Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and the number is increasing every year. Despite advances in screening programs, CRC remains as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer (CRC) and has been shown to be associated with Blastocystis sp., a common intestinal microorganism. In the present study, we aimed to identify a role for Blastocystis sp. in exacerbating carcinogenesis using in vivo rat model. Methylene blue staining was used to identify colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and adenomas formation in infected rats whilst elevation of oxidative stress biomarker levels in the urine and serum samples were evaluated using biochemical assays. Histological changes of the intestinal mucosa were observed and a significant number of ACF was found in Blastocystis sp. infected AOM-rats compared to the AOM-controls. High levels of urinary oxidative indices including advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP) and hydrogen peroxide were observed in Blastocystis sp. infected AOM-rats compared to the uninfected AOM-rats. Our study provides evidence that Blastocystis sp. has a significant role in enhancing AOM-induced carcinogenesis by resulting damage to the intestinal epithelium and promoting oxidative damage in Blastocystis sp. infected rats.
Desmoid type fibromatosis of the breast is a rare stromal tumor that accounts for <0.2% of all breast tumors. Bilateral and multicentric lesions are extremely rare, with only less than ten cases reported in the literature. Although benign, it is locally aggressive with frequent recurrence in up to almost one-third of the cases. We experienced our first case of bilateral multicentric breast fibromatosis in a 19-year-old woman, with a paternal aunt diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30, who presented to our institution with the chief complaint of retracted nipples for 1 year. The patient denied any history of trauma to her chest. Sonography showed suspicious bilateral hypoechoic masses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for further evaluation because of the extensive involvement of both the breasts. This report aimed to illustrate the main clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics of this rare disease to increase awareness of this entity and discuss the role of MRI.