Immunohistochemical expression of hormone receptors, Ki-67, endoglin (CD105), claudins 3 and 4, MMP -2 and -9 in endometrial polyps and endometrial cancer type I

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the malignant potential of endometrial polyps (EP) by assessing the immunoexpressions of both estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67 cell proliferation index, neovascularization network (endoglin – CD105), cellular adhesion molecules (claudins 3 and 4), and extracellular matrix proteins (MMP-2 and -9) in both EP and endometrioid adenocarcinoma (type I) in comparison with the normal endometrium.Study designThis is a cross-sectional comparative study. Patients were identified from the database of Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (BMS-UNESP) Clinical Pathology Laboratory.SettingThe study was conducted using a convenience sample of patients attending the Sectors of Gynecologic Endoscopy and Family Planning and Gynecologic Oncology of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of BMS-UNESP, Brazil.PatientsA total of 90 women were allocated into the following three groups: EP without atypia (EP, n=30), endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC, n=30), and normal endometrium (control, n=30).MethodsEpidemiological and clinical data were obtained by reviewing medical records. Adenocarcinoma and control cases were assessed using the tissue microarray technique. The immunoexpressions of ER, PR, Ki-67, CD105, claudins 3 and 4, and MMP-2 and -9 were assessed in paraffin blocks containing sections of the largest polyploid lesion fragment and tissue microarray recipient blocks.Major resultsCompared to the control group, significant differences in the expression of ER (P<0.001), PR (P<0.05), Ki-67 (P<0.001), CD105 (P<0.001), and claudin 3 (P<0.001) were observed in EP and EC. No significant differences were found between EP and EC (P≥0.05). MMP-2 and -9 expression were nearly absent in all groups.ConclusionThe malignant potential of EP could not be determined through the immunohistochemical parameters used in this study. No MMP-2 or -9 expression was observed in any endometrial tissue sample. Further studies are necessary for a better understanding of the biomolecular mechanisms underlying endometrial carcinogenesis.

Canonical TGFβ Signaling and Its Contribution to Endometrial Cancer Development and Progression—Underestimated Target of Anticancer Strategies

“…Furthermore, its prognostic value seems to be complementary or even better to the routinely applied molecular markers, such as CD34, used to visualize tumor advancement [242][243][244][245][246][247][248] (Table 1). Interestingly, there are no significant differences in endoglin staining between endometrial polyps and endometrial adenocarcinomas, which supports the fact that neovascularization is associated both with hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions of the endometrium [249]. On the other hand, the preoperative serum levels of endoglin in patients with endometrial carcinoma show poor performance as a diagnostic marker of tumor metastasis [250].…”

Changes in the Extracellular Matrix in Endometrial and Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review

“…Previous studies have shown increased expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in pre- and postmenopausal patients with polyps, suggesting that their expression could depend on the hormonal status of patients with endometrial polyps and type I endometrial cancer. Both have negative prognostic value in the previously mentioned pathologies [ 3 ]. In cervical cancer, Schröpfer et al confirmed the presence of MMP-2, -3, and -9.…”

“…Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignancies of the female genital system and the sixth most common type of all cancers worldwide [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The incidence is higher in developed countries, presumably due to the higher prevalence of obesity and an increase in life expectancies [ 4 ].…”

Immunohistochemical expression of PARP-1 in triple-negative endometrial cancer – a comparison of different score systems

“…The literature provides examples of combining the TMA method with digital image analysis [38]. The TMA method is used in relation to endometrial cancer [39,40]. Most of the previous studies on endometrial cancer showing TNP (+) used the TMA technique [7][8][9]11].…”