Expression of inhibin/activin subunits, sialyl-lewis A (CA 19-9, sLea) and sialyl-Lewis X (sLex) carbohydrate antigens in a hydatidiform mole with persistent polymorphic trophoblastic hyperplasia.

Abstract

UNLABELLED:

The persistence of polymorphic trophoblastic hyperplasia in a hydatidiform mole is an extremely rare condition. Its early diagnosis is essential since such cases can transform into invasive tumours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The paraffin-embedded biopsies were routinely stained with HE. Immunohistochemical staining reactions were performed with monoclonal antibodies against inhibin-alpha, inhibin-betaA and inhibin-betaB subunits. Additional immunohistochemical reaction was performed with, Sialyl-Lewis A and Sialyl-Lewis X and glycodelin.

RESULTS:

Large villi and hydatidiform villi with ranging syncyctio- and cytotrophoblasts were seen. Intervillous proliferating trophoblasts showed cell- and nuclear polymorphy with invasion of the myometrium wall. The immunohistochemistry exhibited strong positivity for inhibin-alpha, inhibin-betaA and inhibin-betaB subunits in trophoblastic tissue, while the decidua was negative. Sialyl-Lewis A and Sialyl-Lewis X showed no or minimal focal immunohistochemical reaction.

CONCLUSION:

A complete hydatidiform mole with hyperplasia and proliferation presents a high risk of developing a persistent (eventually metastatic) trophoblastic disorder and, in up to 15% of the cases, an invasive mole. In 2.5% of the cases it can transform into a choriocarcinoma. Since the inhibin/activin subunits reacted positively with trophoblastic tissue, they might be a useful diagnostic marker for hydatidiform mole with persistence of polymorphic trophoblastic hyperplasia.

• Authors: I Mylonas, J Makovitzky, M Vogel, N Shabani, U Jeschke, K Friese
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) 2005 May-Jun Vol. 25 Issue 3A Pg. 1725-30 ISSN: 0250-7005 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 16033091 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• CA-19-9 Antigen
• Oligosaccharides
• Sialyl Lewis X Antigen
• Activins
• Inhibins

Topics

• Activins (metabolism)
• Adult
• CA-19-9 Antigen (immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydatidiform Mole (immunology, metabolism)
• Hyperplasia (immunology, metabolism)
• Immunohistochemistry
• Inhibins (metabolism)
• Oligosaccharides (immunology)
• Pregnancy
• Sialyl Lewis X Antigen
• Trophoblasts (immunology, metabolism)