Neoplastic cells containing lysozyme in gastric carcinomas

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Paneth cells, typically found in the small intestine, possess unique histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features.
• A gastric carcinoma case predominantly composed of Paneth cell-like elements prompted further investigation.
• The presence and significance of Paneth cells in gastric, colorectal, and mammary carcinomas require clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively investigate the occurrence of Paneth cells in gastric, colorectal, and mammary carcinomas.
• To determine if lysozyme can serve as a potential marker for gastric carcinomas.

Main Methods:

• Immunoperoxidase-PAP technique was employed to detect lysozyme-containing cells.
• Ultrastructural analysis was used to identify Paneth-type granules.
• The study analyzed 83 gastric carcinomas, 27 colorectal neoplasms, and 30 breast carcinomas.

Main Results:

• Lysozyme was detected in 34.9% of gastric carcinomas (38% intestinal-type, 30% diffuse-type).
• Paneth-type granules were ultrastructurally confirmed in 4 out of 7 lysozyme-positive gastric carcinomas.
• Lysozyme was notably absent in breast carcinomas and found in only one colorectal neoplasm.

Conclusions:

• Gastric carcinomas can exhibit Paneth cell differentiation.
• Lysozyme detection may serve as a potential diagnostic marker for specific gastric carcinomas.
• Further research is warranted to explore the clinical utility of lysozyme in gastric cancer diagnosis.