Next Article in Journal
Modeling Habitat Suitability of Snow Leopards in Yanchiwan National Reserve, China
Previous Article in Journal
Organic Iodine Improves the Growth Performance and Gut Health of Fujian Yellow Rabbits
Previous Article in Special Issue
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Bone and Dental Lesions in Neotropical Deer
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Case Report

Ovarian Sex Cord Stromal Tumor in a Free-Ranging Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

by
Natalia García-Álvarez
1,
Álvaro Oleaga
2,
María José García-Iglesias
1,
Claudia Pérez-Martínez
1,
Daniel Fernández
2,
Luis Miguel Álvarez
3,
Ramón Balsera
3 and
Ana Balseiro
1,4,*
1
Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
2
Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A. (SERPA), La Laboral, 33203 Gijón, Spain
3
Dirección General de Planificación Agraria del Principado de Asturias, 33007 Oviedo, Spain
4
Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Finca Marzanas, Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1936; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131936
Submission received: 31 May 2024 / Revised: 14 June 2024 / Accepted: 28 June 2024 / Published: 30 June 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disease and Health in Free-Ranging and Captive Wildlife)

Abstract

:

Simple Summary

Here, we describe an unusual metastatic ovarian sex cord stromal tumor in a 14-year-old free-ranging female Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos) from Northwestern Spain. Based on histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, the tumor was diagnosed as a steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified.

Abstract

Reports on neoplasms in bears are scarce, especially concerning ovarian tumors. A large primary ovarian neoplasm with multiple metastasis was found during the necropsy of a 14-year-old free-ranging Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos) from Northwestern Spain. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry allowed for the diagnosis of a sex cord stromal tumor. This is a complex group of neoplasms which differ in the predominant cell morphology and immunohistochemical features. The microscopic examination revealed two types of cells, one with eosinophilic cytoplasm, intermingled with larger vacuolated cells rich in lipids. The evaluation of the immunoreactivity to different markers, frequently used in the characterization of gonadal tumors (INHA, inhibin-alpha; PLAP, placental alkaline phosphatase; Ki-67; α-SMA, actin alpha-smooth muscle) and inflammation patterns (IBA1, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule for macrophages; CD3 for T lymphocytes; CD20 for B lymphocytes), displayed significant INHA positive immunostaining of neoplastic cells, as well as inflammatory cell infiltration, mainly composed of macrophages and B lymphocytes. These findings were consistent with a malignant ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified. The present study characterizes an unusual type of neoplasm, and also represents the first report of an ovarian sex cord stromal tumor in Ursidae.

1. Introduction

There are few reports of neoplasms in bears, especially in free-ranging individuals [1,2,3], and only one concerning ovarian tumor in a captive bear, in which a carcinoma was diagnosed [4]. Granulosa and a theca cell tumor were also found in a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) [5].
Ovarian neoplasms involve an extremely wide variety of tumors that include epithelial, sex cord stromal, and germ cell tumors [6,7]. Although sex cord stromal tumors (SCSTs) represent less than 10% of all human primary ovarian tumors [8], they are more frequently described in other animal species [7,9], accounting for two-thirds of ovarian tumors reported in cattle [10]. SCSTs comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, with the following classification according to the World Health Organization [8,11]: (i) pure stromal tumors (fibroma, fibrosarcoma, thecomas, Leydig, steroid, or luteinized cell tumors); (ii) pure sex cord tumors (granulosa and Sertoli cell tumors); and (iii) mixed sex cord stromal tumors (Sertoli–Leydig cell tumors). Due to its complexity, a recent review has classified the SCSTs into five groups based on the predominant neoplastic cell morphology and immunohistochemical features [12]: Group 1: predominance of fibromatous/thecomatous cells and/or stromal cells of unusual morphology; Group 2: predominance of steroid or luteinized cells; Group 3: predominance of follicular cells; Group 4: predominance of Sertoli cells; and Group 5: predominance of sarcomatoid/unclassified/poorly differentiated cells.
As stated in [12], besides morphological study, the immunohistochemical characterization of neoplastic cells is a valuable tool for the neoplasm diagnosis, i.e., the combined use of primary antibodies allows for the identification of the tumor histotype [13]. Thus, epithelial ovarian tumors express cytokeratins (CK), germ cell tumors placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), and SCSTs inhibin-alpha (INHA), a peptide hormone produced by ovarian cells to inhibit follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) [6,14,15]. Indeed, INHA is applied to discern sex cord stromal tumors from other primary ovarian tumors [13,14,15].
The aim of the present study was to describe an ovarian tumor with multiple metastases which was found in a free-ranging, 14-year-old female brown bear (Ursus arctos). Histopathological and immunohistochemical features enabled us to diagnose and characterize an unusual type of ovarian SCST, namely, steroid cell tumor (SCT), not otherwise specified (NOS), which, to the authors’ knowledge, represents the first report of an SCST in Ursidae.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. The Brown Bear

A free-ranging female Eurasian brown bear was found dead in the field by official rangers in January 2024 in the Principality of Asturias (Northwestern Spain). The bear showed very poor body condition and emaciation, weighing 56 kg (Figure 1a); on average, an adult female brown bear weighs 100 kg to 140 kg, with fluctuations during the year [16]. The specimen was transported to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Asturias and preserved at 4 °C before being submitted to necropsy examination.

2.2. Diagnostic Procedures

Necropsy was performed within less than 24 hours, and samples for histopathological evaluation were taken from the ovaries, peritoneum, diaphragm, lungs, kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, spleen, heart, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, skeletal muscles (femoral and longissimus dorsi), and lymph nodes. Samples were fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin and processed routinely. Serial sections (2.5 µm) were cut from different tissues for histological assessment by routine hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, as well as Masson’s Trichrome stain. In addition, Sudan red stain was used in frozen ovarian sections (15 µm) to detect fat droplets. A dental histological study of the first premolar was conducted for age determination [17].
Different immunohistochemical procedures were also performed to diagnose the type of tumor, according to the manufacturer’s specifications and following previously described methods [3] (main details displayed in Table 1). Briefly, tissue sections were deparaffinized and heated in sodium citrate buffer (pH 6) for antigen retrieval. To inactivate endogenous peroxidase (H2O2), the sections were exposed to 0.5% H2O2 in distilled water for 30 min. Then, the slides were incubated with 5% of goat serum (for polyclonal antibodies) or horse serum (for monoclonal antibodies) in tris-buffered saline (TBS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) 0.1% to prevent non-specific binding. Subsequently, they were incubated overnight at 4 °C with different primary antibodies diluted in TBS and BSA 0.1% (Table 1). Afterwards, the samples were exposed to an anti-rabbit (Vector Laboratories, Newark, CA, USA, for polyclonal primary antibodies) or anti-mouse (Vector Laboratories, Newark, CA, USA, for monoclonal primary antibody) secondary antibody diluted 1:200 in TBS and BSA 0.1%, as appropriate. The slides were incubated for 40 min with the avidin–biotin–peroxidase complex reagent (ABC Standard, Vector Laboratories, Newark, CA, USA) in TBS (1×), and NovaRed (Vector Laboratories, Newark, CA, USA) was used as the chromogen. Finally, the tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin, dehydrated, and assembled with DPX (Fluka, Sigma, Saint Louis, MO, USA).
Positive and negative controls were applied in each immunohistochemical protocol. Slides without primary antibodies were used as negative controls as indicators of potential non-specific reactions, and positive tissue controls were selected based on the specific procedure (see Table 1).

3. Results

3.1. Gross Findings

Macroscopic examination showed hemoperitoneum, as well as multiple tumors in the ovaries, peritoneum, kidneys, spleen, liver, visceral side of diaphragm, and right bronchial lymph node in the thoracic cavity. Macroscopically, the anomalous neoplastic-like growth of the left ovary was irregular, measuring 20 cm in diameter and weighing 2100 g (Figure 1b). The tumor observed in the right ovary was 5 cm in diameter (Figure 1b). The masses were solid and firm, with white to yellow-brown areas. Necrosis and hemorrhage phenomena were also observed on the sections (Figure 1c). The extraovarian spread of the tumor was mainly noted in the peritoneum, which showed numerous and widespread nodules of about 0.5–1 cm in diameter, and the left kidney, which had almost lost all its normal structure, measured 20 cm and weighed 1562 g (Figure 1d). The right kidney had a few white miliary lesions in several reniculi. The spleen showed two masses of approximately 10–12 cm, both of firm consistency, hemorrhagic, and without well-defined structure. The liver parenchyma displayed multifocal white nodules of 0.2–3 cm in diameter, mainly on its diaphragmatic side. On the visceral side of the diaphragm, a 10 cm whitish growth was also observed. The right bronchial lymph node was enlarged and measured 7 cm in diameter.

3.2. Microscopic Features

Microscopic examination revealed that tumors in all tissues showed neoplastic cells arranged in a diffuse pattern, but they also formed aggregates and small nests within a vascularized stromal tissue, sometimes exhibiting areas of calcification (Figure 2a) and inflammation. Two types of round-to-polygonal cells were observed, one with round nuclei and prominent nucleoli with abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasms, which were intermingled with larger cells with small nuclei and multivacuolated or spongy pale cytoplasms. These latter cells were also rich in lipids, as confirmed by Sudan red stain, similar to adrenocortical cells (Figure 2a,b). Cell pleomorphism, anisocytosis, and anisokaryosis were marked, and numerous binucleated and multinucleated giant neoplastic cells were identified, as were vascular invasion and high mitotic figures, i.e., 7 mitosis per 10 high-power fields (HPFs) at ×400 magnification (2.37 mm2). Crystals of cholesterol, hemorrhages, and necrosis were consistently present in the tumor masses (Figure 2a). No relevant lesions were observed in other tissues or organs. The dental histological study revealed that the bear was 14 years old.
Immunohistochemical study showed high INHA expression in the tumor, suggesting SCST [6] (Figure 2c). This finding led us to exclude all type of carcinomas (including the one morphologically similar to SCST, i.e., clear cell carcinoma, which is INHA-negative) [18]. The germ cell origin of the neoplasia was also dismissed because the PLAP immunohistochemical stain showed very weak immunoreactivity, which was limited to scarce and isolated subsets of multinucleated giant neoplastic cells (Figure 2d). Ki-67 cell immunostaining determined an index proliferation lower than 5% (Figure 3a). In addition, immunohistochemistry confirmed inflammatory cell infiltration within the neoplastic masses, mainly composed of IBA1-positive macrophages and multinucleated giant cells (Figure 3b), and CD20-positive B lymphocytes (Figure 3c), indicative of chronic inflammation. T lymphocytes were rarely observed. The presence of desmoplasia and smooth muscle differentiation in the ovarian cell tumor (more evident in the right ovary) was confirmed by alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) immunohistochemistry and Masson’s Trichrome staining (Figure 3d).

4. Discussion

Based on histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, the ovarian tumor in the present study exhibited features of a bilateral SCST, specifically a SCT-NOS, as described by other authors [6,19]. To the best of our knowledge, it also represents the first report of an SCST in Ursidae.
SCT-NOS is a rare neoplasm with malignant potential, accounting for less than 0.1% of all human ovarian tumors [6,20], in contrast to granulosa cell tumor, which is considered the most common ovarian neoplasm in large animals [21]. Luteinized adult granulosa and thecoma cell tumors may show similar cytological features; therefore, they must be considered in the differential diagnosis [12,21]. In this regard, Call–Exner bodies and nuclear grooves, or “coffee bean”-like neoplastic cells, which are frequently described in granulosa cell tumors, were not observed in the studied bear tumor. A low level of PLAP expression can be found in different tumor entities [22], although it does not imply a germ cell neoplasia. In this line, the presence of few PLAP-positive multinucleated giant neoplastic cells, which is frequently observed in dysgerminomas [6], might suggest a limited component of neoplastic germ cells within the present SCT.
SCTs were previously known as “lipid” cell tumors until Scully [23] initiated the term “steroid cell tumors”, which best describes their morphological and functional structure. This nomenclature arises from their similarity to steroid hormone-secreting cells [24,25,26]. There are three subtypes of SCT: stromal luteoma (originated from the stroma), Leydig cell tumor (arising from the Leydig cells of the ovarian hilum), and SCT-NOS with controversial origin (likely derived from adrenal cortical rest cells, luteal stromal cells, or Leydig cells) [24]. The SCT-NOS differs from Leydig cell tumors because it lacks Reinke’s cytoplasmic crystals, and from stromal luteoma since the latter is associated with stromal hyperthecosis [6].
The malignant behavior of the bear tumor was confirmed considering the following gross (i) and microscopic (ii) pathological features: (i) significant large tumors with extensive abdominal spread and remote metastasis, which likely led to hemoperitoneum caused by abdominal blood vessels or spleen rupture, with subsequent hypovolemic shock; (ii) poor differentiation and pleomorphic neoplastic cells; high mitotic figures, including atypical mitosis; and areas of necrosis and hemorrhage [19,20]. Regarding the tumor microenvironment, the presence of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells was highly remarkable and should be emphasized, as they may have played an important role in tumor progression [27]. The tumor also displayed significant lipid accumulation (consequence of deregulation of lipid metabolism) and cholesterol crystals, both of which are related to malignant progression and increases in the growth and dissemination of tumor cells [28]. Testosterone is produced by most SCTs [6,26], but they can also cause hyperestrogenism [7,12,29] and hypercortisolism related to Cushing’s syndrome [6,30]. However, production of those hormones could not be confirmed in the studied bear. Moreover, the observed fibrosis and smooth muscle proliferation have previously been reported in other ovarian neoplasms, such as dysgerminoma and granulosa cell tumors [6,31,32].
SCT-NOS is usually found in adult females, although it also occurs in younger individuals and occasionally before puberty [19]. Specifically, the individuals tend to be younger than those showing Leydig cell tumors [12]; thus, based on research in human cancer, SCT-NOS can occur at all ages [6].

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, our findings are consistent with an ovarian SCT-NOS with malignant behavior, this being the underlying cause of death. Ultimately, however, hypovolemic shock led to the death of the animal, likely a consequence of tumor growth, which would have damaged the vessel walls.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, N.G.-Á., M.J.G.-I., C.P.-M. and A.B.; methodology, N.G.-Á., Á.O., M.J.G.-I., C.P.-M., D.F., L.M.Á., R.B. and A.B.; validation, N.G.-Á., M.J.G.-I., C.P.-M. and A.B.; formal analysis, N.G.-Á., M.J.G.-I., C.P.-M. and A.B.; investigation, N.G.-Á., M.J.G.-I., C.P.-M. and A.B.; resources, A.B.; data curation, N.G.-Á., M.J.G.-I., C.P.-M. and A.B.; writing—original draft preparation, N.G.-Á. and A.B.; writing—review and editing, N.G.-Á., Á.O., M.J.G.-I., C.P.-M., D.F., L.M.Á., R.B. and A.B.; project administration, A.B.; funding acquisition, A.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was partially funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/50110 0 011033/FEDER, UE, grant number I+D+i research project PID2022-141906OB-C22 and Consejería de Medio Rural y Política Agraria from Government of the Principality of Asturias.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Ethics approval was waived for this study according to Spanish national regulations (Real Decreto 53/2013). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Policy Statement on Research Involving Species at Risk of Extinction and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) were meticulously followed. We also complied with the national and regional legislation on Cantabrian brown bear sampling (Consejería de Medio Rural y Política Agraria and, Consejería de Fomento, Cooperación Local y Prevención de Incendios from Government of the Principality of Asturias).

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank colleagues from Consejería de Medio Rural y Política Agraria and, Consejería de Fomento, Cooperación Local y Prevención de Incendios from Government of the Principality of Asturias, for their invaluable support. The authors also thank J. F. García Marín for critically reviewing the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

  1. Kelly, E.J.; Roug, A.; Gray, S.; Baldwin, T.J. Peritoneal Mesothelioma in a Free-Ranging American Black Bear (Ursus Americanus). J. Wildl. Dis. 2021, 57, 230–233. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. Elfadl, A.K.; Park, S.; Ullah, H.A.; Youn, S.H.; Chung, M.J.; Son, J.Y.; Lee, J.Y.; Lee, S.W.; Lee, A.R.; Baek, S.M.; et al. Sertoli Cell Tumor (SCT) in a Captive Black Bear (Ursus Americanus). Vet. Sci. 2019, 6, 77. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Balseiro, A.; Herrero-García, G.; García Marín, J.F.; Balsera, R.; Monasterio, J.M.; Cubero, D.; de Pedro, G.; Oleaga, Á.; García-Rodríguez, A.; Espinoza, I.; et al. New Threats in the Recovery of Large Carnivores Inhabiting Human-Modified Landscapes: The Case of the Cantabrian Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos). Vet. Res. 2024, 55, 24. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Rossi, G.; Laus, F.; Piccinini, A.; Piccinini, R.; Pasquinelli, F.; Gambi, R.; Paggi, E.; Tesei, B. Metastasizing Ovarian Carcinoma in an Eurasian Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos Arctos): A Case Report. Slov. Vet. Res. 2016, 53, 99–106. [Google Scholar]
  5. Gao, Q.; Wang, C.; Li, D.; Zhang, H.; Deng, L.; Li, C.; Chen, Z. A Case of Giant Panda Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis and Histopathology. BMC Vet. Res. 2018, 14, 311. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Staats, P.N.; Young, R.H. Sex Cord-Stromal, Steroid Cell, and Other Ovarian Tumors with Endocrine, Paraendocrine, and Paraneoplastic Manifestations. In Blaustein’s Pathology of the Female Genital Tract; Kurman, R.J., Ed.; Springer International Publishing: Cham, Switzerland, 2019; pp. 967–1045. [Google Scholar]
  7. Troisi, A.; Orlandi, R.; Vallesi, E.; Pastore, S.; Sforna, M.; Quartuccio, M.; Zappone, V.; Cristarella, S.; Polisca, A. Clinical and Ultrasonographic Findings of Ovarian Tumours in Bitches: A Retrospective Study. Theriogenology 2023, 210, 227–233. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Al Harbi, R.; McNeish, I.A.; El-Bahrawy, M. Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors: An Update on Clinical Features, Molecular Changes, and Management. Int. J. Gynecol. Cancer 2021, 31, 161–168. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  9. Durkes, A.; Garner, M.; Juan-Sallés, C.; Ramos-Vara, J.A. Immunohistochemical Characterization of Nonhuman Primate Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors. Vet. Pathol. 2012, 49, 834–838. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. El-Sheikh Ali, H.; Kitahara, G.; Nibe, K.; Osawa, T. Endocrinological Characterization of an Ovarian Sex Cord–Stromal Tumor with a Sertoli Cell Pattern in a Japanese Black Cow. Reprod. Domest. Anim. 2019, 54, 1501–1504. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Mehra, P.; Aditi, S.; Prasad, K.M.; Bariar, N. k Histomorphological Analysis of Ovarian Neoplasms According to the 2020 WHO Classification of Ovarian Tumors: A Distribution Pattern in a Tertiary Care Center. Cureus 2023, 15, 1–10. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Trecourt, A.; Donzel, M.; Alsadoun, N.; Allias, F.; Devouassoux-Shisheboran, M. Relevance of Molecular Pathology for the Diagnosis of Sex Cord–Stromal Tumors of the Ovary: A Narrative Review. Cancers 2023, 15, 5864. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Prichard, J.; Liu, H.; Wilkerson, M. Ovary. In Handbook of Practical Immunohistochemistry; Springer New York: New York, NY, USA, 2011; pp. 277–298. [Google Scholar]
  14. Riccardi, E.; Grieco, V.; Verganti, S.; Finazzi, M. Immunohistochemical Diagnosis of Canine Ovarian Epithelial and Granulosa Cell Tumors. J. Vet. Diagnostic Investig. 2007, 19, 431–435. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Costa, M.J.; Ames, P.F.; Walls, J.; Roth, L.M. Inhibin Immunohistochemistry Applied to Ovarian Neoplasms: A Novel, Effective, Diagnostic Tool. Hum. Pathol. 1997, 28, 1247–1254. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  16. Fundación Oso de Asturias (FOA). Available online: https://www.osodeasturias.es/oso-pardo (accessed on 13 June 2024).
  17. Klevezal, G.A. Recording Structures of Mammals; Routledge: Abingdon, UK, 2017; ISBN 9780203741146. [Google Scholar]
  18. Koufopoulos, N.; Nasi, D.; Antoniadou, F.; Kokkali, S.; Theocharis, S. Kidney Carcinoma Ovarian Metastasis: Review of the Literature. Cureus 2018, 10, e3620. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  19. Chung, D.-H.; Lee, S.-H.; Lee, K.-B. A Case of Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor, Not Otherwise Specified, Treated with Surgery and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist. J. Menopausal Med. 2014, 20, 39. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  20. Fadare, O.; Fard, E.V.; Bhargava, R.; Desouki, M.M.; Hanley, K.Z.; Ip, P.P.C.; Li, J.J.X.; Lu, B.; Medeiros, F.; Ng, J.H.Y.; et al. The Malignant Potential of Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumors Revisited. Am. J. Surg. Pathol. 2024, 48, 570–580. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  21. Foster Female Reproductive System and Mammae. In Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease; Zachary, J.F. (Ed.) Elsevier Inc.: Maryland Heights, MO, USA, 2017; pp. 1147–1193. ISBN 978-0-323-35775-3. [Google Scholar]
  22. Reiswich, V.; Gorbokon, N.; Luebke, A.M.; Burandt, E.; Menz, A.; Kluth, M.; Hube-Magg, C.; Wittmer, C.; Weidemann, S.; Fraune, C.; et al. Pattern of Placental Alkaline Phosphatase (PLAP) Expression in Human Tumors: A Tissue Microarray Study on 12,381 Tumors. J. Pathol. Clin. Res. 2021, 7, 577–589. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Scully, R.E. Tumors of the Ovary and Maldeveloped Gonads. In Atlas of Tumor Pathology; 2nd series, fascicle 16; Armed Forces Institute of Pathology: Washington, DC, USA, 1979; pp. 215–220. [Google Scholar]
  24. Jiang, W.; Tao, X.; Fang, F.; Zhang, S.; Xu, C. Benign and Malignant Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumors, Not Otherwise Specified: Case Studies, Comparison, and Review of the Literature. J. Ovarian Res. 2013, 6, 53. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Agrawal, N.; Vardhan, H.; Khokhar, S.; Rai, N.; Saxena, R.; Riyaz, S. Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor: A Rare Case Report. J. Cytol. 2015, 32, 284. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  26. Mizoguchi, M.; Minami, S.; Yamamoto, M.; Tanizaki, Y.; Kobayashi, A.; Ino, K. Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor, Not Otherwise Specified, Producing Testosterone. J. Obstet. Gynaecol. Res. 2014, 40, 2081–2085. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. An, Y.; Yang, Q. Tumor-associated Macrophage-targeted Therapeutics in Ovarian Cancer. Int. J. Cancer 2021, 149, 21–30. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  28. Abela, G.S.; Katkoori, V.R.; Pathak, D.R.; Bumpers, H.L.; Leja, M.; ul Abideen, Z.; Boumegouas, M.; Perry, D.; Al-Janadi, A.; Richard, J.E.; et al. Cholesterol Crystals Induce Mechanical Trauma, Inflammation, and Neo-Vascularization in Solid Cancers as in Atherosclerosis. Am. Hear. J. Plus Cardiol. Res. Pract. 2023, 35, 100317. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  29. Polinas, M.; Burrai, G.P.; Marras, V.; Ariu, R.; Zedda, M.T.; Pau, S.; Antuofermo, E. Co-Occurrence of a Metastatic Mammary Liposarcoma and an Ovarian Sex-Cord Stromal Tumor in a Dog. Res. Vet. Sci. 2016, 109, 157–160. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  30. Matemanosak, P.; Peeyananjarassri, K.; Suwanrath, C.; Wattanakumtornkul, S.; Klangsin, S.; Thiangphak, E.; Kanjanapradit, K. Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor (Not Otherwise Specified) with Subsequent Spontaneous Pregnancy after Tumor Removal: A Case Report and Literature Review. Gynecol. Endocrinol. 2023, 39, 2186138. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  31. Abbes, I.; Mrad, K.; Driss, M.; Sassi, S.; Dhouib, R.; Ben Romdhane, K. Smooth Muscle Differentiation in Ovarian Granulosa-Cell Tumours: A New Case Report. Pathologica 2008, 100, 6–8. [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
  32. Yang, Z.; Yang, X.; Xu, S.; Jin, P.; Li, X.; Wei, X.; Liu, D.; Huang, K.; Long, S.; Wang, Y.; et al. Reprogramming of Stromal Fibroblasts by SNAI2 Contributes to Tumor Desmoplasia and Ovarian Cancer Progression. Mol. Cancer 2017, 16, 163. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Figure 1. Steroid cell tumor, brown bear (Ursus arctos). (a) The 14-year-old female shows emaciation. (b) Neoplastic growth can be observed in the left (20 cm in diameter) and right (5 cm in diameter) ovaries. The masses are solid, with white to yellow-brown areas, and also show hemorrhages. (c) Necrosis and hemorrhage are observed on a section of left ovary. (d) Left kidney (20 cm in diameter) has lost the normal structure on section, and only two reniculi are remaining (asterisks).
Figure 1. Steroid cell tumor, brown bear (Ursus arctos). (a) The 14-year-old female shows emaciation. (b) Neoplastic growth can be observed in the left (20 cm in diameter) and right (5 cm in diameter) ovaries. The masses are solid, with white to yellow-brown areas, and also show hemorrhages. (c) Necrosis and hemorrhage are observed on a section of left ovary. (d) Left kidney (20 cm in diameter) has lost the normal structure on section, and only two reniculi are remaining (asterisks).
Animals 14 01936 g001
Figure 2. Histopathological and immunohistochemical features of a steroid cell tumor in a brown bear (Ursus arctos). (a) Left ovary. Histological image of the tumor, in which crystals of cholesterol (asterisks), necrosis, hemorrhage (arrow), and calcification (arrowhead) can be observed. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE), ×40 magnification. (b) Left ovary. Detail of the two types of cells observed. Aggregates of round cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm (arrow) are intermingled with larger cells containing multivacuolated or spongy cytoplasm (arrowhead). HE, ×400 magnification. (c) Left ovary. Neoplastic cells showing inhibin-alpha (INHA) cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. ABC complex, ×200 magnification. (d) Right ovary. Subset of multinucleated giant neoplastic cells with reactivity to anti-placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) antibody (arrow). ABC complex, ×400 magnification.
Figure 2. Histopathological and immunohistochemical features of a steroid cell tumor in a brown bear (Ursus arctos). (a) Left ovary. Histological image of the tumor, in which crystals of cholesterol (asterisks), necrosis, hemorrhage (arrow), and calcification (arrowhead) can be observed. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE), ×40 magnification. (b) Left ovary. Detail of the two types of cells observed. Aggregates of round cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm (arrow) are intermingled with larger cells containing multivacuolated or spongy cytoplasm (arrowhead). HE, ×400 magnification. (c) Left ovary. Neoplastic cells showing inhibin-alpha (INHA) cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. ABC complex, ×200 magnification. (d) Right ovary. Subset of multinucleated giant neoplastic cells with reactivity to anti-placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) antibody (arrow). ABC complex, ×400 magnification.
Animals 14 01936 g002
Figure 3. Immunohistochemical features of a steroid cell tumor in a brown bear (Ursus arctos). (a) Left ovary. Tumor proliferation is observed after Ki-67 immunostaining. ABC complex, ×200 magnification. Inset: Ki-67-positive cells are highlighted, and atypic mitosis is shown (arrow). (b) Right bronchial lymph node metastasis. IBA1 immunostained macrophages and multinucleated giant cells in the inflammatory infiltrate of the tumor are observed. Inset: Higher magnification of immunostained macrophages. Note that multinucleated giant neoplastic cells do not express IBA1. ABC complex, ×200 magnification. (c) Right bronchial lymph node metastasis. CD20 immunostained B lymphocytes in the inflammatory infiltrate of the tumor. ABC complex, ×400 magnification. (d) Right ovary. Desmoplasia and smooth muscle differentiation (arrow) are shown after Masson’s Trichrome staining, ×40 magnification. Inset: Details of multivacuolated or spongy neoplastic cells.
Figure 3. Immunohistochemical features of a steroid cell tumor in a brown bear (Ursus arctos). (a) Left ovary. Tumor proliferation is observed after Ki-67 immunostaining. ABC complex, ×200 magnification. Inset: Ki-67-positive cells are highlighted, and atypic mitosis is shown (arrow). (b) Right bronchial lymph node metastasis. IBA1 immunostained macrophages and multinucleated giant cells in the inflammatory infiltrate of the tumor are observed. Inset: Higher magnification of immunostained macrophages. Note that multinucleated giant neoplastic cells do not express IBA1. ABC complex, ×200 magnification. (c) Right bronchial lymph node metastasis. CD20 immunostained B lymphocytes in the inflammatory infiltrate of the tumor. ABC complex, ×400 magnification. (d) Right ovary. Desmoplasia and smooth muscle differentiation (arrow) are shown after Masson’s Trichrome staining, ×40 magnification. Inset: Details of multivacuolated or spongy neoplastic cells.
Animals 14 01936 g003
Table 1. Immunohistochemical procedures used for cell-type characterization.
Table 1. Immunohistochemical procedures used for cell-type characterization.
Target Cell TypePrimary Antibody
(Dilution a)
Reference (Source)Secondary Antibody
(Dilution a)
Positive Tissue Control
Stroma-cells bINHA, Inhibin-Alpha. Polyclonal (1:200)PA5-95909 (Invitrogen-ThermoFisher Scientific. Waltham, MA, USA)Goat anti-rabbit biotinylated (1:200)Rabbit ovary
Germ-cells bPLAP, Placental Alkaline Phosphatase. Polyclonal (1:500)PA5-78764 (Invitrogen-ThermoFisher Scientific. Waltham, MA, USA)Goat anti-rabbit biotinylated (1:200)Rabbit ovary
Macrophages bIBA1, Ionized Calcium-Binding Adapter Molecule. Polyclonal (1:1000)019-19741 (FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation. Osaka, Japan)Goat anti-rabbit biotinylated (1:200)Badger lymph node
T Lymphocytes bCD3. Monoclonal (1:500)NCL-L-CD3-565 (Leica Biosystems. Newcastle, UK)Horse anti-mouse biotinylated (1:200)Badger lymph node
B lymphocytes bCD20. Polyclonal (1:400)PA5-16701 (Invitrogen-ThermoFisher Scientific. Waltham, MA, USA)Goat anti-rabbit biotinylated (1:200)Badger lymph node
Proliferative cells cKi-67. Monoclonal (1:2000)MIB-1. M7240
(DAKO. Glostrup, Denmark)
Horse anti-mouse biotinylated (1:200)Sheep intestine
Smooth muscle cells and miofibroblasts cα-SMA, Actin Alpha-Smooth Muscle. Monoclonal (1:50)1A4. A2547 (Sigma-Aldrich. Saint Louis, MO, USA)Horse anti-mouse biotinylated (1:200)Sheep intestine
a Diluted in tris-buffered saline (TBS) with 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA). b Antigen retrieval with heat induction in sodium citrate buffer (pH 6) using a microwave (20 min at 700 watts). c Antigen retrieval with heat induction in sodium citrate buffer (pH 6) using a pressure cooker (3 min at full pressure).
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

García-Álvarez, N.; Oleaga, Á.; García-Iglesias, M.J.; Pérez-Martínez, C.; Fernández, D.; Álvarez, L.M.; Balsera, R.; Balseiro, A. Ovarian Sex Cord Stromal Tumor in a Free-Ranging Brown Bear (Ursus arctos). Animals 2024, 14, 1936. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131936

AMA Style

García-Álvarez N, Oleaga Á, García-Iglesias MJ, Pérez-Martínez C, Fernández D, Álvarez LM, Balsera R, Balseiro A. Ovarian Sex Cord Stromal Tumor in a Free-Ranging Brown Bear (Ursus arctos). Animals. 2024; 14(13):1936. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131936

Chicago/Turabian Style

García-Álvarez, Natalia, Álvaro Oleaga, María José García-Iglesias, Claudia Pérez-Martínez, Daniel Fernández, Luis Miguel Álvarez, Ramón Balsera, and Ana Balseiro. 2024. "Ovarian Sex Cord Stromal Tumor in a Free-Ranging Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)" Animals 14, no. 13: 1936. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131936

APA Style

García-Álvarez, N., Oleaga, Á., García-Iglesias, M. J., Pérez-Martínez, C., Fernández, D., Álvarez, L. M., Balsera, R., & Balseiro, A. (2024). Ovarian Sex Cord Stromal Tumor in a Free-Ranging Brown Bear (Ursus arctos). Animals, 14(13), 1936. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131936

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop