Type and intensity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in close proximity to the primary tumor are prognostically significant in postoperative patients. High intensity of TILs is considered to be a prognostically beneficial factor. The research included 66 postoperative colorectal cancer patients. The control group comprised 20 colon segments. Monoclonal antibodies LCA, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD20, CD23 and CD138 were used to differentiate between T and B lymphocytes. Types of cells in the infiltrate were defined. We found greater numbers of T and B lymphocytes located in close proximity to the cancerous tissue when compared to the control group. T lymphocyte intensity in the inflammatory infiltrations was directly correlated with the size of resected tumors, presence of regional lymphatic node metastases and histological grade of malignancy. Lymphocytic infiltrations of greater intensity located in close proximity to the primary tumor were found in subjects with less advanced colorectal cancer. The research presented here proves direct dependence between the immune system and colorectal cancer. The presence of lymphocytes in the inflammatory infiltrations located in close proximity to the cancerous tissue has been proved to be prognostically beneficial. The obtained results support the application of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer treatment.

Abstract:In our study, we decided to compare S100 protein expression in the material obtained from the epididymes of 5-and 12-month-old calves, and adult European bison, and to detect any differences in S100 expression according to the animal age and size of the organ examined. We used the epididymes obtained from 6 adult European bison aged 6-12 years, from 6 at the age of 12 months and 6 calves aged 5 months. Immunocytochemical reactions were performed using the avidin-biotinylatedperoxidase (ABC) technique according to HSU. Specific polyclonal rabbit antiserum against bovine S100 protein (Bio Genex Laboratories) at a dilution at 1:400 was applied. We found the expression of S100 protein in endothelial cells of arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels in all the study animals. At the same time, we found no differences in the expression of S100 protein in vascular endothelial cells. Our observations seem to indicate that S100 expression in endothelial cells of European bison epididymis is not correlated with age or maturity of the organ tested. We found S100 protein in smooth muscle cells of arteries and veins in all European bison specimens examined. Interestingly in the current study, in young 5-month-old sexually immature European bison specimens we observed weaker expression of S100 protein in smooth muscle cells of small vessels as compared to the same cell type both in large vessels in these animals and in small vessels in adult specimens.

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) is characterized by clonal growth and accumulation of mature lymphoid cells due to disturbance in genetically regulated form of cell death called apoptosis. The intrinsic mechanism of apoptosis is controlled by Bcl-2 family proteins. Purine nucleoside analogues induce the apoptosis in cells in a state of quiescence. The aim of the study was to assess expression of selected Bcl-2 family proteins in neoplastic infiltration in bone marrow in patients with B-CLL treated with nucleoside analogues. The study comprised examination of bone marrow obtained routinely by trephine biopsy from 18 patients with B-CLL diagnosed before administration of purine nucleoside analogues treatment and after its completion. Expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-x and Bax proteins was examined. Lymphoid cells in bone marrow were present in all patients before administration of treatment. After treatment in two patients bone marrow was infiltrated in diffuse pattern, whereas other patients presented nodular pattern of infiltration. The difference between stage of infiltration before and after treatment was statistically significant (p<0.002). High percentage of infiltration cells with positive anti Bcl-2 reaction from 42.0% in one patient to 85.33±3.06% in four patients before treatment was observed. After treatment percentage of infiltration cells with positive anti Bcl-2 antibody reaction was from 33.0±18.38% in two patients to 99.0% in one patient. Positive correlation between stage of infiltration and expression of Bcl-2 protein was confirmed before and after treatment. Such correlations were not observed in case of Bax and Bcl-x. Strong staining of immunohistochemical reaction of cells in lymphoid infiltration with Bcl-2 antibody was confirmed. There was a difference between Bcl-/Bax ratio before and after treatment. Immunohistochemical assessment of expression of Bcl-2 family proteins in cells of lymphoid infiltration in bone marrow of patients with CLL is an important method in detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) after treatment.

Background: The pathological mechanism of sudden death in healthy persons following incidental ethanol intoxication has not yet been fully elucidated and might be underlain by cardiogenic causes. Aim: Histological assessment of the myocardium in lethal ethanol intoxication. The analysis was based on a histological assessment of specimens of the myocardium obtained from the hearts of 30 deceased males within the age range 29-45 years. Methods: The material for the study was taken from the myocardium of the anterior wall of the left ventricle and interventricular septum of the heart. The fixation material was first examined according to the standard histological procedure and subsequently subjected to a morphometric examination, which assessed the number of cardiomyocytes, their area, circumference, and circular deviation. Results: The examination showed an increase in the area and circumference of cardiomyocytes, as well as fragmentation and segmentation of cardiomyocytes with a significant enlargement of cell nuclei. Additionally, it revealed the presence of lymphocytic cells in several cases. Conclusions: The obtained findings indicate a harmful influence of alcohol on the myocardium.