CD10 is a cell surface zinc-dependent metallo-endoprotease which cleaves signalling peptides. Its expression can be found in different hematopoietic cell types, but also in a wide variety of non-lymphoid cells and neoplastic tissues, thus being of help for pathological diagnosis. The stromal expression of CD10 in several solid tumours, such as gastric, colorectal or breast tumours is correlated with invasiveness, metastatic potential and poor prognosis. CD10 has also been found of use for stem cells isolation in various tissues and is relevant for the maintenance of the mammary stem niche. In this paper we review the molecular anatomy of CD10.

Background HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a condition characterized by rapid decrease of the renal function, generally associated with advanced HIV infection. However, it is not the only type of kidney involvement seen in HIV-positive patients. Case report We present the case of a 44 year-old male patient, with HIV infection since the age of 23 and on antiretroviral therapy since the age of 35, with high CD4 cell count and undetectable HIV viral load for the past 7 years. He presented to our clinic for routine monitoring, completely asymptomatic, but the laboratory assessment revealed sudden-onset proteinuria, an increase in serum creatinine and a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate. His clinical exam was not remarkable but his medical history included post-traumatic splenectomy and left nephrectomy at 23 years old and coinfection with HBV. A nephrology consult diagnosed a stage III chronic kidney disease, and raised the suspicion of HIVAN. For diagnosis confirmation a kidney biopsy was recommended but due to the patient’s post-nephrectomy status the biopsy was deferred and conservative treatment was started. During the course of the following 5 years of monitoring, the renal function remained in a steady state, and the patient is currently being considered for kidney transplant. Conclusion Routine evaluation of the kidney function should be consistently performed in HIV-positive patients, to ensure early diagnosis and prompt medical management of any kidney impairment, to prevent further deterioration of the renal function.

Background Epithelial stem niches are specialised niches in which stem/progenitor cells are neighbouring the basement membrane. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the presence of an epithelial stem niche in the sphenoidal sinus mucosa. Methods We performed an immunohistochemical study on post autopsy samples of human sphenoidal sinus mucosa from six adult donor cadavers. We used antibodies against CD146, cytokeratins 5 and 19 (CK5, CK19) and vimentin. Results Histologically we found a respiratory type mucosa with a positive CD146 expression in endothelial cells and in basal epithelial cells. As CD146 is known to be an inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) we related our finding to such processes. This was further supported by finding scarce basal epithelial cells lacking the CK5 and CK19 expression. Moreover, we identified a positive reaction for vimentin, a mesenchymal marker, in basal epithelial cells. Conclusion Our findings support the initial hypothesis of the study, proving that EMT processes occur within the sphenoidal sinus mucosa that is thus able of regeneration and repair.

Background The aim of the study was to assess the influence of physiological factors on the portal circulation and to characterize the functional and morphological changes induced by them to the portal circulation. Methods We evaluated by ultrasound 50 healthy subjects, quantifying dimension and flow velocity for the portal vein, superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein in fasting and postprandial state, and in supine position, left lateral decubitus, inspiratory apnea, and expiratory apnea. The data were statistically analyzed by using the z-test: two samples for means analyzing the average values, standard deviations, variances and the statistical significance (p-value) by comparing the altered values due to the chosen factors to the reference values. Results The variation in size for the portal vein and its tributary veins (splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein) showed statistical significance for all physiological factors analyzed, with a higher p statistical value for inspiratory apnea (in case of the portal vein), for postprandial evaluation (in case of the superior mesenteric vein) and for left lateral decubitus (in case of the splenic vein). In terms of flow rate we obtained statistical significance for all variations of physiological factors, with higher p value for postprandial evaluation (in case of the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein) and for the left lateral decubitus position (in case of the splenic vein). Conclusion Usual physiological factors (respiration, food ingestion, position) affect in a significant manner the vascular morphological and functional parameters, inducing important variations which could lead to underestimating (evaluation conducted during inspiratory apnea and left lateral decubitus of the patient) or overestimating (evaluation conducted during inspiratory apnea and in postprandial condition) the measurement results.

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