P53 expression in glioma: an immunohistochemical study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of immunohistochemical [IHC] expression of p53 protein in different types of glioma in Mosul city, and to correlate p53 expression with the histological types and grades of gliomas, and compare the results of this study with those of others. This study was performed on 50 cases of glioma. Samples were obtained in a prospective and retrospective fashion [cross-sectional study]. The samples were collected during the period extending from October 2010 to May 2011. All cases were obtained from Al-Jamhuri Teaching Hospital in Mosul city, Northen Iraq and some private laboratories. Typing and grading of the glioma were done according to World Health Organization [WHO] classification system. P53 expression was assessed immunohistochemically. Fifty cases of gliomas were collected; they included 37 cases of astrocytoms, 8 ependymoma 4 oligodendrogliomas and 1 oligoastrocytoma. p53 expression was detected in 25 cases ofglioma [50%]. The positive cases included 59.45% ofastrocytomas, 50% of oligodendrogliomas, and one case of oligoastrocytoma which was positive also. On the other hand, all of the ependymomas were negative for p53 protein. p53 was significantly related to the grades of glioma, but not significantly related to the type ofglioma. P53 expression was expressed in 50% of gliomas in Mosul city. P53 expression is common among high grade astrocytomas and mixed gliomas, less among oligodendrogliomas, and lacking in cases of ependymomas. Statistically, p53 expression was not significantly correlated with the type of glioma. p53 index is directly correlated with the grade of glioma, and so it is of prognostic value