P53 expression in various types of hydropic placentas (through ploidy analysis as a complementary tool in diagnosis of samples).

Background: Placentas characterized by hydropic swelling of chorionic villi occur in a spectrum of pathological conditions including hydropic abortion (HA), partial hydatidiform mole (PHM) and complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the expression of p53 tumour suppressor protein could differentiate these various types of hydropic placentas.

Methods: p53 immunohistochemical staining was performed in 19 molar (8 PHM and 11 CHM) and 10 non-molar (HA) formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples.

DNA flow cytometric analysis in variable types of hydropic placentas.

Background: Differential diagnosis between complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole and hydropic abortion, known as hydropic placentas is still a challenge for pathologists but it is very important for patient management.

Objective: We analyzed the nuclear DNA content of various types of hydropic placentas by flowcytometry.

Materials And Methods: DNA ploidy analysis was performed in 20 non-molar (hydropic and non-hydropic spontaneous abortions) and 20 molar (complete and partial moles), formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples by flow cytometry.

Ki-67 expression in hydatidiform moles and hydropic abortions.

Background: Differential diagnosis of hydatidiform moles from non-molar specimens as well as their sub-classification such as complete and partial hydatidiform moles are important for clinical management and accurate risk assessment for persistent gestational trophoblastic disease, but diagnosis based solely on histomorphology suffers from poor interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine whether the expression of Ki-67 protein could differentiate these entities.

Materials And Methods: We performed Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining in 19 molar (8 partial and 11 complete moles) and 10 non-molar (hydropic abortions) formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples.

Detection of sugar chain expression in hydatidiform mole using lectin histochemistry.

Background: Hydatidiform moles carry a significant risk for developing persistent gestational trophoblastic disease. Lectins are useful tools to identify cellular glycosylation pattern and changes in glycosylation that occur during growth, development, differentiation and also, during disease states.

Objectives: Considering the changes in glycosylation that occur during cell proliferation, differentiation and transformation, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the sugar chain expression in hydatidiform mole by using HRP-conjugated lectins.

Diagnostic value of lectins in differentiation of molar placentas.

Objectives: Distinction of hydatidiform moles from non-molar specimens and subclassification of hydatidiform moles as complete and partial are important for clinical practice, but diagnosis based solely on histomorphology suffers from poor interobserver reproducibility. Nowadays, pathologists rely on molecular techniques, however these methods are technically difficult, relatively expensive, and time consuming, and cannot be applied in all laboratories. Therefore, a relatively easy, time- and cost-effective ancillary tool, would be helpful.