Evaluation of immunohistochemical staining for hepatocyte growth factor and c-met in endometrial adenocarcinoma

ABSTRACT

Endometrial carcinoma is a primary malignant epithelial tumor, usually with glandular differentiation, arising in the endometrium with the potential to invade and metastasize. Hepatocyte growth factor [HGF] and its receptor c- Met have been implicated in uterine development, pregnancy, and endometrial disorders, such as endometriosis and carcinoma. The goal of this study was to evaluate immunohistochemical [IHC] staining patterns of HGF and c-Met in endometrial adenocarcinoma and to correlate staining with the biological behavior and outcome of endometrial adenocarcinoma. A retrospective study included 45 cases, who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, between 2005-2010 samples, were taken from Teaching Laboratories at Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Medical City. Thirty cases were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, an additional 15 patients diagnosed as to have uterine leiomyoma [fibroid] and who had normal endometrium were taken as a control group. The patient's age, tumor grading, depth of myometrial invasion, presence of pelvic and paraaortic LN metstases, vascular invasion, and the stage of the disease were noted. The specimens were already fixed in10% formalin, and paraffin embedded. Three sections [4 micron in thickness] were cut from each paraffin block. One section stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin [H and E] stain, and the other two stained with HGF and c-Met immunostaining antibodies using positively charged slides. The mean age of the patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma was 58.5years. There was no statistically significant difference between HGF/c-Met expression and age, tumor grade, stage, myometrial invasion and vascular invasion. There was a statistical significant correlation between HGF and c-Met scores with cases showing no pelvic lymph nodes metastases. There is a linear increase in HGF and c-Met expression in both the diseased and control group. A statistical significant correlation was found in HGF and c-Met scores between the diseased group and the control group. HGF and c-Met staining was significantly different between control group and diseased group. HGF and c-Met Showed Linear increase Expression in both diseased and control group. The c-Met is the high-affinity receptor for hepatocyte growth factor.