RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: YKL-40 is a glycoprotein believed potentially to be a marker of various pathological processes. High levels of YKL-40 have been found in cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. The function of the glycoprotein is not completely known yet. A possible involvement in angiogenesis and tumor aggressiveness is supposed. Lysosome-associated membrane glycoproteins (LAMP) 1 and 2 are highly conserved proteins with still undefined biological functions. There is evidence that they are implicated in autophagy, angiogenesis and tissue remodeling. AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential relationship between the tissue expression of YKL-40, LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 in glial tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: LAMPs and YKL-40 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in 36 glial tumors. A morphometric analysis of the intensity of tissue expression was performed with the Quick-photo Micro 2.3. system. Area (µm), perimeter (µm), and expression level (%) of the three glycoproteins were calculated. RESULTS: LAMPs were found on cell membranes of glial and endothelial cells, while YKL-40 was detected in the cytoplasm of these cells. Intensive immunohistochemical reaction was present in tumor cells. LAMP-2 showed a more intensive staining compared to LAMP-1. CONCLUSION: We present the first comparative study of YKL-40 and LAMPs in astroglial tumors. The relationship between the expression of the three glycoconjugates indicates a possible participation in the processes of angiogenesis and tissue remodeling during tumor development.
