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W D Travis

Publications and source records attributed to W D Travis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Focal interstitial CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expression in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are a diverse grouping of chronic pulmonary diseases characterised by varying degrees of pulmonary fibrosis. The triggers of the fibroproliferative process in IIP remain enigmatic but recent attention has been directed towards chemokine involvement in this process. METHODS: The expression of two chemokine receptors, CCR7 and CXCR4, and their respective ligands, CCL19, CCL21, and CXCL12, were examined in surgical lung biopsies (SLBs) from patients with IIP. Transcript and protein expression of these receptors and their ligands was compared with that detected in histologically normal margin SLBs. RESULTS: CCR7 and CXCR4 were detected by gene array and real time polymerase chain reaction analysis and CCR7, but not CXCR4, expression was significantly raised in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) relative to biopsies from patients diagnosed with non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) or respiratory bronchiolitis/interstitial lung disease (RBILD). CCR7 protein was expressed in interstitial areas of all upper and lower lobe UIP SLBs analysed. CCR7 expression was present in 50% of NSIP SLBs, and CCR7 was restricted to blood vessels and mononuclear cells in 75% of RBILD SLBs. Immune cell specific CXCR4 expression was seen in IIP and normal margin biopsies. CCR7 positive areas in UIP biopsies were concomitantly positive for CD45 (the leucocyte common antigen) but CCR7 positive areas in all IIP SLBs lacked the haemopoietic stem cell antigen CD34, collagen 1, and alpha smooth muscle actin. CONCLUSION: This molecular and immunohistochemical analysis showed that IIPs are associated with abnormal CCR7 transcript and protein expression.

Actins↗

Augmented pulmonary IL-4 and IL-13 receptor subunit expression in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Some idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are characterised by fibroproliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix. Because efficacious treatment options are limited, research has been directed towards understanding the cytokine networks that may affect fibroblast activation and, hence, the progression of certain IIPs. AIMS: To examine the expression of interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-13, and their corresponding receptor subunits in the various forms of IIP and normal patient groups. METHODS: Molecular and immunohistochemical analysis of IL-4, interferon gamma (IFNgamma), IL-13, IL-4 receptor (IL-R), and IL-13 receptor subunits in surgical lung biopsies (SLBs) from 39 patients (21 usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), six non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), eight respiratory bronchiolitic interstitial lung disease (RBILD), and five normal controls). RESULTS: Molecular analysis demonstrated that IL-13Ralpha2, IL-13Ralpha1, and IL-4Ralpha were present in a greater proportion of upper and lower lobe biopsies from patients with UIP than patients with NSIP and RBILD. Immunohistochemical analysis of patients with UIP, NSIP, and RBILD revealed interstitial staining for all three receptor subunits, whereas such staining was only seen in mononuclear cells present in normal SLBs. Fibroblastic foci in patients with UIP strongly stained for IL-4Ralpha and IL-13Ralpha2. Localised expression of IL-4Ralpha was also seen in SLBs from patients with NSIP but not in other groups. CONCLUSION: Some histological subtypes of IIP are associated with increased pulmonary expression of receptor subunits responsive to IL-4 and IL-13. These findings may be of particular importance in understanding the pathogenesis of IIP and, more importantly, may provide important novel therapeutic targets.

Adult↗

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in popcorn production plant workers.

Following sentinel case recognition, an excess of fixed airways obstruction was found among current workers in a microwave popcorn plant associated with butter flavouring exposures. In order to characterise the clinical presentation of sentinel cases, the medical records of sentinel cases were reviewed, interviews conducted and serial spirometric testing performed. Cases worked in microwave popcorn production, and five of the nine cases had mixed flavourings. Most had never smoked or smoked minimally. Cases showed onset of cough, shortness of breath and wheezing 5 months to 9 yrs after starting work at the popcorn plant. Initial forced expiratory volume in one second ranged 14.0-66.8% of the predicted value. Eight high-resolution computed tomography scans showed marked bronchial wall thickening and mosaic attenuation with air trapping. Open lung biopsy results were consistent with, or diagnostic of, constrictive bronchiolitis in two of three cases. Five cases are on lung transplantation waiting lists. After leaving employment, nearly all cases experienced stabilisation of their lung function within 2 yrs. Astute clinicians can help identify new causes of airways obstruction by alerting public health authorities to unexplained disease cases occurring in groups of workers.

Adult↗

Cystic fibrohistiocytic tumours presenting in the lung: primary or metastatic disease?

AIMS: Cystic fibrohistiocytic tumour of the lung is a rare proliferative process. Its histogenesis is uncertain, but evidence suggests that some cases represent metastatic disease from apparently indolent skin lesions, namely cellular fibrous histiocytomas. This study presents four cases and reviews the literature concerning this pattern of disease and its aetiology. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients were male (age range 35-54 years). Two presented with recurrent haemoptysis. Two cases had histories of cutaneous fibrohistiocytic lesions in the chest wall, excised 10 and 23 years prior to presentation with lung disease. Imaging data showed multiple bilateral cystic lung lesions in all four patients with nodular cavitating opacities seen on high-resolution computed tomography scans. Microscopy showed variably dilated thin-walled cystic airspaces lined by cuboidal epithelium and an underlying layer of mildly pleomorphic spindle cells with slightly wavy morphology and storiform architecture, admixed with inflammatory cells. Tumour cells stained for CD68 in three of four cases. All cases were negative for CD34. All patients were alive with disease, although one required pneumonectomy for intractable haemoptysis. CONCLUSION: This study and a review of published cases show that the majority of cystic fibrohistiocytic tumours of the lung probably represent metastases from cellular fibrous histiocytomas. However, rare cases may be either primary in origin or the primary site remains occult; the term cystic fibrohistiocytic tumour remains appropriate for such cases.

Adult↗

Radiological versus histological diagnosis in UIP and NSIP: survival implications.

BACKGROUND: High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has an important diagnostic role in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). We hypothesised that the HRCT appearance would have an impact on survival in patients with IIP. METHODS: HRCT scans from patients with histological usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP; n=73) or histological non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP; n=23) were characterised as definite UIP, probable UIP, indeterminate, probable NSIP, or definite NSIP. Cox regression analysis examined the relationships between histopathological and radiological diagnoses and mortality, controlling for patient age, sex, and smoking status. RESULTS: All 27 patients with definite or probable UIP on HRCT had histological UIP; 18 of 44 patients with probable or definite NSIP on HRCT had histological NSIP. Patients with HRCT diagnosed definite or probable UIP had a shorter survival than those with indeterminate CT (hazards ratio (HR) 2.43, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.58; median survival 2.08 v 5.76 years) or HRCT diagnosed definite or probable NSIP (HR 3.47, 95% CI 1.58 to 7.63; median survival 2.08 v 5.81 years). Patients with histological UIP with no HRCT diagnosis of probable or definite UIP fared better than patients with histological UIP and an HRCT diagnosis of definite or probable UIP (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.98; median survival 5.76 v 2.08 years) and worse than those with a histological diagnosis of NSIP (HR 5.42, 95% CI 1.25 to 23.5; median survival 5.76 v >9 years). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a typical HRCT appearance of UIP experience the highest mortality. A surgical lung biopsy is indicated for patients without an HRCT appearance of UIP to differentiate between histological UIP and NSIP.

Algorithms↗

Inflammatory endobronchial polyps in childhood: clinical spectrum and possible link to mechanical ventilation.

Inflammatory polyps of the airways are now regarded as histopathologically distinct nonneoplastic endobronchial lesions, which in adults are associated with a variety of chronic inflammatory insults. However, their clinical presentation in the pediatric population is extremely rare, with the etiology of such polyps poorly defined. The clinical and histopathological data from four pediatric patients, identified in the histopathology files of the Royal Brompton Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. Three out of 4 patients had a history of mechanical ventilation in the neonatal period. In these 3 patients, the polyps were all situated in the proximal airways on the right side. These 3 patients presented at 6 weeks, 7 weeks, and 2 years, respectively, and were successfully treated by polypectomy at rigid bronchoscopy, with subsequent return to normality. One patient, presenting at 12 years of age without history of iatrogenic intervention, underwent a left lower lobectomy for a polyp sited in a segmental bronchus. Presentation in 3 of the 4 patients was with lobar collapse. The fourth patient presented with hyperinflation. We conclude that inflammatory endobronchial polyps may be associated with a history of mechanical ventilation in the neonatal period, polyp formation perhaps being secondary to airway trauma. The small caliber of the main airways in neonates may also be a contributory factor in presentation.

Bronchial Neoplasms↗

Unusual sclerosing haemangiomas and sclerosing haemangioma-like lesions, and the value of TTF-1 in making the diagnosis.

AIMS: Sclerosing haemangiomas typically comprise a mixture of four architectural patterns (papillary, sclerotic, solid and haemorrhagic) and two cell types, eosinophilic cuboidal epithelial lining cells and sheets of rounded cells with either eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm. In most instances, recognition of these architectural and cytological features provides sufficient evidence for diagnosis. This study presents and discusses the histogenesis of four cases where difficulties in diagnosis were encountered, and reports the value of the antibody TTF-1 in making the diagnosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four cases with focal areas reminiscent of sclerosing haemangioma were reviewed and immunostained with an antibody panel including antibodies to TTF-1 and surfactant apoprotein A. Of these, one case was classified as sclerosing haemangioma combined with typical carcinoid, in which there was a mediastinal lymph node metastasis solely comprising the solid component of sclerosing haemangioma. The second was classified as an alveolar adenoma with sclerosing haemangioma-like areas. In the remaining two cases, diagnosis was confounded by presentation with predominantly cystic masses, the largest 70 mm in diameter. Immunohistochemically, TTF-1 was of greater value than surfactant apoprotein, in particular in identifying the solid component of sclerosing haemangioma when this was solely present. CONCLUSION: Sclerosing haemangiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic pulmonary masses. They may also present histologically as combined tumours and metastasize to mediastinal nodes, indicating an, albeit low, malignant potential. TTF-1 is a valuable antibody in identifying the presence of a sclerosing haemangioma when typical features are absent.

Aged↗

Clinical significance of histological classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.

Patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) can be subdivided into groups based on the histological appearance of lung tissue obtained by surgical biopsy. The quantitative impact of histological diagnosis, baseline factors and response to therapy on survival has not been evaluated. Surgical lung biopsy specimens from 168 patients with suspected IIP were reviewed according to the latest diagnostic criteria. The impact of baseline clinical, physiological, radiographic and histological features on survival was evaluated using Cox regression analysis. The predictive value of honeycombing on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) as a surrogate marker for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was examined. The response to therapy and survival of 39 patients treated prospectively with high-dose prednisone was evaluated. The presence of UIP was the most important factor influencing mortality. The risk ratio of mortality when UIP was present was 28.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5-148.0; p=0.0001) after controlling for patient age, duration of symptoms, radiographic appearance, pulmonary physiology, smoking history and sex. Honeycombing on HRCT indicated the presence of UIP with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 86%. Patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia were more likely to respond or remain stable (9 of 10) compared to patients with UIP (14 of 29) after treatment with prednisone. Patients remaining stable had the best prognosis. The risk ratio of mortality for stable patients compared to nonresponders was 0.32 (95% CI 0.11-0.93; p=0.04) in all patients and 0.33 (95% CI 0.12-0.96; p=0.04) in patients with UIP. The histological diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia is the most important factor determining survival in patients with suspected idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. The presence of honeycombing on high-resolution computed tomography is a good surrogate for usual interstitial pneumonia and could be utilized in patients unable to undergo surgical lung biopsy. Patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia are more likely to respond or remain stable following a course of prednisone. Patients remaining stable following prednisone therapy have the best prognosis.

Female↗

hTR repressor-related gene on human chromosome 10p15.1.

Somatic cells express genes that suppress telomerase activity and these genes may be inactivated in tumour cells. We postulated that cancer cells acquire immortality by activation of telomerase by the loss of such a gene. We have reported recently that a telomerase repressor gene may be located on 10p15.1 by deletion mapping using microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT), radiated microcell fusion (RMF), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and STS analysis. To independently confirm this result, we correlated expression of RNA component of telomerase (hTR) as a marker of telomerase expression by in situ hybridization with allelic loss in pulmonary carcinoid tumours. Unlike most malignant tumours, pulmonary carcinoids (which are low-grade malignant tumours) are heterogeneous for telomerase expression. Loss of 5 closely spaced polymorphic markers on 10p15.1, especially D10S1728, were highly correlated with hTR expression. In an additional experiment, 10p15.1 showed higher and more significant correlation than any region of 3p where it has been predicted as another chromosomal location of telomerase repressor with allelic loss of the region. Our findings strongly suggest that 10p15.1 harbours a gene involved in repression of telomerase RNA component in human somatic cells and each putative repressor (on 3p and 10p) may act independently.

Carcinoid Tumor↗

Histopathologic variability in usual and nonspecific interstitial pneumonias.

Findings of surgical lung biopsy (SLB) are important in categorizing patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). We investigated whether histologic variability would be evident in SLB specimens from multiple lobes in patients with IIP. SLBs from 168 patients, 109 of whom had multiple lobes biopsied, were reviewed by three pathologists. A diagnosis was assigned to each lobe. A different diagnosis was found between lobes in 26% of the patients. Patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) in all lobes were categorized as concordant for UIP (n = 51) and those with UIP in at least one lobe were categorized as discordant for UIP (n = 28). Patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) in all lobes were categorized as having fibrotic (n = 25) or cellular NSIP (n = 5). No consistent distribution of lobar histology was noted. Patients concordant for UIP were older (63 +/- 9 [mean +/- SD] yr; p < 0.05 as compared with all other groups) than those discordant for UIP (57 +/- 12 yr) or with fibrotic NSIP (56 +/- 11 yr) or cellular NSIP (50 +/- 9 yr). Semiquantitative high-resolution computed tomography demonstrated a varied profusion of fibrosis (p < 0.05 for all group comparisons), with more fibrosis in concordant UIP (2.13 +/- 0.62) than in discordant UIP (1.42 +/- 0.73), fibrotic NSIP (0.83 +/- 0.58), or cellular NSIP (0.44 +/- 0.42). Survival was better for patients with NSIP than for those in both UIP groups (p < 0.001), although survival in the two UIP groups was comparable (p = 0.16). Lobar histologic variability is frequent in patients with IIP, patients with a histologic pattern of UIP in any lobe should be classified as having UIP.

Analysis of Variance↗

Reversible airflow obstruction, proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle cells, and impairment of gas exchange as predictors of outcome in lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease, occurring in women, characterized by cystic degeneration of the lungs, abdominal tumors, and proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle cells. Lung function abnormalities consist of impairment of the diffusion capacity (DL(CO)) and airflow obstruction. The objective of this study was to correlate the functional impairment with histologic measures of disease severity to identify predictors of disease outcome. Lung function of 143 patients and lung biopsies of 74 of these patients were reviewed for evidence of airway disease and scoring of disease severity. A positive response to bronchodilators was associated with more severe airflow obstruction, a predominantly solid pattern of LAM lesions in the lung biopsy, and greater rate of decline in expiratory flow. Airway inflammation, present in 61% of the lung specimens, was not associated with reversible airway obstruction and did not correlate with the severity of airflow obstruction. DL(CO) correlated best with the LAM histologic score (LHS), a demonstrated predictor of outcome. We conclude that reversible airway obstruction is found in LAM patients with accelerated loss of lung function and a predominantly solid pattern of LAM lesions. Impairment of DL(CO) correlates with LHS, a predictor of survival and time to lung transplantation.

Adult↗

Alterations of p14ARF, p53, and p73 genes involved in the E2F-1-mediated apoptotic pathways in non-small cell lung carcinoma.

Overexpression of E2F-1 induces apoptosis by both a p14ARF-p53- and a p73-mediated pathway. p14ARF is the alternate tumor suppressor product of the INK4a/ARF locus that is inactivated frequently in lung carcinogenesis. Because p14ARF stabilizes p53, it has been proposed that the loss of p14ARF is functionally equivalent to a p53 mutation. We have tested this hypothesis by examining the genomic status of the unique exon 1beta of p14ARF in 53 human cell lines and 86 primary non-small cell lung carcinomas and correlated this with previously characterized alterations of p53. Homozygous deletions of p14ARF were detected in 12 of 53 (23%) cell lines and 16 of 86 (19%) primary tumors. A single cell line, but no primary tumors, harbored an intragenic mutation. The deletion of p14ARF was inversely correlated with the loss of p53 in the majority of cell lines (P = 0.02), but this relationship was not maintained among primary tumors (P = 0.5). E2F-1 can also induce p73 via a p53-independent apoptotic pathway. Although we did not observe inactivation of p73 by either mutation or DNA methylation, haploinsufficiency of p73 correlated positively with either p14ARF or p53 mutation or both (P = 0.01) in primary non-small cell lung carcinomas. These data are consistent with the current model of p14ARF and p53 interaction as a complex network rather than a simple linear pathway and indicate a possible role for an E2F-1-mediated failsafe, p53-independent, apoptotic pathway involving p73 in human lung carcinogenesis.

Apoptosis↗

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma with bronchioloalveolar component and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia.

To investigate the association between the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and the clinicopathological features in lepidic and invasive components of adenocarcinoma of the lung, we performed immunostaining for type IV collagen, various MMPs, and TIMPs in 27 cases of invasive adenocarcinomas and 5 cases of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia of alveolar epithelial cells (AAH). Mean extent of lepidic growth was 61% and the survival was significantly better in cases with 50% or more lepidic component. The preservation of type IV collagen in lepidic areas correlated inversely with lymphatic or vascular invasion (P = 0.02 and 0.002, respectively). Five-year survival was reduced in cases showing destruction of type IV collagen (P = 0.004) or expression of MMP-2 (P = 0.008) in lepidic areas. MMP-2 co-localized with MT-1-MMP (its activating enzyme) and TIMP-2 in neoplastic cells. Reactivity for other MMPs and TIMPs did not correlate with destruction of type IV collagen or prognosis. Type IV collagen was preserved in all cases of AAH. MMP-2, but not MT-1-MMP, was expressed in two of the five cases of AAH. Immunostaining for type IV collagen MMP-2 is useful in evaluating the prognosis of the lung.

Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar↗

Mitotic counting in surgical pathology: sampling bias, heterogeneity and statistical uncertainty.

Mitotic counting in surgical pathology: sampling bias, heterogeneity and statistical uncertainty Although several articles on the methodological aspects of mitotic counting have been published, the effects of macroscopic sampling and tumour heterogeneity have not been discussed in any detail. In this review the essential elements for a standardized mitotic counting protocol are described, including microscopic calibration, specific morphological criteria, macroscopic selection, counting procedure, effect of biological variation, threshold, and the setting of an area of uncertainty ('grey area'). We propose that the use of a standard area for mitotic quantification and of a grey area in mitotic counting protocols will facilitate the application of mitotic counting in diagnostic and prognostic pathology.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗

Prognostic significance of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis histologic score.

Correlations were made between clinical and follow-up data and histopathologic findings in 105 women (mean age +/- standard deviation, 38.3 +/- 9.0 years) with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The actuarial survival (to pulmonary transplantation or death) of the patients from the time of lung biopsy was 85.1% and 71.0% after 5 and 10 years respectively. The histologic severity of LAM, graded as a LAM histologic score (LHS), was determined on the basis of semiquantitative estimation of the percentage of tissue involvement by the two major features of LAM: the cystic lesions and the infiltration by abnormal smooth muscle cells (LAM cells) in each case: LHS-1, <25%; LHS-2, 25% to 50%; and LHS-3, >50%. Analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method revealed significant differences in survival for patients with LHS-1, -2, and -3 (p = 0.01). The 5-and 10-year survivals were 100% and 100% for LHS-1, 81.2% and 74.4% for LHS-2, and 62.8% and 52.4% for LHS-3. Increased degrees of accumulation of hemosiderin in macrophages also were associated with higher LHS scores (p = 0.029) and a worse prognosis (p = 0.0012). Thus, the current study suggests that the LHS may provide a basis for determining the prognosis of LAM.

Adolescent↗

Association of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) with endosalpingiosis in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes: report of two cases.

We report 2 patients in whom pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) affected the retroperitoneal lymph nodes and was associated with endosalpingiosis. These lesions were large, encapsulated masses with multiple cysts containing chylous fluid. Both were characterized by proliferating LAM cells that formed fascicles separated by slit-like channels. Some cysts were lined by ciliated epithelium resembling that of Fallopian tubes. Other cysts were lined either by flattened endothelial cells or by a mixture of these cells and epithelial cells. Many LAM cells gave a positive reaction with HMB-45 antibody. Most LAM cells in fascicles were reactive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and desmin. In 1 patient, many of the epithelial cells and some of the subjacent LAM cells were positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors. In conclusion, immunostaining with HMB-45 antibody and markers for smooth muscle cells can be helpful in the evaluation of problems in the differential diagnosis of lesions of extrapulmonary LAM, particularly those involving the genital system.

Adult↗

The new World Health Organization classification of lung tumours.

Tumour classification systems provide the foundation for tumour diagnosis and patient therapy and a critical basis for epidemiological and clinical studies. This updated classification was developed with the aim to adhere to the principles of reproducibility, clinical significance, and simplicity in order to minimize the number of unclassifiable lesions. Major changes in the revised classification as compared to the previous one (WHO 1981) include the addition of two pre-invasive lesions to squamous dysplasia and carcinoma in situ; atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia. Another change is the subclassification of adenocarcinoma: the definition of bronchioalveolar carcinoma has been restricted to noninvasive tumours. There has been substantial evolution of concepts in neuroendocrine lung tumour classification. Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is now recognized as a histologically high grade non small cell carcinoma showing histopathological features of neuroendocrine differentiation as well as immunohistochemical neuroendocrine markers. The large cell carcinoma class has been enriched with several variants, including the LCNEC and the basaloid carcinoma, both with a dismal prognosis. Finally, a new class was defined called carcinoma with pleomorphic, sarcomatoid, or sarcomatous elements, which brings together a number of proliferations characterized by a spectrum of epithelial to mesenchymal differentiation. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy are invaluable techniques for diagnosis and subclassification, but our intention was to render the classification simple and practical to every surgical laboratory, so that most lung tumours could be classified by light microscopic criteria.

Adenocarcinoma↗