Altered Expression of miR-146a-5p and Bcl-2 in Oncocytic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report

Background: Oncocytic carcinoma of the breast is extremely rare, and its molecular profile is poorly understood. The distinctive feature of oncocytic carcinoma of the breast is that the granular eosinophilic cytoplasm contains numerous mitochondria. Recently, microRNA-146a-5p has been identified as a contributor to carcinogenesis and as a mitochondria-related microRNA, which regulates the mitochondrial function affecting Bcl-2. Bcl-2 plays a role in mitochondrial apoptosis.Case presentation: We report the clinical features, histopathological features, and immunohistochemical and molecular findings of oncocytic carcinoma of the breast in a 76-year-old woman. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that the tumor cells were positive for antimitochondrial antibody but negative for gross cystic disease fluid protein 15, which confirmed the diagnosis. For molecular profiling, expression of microRNA-146a-5p and Bcl-2 messenger RNA (mRNA), which are mitochondria-related small molecules, were evaluated using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that the expression of microRNA-146a-5p was significantly lower (p < 0.01) and that of Bcl-2 mRNA was significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to the control group (with no specific type of breast cancer). Conclusions: The significant changes in the expression of microRNA-146a-5p and Bcl-2 are specific to oncocytic carcinoma of the breast. Therefore, we suggest that the use of microRNA-146a-5p to target Bcl-2 has a potential therapeutic effect on oncocytic carcinoma of the breast.

Surgery to Remove Adrenocortical Oncocytic Carcinoma from an Asian Male with Scoliosis

Background: Adrenocortical oncocytoma is a rare type of adrenocortical carcinoma. Its clinical characteristics and biological behaviour need to be further evaluated after the accumulation of cases.Case presentation: We report a case of adrenocortical oncocytic carcinoma in an Asian male with scoliosis. We performed an operation on this patient. Because the patient's scoliosis was limited during the operation and the tumor protruded into the chest, we decided to adopt open surgery in the supine position. During the operation, we found a tumor about 8 cm in diameter in the right adrenal region. There was local adhesion with the surrounding tissues. The surface blood vessels of the tumor were distended. After careful dissection and ligation of the blood vessels around the tumor, the adrenal tumor was completely dissociated and removed. The patient recovered well, and his hypertension was controlled after surgery. Pathological results confirmed the diagnosis of adrenocortical oncocytic carcinoma. Pathological features showed that the tumor cells were arranged in nests, with pathological mitosis, abundant cytoplasm, eosinophilia, and invasion of adipose tissue. Immunohistochemistry showed that Ki67 index was more than 15%. Conclusions: The incidence rate of eosinophilic adrenocortical carcinoma is very low. CT scans and other imaging examination methods are not specific. For larger adrenal tumors, the diagnosis of this disease should be considered. For patients with adrenal cortical carcinoma who have not yet metastasized, we can achieve sound treatment effects and reduce recurrence by removing the tumor, retroperitoneal fat around the tumor and locoregional lymph nodes.