Immunohistochemical Analysis of Sonic Hedgehog, Mucin and Her-2 in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background / Aims: Most stomach adenocarcinomas are still recognized in the advanced stages despite improvements in diagnostic methods. The aim of this study is investigate immunohistochemistry of mucin core proteins (MUCs) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) antibody expressions in gastric adenocarcinomas in relation to prognosis and Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) levels. Material and Methods: Pathologic diagnoses were reclassified according to World Health Organization clasification. MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, SHH and HER-2 antibodies examination was performed immunohistochemically. Tissue microarray technique was used in the study. Results: HER2 overexpression was associated with luminal staining with MUC1. When HER2 expression and SHH expressions were compared, all cases with HER2 overexpression were found to be positive with SHH. This is the first study to determine the relationship between SHH, MUC1 and HER2 immunohistochemical expressions in gastric adenocarcinomas. Conclusion: Examining the HER2 relationship between SHH and MUC1 expressions we have shown, with future genetic and molecular studies, will provide an understanding of different malignancy pathways in gastric adenocarcinomas. We think that the treatment rate in stomach cancer will be increased with agents aimed at preventing these pathways. Key words: Gastric adenocarcinoma; mucins; Sonic Hedgehog; HER2.