Significance of galectin-3 expression in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid neoplasms / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical value of galectin-3 expression on fine needle aspiration (FNA) smearsandtissueslicesof thyroid tumors in distinguishing benign from malignant tumors. Methods Galectin-3 expression on FNA smears and tissue slices of thyroid tumors from 72 thyroidectomy specimens was detected by immunochemical method (SP method). Results Galectin-3 expression was high on FNA smears and tissue slices of malignant thyroid tumors, whereas there was no or low expression of galectin-3 on FNA smears and tissue slices of benign thyroid tumors. The difference of positive rates of galectin-3 expression between malignant and benign thyroid tumors was significant on both FNA smears and tissue slices (? 2=43.73 and ? 2=48.16, respectively, both P0.05). Conclusion Galectin-3 expression is different between benign and malignant tumors. Galectin-3 expression level is higher in FNA smears and tissue slices of malignant thyroid neoplasms than that of benign ones, suggesting that galectin-3 is a reliable molecular marker in distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid tumors. Galectin-3 expression with immunochemical method may be used in diagnosing benign or malignant thyroid tumors.