Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer characterized by an elevated apoptosis resistance that, potentially, leads to chemo-resistance in the recurrent disease. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was found altered in OC, and mitochondria were proposed as a target for therapy. Molecular evidence suggests that the deregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, morphology, dynamics, and apoptosis is involved in carcinogenesis. However, these mitochondrial processes remain to be investigated in OC. Eighteen controls and 16 OC tissues (serous and mucinous) were collected. Enzymatic activities were performed spectrophotometrically, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content was measured by real-time-PCR, protein levels were determined by Western blotting, and mitochondrial number and structure were measured by electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and principal component analysis (PCA). We found, in OC, that increased mitochondrial number associated with increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) protein levels, as well as mtDNA content. The OC mitochondria presented an increased maximum length, as well as reduced cristae width and junction diameter, associated with increased optic atrophy 1 protein (OPA1) and prohibitin 2 (PHB2) protein levels. In addition, in OC tissues, augmented cAMP and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) protein levels were observed. PCA of the 25 analyzed biochemical parameters classified OC patients in a distinct group from controls. We highlight a “mitochondrial signature” in OC that could result from cooperation of the cAMP pathway with the SIRT3, OPA1, and PHB2 proteins.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the histological results of the Onemytis^® plasma surgery device with Airplasma^® technology. We compared the efficacy and the effect on tissues of the new plasma electrocoagulation system with electrosurgery and a scalpel blade. Samples of healthy skin tissue from four dogs that underwent mastectomy were evaluated. Three different incision modes were used, i.e., a cold blade, electrosurgery, and the Onemytis^® plasma scalpel were evaluated histologically to assess invasiveness and tissue injuries at different distances from the cutting surface. The histological examinations showed moderate necrosis caused by Onemytis^®, compared to the use of the more invasive electrosurgery, which induces thermal damage that extends beyond 1000 µm. Our study shows that the use of the plasma scalpel reduces the extension of the thermal lesion on the skin compared to an electrosurgical scalpel.

The oviductal fimbria is the first extraovarian anatomical structure that the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) encounters, and is sensitive to sex hormone changes. The morphology, glycan pattern, expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), estradiol receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) were investigated in the oviductal fimbria epithelium of the baboon (Papio hamadryas) during the menstrual cycle. The morphology was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy; the glycopattern was characterized using conventional and lectin histochemistry; HSPs (60, −70, −90), ER, and PR were localized immunohistochemically. Well-differentiated ciliated and nonciliated cells were present only during the preovulatory phase. The nonciliated cells contained small apical protrusions and thin microvilli. During the preovulatory phase (1) the luminal surface of the fimbria displayed acidic glycans, complex N-glycans containing fucose, and oligolactosamine residues; (2) nonciliated cells expressed HSP60 and HSP90 in the apical blebs, HSP70 in the nucleus and cytoplasm, as well as nuclear ERα and PR; (3) ciliated cells showed HSP70 in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cilia that also expressed HSP90 and PR. These results are related to the function of the fimbria where the early COC–oviduct crosstalk occurs and may represent a benchmark for translational studies of other primates.