Emerging Role of Galectins as Molecular Targets for Cancer Therapy: A Review

@#In recent decades cancer incidences and mortality rates have increased. Although there is significant progress in identifying the root causes and emerging therapies, there are many molecular, cellular mechanism’s unrevealed and current treatments have yet to deliver on their promises. Common characteristics of cancer that are controlled by various mechanisms, including those involving glycosylation-dependent proliferative signalling, the ability of tumor cells and their microenvironment to sustain proliferative signalling, enhancing the replicative immortality, evading the effects of growth suppressors, resisting apoptosis, sustaining invasion and metastasis, stimulation of angiogenesis and triggering immune response are few to name. An evolutionarily conserved family of glycan-binding proteins known as galectins has a significant impact in controlling these cascades. Galectins belong to animal lectin family that function by interacting with matrix glyco-proteins on extracellular surface and also with nuclear proteins modulating the cell signalling cascades intracellularly. In this review, we analyse how galectins influence the cellular pathways that control tumor activity, providing relevant examples and highlighting their therapeutic perspective in the fight against cancer.

Galectin 3: an extraordinary multifunctional protein in dermatology. Current knowledge and perspectives

Abstract: Galectin 3 is a unique ~31 kDa protein that recognizes the N-acetyl-lactosamine structure of several glycoconjugates. It mainly occurs in epithelial and myeloid cells, but is also found in a variety of human cell types. In view of the crucial role played by galectin 3 in the regulation of cellular processes of essential importance and in the pathogenetic mechanisms of diverse disorders, it is not surprising that, particularly in the last three decades, the attention of the scientific community has been increasingly drawn to this extraordinary and multifunctional galectin. In this paper the authors summarize current knowledge on the expression of galectin 3 in normal and diseased human skin, its implications in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis of cutaneous disorders, and the perspectives of a novel approach to the treatment of the latter using galectin 3 or its inhibitors/antagonists.

Expression and clinical significance of galectin-9 in different cervical lesions and different types of human papillomavirus infection / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To analyze the expression differences and clinical significance of galectin 9(Gal-9) in different cervical lesions and human papillomavirus(HPV) type infection.@*Methods@#From May 2016 to April 2018, 42 cases of cervical cancer(CC group), 45 cases of high level cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL group), 45 cases of lower cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (LSIL group) in Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital were selected, and 45 cases of normal outpatient medical examination in our hospital were selected as the control group(NC group). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method was used to detect the serum level of Gal-9.The gene amplification technique and the principle of diversion hybridization were used to detect the 37 types of HPV.@*Results@#Of women with cervical lesions, 50 cases(28.3%) were 50 years or more, the CC group had 32 cases (76.2%), HSIL group had 10 cases (22.2%), LSIL group had 8 cases (17.8%), the age of CC group compared with HSIL group and LSIL group had significant differences(t=7.959, 10.440, all P<0.01). The serum level of Gal-9 in CC group [(22.27±1.72)ng/L], HSIL group [(15.43±2.14)ng/L], LSIL group [(15.24±1.89)ng/L] was significantly higher than that in NC group [(12.08±2.13)ng/L](t=16.360, 18.100, 24.440, all P<0.05). The HPV infection rate in patients with cervical lesions reached 84.84%(112/132), the positive rate of HPV16 in CC group was 83.3%(35/42), HSIL group was dominated by HPV16(28.8%), HPV33(20.0%), HPV52(17.7%) and HPV58(13.3%), LSIL group was dominated by HPV52(26.7%), HPV58(24.4%), HPV16(20.0%) and HPV18(8.9%). There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of Gal-9 of HPV16, HPV58, HPV52 and HPV33 patients, indicated that there was no statistically significant correlation between Gal-9 level and the type of HPV infection.@*Conclusion@#Early intervention in patients with high HPV infection and Gal-9 levels can help reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.

Effects of galectins on the apoptosis in HIV-1-infected macrophages / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of galectin-2, galectin-4, galectin-7, galectin-8, and galectin-9 on the apoptosis in HIV-1-infected macrophages and to provide the theoretical and application basis for elimination of HIV-1-infected cellular reservoirs. Methods Firstly, apoptosis of human monocytic cell line THP-1 cells was induced by different concentrations of galectins to determine the suitable concentration of different galetcins. Secondly, monocytes (THP-1) were stimulated to differentiate into macrophages (THP-1-Mφ) with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and then macrophages were prepared and infected with HIV-1. Finally, HIV-1-infected and uninfected macrophages were respectively treated with the suitable concentrations of galectin-2, galectin-4, galectin-7, galectin-8, galectin-9 and then the apoptosis in these macrophages was detected. Results The cell death rate of macrophages without treatment was 4. 39 ± 0. 74% . The cell death rates of macrophages induced by 5 μmol/L galectin-2, 5 μmol/L galectin-4, 7. 5 μmol/L galectin-7, 3 μmol/L galectin-8 and 1 μmol/L galectin-9 were 4. 78 ± 0. 41% , 7. 21 ± 1. 46% , 3. 78 ± 1. 03% , 5. 88 ± 2. 08% , 8. 10 ± 4. 13% , respectively, with no statistically significant defferences among the groups (P＞ 0. 05). The cell death rate of HIV-1-infected macrophages without treatment was 12. 69 ± 1. 16% , and that of HIV-1-infected macrophages induced by 5 μmol/L galectin-2, 5 μmol/L galectin-4, 7. 5 μmol/L galectin-7, 3 μmol/L galectin-8 and 1 μmol/L galectin-9 were 11. 69 ± 0. 90% , 17. 45 ± 1. 30% , 32. 01 ± 1. 30% , 15. 77 ± 1. 21% and 19. 27 ± 2. 13% , respectively. There were significant differences between the control group and galectin-7-treated group (P ＜ 0. 001 ). Conclusions Galectin-7-induces extensive apoptosis in HIV-1-infected macrophages but not in uninfected macrophages.

Changes in the Immuno-Expression of Galectins -1, -3 and -7 in Relation to the Biological Behavior of Lip Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective: To evaluate the expression through immunohistochemistry of galectins -1, - 3 and -7 in cases of lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in association with clinical data and morphological parameters proposed by Bryne (1998). Material and Methods: Thirty paraffin-embedded SCC cases were submitted to histological sections. Two independent pathologists performed the analysis of galectins -1, -3 and -7 through light microscopy evaluating the presence or absence of marking and intensity. The expressions of these proteins were submitted to statistical analysis (chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Binomial test for the comparison of proportions). Results: Positive expression of galectins -1 and -3 was observed in 93.3% and 43.3% of cases, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant association between these proteins and the clinical variables used. Galectin-7 immuno-expression was present in all cases evaluated and showed statistical significance between marked cell type (parenchyma cells) and regional metastasis and between marked cell type (parenchyma cells) and histological gradation. Conclusion: Changes in the galectins -1, -3 and -7 expression suggest the participation of these proteins in the regulation of cellular functions and that the immuno-expression of these proteins can act as a marker of the biological behavior of lip squamous cell carcinoma.

Characteristic Changes in Decidual Gene Expression Signature in Spontaneous Term Parturition

BACKGROUND: The decidua has been implicated in the “terminal pathway” of human term parturition, which is characterized by the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways in gestational tissues. However, the transcriptomic changes in the decidua leading to terminal pathway activation have not been systematically explored. This study aimed to compare the decidual expression of developmental signaling and inflammation-related genes before and after spontaneous term labor in order to reveal their involvement in this process. METHODS: Chorioamniotic membranes were obtained from normal pregnant women who delivered at term with spontaneous labor (TIL, n = 14) or without labor (TNL, n = 15). Decidual cells were isolated from snap-frozen chorioamniotic membranes with laser microdissection. The expression of 46 genes involved in decidual development, sex steroid and prostaglandin signaling, as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways, was analyzed using high-throughput quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Chorioamniotic membrane sections were immunostained and then semi-quantified for five proteins, and immunoassays for three chemokines were performed on maternal plasma samples. RESULTS: The genes with the highest expression in the decidua at term gestation included insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), galectin-1 (LGALS1), and progestogen-associated endometrial protein (PAEP); the expression of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), homeobox A11 (HOXA11), interleukin 1β (IL1B), IL8, progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (PGRMC2), and prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES) was higher in TIL than in TNL cases; the expression of chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL5, LGALS1, LGALS3, and PAEP was lower in TIL than in TNL cases; immunostaining confirmed qRT-PCR data for IL-8, CCL2, galectin-1, galectin-3, and PAEP; and no correlations between the decidual gene expression and the maternal plasma protein concentrations of CCL2, CCL5, and IL-8 were found. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that with the initiation of parturition, the decidual expression of anti-inflammatory mediators decreases, while the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and steroid receptors increases. This shift may affect downstream signaling pathways that can lead to parturition.

The expression level and clinical significance of Galectin-3 and miRNA-21 in non-small-cell lung carcinoma / 重庆医学

Objective To study the expression level and clinical significance of Galectin-3 and miRNA-21 in non-small-cell lung carcinoma(NSCLC).Methods One hundred and fifty patients with NSCLC were chosen as cancer group,and 1 50 patients with benign pulmonary diseases were chosen as control group.The expression level of Galectin-3 and that of miRNA-21 between two groups were compared,and the relevance between expression level of Galectin-3 and that of miRNA-21 and clinical feature were analysed.Results In cancer group,the expression level of Galectin-3 was 6.75±2.38,and that of control group was 1.12 ±0.29;the expression level of miRNA-21 was 5.91 ± 1.59,and that of control group was 0.97 ± 0.1 7,and the difference between two groups had statistical significance(P 0.05 ).Conclusion The expression level of Galectin-3 and that of miRNA-21 can be applied in the diagnosis and prognosis of non-small-cell lung carcinoma.

Research progress of Galectin-1 in the development of tumor / 中国医师杂志

Nowadays more and more biologists and immunologists focus on Galectin-1 due to the in -depth study of Galectins.As one of the important member of Galectins,Galectin-1 distributes widely,exists in a variety of tissues and cells,involves in cell adhesion,proliferation,apoptosis and inflammatory reaction,and results in a variety of physiological and pathological process.Recent studies have found that Galectin-1 expression in a variety of malignant tumor with a close relationship with tumor occurrence,invasion,development,anti-tumor immunity,and metastasis.It may be a potentially new target for cancer and inflammation therapies.This present paper reviews the current research about Galectin-1 and tumor progression.

Expression of galectin-7 in acute antibody-mediated rejection after renal transplantation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The role of galactose lectin family proteins in transplantation immunity has been proposed, but there is currently no galectin-7 detection for auxiliary diagnosis of renal dysfunction in the perioperative period after renal transplantation. For renal transplant recipients, monitoring of galectin-7 may contribute to early diagnosis of renal dysfunction after renal transplantation, and buy time for clinical treatment. OBJECTIVE:To detect the expression of galactose-7 in acute antibody mediated rejection after renal transplantation. METHODS:Twenty-seven patients who were diagnosed as having acute antibody mediated rejection after renal transplantation by renal biopsy were enrol ed, and another 10 patients without acute antibody mediated rejection after renal transplantation were selected as controls. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot assay were used to detect expression of galectin-7 in tissue and serum, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Results of immunohistochemistry staining showed that under light microscope, in the control group, galectin-7 distributed in the surface microvil i of proximal tubule epithelial cells, but not in glomeruli, distal tubule, col ecting duct and vein;in the acute rejection group, renal arteriole intima edema, tube wal fibrinoid necrosis, infiltration of renal glomerulus and tubule cells and mononuclear cells were found and galectin-7 only expressed in the surface microvil i of proximal tubule epithelial cells as wel as in the arterial smooth muscle. The number of galectin-7 positive cells in the acute rejection group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.1). Western blot assay results showed that the protein expression of serum galectin-7 in the acute rejection group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). These findings indicate that renal puncture for renal transplantation is safe and reliable, has no adverse effect on the patients and renal transplant. Galectin-7 detection has an important guiding significance for the auxiliary diagnosis of renal dysfunction during the perioperative period after renal transplantation.

Diferenciación del complejo Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar mediante Gal/GalNAc-lectina y PCR en aislamientos colombianos / Differentiation of entamoeba histolytica from entamoeba dispar using Gal/GalNAc-lectin and polymerase chain reaction

Background: Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar are morphologically identical. However, the former is highly pathogenic and the latter is not. Aim: To differentiate Entamoeba histolytica from Entamoeba dispar through ELISA and PCR techniques in Colombian isolates from feces. Material and Methods: Descriptive study of Colombian fecal samples from 53 males and 47 women, that were positive for the complex E. histolytica/E. dispar on light microscopy. Positive samples were cultured on Robinson medium to isolate trophozoites. The presence of specific Gal/ GalNAc-lectin was determined by ELISA and polymerase chain reaction in genomic DNA, using the combination of three nucleotides that recognize a variable region of 16S small subunit ribosomal RNA, generating a 166 base pair (bp) product for E. histolytica and 752 pb product for E. dispar. Results: After verification, only eight of the 100 samples were positive for the complex E. histolytica/E. dispar and were cultivated. Isolates were obtained in six cultures, one corresponded to E. histolytica and six to E. dispar. Conclusions: The presence of E. histolytica/E. dispar complex was largely overestimated with light microscopy. In the few samples where isolates were obtained, the technique described differentiated between both strains.

Galectin-1, -3, -7 Expressions in Congenital and Acquired Pediatric Cholesteatomas Compared to External Auditory Canal Skin

OBJECTIVES: There is a classical distinction based on clinical criteria between acquired and congenital cholesteatomas. To determine if these two types of lesions show different immunohistochemical features, we have studied the expression patterns of three distinctive galectins (animal lectins implied especially in cellular proliferation and apoptosis) in both types of cholesteatomas and compared it to their expression patterns in external auditory canal skin. METHODS: Our study is based on nine acquired and eight congenital cholesteatomas, obtained from children during ear surgery. Six specimens of normal adult auditory meatal skin served as control. Specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies with galectin-1 and galectin-3, and a polyclonal antibody with galectin-7. RESULTS: We did not observe any differences in the galectin distribution pattern between congenital and acquired pediatric cholesteatomas. Compared to the control group, cholesteatomas present some particular features. There was no expression of galectin-1 and a lower expression of galectin-3 in the epithelium. Furthermore, we observed a preferentially nuclear distribution of galectin-7 in cholesteatomas, whereas it is essentially cytoplasmic in the control group. CONCLUSION: The data reported in this study suggest, on the basis of a lesser marked galectin-3 in cholesteatomas epithelium compared with an external auditory canal skin, that an immature keratinocytes population is at the origin of these lesions and that galectin-3 and galectin-7 play a part in the capacity as apoptosis modulators. Our study does not establish a difference in the galectin expressions of congenital and acquired cholesteatomas, but it constitutes however an additional argument in favor of the "undifferentiated" origin of keratinocytes in cholesteatomas.

Galectin-9 and inflammation / 国际儿科学杂志

Galectin-9 is a novel eosinophil chemoattractant,which belong to Galectin family.Galectin-9exhibits a variety of biological functions,such as cell differentiation,maturation,adhesion and aggregation,cell chemotaxis,activity,and cell death.Galectin-9 may play important roles in the development of acute inflammation as well as chronic inflammation associated with allergies,autoimmune diseases,infectious processes.This review summarizes the advances in Galectin-9 study.

Immunoregulation of galectins in tumor microenvironment / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Galectins can recognize and specifically bind to β-galactosidase,and regulate the transformation and survival of tumor cells,and promote the migration and metastasis of tumor cells,etc.Galectins correlate with tumor diagnosis,progression and prognosis.Galectias also can serve as immunoregulatory molecules to regulate the survival,activation,proliferation and differentiation of immune cells,and are components of tumor immune microenvironment.

The expression and significance of T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-3 and its ligand Galectin-9 in the peripheral blood of initial systemic lupus erythematosus patients / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain (TIM)-3 and its ligand Galectin-9 in the peripheral blood of initial systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)patients,and explore their effects on SLE.Methods The percentages of CD4+TIM-3+,CD8+TIM-3+cells from 33 SLE patients and 26 normal controls were detected by flow cytometry,and the Galectin-9 gene expression of PBMCs was determined by real-time PCR The SLE Disease Activity Index(SLEDAI),C3 level and lymphocyte count were evaluated.Mann-Whitney U test was used for independent samples analysis and Spearmen's test was used for correlation analysis.Results The percentages of CD4+TIM-3+ and CD8+TIM-3+ cells were markedly increased in SLE group than those of the control group(P<0.01).In particular,the CD4+TIM-3+,CD8+TIM-3+ level Was positively correlated with SLEDAI (r=0.517,P＜0.01;r=0.400,P＜0.05);but negatively correlated with C3(r=0.487,P＜0.05;r=0.395,P＜0.05).The Galectin-9 mRNA in SLE PBMCs was higher than that of the controls(P<0.05).Conclusion TIM-3-Galectin-9 pathway may be involved in T cell immune regulation of SLE,and is related to disease activity.

galectin 1 and tumor / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Galectin 1 as a member of galectin family is widely found in a variety of tumor tissues and cells, and always shows high expression status. Through the intracellular signal transduction, galectin 1 participates in many processes of tumor development and progression such as tumor cells adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis and so on. Therefore, to better understand the signal transduction mechanisms of galectin 1 in tumor development and progression would be likely to treat galectin1 as a novel target for tumor therapy.

Conceptos emergentes de tolerancia y autoinmunidad: Nuevos enfoques terapéuticos / Tolerance and autoimmunity: Novel therapeutic approaches

La función primaria del sistema inmune es resguardar al individuo de los patógenos potencialmente dañinos que invaden el medio ambiente en el cual nos desarrollamos. Este cuenta con dos grandes ramas, la inmunidad innata y la adaptativa, ambas con la propiedad de diferenciar lo peligroso de aquello inofensivo. Estos procesos se hallan regulados por mecanismos homeostáticos que constituyen la tolerancia inmunológica, a los fines de limitar aquellos procesos prolongados y silenciar los potencialmente autoagresivos. Ante la falla de estos mecanismos de control, surgen las enfermedades autoinmunes. Avances en el conocimiento de la fisiopatología de estas entidades, han abierto un nuevo capítulo en el terreno de la inmunofarmacología. Su prometedor potencial actualmente nos ofrece novedosas herramientas terapéuticas para controlar y atenuar el daño causado por este tipo de respuestas. No obstante, debe continuarse la investigación en el campo de los agentes biológicos, ya que ninguno de ellos se encuentra libre de inconvenientes. Seguramente, futuros hallazgos se concretarán en futuros aciertos. Y los aciertos, en Medicina, equivalen a esperanza.

The main function of the immune system is to protect the individual against potentially dangerous pathogens. It comprises innate and adaptive cellular and soluble components, both with the capacity to discriminate between harmful and harmless. These processes are regulated by homeostatic mechanisms that constitute the so-called immunological tolerance, which aims to limit the prolonged action of immune mediators and to silence the generation of potentially autoaggressive components. Failure to silence self-reactive T and B cells results in the generation of autoimmune disease. Recent advances in our knowledge of these pathological entities have opened a new chapter in the pharmacology of the immune system. Its promising potential currently offers new therapeutic agents to control and attenuate pathological tissue damage. Nevertheless, further research regarding these biologic agents is required, since they are not free from inconveniences. It is without question that upcoming findings in this field will instill hope into the quest for the "magic bullet".

The expression of Galectin-9 in colorectal cancer and its significance / 肿瘤

Objective: To study the expression of Galectin-9 mRNA and protein in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its clinical significance. Methods: Galectin-9 mRNA and protein levels were detected in 45 cases of CRC and 20 cases of normal colorectal epithelial tissues by real-time PCR analysis and immunohistochemisty staining. The relationship between the expression levels of Galectin-9 and clinicopathological features was analyzed. Results: The levels of Galectin-9 mRNA were lower in CRC than that in normal colorectal epithelial tissues (19.80 ± 17.37 vs 45.34 ± 43.81, P<0.05). The positive expression ratios of Galectin-9 protein in CRC and normal colorectal epithelial tissue were 62% (28/45) and 90% (18/20), respectively; the difference was of statistical significance (P< 0.05). The low expression of Galectin-9 correlated with the distant metastasis of CRC (P<0.05). But it had no correlation with the age and sex of patients, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, differentiation degree, tumor stage, and tumor location. Conclusion: The expression of Galectin-9 mRNA and protein in CRC is weak. Weak expression of Galectin-9 is associated with distant metastasis of CRC. Galectin-9 may become a prognostic factor or a gene therapy target for CRC.

The Expression of Galectin-3 and Galectin-7 in Epithelial Dysplasia and Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach

BACKGROUND: Galectin-3 and galectin-7 may play roles in human carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of galectin-3 and galectin-7 in gastric dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We examined the expressions of galectin-3, galectin-7, and P53 in nonneoplastic gastric mucosa, gastric epithelial dysplasia (GED), and adenocarcinoma by immunohistochemistry. Twenty cases of nonneoplastic gastric mucosa, 20 cases of low grade GED, 20 cases of high grade GED, 40 cases of early gastric cancer (EGC), and 60 cases of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) are included for study. RESULTS: In the nonneoplastic tissue, only galectin-3 was expressed in the intestinal metaplasia. Galectin-7 was not stained in the nonneoplastic gastric mucosa. Galectin-3 was expressed in 3 cases of low grade GED (15%), 13 cases of high grade GED (65%), 2 cases of EGC (5%), and 5 cases of AGC (8%), respectively. Galectin-7 was expressed in 2 cases of low grade GED (10%), 3 cases of high grade GED (15%), and 4 cases of EGC (10%), respectively. However, it was not expressed in AGC. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, the expressions of galectin-3 and galectin-7 may contribute to the development of gastric epithelial dysplasia and early gastric cancer, rather than contributing to the progression of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Clinical Implication of Galectin-1 Expression in Human Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: The role of different galectins in the pathogenesis of different types of malignancy is now being intensely investigated. In this study, authors investigated the level of galectin-1 expression in human breast cancer tissue to define its relationship to the tumor invasiveness and tumor progression. METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 79 randomly selected breast cancer patients were used to perform immunohistochemical staining for galectin-1. The primary antibody was diluted mouse monoclonal antibody against galectin-1. The staining results were then interpreted by an experienced pathologist, and the results were compared between the groups having different pathologic variables. RESULTS: In breast cancer patients, galectin-1 was diversely expressed in the cancer tissue. Galectin-1 was expressed in both cancer cells and cancer-associated stromal cells. The levels of galectin-1 expression in cancer-associated stromal cells were higher in patients with invasive carcinoma (p = 0.001), in patients with advanced T stages (p = 0.007), and in patients with advanced TNM stages (p = 0.007). The galectin-1 expression in cancer-associated stromal cells was also higher in patients with lymph node metastasis and advanced N stages, but did not reach a statistically significant level. The galectin-1 expression in cancer cell did not have any correlation with pathologic variables. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that has demonstrated the relationship of galectin-1 expression with the tumor invasiveness and tumor progression in human breast cancer. Further large-scaled studies are needed to define the prognostic value of galectin-1 in breast cancer patients, and the exact role of galectin-1 should be investigated more thoroughly.

Clinical Implication of Galectin-1 Expression in Human Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: The role of different galectins in the pathogenesis of different types of malignancy is now being intensely investigated. In this study, authors investigated the level of galectin-1 expression in human breast cancer tissue to define its relationship to the tumor invasiveness and tumor progression. METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 79 randomly selected breast cancer patients were used to perform immunohistochemical staining for galectin-1. The primary antibody was diluted mouse monoclonal antibody against galectin-1. The staining results were then interpreted by an experienced pathologist, and the results were compared between the groups having different pathologic variables. RESULTS: In breast cancer patients, galectin-1 was diversely expressed in the cancer tissue. Galectin-1 was expressed in both cancer cells and cancer-associated stromal cells. The levels of galectin-1 expression in cancer-associated stromal cells were higher in patients with invasive carcinoma (p = 0.001), in patients with advanced T stages (p = 0.007), and in patients with advanced TNM stages (p = 0.007). The galectin-1 expression in cancer-associated stromal cells was also higher in patients with lymph node metastasis and advanced N stages, but did not reach a statistically significant level. The galectin-1 expression in cancer cell did not have any correlation with pathologic variables. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that has demonstrated the relationship of galectin-1 expression with the tumor invasiveness and tumor progression in human breast cancer. Further large-scaled studies are needed to define the prognostic value of galectin-1 in breast cancer patients, and the exact role of galectin-1 should be investigated more thoroughly.