Genetic characterization of vocal fold lesions: leukoplakia and carcinoma.

Objectives/hypothesis: Malignant transformation of laryngeal keratosis has been reported in a substantial subset of patients, yet reliable criteria for predicting patients most at risk have yet to be determined. Current methods for determining dysplasia ratings are susceptible to errors in biopsy sampling and interpretation. An understanding of the genetic underpinnings of the progression of vocal fold tumorigenesis may contribute to the creation of reliable and predictive diagnostic criteria.

Institutional and comprehensive review of laryngeal leukoplakia.

Objectives: The nature and interpretation of vocal fold leukoplakia has been limited by small study sizes. The present study reviewed institutional data and the published literature to better characterize vocal fold leukoplakia.

Methods: At our institution, the histopathology, age, and malignant conversion rates of 136 patients (208 biopsies) with vocal fold leukoplakia from 1990 to 2005 were reviewed.

Comparative effects of phthalate monoesters on gap junctional intercellular communication and peroxisome proliferation in rodent and primate hepatocytes.

Several phthalate esters, compounds used as plasticizers in a variety of commercial products, have been shown to induce hepatic tumors in rodents. In this study, the comparative effects of phthalate monoesters on inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication and induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation were assessed in primary cultured hepatocytes from rats, mice, hamsters, cynomolgus monkeys, and humans. A human liver cell line was also utilized.