The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-11 protein in various types of glomerulonephritis.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated to play important roles in a number of pathological processes such as inflammation. In human glomeruli, the mesangial matrix turnover is controlled by a dynamic equilibrium between synthesis and degradation to which metalloproteinases are known to contribute. Metalloproteinase-11 (MMP-11) was originally discovered as a gene whose expression was associated with tissue remodelling.

Enhanced mRNA expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in breast carcinomas is correlated with adverse prognosis.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) has emerged as a multifunctional protein with the contrasting activities of inhibiting tissue-degrading enzymes and promoting cellular growth. In an attempt to elucidate the clinical significance of TIMP-1 in breast cancer, the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was evaluated in 117 invasive breast carcinomas by mRNA in situ hybridization, in correlation with clinicopathological parameters, immunohistochemical prognostic factors (Ki-67, c-erb-B-2, bcl-2) and clinical outcome. TIMP-1 was detected in stromal cells in areas within the tumours and at the tumour margin.

Histological diagnosis of cutaneous "warty" carcinoma on a pre-existing HPV lesion.

A middle-aged man with an 8-year history of a fungating tumour mass on his thigh was histologically diagnosed as having an invasive "warty" carcinoma at the location of a pre-existing human papillomavirus (HPV) lesion. The tumour surface had a verruciform appearance with papillae containing fibrovascular cores. Many of the malignant cells displayed changes consistent with koilocytotic atypia.

Immunodetection of gastrin-releasing peptide in malignant melanoma cells.

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), the mammalian counterpart of bombesin, was first identified in the nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract. Little is known about its distribution in the human skin or about its function in certain diseases such as malignant melanoma. Recently functional GRP receptors have been found on human melanoma cell lines.

In situ expression of E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Aim: The study of cell adhesion molecules contributes to our understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms which include the endothelial activation of newly formed or pre-existing vessels, the increase of inflammatory cells' adhesive capability and their migration into perivascular tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the local presence and the extent of expression of E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the mucosa of patients with chronic gastritis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and controls, as well as to identify possible correlations between in situ expression of the above adhesion molecules and degree of inflammatory activity or therapeutic response.

Design: In cryostat tissue sections we examined the immunohistochemical expression and localization of E-selectin and the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).