The apoptosis of granulosa cells is involved in follicular atresia and degeneration of the corpus luteum. The mechanisms that regulate follicular atresia and luteal degeneration remain obscure. Survivin is a member of the family of inhibitors of apoptosis protein that is expressed during fetal development and in cancer tissues. The present study investigates the expression of survivin, as well as its regulation and function in granulosa cells. We identified survivin at the protein level in granulosa cells and detected not only survivin but also splice-variant transcripts in human and mouse granulosa-luteal cells. One-step real-time PCR analysis revealed that HCG increases the amount of survivin mRNA expressed in cultured human granulosa cells. These results suggest that survivin is involved in supporting luteal function, and that HCG contributes to this role.

No abstract

Primary uterine angiosarcoma is exceedingly rare and has a poor prognosis. Moreover, the radiologic findings of this disease have not been previously documented. We present a case of a 62-year-old woman with primary uterine angiosarcoma who underwent abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histologically, interlacing vascular spaces were lined by endothelial cells showing nuclear pleomorphism and mitotic activity. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for the endothelial cell markers CD31, CD34, and Factor VIII, supporting the diagnosis of primary uterine angiosarcoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a heterogeneous mass with high and low signal intensity (T2 weighted) in the uterus and an intense contrast-enhanced anterior area within the mass (gadolinium enhanced, T1 weighted). The lesion was also enhanced on computed tomography (CT). Radiologically, the most helpful sign in the characterization of uterine angiosarcoma is marked heterogeneity on T2-weighted MRI with focal areas of high signal intensity, known as the "cauliflower-like appearance." In addition, findings of a strongly enhanced lesion on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI and contrast-enhanced CT also support the diagnosis of angiosarcoma.

No abstract

Scleroderma-like cutaneous lesion as an adverse event from paclitaxel and carboplatin has been reported. No report shows the occurrence of scleroderma-like cutaneous lesions from a single course of carboplatin. The patient is a 67-year-old female, administered paclitaxel and carboplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Following four courses, scleroderma-like cutaneous lesions were demonstrated. Skin biopsy corresponded to histopathological findings of scleroderma. Immunological investigation shows only antinuclear antibodies are positive. The characteristic Raynaud's phenomenon of scleroderma and hemorrhagic spots on the cuticles were not found. Postoperatively, a single course of carboplatin treatment was given. Scleroderma-like cutaneous lesions re-induced and worsened. This is the first report detailing scleroderma-like cutaneous lesions induced by previously administrated paclitaxel that worsened by carboplatin.