data elements. The standard data elements contain the basic pathologic findings and items necessary to predict the prognosis of GC patients, and they are adequate for routine surgical pathology service. Other diagnostic and prognostic factors relevant to adjuvant therapy, including molecular biomarkers, are classified as conditional data elements to allow each pathologist to selectively choose items appropriate to the environment in their institution. We trust that the standardized pathology report will be helpful for GC diagnosis and facilitate large-scale multidisciplinary collaborative studies.

Infections and immunity: associations with obesity and related metabolic disorders: Amitabha Ray, Melissa J. L. Bonorden, Rajashree Pandit, Katai J. Nkhata, Anupam Bishayee; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(1):28-42. Published online January 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.11.14

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Abstract PDF: About one-fourth of the global population is either overweight or obese, both of which increase the risk of insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. In obesity, both immune cells and adipocytes produce an excess of pro-inflammatory cytokines that may play a significant role in disease progression. In the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, important pathological characteristics such as involvement of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelial injury, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release have been shown to be connected with obesity and associated sequelae such as insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This pathological connection may explain the severity of COVID-19 in patients with metabolic disorders. Many studies have also reported an association between type 2 diabetes and persistent viral infections. Similarly, diabetes favors the growth of various microorganisms including protozoal pathogens as well as opportunistic bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, diabetes is a risk factor for a number of prion-like diseases. There is also an interesting relationship between helminths and type 2 diabetes; helminthiasis may reduce the pro-inflammatory state, but is also associated with type 2 diabetes or even neoplastic processes. Several studies have also documented altered circulating levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes in obesity, which likely modifies vaccine effectiveness. Timely monitoring of inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein) and energy homeostasis markers (e.g., leptin) could be helpful in preventing many obesity-related diseases.

Perspectives on single-nucleus RNA sequencing in different cell types and tissues: Nayoung Kim, Huiram Kang, Areum Jo, Seung-Ah Yoo, Hae-Ock Lee; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(1):52-59. Published online January 10, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.12.19

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Abstract PDF: Single-cell RNA sequencing has become a powerful and essential tool for delineating cellular diversity in normal tissues and alterations in disease states. For certain cell types and conditions, there are difficulties in isolating intact cells for transcriptome profiling due to their fragility, large size, tight interconnections, and other factors. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) is an alternative or complementary approach for cells that are difficult to isolate. In this review, we will provide an overview of the experimental and analysis steps of snRNA-seq to understand the methods and characteristics of general and tissue-specific snRNA-seq data. Knowing the advantages and limitations of snRNA-seq will increase its use and improve the biological interpretation of the data generated using this technique.

Single-cell and spatial sequencing application in pathology: Yoon-Seob Kim, Jinyong Choi, Sug Hyung Lee; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(1):43-51. Published online January 10, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.12.12

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Abstract PDF: Traditionally, diagnostic pathology uses histology representing structural alterations in a disease’s cells and tissues. In many cases, however, it is supplemented by other morphology-based methods such as immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is one of the strategies that may help tackle the heterogeneous cells in a disease, but it does not usually provide histologic information. Spatial sequencing is designed to assign cell types, subtypes, or states according to the mRNA expression on a histological section by RNA sequencing. It can provide mRNA expressions not only of diseased cells, such as cancer cells but also of stromal cells, such as immune cells, fibroblasts, and vascular cells. In this review, we studied current methods of spatial transcriptome sequencing based on their technical backgrounds, tissue preparation, and analytic procedures. With the pathology examples, useful recommendations for pathologists who are just getting started to use spatial sequencing analysis in research are provided here. In addition, leveraging spatial sequencing by integration with scRNA-seq is reviewed. With the advantages of simultaneous histologic and single-cell information, spatial sequencing may give a molecular basis for pathological diagnosis, improve our understanding of diseases, and have potential clinical applications in prognostics and diagnostic pathology.

Case Report

Solitary Peutz-Jeghers type harmartomatous polyp in duodenum with gastric foveolar epithelium: a case report: Eugene Choi, Junghwan Lee, Youngsoo Park; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):128-131. Published online January 10, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.11.07

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Abstract PDF: Peutz-Jeghers type hamartomatous polyp is known to be associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, which shows characteristic multiple hamartomatous polyp involvement in the gastrointestinal tract, combined with mucocutaneous symptom, familial history of Peutz- Jeghers syndrome or STK11/LTB1 mutation. However, some cases showing histologic appearance of the polyps discovered in Peutz- Jeghers syndrome while lacking other diagnostic criteria of the syndrome have been reported, and these are called solitary Peutz- Jeghers type polyps. Herein, we report a case of solitary Peutz-Jeghers type polyp covered with heterotopic epithelium. The patient was 47-year-old female without any mucocutaneous symptoms nor familial history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Microscopic examination revealed Peutz-Jeghers type hamartomatous polyp in duodenum covered with gastric type foveolar epithelium. Considering the definition of hamartomatous polyp, which is, the abnormal overgrowth of the indigenous epithelial component, the histological feature of current case is noteworthy in a point that it shows proliferation of heterotopic component, rather than the indigenous component.

Original Article

Significance of tumor-associated neutrophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in non-invasive and invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma: Wael Abdo Hassan, Ahmed Kamal ElBanna, Noha Noufal, Mohamed El-Assmy, Hany Lotfy, Rehab Ibrahim Ali; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):88-94. Published online January 10, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.11.06

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Abstract PDF: Background
Tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes play essential roles in promoting or combating various neoplasms. This study aimed to investigate the association between tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the progression of urothelial carcinoma.
Methods
A total of 106 patients diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma were was. Pathological examination for tumor grade and stage and for tumor-infiltrating neutrophils, both CD4 and CD8+ T lymphocytes, as well as the neutrophil- to-lymphocyte ratio were evaluated.
Results
The presence of neutrophils and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio correlated with high-grade urothelial neoplasms. In both low- and high-grade tumors, the lymphocytes increased during progression from a non-invasive neoplasm to an early-invasive neoplasm. CD8+ T lymphocytes increased in low-grade non–muscle-invasive tumors compared to non-invasive tumors. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in CD8+ T lymphocytes during progression to muscle-invasive tumors.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and CD8+ T lymphocytes have a significant effect on tumor grade and progression.

Review

Inflammatory bowel disease–associated intestinal fibrosis: Ji Min Park, Jeongseok Kim, Yoo Jin Lee, Sung Uk Bae, Hye Won Lee; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(1):60-66. Published online January 10, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.11.02

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1 Citations

Abstract PDF

Fibrosis is characterized by a proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive extracellular matrix following chronic inflammation, and this replacement of organ tissue with fibrotic tissue causes a loss of function. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and intestinal fibrosis is common in IBD patients, resulting in several complications that require surgery, such as a stricture or penetration. This review describes the pathogenesis and various factors involved in intestinal fibrosis in IBD, including cytokines, growth factors, epithelial-mesenchymal and endothelial-mesenchymal transitions, and gut microbiota. Furthermore, histopathologic findings and scoring systems used for stenosis in IBD are discussed, and differences in the fibrosis patterns of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are compared. Biomarkers and therapeutic agents targeting intestinal fibrosis are briefly mentioned at the end.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Pathways Affected by Falcarinol-Type Polyacetylenes and Implications for Their Anti-Inflammatory Function and Potential in Cancer Chemoprevention
Ruyuf Alfurayhi, Lei Huang, Kirsten Brandt
Foods.2023; 12(6): 1192. CrossRef

Case Report

Metallic implant-associated lymphoma: ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with total knee replacement arthroplasty: Jai-Hyang Go; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(1):75-78. Published online January 10, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.10.30

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Abstract PDF: Metallic implant-associated lymphomas are extremely rare. Only seven cases have been reported in association with knee joint arthroplasty, and all tumors were large B-cell lymphomas. This report is the first case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma occurring after total knee replacement arthroplasty. An 80‑year‑old female patient was admitted because of right knee pain for 2 years. She had undergone total knee replacement arthroplasty 10 years prior. Computed tomography showed an irregular osteolytic lesion in the right lateral femoral condyle, adjacent to the metallic prosthesis. Histologic findings reveal sheets of anaplastic tumor cells that were positive for CD2, CD4, CD5, CD43, and CD30 but negative for CD3, CD20, CD15, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase. Epstein-Barr encoding region in situ hybridization was negative. Analysis of T-cell receptor γ gene rearrangement studies using BIOMED-2–based multiplex polymerase chain reaction confirmed monoclonal T cell proliferation. The woman was finally diagnosed with ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Case Study

Unsuspected systemic Epstein-Barr virus–positive T-cell lymphoma of childhood diagnosed at autopsy in a potential homicide case: Daniel J. Robbins, Erik A. Ranheim, Jamie E. Kallan; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):123-127. Published online December 22, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.10.31

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Abstract PDF: Systemic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–positive T-cell lymphoma of childhood (SETLC) is a rare, rapidly progressive, and often fatal disease of children and young adults characterized by monoclonal expansion of EBV-positive T cells in tissues or peripheral blood following infection with EBV. Its distinction from other EBV-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders with overlapping features can be difficult, and particular diagnostic features may not be manifest until autopsy examination. We present the case of a 10-year-old boy with significant disability due to remote traumatic brain injury following non-accidental head trauma who died unexpectedly at home. Given the history of physical abuse and the potential for homicide charges, significant medicolegal implications arose with this case. Pathologic investigation ultimately revealed conclusive diagnostic features of SETLC including extensive proliferation of EBV-positive T cells in multiple organs. A natural manner of death was confirmed, thereby excluding delayed homicide related to complications of non-accidental head trauma.

Original Article

The proteomic landscape shows oncologic relevance in cystitis glandularis: Jun Yong Kim, Dohyun Han, Hyeyoon Kim, Minsun Jung, Han Suk Ryu; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(1):67-74. Published online December 22, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.10.24

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Abstract PDF: Background
The relationship between cystitis glandularis (CG) and bladder malignancy remains unclear.
Methods
We identified the oncologic significance of CG at the molecular level using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of 10 CG, 12 urothelial carcinoma (UC), and nine normal urothelium (NU) specimens. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified based on an analysis of variance false discovery rate < 0.05, and their functional enrichment was analyzed using a network model, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and Gene Ontology annotation.
Results
We identified 9,890 proteins across all samples and 1,139 DEPs among the three entities. A substantial number of DEPs overlapped in CG/NU, distinct from UC. Interestingly, we found that a subset of DEP clusters (n = 53, 5%) was differentially expressed in NU but similarly between CG and UC. This “UC-like signature” was enriched for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and energy metabolism, growth and DNA repair, transport, motility, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cell survival. Using the top 10 shortlisted DEPs, including SOD2, PRKCD, CYCS, and HCLS1, we identified functional elements related to ROS metabolism, development, and transport using network analysis. The abundance of these four molecules in UC/CG than in NU was consistent with the oncologic functions in CG.
Conclusions
Using a proteomic approach, we identified a predominantly non-neoplastic landscape of CG, which was closer to NU than to UC. We also confirmed a small subset of common DEPs in UC and CG, suggesting that altered ROS metabolism might imply potential cancerous risks in CG.

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