Background: Several chronic inflammatory diseases are characterized by inappropriate CD4+ T cell response. In the present study, we assessed the ability of Capparis spinosa L. (CS) preparation to orientate, in vivo, the immune response mediated by CD4+ T cells towards an anti-inflammatory response.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor intimately associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). NPC is a characteristic tumor displaying epidemiological, genetic and regional distribution properties that makes it unique by its natural behavior. Objectives: To assess the expression pattern of LMP1 and p53 proteins in the different histological types of NPC in a sample of the Moroccan population and to define any association between the expression of those proteins with the sex, the age and the histological types of NPC. Methods: Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded NPC biopsies were evaluated in 23 Moroccan patients for the presence of LMP1 and p53 using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: No LMP1 expression was observed whereas 8 of 23 cases (34. 7%) had detectable p53 protein in the nuclei of tumor cells. After statistical analysis according to the Fisher's exact probability test, no significant association between p53 expression and histological type, age and sex distributions was demonstrated (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study confirms that p53 overexpression is present in a subset of Moroccan NPC patients. Our results are consistent with those reported by other studies concerning the same NPC endemic risk area and provide original data concerning Morocco.

BackgroundPeripheral neuroblastic tumors (pNTs), including neuroblastoma (NB), ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB) and ganglioneuroma (GN), are extremely heterogeneous pediatric tumors responsible for 15 % of childhood cancer death. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of CD44s (‘s’: standard form) cell adhesion molecule by comparison with other specific prognostic markers.MethodsAn immunohistochemical profile of 32 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded pNTs tissues, diagnosed between January 2007 and December 2010, was carried out.ResultsOur results have demonstrated the association of CD44s negative pNTs cells to lack of differentiation and tumour progression. A significant association between absence of CD44s expression and metastasis in human pNTs has been reported. We also found that expression of CD44s defines subgroups of patients without MYCN amplification as evidenced by its association with low INSS stages, absence of metastasis and favorable Shimada histology.DiscussionThese findings support the thesis of the role of CD44s glycoprotein in the invasive growth potential of neoplastic cells and suggest that its expression could be taken into consideration in the therapeutic approaches targeting metastases.Virtual SlidesThe virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1034403150888863RésuméIntroductionles tumeurs neuroblastiques périphériques (TNPs), comprenant le neuroblastome (NB), le ganglioneuroblastome (GNB) et le ganglioneurome (GN), sont des tumeurs pédiatriques extrêmement hétérogènes responsables de 15% des décès par cancer chez les enfants. Le but de cette étude était d’évaluer l’expression de la molécule d’adhésion cellulaire CD44s (‘s’: pour standard) par rapport à d’autres facteurs pronostiques spécifiques.MéthodesUn profil immunohistochimique de 32 TNPs fixées au formol et incluses en paraffine, diagnostiquées entre Janvier 2007 et Décembre 2010, a été réalisé.RésultatsNos résultats ont mis en évidence l’association des TNPs n’exprimant pas le CD44s avec une perte de différenciation et une progression tumorale et nous avons rapporté une association significative entre l’absence d’expression du CD44s et la présence de métastases. Nous avons également constaté que l’expression du CD44s définit des sous-groupes de patients dans les tumeurs n’amplifiant pas le MYCN, comme en témoigne son association avec les stades INSS bas, l’absence de métastases et l’histologie favorable de Shimada.DiscussionCes résultats appuient l’hypothèse du rôle de la glycoprotéine CD44s dans le potentiel de croissance invasive des cellules néoplasiques et suggèrent que son expression pourrait être prise en considération dans des voies thérapeutiques ciblant les métastases.

Background: Depression is a group of syndromes characterized by notable and persistent mood disorders, and is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, while the existing treatments have an altered risk-benefit balance. The therapeutic properties of Nigella have been confirmed, suggesting the reliance on phytotherapy. The objective of the present paper is to investigate the antidepressive-like effect of Nigella sativa on rats exposed to the Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress procedure. Methods: Wistar rats were used to investigate the antidepressive-like effect. The stress procedure used in this study combined many stressful conditions. After 6 weeks of treatment, behavioral test (forced swim test) was conducted, and histological changes of the hippocampus were examined. Results: Treatment by nigella and fluoxetine significantly reduced the struggling time. Conclusion: Histopathological analysis showed that control treatments result in more loosely arranged cells, significant apoptotic neurons characterized by an irregular appearance, and pyknotic hyperchromatic. A reduction of the thickness of the pyramid layer was also observed in the groups treated with nigella and fluoxetine, suggesting that nigella could be used as a treatment or an adjuvant preventing depressive-like disorders.

MYCN protooncogene status was assessed for the first time in Morocco in peripheral neuroblastic tumors, including neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and ganglioneuroma. Correlations with age at diagnosis, stage, mitosis-karyorrhexis index, differentiation, and Shimada histology were evaluated. Thirty-six formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded peripheral neuroblastic tumor tissue specimens collected between 2007 and 2010 from the Pathology Department were assessed for MYCN amplification using fluorescence in situ hybridization. MYCN amplification was found in 27.8% of cases. An association of MYCN amplification with unfavorable Shimada grading, higher mitosis-karyorrhexis index, and undifferentiated morphologic phenotype was found. We found no correlation with older age, advanced stage, or the presence of metastasis. Our results suggested that the presence of MYCN amplification is a strong biological indicator of a poor outcome and aggressive disease in neuroblastoma and nodular ganglioneuroblastoma.