Objective: Direct interaction with cancer-associated fibroblasts triggers WNT5A expression in human gastric carcinoma (GC) cells. In this study, we performed gene transduction experiments to investigate the significance of WNT5A in the GC tumor microenvironment. Methods: Gene transduction (pWNT5A and shWNT5A) was performed in human GC-derived MKN-7 cells. Altered gene expression was examined by RT-PCR and cDNA microarray analysis. Immunohistochemical examination was carried out in human GC tissues. Results: Transduction of exogenous WNT5A expression into MKN-7 cells upregulated genes related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs), and the pWNT5A transfectant showed high tumorigenicity in vivo. These results were confirmed by knockdown experiments using a lentivirus expressing shWNT5A. A cDNA microarray analysis suggested that depletion of endogenous WNT5A downregulated genes involved in intracellular signaling, chemokine-cytokine interaction and focal adhesion. High levels of WNT5A expression were observed in 66% of GC cases, with significant correlation with histological type. Interestingly, in intestinal-type GCs, WNT5A expression was detected in the periphery of tumor nests. Conclusions: WNT5A regulates the induction of EMT and the maintenance of CSC properties in MKN-7 cells. WNT5A may play an important role in constructing an advantageous tumor microenvironment for the progression and development of human GC.

Given the significant contrast in clinicopathological features between IPNBs and papillary cholangiocarcinomas, it may be more appropriate to use the diagnostic term 'IPNB' for selected tumours that show regular papillary growth, separately from papillary cholangiocarcinomas.

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Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common cause of congenital viral infections in humans. The unusual structure of the placenta plays a pivotal role in CMV transmission from mothers to fetuses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological findings of placentas with congenital CMV infections. Methods: We obtained placental specimens from 35 women who had newborns with congenital CMV infections. Placental specimens, extraplacental membranes, and umbilical cords were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis. We evaluated the localization of CMV-infected cells and other histological parameters. Results: Thirty (86%) of the 35 placentas tested positive for CMV-infected cell proteins by immunohistochemistry. A majority of CMV-positive cells were present in fibroblasts and endothelial cells in the villi. The number of CMV-infected cells was inversely correlated to gestational age at delivery. The frequency of chronic villitis (65% vs. 11%; p<0.01) and changes of the villi (38% vs. 0%; p<0.05) in the placentas from mothers with symptomatic congenital CMV infections was higher than those observed in samples from mothers with asymptomatic congenital infections. The frequency of changes of the decidua (43% vs. 5%; p<0.01) in the placentas from mothers with non-primary CMV infections was higher than those from mothers with primary infections. Discussion: Chronic villitis and changes of the villi were associated with symptomatic congenital CMV infections. The changes of the decidua were associated with congenital CMV infections, in mothers with non-primary CMV infections.

Sarcomas and related proliferative lesions of the specialized stroma of the prostate are very rare and have been classified into prostate stromal sarcoma (PSS) and prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential based on histology. We herein describe a case of PSS. A 40-year-old male presented at a hospital with urinary distention. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large prostate mass, and the diagnosis was prostate sarcoma of uncertain differentiation by ultrasound-guided needle biopsy. Total pelvic exenteration was performed and a pathological diagnosis of PSS was ultimately reached. Ten months later, there have been no signs of metastasis or recurrence.