Stromal changes - Histology

What is the Stroma?

The stroma refers to the supportive framework of a biological tissue, typically composed of connective tissue. It plays a crucial role in providing structural support and nourishment to the parenchymal cells which are responsible for the tissue's specific functions.

How Does the Stroma Change in Disease?

In various pathological conditions, the stroma undergoes significant changes. For example, in fibrosis, there is an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components like collagen, leading to tissue stiffness. In cancer, the stroma can become desmoplastic, characterized by increased fibroblast activity and altered extracellular matrix composition.

What are the Cellular Components of the Stroma?

The stroma consists of several key cellular components, including fibroblasts, immune cells (such as macrophages and lymphocytes), and endothelial cells. These cells interact dynamically with the extracellular matrix to maintain tissue homeostasis and respond to injury.

What is the Role of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in Stromal Changes?

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and polysaccharides that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells. Changes in the ECM composition, such as increased collagen deposition or altered glycoprotein content, are common in many diseases and can profoundly affect tissue function.

How is Stromal Remodeling Studied in Histology?

Histological techniques, such as hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry, and specialized stains like Masson's trichrome, are used to study stromal remodeling. These methods allow for the visualization of changes in cellular components and ECM composition, providing insights into the underlying pathological processes.

What are the Clinical Implications of Stromal Changes?

Understanding stromal changes has significant clinical implications. For instance, targeting stromal components is a therapeutic strategy in diseases like cancer and fibrosis. By modulating the stroma, it is possible to enhance drug delivery, reduce tissue stiffness, and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Stromal changes are a critical aspect of tissue pathology and are extensively studied in histology. The stroma's cellular components and extracellular matrix play vital roles in maintaining tissue structure and function. By understanding the mechanisms underlying stromal remodeling, researchers and clinicians can develop better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for various diseases.

Relevant Publications

Imaging of colorectal adenomas with pseudoinvasion and malignant polyps using two-photon excitation microscopy.

Issue Release: 2024

Thrombospondin-1 promotes fibro-adipogenic stromal expansion and contractile dysfunction of the diaphragm in obesity.

Issue Release: 2024

The complex role of Rcor2: Regulates mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation in vitro but is dispensable in vivo.

Issue Release: 2024

Early elastic and viscoelastic corneal biomechanical changes after photorefractive keratectomy and small incision lenticule extraction.

Issue Release: 2024

Alterations in the pro-resolving lipid mediator machinery within first trimester maternal tissue: Implications in decidualization and miscarriage risk.

Issue Release: 2024

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) modulates mitochondrial dynamics in PPARγ-depleted equine adipose derived stromal cells.

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How does bariatric surgery remodel adipose tissue?

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Stratified choroidal vascular structure in treatment-naïve diabetic retinopathy.

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Dysregulated RNA editing of EIF2AK2 in polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical relevance and functional implications.

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Zedoary turmeric oil injection ameliorates lung inflammation via platelet factor 4 and regulates gut microbiota disorder in respiratory syncytial virus-infected young mice.

Issue Release: 2024

Single-cell transcriptional analysis of irradiated skin reveals changes in fibroblast subpopulations and variability in caveolin expression.

Issue Release: 2024

Transcriptomic Analysis of Pubertal and Adult Virgin Mouse Mammary Epithelial and Stromal Cell Populations.

Issue Release: 2024

Spatial transcriptomics in pancreatic cancer: advances, prospects and challenges.

Issue Release: 2024

Role of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) and MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in Prevention of Telomere Length Shortening, Cellular Senescence, and Accelerated Biological Aging.

Issue Release: 2024

Ovarian microenvironment: challenges and opportunities in protecting against chemotherapy-associated ovarian damage.

Issue Release: 2024

Inflammatory breast cancer microenvironment repertoire based on DNA methylation data deconvolution reveals actionable targets to enhance the treatment efficacy.

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Bioprinted, spatially defined breast tumor microenvironment models of intratumoral heterogeneity and drug resistance.

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Age-related epithelial defects limit thymic function and regeneration.

Issue Release: 2024

Protective effects of mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles against ischemia-reperfusion injury of hearts donated after circulatory death: Preliminary study in a pig model.

Issue Release: 2024

Amyloid-β peptide treatment reverses bone loss in the mandibular condyle via Wnt signalling pathway.

Issue Release: 2024

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