beta-catenin expression pattern in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)
Chinese Medical Journal
;
(24): 1866-1870, 2008.
Artículo
en Inglés
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-350806
ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Beta-catenin, a 92 kDa protein that binds to the cytoplasmic tail of E-cadherin, has an essential role in intercellular adhesion and signal transduction. Aberrant expression of beta-catenin has been associated with progression and metastasis of various human cancers. The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression pattern of beta-catenin in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma and examine the correlation between beta-catenin expression and tumor differentiation, histological grade and lymph node status as well as its clinical significances.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-six patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and sixteen metastatic lymph nodes were studied. The beta-catenin expression was determined by immunohistochemical staining. The correlation with clinical, histological data was analyzed statistically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Normal oral epithelium showed strong beta-catenin expression at the cell membrane, but no cytoplasmic or nuclear expression. Different degrees of reduced expression of beta-catenin at the cell membrane were found in 54 cases with squamous cell carcinoma (71%). Cytoplasmic beta-catenin expression was found in 17 tumors (22.4%). Three cases were found with nuclear beta-catenin expression. In sixteen lymph nodes with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, negative beta-catenin expression at the cell membrane was seen in 13 tumors (81.2%) and weak expression in 3 tumors (18.8%). Statistical analysis showed that there was an inverse correlation between beta-catenin expression and lymph node status and histological grade of tumors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Reduced beta-catenin expression at the cell membrane is clearly associated with lymph node metastasis. A reduced expression of beta-catenin may constitute a hallmark of aggressive biological behavior of squamous cell carcinoma.</p>
Texto completo:
Disponible
Índice:
WPRIM (Pacífico Occidental)
Asunto principal:
Patología
/
Neoplasias de la Boca
/
Inmunohistoquímica
/
Carcinoma de Células Escamosas
/
Química
/
Beta Catenina
/
Mucosa Bucal
Límite:
Femenino
/
Humanos
/
Masculino
Idioma:
Inglés
Revista:
Chinese Medical Journal
Año:
2008
Tipo del documento:
Artículo
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