Simple method for constructing and repairing tissue microarrays using simple equipment

Objective Many methods for tissue microarray (TMA) construction were described in previous reports. Because TMA-based methods are expensive and complicated, their widespread application may be restricted. This study aimed to develop a simple method for TMA construction. Methods High-density TMAs were constructed using simple equipment, and hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining were performed to analyze the effect on the TMA block. Results A recipient block with 162 holes of 0.9 mm in diameter was prepared using a mini-drill and plastic mold. Tissue cores of 1.0 mm in diameter were obtained from multiple donor blocks with stainless-steel capillary tubes driven by the mini-drill. Under the fixation and guidance of the plastic mold, tissue cores could be easily injected into the holes in the recipient block by inserting a stainless-steel wire into the stainless-steel tube with the tissue core and then pressing using the stainless-steel wire. Conclusion A high-density TMA block with 162 1.0-mm cores was created. This new modified technique could be a good alternative in many laboratories.

An introduction of an easy-operating and economical technique for tissue microarray preparation

AimTissue microarray (TMA) is a powerful and effective tool for in situ tissue analysis. However, manual TMA construction methods showed varied qualities. This study aimed to raise a standardised TMA preparation technique that can be easily operated and is economical.MethodsA sampling needle was used to punch the tissue rods from the donor block and holes in the recipient block. To indicate the dots’ positions and ensure vertical punching, a novel auxiliary device made using commercial three-dimensional printing technology was attached. The TMA block was made up of tissue rods and a recipient block.ResultsA 77-rod (7×11) TMA block was constructed. The rows and columns were fixed in straight lines. There was no specimen loss during the process of embedding.ConclusionsAn alternative method for the construction of TMA blocks that met the basic requirement of many laboratories and can be effortlessly performed was presented.

Tissue Microarray Construction and Immunohistochemical evaluation of Bcl-2 Gene Expression in Iraqi and Italian Breast Cancer Samples.

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and remains one of the most leading causes of death among women world wild. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members inhibits cell death and promote proliferation of cancer cells. Overexpression of Bcl-2 has been shown to inhibit the initiation of apoptosis, in the presence of some stimuli including anticancer drugs in a number of systems. To study the expression of Bcl-2 tissue microarray (TMA) investigation was designed and constructed. Using 3 TMAs; the second for the 50 Iraqi breast cancer cases, one for the 30 Italian cases and the third for the 10 benign cases. Each sample represented in a triplicate in the recipient block, all these TMAs expressed to the same condition for construction and IHC staining. TMAs are a powerful, fast and economic technique. IHC was used to study the Bcl-2 expression. The results are represented as differences in the number of samples expressed the Bcl-2 and the intensity of the expression between the Iraqi and the Italian groups. Bcl-2 expression was found elevated in 26 (52%) of the 50 Iraqi breast cancer samples and 11 (36.66%) of the 30 Italian samples compared to the control samples. And in which only 1 (10%) out of 10 samples. The overexpression of Bcl-2 associated with poor prognosis for the patients. Level of Bcl-2 expression can be used as prognostic marker to monitor patient therapy. For the Iraqi cases the overexpression may be attributed to many factors like exposure to depleted uranium and bad food quality during the 90th when Iraq was under the siege of the United Nation (UN).