ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of GLUT1, p63 and DNA-Pkcs in serous ovarian tumors and their significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>GTUL1, p63 and DNA-Pkcs expression at protein level was detected by immunohistochemistry in patients with serous ovarian tumors. Chi-square analysis was used to assess if their expression is associated with clinicopathologic characteristics of the tumors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cells in the normal ovarian tissues were not stained with GTUL1 and p63 antiserum, but DNA-Pkcs was positively stained. The intensity of GTUT1 and p63 expression was stronger in malignant ovarian serous tumors compared with other subtypes (P < 0.01). There were significant differences of DNA-PKcs among normal ovaries (100.0%), benign (95.0%), borderline (90.0%) and malignant (60.0%) serious ovarian neoplasms (P < 0.01). The level of GLUT-1 expression was correlated with FIGO staging, intraperitoneal implantation, ascites and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). p63 expression was associated with clinicopathologic characteristics except ascites (P < 0.05). DNA-PKcs was only correlated with FIGO staging and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results suggest that the abnormal expression of GTUT1, p63 and DNA-Pkcs may perhaps participate in serous ovarian tumor occurrence and development and may be considered as a marker reflecting tumor malignant behavior.</p>