Hürthle cell carcinoma of the thyroid presenting as thyrotoxicosis

ObjectiveTo report a case of hyperthyroidism associated with Hülllnnvl-ürthle cellcarcinoma and to review the literature regarding this relationship.MethodsWe describe the clinical, biochemical, radiologic, and pathologic data of a patient with Hürthle cellcarcinoma associated with thyrotoxicosis and reversible heart failure. We discuss the mechanistic aspects and review previously reported cases of functionalHürthle cellcarcinomas.ResultsA 43-year-old womanpresented with thyrotoxicosis and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. She had a “hot” nodule inthe left lobe of the thyroid onsodium pertechnetate scan. She underwent a left hemithyroidec-tomy and isthmusectomy. Pathologic findings revealed a minimally invasive Hürthle cellcarcinoma. Onfollow-up, the dilated cardiomyopathy had resolved. The associationof thyroid carcinoma with thyrotoxicosis is rare.ConclusionsSome Hürthle cellcarcinomas canbe functionaland lead to thyrotoxicosis. To our knowledge, we present the first case of reversible dilated cardiomyopathy due to thyrotoxicosis originating from Hülll-ürthle cellcarcinoma. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:e5-e9)     

Hürthle cell carcinoma: diagnostic and therapeutic implications

Background  

Hürthle cell carcinoma is a variant of follicular cell carcinoma of thyroid. It may present as a low-grade tumour or as a more aggressive type. Prognosis depends upon the age of the patient, tumour size, extent of invasion and initial nodal or distant metastasis.     

Fine needle aspiration of poorly differentiated oxyphilic (Hürthle cell) thyroid carcinoma: a case report

BACKGROUND: Poorly differentiated oxyphilic (Hürthle cell) carcinomas are a more recently described variant of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma and are characterized by a prominent Hürthle cell component in a solid or trabecular arrangement. Clinically, poorly differentiated oxyphilic carcinomas behave more aggressively as compared to classic Hürthle cell carcinomas, which have a predominantly follicular pattern. Although the histology of these rare thyroid tumors has been reported in the literature, the cytologic features on fine needle aspiration biopsy have not been described before. CASE: A 73-year-old man with a long history of radioactive iodine and levothyroxine therapy for multinodular goiter presented with a painful, rapidly expanding, 6-cm, left thyroid mass with aggressive radiologic features. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass yielded extremely cellular smears with a dual population of medium-sized follicular cells and numerous Hürthle cells. Subsequent thyroidectomy confirmed the malignant nature of this Hürthle cell-rich tumor, warranting a diagnosis of poorly differentiated oxyphilic (Hürthle cell) thyroid carcinoma. CONCULSION: Poorly differentiated oxyphilic thyroid carcinoma is an aggressive variant of Hürthle cell carcinomas and must enter the differential diagnosis when fine needle aspiration biopsy of a radiologically aggressive thyroid mass yields extremely hypercellular smears with a prominent Hürthle cell component.     

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma developing from a Hürthle cell tumor: a case report

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a highly malignant tumor in elderly people with a long history of multinodular goiter and is usually associated with a rapidly fatal clinical evolution. The tumor often develops as a result of anaplastic transformation of a slowly growing papillary carcinoma or follicular neoplasm. CASE: An 85-year-old woman had a multinodular goiter and had been asymptomatic, with a normal white blood cell count and chest radiograph three months prior to her hospital admission for the treatment. The tumor presented with low grade fever, leukocytosis, multiple metastatic lung nodules and enlargement of the intrathoracic thyroid in a period of three months, causing compression of the esophagus and trachea. Despite a total thyroidectomy, the tumor recurred within one month and caused dysphagia and death. CONCLUSION: FNAB permitted the diagnosis of an anaplastic thyroid carcinoma arising from an intrathoracic Hürthle cell tumor.     

Scintigraphy with [111In]octreotide and 201Tl in a Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma without detectable radio-iodine uptake. Report of a case and review of the literature

AIM: To describe the visualization of recurrent disease by [111In]octreotide and 201Tl scintigraphy in a patient with Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma, increased thyroglobulin levels, and a negative radio-iodine total-body scan. METHODS: Scintigraphy with [111In]octreotide and 201Tl was performed, and a local recurrence in the thyroid bed was detected which was excised by surgery. RESULTS: On histology, the tumour proved to be a Hürthle cell carcinoma, and within the tumour somatostatin receptors were detected by RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: Scintigraphy with [111In]octreotide and 201Tl is an alternative imaging method for the detection of residual disease in patients with a differentiated thyroid carcinoma having increased thyroglobulin levels and a negative radio-iodine total-body scan.     

Spinal metastasis of a thyroglobulin-rich Hürthle cell carcinoma detected by fine needle aspiration. Light and electron microscopic study of an unusual case

A prospective diagnosis of metastatic thyroid carcinoma was made on an aspirate of a spinal mass. While the cellular component of the aspirate was compatible with a renal or hepatic neoplasm, the recognition of colloid on air-dried smears defined the cells as Hürthle cells. Biopsy of the spinal tumor and subsequent thyroidectomy revealed a Hürthle cell carcinoma. Whereas the primary tumor showed typical Hürthle cell architecture, with solid tumor nests and microfollicle formation, the metastasis contained areas of macrofollicle formation with abundant colloid production and strong immunocytochemical reactivity for thyroglobulin. This change of histologic pattern from the primary tumor to the metastasis has not been previously reported in Hürthle cell lesions. The unusual light microscopic and ultrastructural aspects of this tumor are discussed.     

EGFR gene amplification in glioblastomas. Is there a relationship with morphology of tumor cell nuclei and proliferative activity?

OBJECTIVE: To confirm a relationship between histomorphology of glioblastomas and amplification of the gene for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as the most important molecular biologic alteration in these tumors. STUDY DESIGN: In paraffin sections of surgical specimens from 71 primary resected glioblastomas, tumor cell nuclei in the region with the highest proliferative activity (Ki-67 immunostaining) were investigated morphometrically. Shape variables (roundness factor, Fourier amplitudes) and nuclear area were measured. Additionally, the numerical density of Ki-67-positive tumor cell nuclei was estimated. Differential polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed from paraffin sections of the same tumor area. The signals for the EGFR gene and IFN gamma reference gene were quantified densitometrically. RESULTS: Cases with distinct EGFR gene amplification (EGFR/IFN ratios > 5) revealed significantly lower mean values for several Fourier amplitudes, indicating a more regular nuclear shape when compared with cases without evidence of EGFR gene amplification (EGFR/IFN-ratios < or = 1). The Ki-67 index and nuclear area showed no significant differences between these groups. Although a large variation in nuclear morphology was observed for cases without evidence of EGFR gene amplification, discriminant analysis based on morphometric variables provided a good separation of these cases from cases with distinct EGFR gene amplification, with a high percentage of statistically correct reclassified cases. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence of a relationship between genetic alterations and histomorphology of glioblastomas.     

Correlation between automated DNA ploidy measurements of Hürthle-cell tumors and their histopathologic and clinical features

The treatment of Hürthle-cell tumors of the thyroid is controversial because of their rarity and the inconsistent histopathologic criteria for their diagnosis. In order to obtain more objective criteria for the management of Hürthle-cell tumors, the nuclear DNA content of cells from 20 cases was measured with the MicroTICAS system and the correlation between the DNA distribution patterns and the clinical and histopathologic findings was evaluated. Three main DNA patterns were found: euploid, polyploid and aneuploid. The euploid or polyploid Hürthle-cell tumors came from patients who did not develop distant metastases or recurrence whereas the aneuploid variants came from patients who died of their disease and/or developed distant metastases and recurrence. Various correlation analyses were performed between DNA ploidy and age, sex, size of tumor, growth pattern, pleomorphism, invasion and metastases. Our data suggests that an aneuploid DNA pattern or one with a large percentage of aneuploid nuclei with DNA content exceeding 5N may predict eventual metastases or recurrence from Hürthle-cell tumor.     

Incidence patterns and trends of malignant gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumors in Germany, 1998–2008

BackgroundMalignant gonadal (GGCT) and extragonal germ cell tumors [GCT (EGCT)] are thought to originate from primordial germ cells. In contrast to well reported population-based data of GGCTs in males, analyses of GGCTs in females and EGCTs in both sexes remain limited.MethodsIn a pooling project of nine population-based cancer registries in Germany for the years 1998–2008, 16,883 malignant GCTs and their topographical sites were identified using ICD-O morphology and topography for persons aged 15 years and older. We estimated age-specific and age-standardized incidence rates.ResultsAmong males, the incidence of testicular GCTs increased over time. In contrast, there was no increase in the incidence of EGCTs. Among females, rates of ovarian GCTs were stable, while rates of EGCTs declined over time. The most frequent extragonadal sites were mediastinum among males and placenta among females.ConclusionsOur results underline different incidence trends and distinct age-specific incidence patterns of malignant GGCTs and EGCTs, as reported recently by several population-based registries. The differences suggest that GGCT and EGCT may have different etiologies.     

Study of β-lactam-based drug interaction with albumin protein using optical,sensing, and docking methods

Journal of Biological Physics - The quality and strength of drug and albumin interaction affecting the drug-free concentration and physiological activity are important issues in pharmacokinetic...     

Assessment of the genotoxic potential of Hoechst 33342, SYBR-14 and PI using the SOS ChromoTest(?)

Fluorochromes in combination with flow cytometry can be used for laboratory assessment of semen quality in humans and domestic animals. Some studies have reported the potential toxicity of these fluorochromes toward the cells analyzed, but not toward the laboratory technician who operates the analytical instrument. We tested the genotoxic potential of three fluorochromes, SYBR-14, propidium iodide, and Hoechst 33342, using the colorimetric SOS ChromoTest(?). The test revealed no genotoxic potential for any of the three fluorochromes within the dilution ranges investigated. We conclude that occasional direct contact with these fluorescent probes does not necessarily pose a genotoxic hazard.     

Assessment of the genotoxic potential of Hoechst 33342, SYBR-14 and PI using the SOS ChromoTest™

Abstract

Fluorochromes in combination with flow cytometry can be used for laboratory assessment of semen quality in humans and domestic animals. Some studies have reported the potential toxicity of these fluorochromes toward the cells analyzed, but not toward the laboratory technician who operates the analytical instrument. We tested the genotoxic potential of three fluorochromes, SYBR-14, propidium iodide, and Hoechst 33342, using the colorimetric SOS ChromoTest^?. The test revealed no genotoxic potential for any of the three fluorochromes within the dilution ranges investigated. We conclude that occasional direct contact with these fluorescent probes does not necessarily pose a genotoxic hazard.     

Assessment of a heavy metals‐contaminated site using sequential extraction,TCLP, and risk assessment techniques

The mobility of selected heavy metals in contaminated soil at a previous industrial site in Brisbane, Australia, was assessed using a sequential extraction technique. Copper, Pb, Zn, Cr, Fe, and Mn were extracted from the soil solution/exchangeable, carbonate, Fe and Mn oxides, and organic matter fractions. The amounts of metals adsorbed by these fractions were used as an indicator of each metal's mobility in the soil. Copper and Pb were largely adsorbed by the organic and oxide fractions, while a significant amount of Zn was extracted from the carbonate fraction. The potential mobility and biological availability of the metals in these soils is Zn > Cr = Cu ≈ Pb. Soils were also analyzed using the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) to determine whether the contaminated soil could be disposed of by landfilling. The leachability of all metals from the soils was very low, with metal concentrations below the allowable limits. The TCLP also showed that Zn was the most mobile metal in these soils. An environmental and health risk assessment was undertaken, and it was concluded that the site did not represent a risk despite the “total”; concentrations of some metals being up to 40 times the investigation threshold value adopted in Australia.     

Probing the binding mechanisms of α-tocopherol to trypsin and pepsin using isothermal titration calorimetry,spectroscopic, and molecular modeling methods

α-Tocopherol is a required nutrient for a variety of biological functions. In this study, the binding of α-tocopherol to trypsin and pepsin was investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and molecular modeling methods. Thermodynamic investigations reveal that α-tocopherol binds to trypsin/pepsin is synergistically driven by enthalpy and entropy. The fluorescence experimental results indicate that α-tocopherol can quench the fluorescence of trypsin/pepsin through a static quenching mechanism. The binding ability of α-tocopherol with trypsin/pepsin is in the intermediate range, and one molecule of α-tocopherol combines with one molecule of trypsin/pepsin. As shown by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, α-tocopherol may induce conformational changes of trypsin/pepsin. Molecular modeling displays the specific binding site and gives information about binding forces and α-tocopherol-tryptophan (Trp)/tyrosine (Tyr) distances. In addition, the inhibition rate of α-tocopherol on trypsin and pepsin was studied. The study provides a basic data set for clarifying the binding mechanisms of α-tocopherol with trypsin and pepsin and is helpful for understanding its biological activity in vivo.     

Effect of dimerization of a β-turn antimicrobial peptide, PST13-RK, on antimicrobial activity and mammalian cell toxicity

PST13-RK (KKKFPWWWPFKKK-NH₂) is an improved derivative of tritrpticin adopting a β-turn structure. In order to investigate the effect of dimerization of PST13-RK on antimicrobial activity and mammalian cell toxicity, we designed and synthesized its Cys- and Lys-linked dimers. The dimerization of PST13-RK resulted in a 2–4 fold decreased antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, the dimers showed a large increase in mammalian cell toxicity against mouse NIH-3T3, human MDA-MB-361, and human A549 cells. These results suggested that PST13-RK is active as a monomer to bacterial cells but as an oligomer to mammalian cells. Since the dimeric PST13-RK is much more effective against the cancer cells than the monomer, it might be an attractive candidate for anticancer chemotherapeutic drugs.     

Inhibitory effect of parvovirus H—1 on the formation of colonies of human hepatoma cell line in vitro and its tumors in nude mice

The inhibitory effect of parvovirus H-1 on the colonyforming ability.in vitro of QGY-7703,a cultured human hepatoma cell line,and on the formation and growth of its tumors in nude mice was studied.With higher multiplicity of infection(MOI) of H-1 given,survival of the QGY-7703 cells was found to be decreased.H-1 DNA amplification level at 30h postinfection(p.i.) was detected to be 7.4 times higher than that at 2h by dispersed cells assay,while the cells were delayed to enter into S phase.Plaques were formed in the indicator cells(new-born human kidney cell line,NBK) by progeny H-1 virus particles released from the infected QGY-7703 cells by infectious cell center assay.The formation of tumors in nude mice by QGY-7703 cells which were injected s c at 2h postinfection was observed to by prevented in 2 proups with given MOI 25 and 50.The tumor growth of MOI 10 group occurred at a lower exponential rate than that of control,after a 20d latent period.It was evident that parvovirus H-1 exhibited a direct inhibitory effect on the formation and growth of human hepatoma cells in vivo as well as in vitro.     

Assessment of water quality in Iran’s Anzali Wetland,using qualitative indices from 1985, 2007, and 2014

In the present study, the water quality of the Anzali Wetland, located southwest of the Caspian Sea in Iran, was compared for the years 1985, 2007, and 2014, using a weighted arithmetic mean function (National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index: NSFWQI_a), a weighted geometric mean function (NSFWQI_m), and the Oregon Water Quality Index (OWQI). To that end, nine water quality parameters [pH, turbidity (TURB), temperature (T), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate (NO₃), total solids (TS), phosphate (PO₄), biological oxygen demand (BOD₅), and fecal coliforms (FC)] were analyzed at eight selected stations. According to the proposed classification for water quality indices (higher value (0–100), better water quality), the Wetland water quality was classified as the mean values of the three indices for the three sampled years, as follows: NSFWQI_a (13.72, 12.81, 12.07); NSFWQI_m (63.049, 52.388, 49.108); and OWQI (26.867, 14.477, 15.53). The values of NSFWQI_a, NSFWQI_m, and OWQI for the western stations were better than for the other stations in the region over the 29-year span of investigation; however, the remainders of the stations’ values were very poor. Because wastewaters discharged from industrial and agricultural areas are more concentrated in the eastern part of the Anzali Wetland, the eastern stations of the Wetland showed lower water quality compared to the central and western stations. The water of the Anzali Wetland has different quality classes according to the aggregation methods employed. It is concluded that when evaluating water quality of aquatic ecosystems, several indices should be used to obtain more comprehensive results.     

Discrepancies in the determination of sperm concentration using Bürker-Türk, Thoma and Makler counting chambers

Determination of sperm concentration by use of a haemocytometer or counting chamber is an important step in semen evaluation and is also used for calibration or validation of instruments. Three experiments were carried out to determine the precision and accuracy of the Makler chamber, the Thoma haemocytometers (50 and 100 microm deep, TH-50, TH-100) and the Bürker-Türk (BT) haemocytometer. The first experiment confirmed that precision in sperm count by use of the haemocytometers (TH-50 and BT) can be increased if a higher number of sperm are counted. In contrast, the precision of the Makler chamber was relatively unaffected by the number of sperm counted and the coefficient of variation for this chamber was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for the two haemocytometers. Experiment 2 confirmed the low precision of the Makler chamber and also showed that the TH-50 haemocytometer underestimated sperm concentration by approximately 25% in comparison to the Makler chamber and the BT haemocytometer. Experiment 3 demonstrated a slight underestimation of sperm count by the TH-100 haemocytometer in comparison to the BT haemocytometer, but both haemocytometers yielded acceptable precision (coefficients of variation were 10.4% and 9.4%, respectively). In comparison, the precision of the Makler chamber was significantly poorer (coefficient of variation 18.6%). When used for validation of a flow cytometric method which determines sperm concentration, the Makler chamber caused a higher degree of scattering of the points around the regression line than when the flow cytometric method was validated against the BT haemocytometer. It thus appears that the poor precision of the Makler chamber also affects the accuracy. It is concluded that duplicate counts by at least two technicians is recommended to achieve high precision but, that particular caution should be exerted with regard to the precision and accuracy of the used counting device.     

Dietary effects of harmine,a β-carboline alkaloid,on development,energy reserves and α-amylase activity of Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The physiological and developmental effects of harmine, a β-carboline alkaloid, on the insect pest Plodia interpunctella have been analyzed. When added at the larval diet, harmine induced a strong reduction of larvae weight, cannibalism between larvae, in addition to significant mortality. On the other hand, it caused a remarkable development disruption, manifested by both delay and reduction of pupation and adult emergence. Using spectrophotometric assays, we have shown that harmine ingestion provoked a severe reduction in protein, glycogen and lipid contents. Beside, when larvae fed harmine, the activity of the digestive enzyme α-amylase was strongly reduced. In conclusion, our experiments clearly show the susceptibility of P. interpunctella to harmine ingestion revealing the potent bioinsecticidal effect of harmine.