Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, predominantly affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process in which epithelial cells lose their cell–cell adhesion and gain migratory and invasive properties, has been extensively studied in various carcinomas. However, its role in mesenchymal tumors like osteosarcoma remains less explored. EMT is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the progression of osteosarcoma, contributing to tumor invasion, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms driving EMT in osteosarcoma, highlighting the involvement of signaling pathways such as TGF-β, transcription factors like Snail, Twist, and Zeb, and the role of microRNAs in modulating EMT. Furthermore, we discuss how EMT correlates with poor prognosis and therapy resistance in osteosarcoma patients, emphasizing the potential of targeting EMT for therapeutic intervention. Recent advancements in understanding EMT in osteosarcoma have opened new avenues for treatment, including EMT inhibitors and combination therapies aimed at overcoming drug resistance. By integrating biological insights with clinical implications, this review underscores the importance of EMT as a critical process in osteosarcoma progression and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Background: Labial fusion is a rare condition typically observed in prepubescent girls, but it can also occur in postmenopausal women due to estrogen deficiency. Methods: Our case report presents a unique instance of recurrent complete labial fusion causing bladder outlet obstruction in a postmenopausal woman. Results: The 84-year-old patient presented with dysuria and intermittent urine leakage. A physical examination revealed complete labial fusion with a small central opening. The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical evaluation, and surgical intervention was necessary to relieve the obstruction. Recurrent episodes followed despite a hormonal treatment with topical estrogen. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the challenge of managing labial fusion in postmenopausal women, where recurrent episodes may complicate treatment. Surgical management, along with hormone therapy, remain essential for optimal outcomes. Further studies are needed to understand the recurrence mechanisms and to establish standardized treatment protocols.
Background and Clinical Significance: In the clinical management of major pediatric traumatic injuries and other hypoxic conditions, lactate is widely recognized as a key indicator of tissue hypoxia and potential necrosis. However, its prognostic value remains uncertain. Several factors influence post-surgical outcomes, including the time between amputation and replantation, transport conditions, asepsis, the extent of tissue necrosis, hemorrhagic shock, coagulation disorders, and the heightened risk of contamination. Case presentation: We present this case to emphasize the utility of systemic lactate versus lactate levels in the replanted limb for monitoring post-transplantation outcomes in a pediatric patient with traumatic limb amputation. Significant fluctuations in lactate levels within the replanted limb were observed at the onset of unfavorable evolution, specifically on the seventh postoperative day, coinciding with the identification of Aspergillus spp. infection. This necessitated the use of synthetic saphenous vein grafts and Amphotericin B administration. Despite these interventions, disease progression ultimately led to limb amputation. Conclusions: Lactate levels in the replanted limb may serve as an early biomarker for assessing post-surgical evolution. However, further case reports are required to confirm its predictive value.
Background/Objectives: Gonadal germ cell tumors (GCTs) arise in the testis and ovary from primordial germ cells. Despite shared origins, they display distinct molecular and genetic features. Understanding these differences is essential for clarifying tumor pathogenesis and improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This review aims to compare these features and to better define the biological differences between testicular and ovarian GCTs. Methods: We reviewed cytogenetic alterations, epigenetic modifications, and somatic mutations reported in testicular and ovarian GCTs. Comparative analysis was performed to identify common and site-specific mechanisms. Results: Isochromosome 12p is a hallmark of testicular GCTs, while ovarian GCTs show diverse chromosomal changes. DNA methylation and other epigenetic marks differ by tumor subtype and gonadal origin. Somatic mutations affect pathways regulating cell cycle, pluripotency, and differentiation, with overlapping and unique patterns between testicular and ovarian tumors. Collectively, these findings define a molecular framework that explains both shared biology and gonadal-specific divergence in GCTs. Conclusions: Understanding molecular similarities and differences across gonadal GCTs can refine classification, guide biomarker discovery, and inform translational research. This comparative perspective highlights core pathogenetic mechanisms and gonadal-specific features relevant to clinical and experimental oncology.