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Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm in women and is classified into different molecular subtypes based on the expression characteristics of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ERs and PRs) and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2, ERBB2): Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2(+), and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Telocytes, a new type of stromal cell, provide structural support for the preservation of organ integrity and play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we evaluated telocyte counts and expression profiles among breast cancer subtypes. Methods: The quantitative differences between telocytes in three subtypes of invasive breast cancer were assessed via immunohistochemistry, using vimentin, CD10, CD34, and c-Kit antibodies. Results: Vimentin(+), CD10(+), CD34(+), and c-Kit(+) telocyte counts were significantly higher in the Luminal and HER2(+) groups than in TNBC (p = 0.000 for vimentin, CD10, CD34, and c-Kit in Luminal vs. TNBC; p = 0.006 for CD34 in HER2(+) vs. TNBC). CD10(+), CD34(+), and c-Kit(+) telocyte counts were significantly higher in ER(+) than in ER(–) patients (p = 0.006, p = 0.000, and p = 0.009, respectively) and in PR(+) than in PR(–) patients (p = 0.018, p = 0.000, and p = 0.044, respectively). The presence of ER/c-Kit(+) telocytes was demonstrated, and c-Kit(+) telocyte counts were significantly lower in tumors larger than 5 cm than in those measuring 2–5 cm (p = 0.032). Conclusions: Our results showed quantitative differences and marker expression profiles for telocytes between different breast cancer molecular subtypes. c-Kit(+) telocytes may contribute to the regulation of tumor size. Full article

Objective: bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stands as the most prevalent congenital heart condition intricately linked to aortic pathologies encompassing aortic regurgitation (AR), aortic stenosis, aortic root dilation, and aortic dissection. The aetiology of BAV is notably intricate, involving a spectrum of genes and polymorphisms. Moreover, BAV lays the groundwork for an array of structural heart and aortic disorders, presenting varying degrees of severity. Establishing a tailored clinical approach amid this diverse range of BAV-related conditions is of utmost significance. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the epidemiology, aetiology, associated ailments, and clinical management of BAV, encompassing imaging to aortic surgery. Our exploration is guided by the perspectives of the aortic team, spanning six distinct guidelines. Methods: We conducted an exhaustive search across databases like PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and Embase to extract relevant studies. Our review incorporates 84 references and integrates insights from six different guidelines to create a comprehensive clinical management section. Results: BAV presents complexities in its aetiology, with specific polymorphisms and gene disorders observed in groups with elevated BAV prevalence, contributing to increased susceptibility to other cardiovascular conditions. The altered hemodynamics inherent to BAV instigate adverse remodelling of the aorta and heart, thus fostering the development of epigenetically linked aortic and heart diseases. Employing TTE screening for first-degree relatives of BAV patients might be beneficial for disease tracking and enhancing clinical outcomes. While SAVR is the primary recommendation for indicated AVR in BAV, TAVR might be an option for certain patients endorsed by adept aortic teams. In addition, proficient teams can perform aortic valve repair for AR cases. Aortic surgery necessitates personalized evaluation, accounting for genetic makeup and risk factors. While the standard aortic replacement threshold stands at 55 mm, it may be tailored to 50 mm or even 45 mm based on patient-specific considerations. Conclusion: This review reiterates the significance of considering the multifactorial nature of BAV as well as the need for further research to be carried out in the field. Full article