Histopathological and molecular features of late relapses in non-seminomas.

Objective: • To describe the histopathological types of late relapses of germ cell tumours and to search for molecular markers associated with chemotherapy resistance.

Patients And Methods: • Samples from 14 patients with late relapse from a non-seminoma were analysed. • Archival tumour tissue was gathered at intial diagnosis (n= 9) and at relapse (n= 9), mostly after previous treatment with chemotherapy.

Global DNA methylation in fetal human germ cells and germ cell tumours: association with differentiation and cisplatin resistance.

Differences in the global methylation pattern, ie hyper- as well as hypo-methylation, are observed in cancers including germ cell tumours (GCTs). Related to their precursor cells, GCT methylation status differs according to histology. We investigated the methylation pattern of normal fetal, infantile, and adult germ cells (n = 103) and GCTs (n = 251) by immunohistochemical staining for 5-(m)cytidine.

Microsatellite instability, mismatch repair deficiency, and BRAF mutation in treatment-resistant germ cell tumors.

Purpose: Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency and microsatellite instability (MSI) are associated with cisplatin resistance in human germ cell tumors (GCTs). BRAF mutation (V600E) is found in MSI colorectal cancers. The role of RAS/RAF pathway mutations in GCT treatment response is unknown.

PKCmu prevents CD95-mediated apoptosis and enhances proliferation in pancreatic tumour cells.

Loss of growth control and a marked resistance to apoptosis are considered major mechanisms driving tumour progression. Protein kinases C (PKC) have been shown to be important in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis. In this report, we investigated the role of the PKC-like kinase PKCmu in the control of these processes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells.

CD95 and TRAIL receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase C and NF-kappaB contributes to apoptosis resistance in ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells.

The molecular alterations in tumour cells leading to resistance towards apoptosis induced by CD95 and TRAIL-receptors are not fully understood. We report here that the stimulation of the CD95- and TRAIL-resistant human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line PancTuI with an agonistic anti-CD95 antibody or TRAIL resulted in activation of protein kinase C and NF-kappaB. Inhibition of protein kinase C by Gö6983 sensitized these cells to apoptotic challenges and strongly diminished activation of NF-kappaB by anti-CD95 and TRAIL.

[Fracture of the tibial shaft--still a traumatology problem?].

Diaphyseal fractures of the lower leg have continued to hold a special position in terms of incidence, type, severity, and frequency of typical complications as well as healing disorders. Despite general consensus regarding fracture healing and major factors of influence, there still is discrepancy of opinions and recommendations, in the context of pathophysiology, mechanics, and therapy. All in all, 302 fresh fractures and 134 cases of delayed healing or pseudoarthrosis in the diaphyseal region were treated, between 1971 and 1985.

[Amputation after traumatic lesion of the popliteal artery-avoidable or inevitable? (author's transl)].

Each serious injury of the joint of the knee involves the possibility of an additional lesion of the popliteal artery. Among the arterial injuries the traumatic lesions of the popliteal artery with a frequency of up to 20% are of great importance. Failure to recognize or estimate them correctly may result in a high rate of amputations.