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E Berti

Publications and source records attributed to E Berti.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Molecular analysis of cutaneous B- and T-cell lymphomas.

Among extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, primary cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) represent a consistent group of B- and T-cell malignancies. We investigated the arrangement of Ig and T-cell receptor (TCR) genes, together with the involvement of several oncogenes and the tumor-suppressor gene p53, in a panel of primary cutaneous B- and T-cell lymphomas (CBCLs and CTCLs). Southern blot analysis was performed to detect rearrangements of the Ig, c-myc, bcl-1, bcl-2, bcl-3, bcl-6, and the NFKB2/lyt-10 genes in 52 cases of CBCLs and of the TCR, bcl-3, and NFKB2/lyt-10 genes in 38 cases of CTCLs. tal-1 gene deletions were analyzed in CTCLs by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). p53 gene mutations were assayed using PCR, single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis, and direct DNA sequencing in CBCL and CTCL cases. Clonal rearrangements of Ig genes or oncogenes were found in 25 of the 52 CBCLs. In particular, we detected rearrangements of the bcl-1 locus (2 cases), the bcl-2 gene (2 cases), the NFKB2/lyt-10 gene (2 cases), and the bcl-6 gene (1 case); interestingly, 4 of these cases showed a germline arrangement of the Ig genes. Clonal rearrangements of TCR genes were detected in 37 of the 38 CTCLs. Rearrangements of the NFKB2/lyt-10 gene were present in 2 cases and tal-1 gene deletions in 3 CTCL cases; p53 gene mutations were detected in 1 CTCL case. Overall, our data indicate that (1) clonal rearrangement of Ig genes is frequently undetectable by means of Southern blot in CBCLs (60%); (2) genetic lesions are involved in a limited but significant fraction of primary CLs showing a molecular marker of clonality (13/62; 20%); and (3) rearrangements of the bcl-1, bcl-2, or bcl-6 loci, associated with specific subsets of nodal lymphoid neoplasias, are rarely observed in CBCLs. Moreover, our results suggest that tal-1 gene deletions may play a pathogenetic role in non-acute T-cell malignancies and that, in the context of lymphoid malignancies, CLs may represent a favorable target for the possible oncogenic potential of the NFKB2/lyt-10 gene.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

bcl-1, bcl-2, p53, c-myc, and lyt-10 analysis in cutaneous lymphomas.

In the present study we investigated the pathogenetic role of c-myc, bcl-2, and lyt-10 oncogenes, bcl-1 locus, and p53 suppressor gene in a representative panel of cutaneous lymphomas, including 25 cases of cutaneous B cell lymphoma (CBCL) and 29 cases of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL). In our analysis four cases of CBCL were found rearranged for bcl-2 and two for the bcl-1 locus. Two cases of CTCL and one case of CBCL were found rearranged for lyt-10. No rearrangements of c-myc oncogene were found in CBCL. Analysis of p53 gene showed mutation only in one case of mycosis fungoides in tumoral stage, at codon 163 of p53 gene (TAC-->CAC; Tyr--> Asp). Our data suggest that in primary CBCL bcl-2 oncogenes and bcl-1 locus are rarely involved. Furthermore, in primary CTCL p53 gene is not affected at significant frequency. The occurrence of p53 mutation in a patient affected by mycosis fungoides in tumoral stage may represent an involvement of p53 gene in tumor progression of CTCL, a finding observed in several types of human cancer.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Altered expression of a new antigen of the dermal-epidermal junction (NU-T2 DEJ Ag) in junctional epidermolysis bullosa.

NU-T2 antigen (Ag) is a new and recently described antigen of the dermal-epidermal junction, recognized by an anti-CD1b monoclonal antibody denominated NU-T2. We studied NU-T2 Ag expression in junctional epidermolysis bullosa (13 patients) and in other forms of hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (23 patients), comparing the results with nicein expression. In junctional epidermolysis bullosa gravis type no differences were found between the expression of NU-T2 and nicein, both being negative in bullous as well as in non-bullous skin. Interestingly, in mitis type junctional epidermolysis bullosa, NU-T2 Ag was found to be absent or reduced in five of six patients both in lesional and in uncleaved skin. When compared with nicein expression, clearcut differences were found, further suggesting that these two antigens are different. These data confirm that NU-T2 Ag is a novel epitope of the dermal-epidermal junction, probably relevant in dermal-epidermal cohesion, and it could be responsible, together with nicein, 19-DEJ-1 and other adhesion molecules, for the different subtypes of junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Finally, NU-T2 monoclonal antibody is a new relevant tool for the diagnosis, classification, and prenatal diagnosis of junctional epidermolysis bullosa.

Antigens↗
PubMed1995

Lichen striatus--a chameleon: an histopathological and immunohistological study of forty-one cases.

Lichen striatus (LS) is an uncommon dermatosis that generally affects children. The histopathology of LS often shows a polymorphic epidermal reaction process of variable lichenoid and spongiotic changes having no specific histopathological criteria or simulating other diseases. In the present study, we have evaluated the histopathological features of 41 biopsy specimens and the immunohistochemical aspects of 10 cases of LS. In 50% of the cases, we found histopathological and immunopathological features constantly present and allowing a correct diagnosis. In 9 cases, the histopathology was not specific, and in 10 cases, a clear differentiation from other diseases was not possible. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated a CD3+ T-lymphocytic infiltration in which CD8+ cells surrounded necrotic keratinocytes and intraepidermal vesicles filled with Langerhans cells. These findings seem to corroborate the hypothesis that a somatic mutation of a keratinocytic clone could induce an autoimmune response of the host.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1995

Eruption resembling erythema gyratum repens in linear IgA dermatosis.

We report a case of linear IgA dermatosis associated with eruptions resembling erythema gyratum repens in a 62-year-old man. The patient revealed no clinical and laboratory evidence of an underlying malignancy. The presence of eruptions similar to erythema gyratum repens during the course of bullous dermatoses has been described in only eight reports.

Basement Membrane↗
PubMed1995

CD30/Ki-1-positive lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin--clinicopathologic correlation and statistical analysis of 86 cases: a multicentric study from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Cutaneous Lymphoma Project Group.

PURPOSE: Recently, it has been shown that CD30 antigen expression is associated with a relatively favorable prognosis in primary cutaneous large-cell lymphomas (CLCLs). However, prognostic subsets within the CD30+ group have been difficult to identify due to lack of uniform clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic criteria, limited clinical information, and the inclusion of relatively few patients for statistical analysis in prior studies. To address these problems, we formed a multicentric study group of pathologists and dermatologists to classify and evaluate 92 cases of CD30+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An expert panel established consensus diagnoses for 86 CD30+ cutaneous lymphomas. Cases, clinically and histologically classified as lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), nonanaplastic lymphoma, and borderline histology between LyP and ALCL, were then analyzed statistically by univariate, multivariate, and Cox regression model analysis of potential prognostic features. RESULTS: Spontaneous regression and age less than 60 years were associated with a favorable prognosis, while extracutaneous disease and age greater than 60 had a poor prognosis. Patients with LyP had the best prognosis, followed by those with primary CD30+ lymphomas, regardless of cytologic type (anaplastic or nonanaplastic). Borderline cases, morphologically indistinguishable from LyP and CD30+ ALCL, had a favorable prognosis, similar to LyP. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that CD30+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders comprise a spectrum of closely related skin lesions, which can be assigned a relatively favorable or unfavorable prognosis by a combined clinical and pathologic analysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Heteroduplex analysis of T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangements for diagnosis and monitoring of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.

The possibility to detect markers of T-cell clonality at the T-cell receptor (TCR) beta and gamma loci in skin biopsy samples has proven to be helpful for the often difficult clinical and immunohistochemical diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). However, particularly at the early stage of the neoplastic infiltration, an emerging clonal pattern at Southern may be obscured by the germline TCR configuration of the predominant dermal and epidermal cell component. Additionally, multiple TCR gamma rearranged bands of variable intensity are often observed, either in the presence or in the absence of a major clone. To overcome these difficulties, we have investigated the T-lymphocyte clonality in selected patients with variable signs of CTCL by means of heteroduplex analysis of the amplified TCR gamma VJ junctions, separated in nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel. This technique has several advantages over standard Southern blot because it is simple, rapid, not radioactive, and likely more sensitive than other polymerase chain reaction-based procedures. In particular, the cases with uncertain or contradictory TCR beta and gamma patterns were solved by the heteroduplex analysis, showing homoduplex or heteroduplex bands of clonal nature. The direct sequence of the VJ junctions, easily obtained from the homoduplex or heteroduplex bands, allowed us to confirm the same clonal marker in two apparently different skin lesions and in different biopsy samples obtained from the same patients, either at the same or different time points, thus emphasizing the utility of this method in monitoring CTCL clinical progression.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Cathepsin D and E co-expression in sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman disease) and Langerhans' cell histiocytosis: further evidences of a phenotypic overlap between these histiocytic disorders.

Nosological classification of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML; Rosai-Dorfman disease) is difficult, and the normal cellular counterpart of Rosai-Dorfman (RD) cells is uncharacterised. The peculiar S-100+ phenotype of RD cells suggests a relationship with the dendritic cell family. Recent investigations have revealed cathepsin E to be selectively concentrated in antigen-presenting cells, whereas cathepsin D was found to be expressed in cells of macrophage lineage. Cathepsin D and E distribution was investigated by immunohistochemistry in a series of SHML biopsies and in two types of dendritic cell proliferative lesions: dermatopathic lymphadenitis (DL) and Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH). In SHML biopsies, RD cells and monocyte-related elements of the sinuses and pulp coexpressed cathepsin D and E. LCH cells also stained for both these aspartic proteinases. Conversely, in DL cathepsin E and D were localised to separate cells that resembled Langerhans' cells (LC) or macrophages, respectively, in morphology and distribution. Our data outline the peculiar immunophenotype of RD and LCH cells and suggest that caution should be exercised in the identification of their normal cellular counterpart. The common expression of cathepsin D and E and of S-100 protein suggests some phenotypic overlap between SHML and LCH cells, despite their striking morphological divergence.

Cathepsin D↗
PubMed1994

Sneddon's syndrome: clinical and immunohistochemical findings.

Results of immunological studies on skin biopsies of 5 patients with Sneddon's syndrome are reported. Also studied were coagulation factors and autoantibodies believed to play a role in this syndrome. Hemostasis was normal except for a mild increase of fibrinogen in one subject; lupus anticoagulant (LAC) and anticardiolipin antibodies were negative in all. The skin biopsies ruled out systemic vasculitis and vasculitis in association with connective tissue diseases. Sneddon's syndrome is a peculiar clinicopathological condition, probably with several etiologies, but is distinct from primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Immunohistochemical localization of a novel beta 1 integrin in normal and pathologic squamous epithelia.

The 10.1.2 MoAb reacts with a novel alpha chain that associates with the beta 1 integrin chain and is widely distributed among epithelial and endothelial cells of human adult and fetal tissues. In the epidermis and in other squamous epithelia, alpha 10.1.2 chains are expressed exclusively in the basal cell layer. Here we describe the immunohistochemical localization of alpha 10.1.2 in human epidermis, in other squamous epithelia, as well as in cultured keratinocytes. alpha 10.1.2 chain localization has also been investigated in a variety of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the skin, the uterine cervix, and the lung. We show that alpha 10.1.2 chains retain their basal keratinocyte localization in hyperplastic skin diseases and in benign tumors of the epidermis and that they are strongly expressed in basal cell carcinomas. In contrast, alpha 10.1.2 expression is decreased in keratinocytes that differentiate in vitro and is lost in epidermal dysplastic conditions, in the invading front of squamous cell carcinomas of the epidermis, in microinvasive cervical cancers, and in well-differentiated squamous lung tumors. These findings indicate that alpha 10.1.2 beta 1 integrin is downregulated during keratinocyte differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, lack of alpha 10.1.2 expression in basal cells of squamous epithelia is associated with early dysplastic changes and with the acquisition of invasive capacity.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1994

Parapsoriasis in two children: a clinical, immunophenotypic, and immunogenotypic study.

Parapsoriasis has been described rarely in childhood; a few reports mention this condition as preceding early mycosis fungoides. We report a boy age 15 and a girl age 8 years with different clinical features of parapsoriasis who were followed clinically and histologically for about four years. Immunophenotyping of the skin infiltrate and a T cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis were performed on each. The infiltrate was composed mainly of CD4+ and CD45+ lymphocytes in the first patient and of CD8+ and CD45+ in the second. No T cell receptor gene rearrangements were found. The paucity of knowledge about the evolution of this entity in childhood and its relationship to mycosis fungoides makes follow-up critical. The importance of immunophenotyping and immunogenotyping is particularly stressed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Histologic patterns of primary malignant tumors of the fallopian tube.

From 1978 through 1993 four patients underwent surgical treatment of primary fallopian tube rumors. Mean age was 62.5 years. A different histologic pattern was found in each cases: transitional, endometrioid, serous papillary and malignant mixed mesodermal tumor. Prognostic significance of histologic patterns is underlined together with grade and stage; all our cases were included in stage IA. Surgical treatment was, in all cases, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy; in two cases an adjunctive chemotherapy followed. A second look was performed in two cases. All patients are alive and free of disease with a follow-up varying from 15 to 84 months.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Fibrous hamartoma in childhood].

Is a rare soft tissue benign tumor usually appearing during the first two years of life, often occurring in axillary or upper arm region subcutaneous tissue. Surgery is the treatment of choice. The lesion histologically consists of three different tissue elements: dense mature fibrocollagenous, loose immature myxoid mesenchymal and mature adipose tissue. A case of fibrous hamartoma of infancy with the usual clinical characteristics, but with particular microscopic features due to the abundance in fibrocollagenous and scarcity of myxoid tissue, is described. The results of the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study on the same patient are reported. The differential diagnostic problems are discussed.

Axilla↗
PubMed1994

[Quality control at the Istituto di Anatomia e Istologia patologica at the Università di Bologna].

The growing importance in medical practice of a standardized diagnosis in cyto- and histopathology and the recent recommendations for the adoption of standardized schemes for quality control in anatomic pathology by International Committees stimulated the medical staff of the Institute of Anatomic Pathology of the University of Bologna to adopt a pertinent method. The method used by the Department of Pathology of the Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut, USA) was chosen. A Committee for the quality control was appointed and two kinds of controls were set up: an External Quality Assessment (review of the difficult cases by external experts, slide seminars) and an Internal Quality Assessment performed by the members of the Committee on the diagnostic and laboratory routine of the Institute. Such a survey is periodically monitored during the monthly meetings of the Committee and described in the monthly reports. The present paper illustrates the method adopted and the preliminary results obtained in order to stimulate the discussion of such a critical theme in contemporary Anatomic Pathology at a national level.

Academies and Institutes↗
PubMed1994

Delta chain-positive T-cell lymphoma of the skin.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) represent a heterogeneous group with respect to clinical presentation, histology, and phenotype. The most frequent CTCL represent a proliferation of x/x+ T-cell with a helper inducer memory phenotype (CD4+, CD29+, CD45RO+).

Antigens, CD↗