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Evaluation of combined h-TERT, bcl-2, and caspases 3 and 8 expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma based on tissue microarrays and computerized image analysis.
- Source :
-
Journal of B.U.ON. : official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology [J BUON] 2007 Oct-Dec; Vol. 12 (4), pp. 513-9. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Purpose: Deregulation of apoptotic pathways in cutaneous malignant melanoma appears to be correlated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis. Furthermore, telomerase (especially h-TERT) expression induces proliferation and also represents a potential target for vaccination regarding some types of malignancies.<br />Materials and Methods: Using tissue microarrays (TMA) technology, 25 paraffin-embedded tissue samples of histologically confirmed malignant melanomas were cored at a diameter of 2 mm and re-embedded into one recipient block (final TMA density 24/25-96%). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed by the use of anti-bcl-2, anti-caspase 3, anti-caspase 8 and anti- h-TERT antibodies. Protein expression levels were evaluated using a computerized image analysis system (CIA). SPSS (chi square test and inter-rater kappa) was used for statistical analysis.<br />Results: Strong protein expression was observed in 1/24 (4.1%), 1/24 (4.1%), 2/24 (8.2%), and 4/24 (16.4%) cases regarding h-TERT, caspase 3, caspase 8 and bcl-2, respectively. Moderate was observed in 7/24 (29.1%), 8/24 (32.2%), 5/24 (20.2%), and 8/24(32.2%) cases, whereas reduced or absent expression demonstrated 16/24 (65%), 15/24 (60.2%), 17/24 (68.5%), and 12/24 (50 %) cases. Statistical significance was assessed correlating age to caspase 3 (p=0.05), Breslow's thickness to telomerase (p=0.013) and to bcl-2 (p=0.053), Clark's level to telomerase (p=0.008) and to bcl-2 (p=0.022), and finally ulceration to telomerase expression (p=0.007).<br />Conclusion: bcl-2 and telomerase expression are correlated to critical parameters of malignant melanoma, affecting its biological behavior. Furthermore, downregulation of proteins such as caspases 3/8, which normally induce apoptosis, is perhaps associated with resistance of the applied chemotherapeutic strategies in this type of malignancy.
- Subjects :
- Biomarkers, Tumor analysis
Caspase 3 analysis
Caspase 3 metabolism
Caspase 8 analysis
Caspase 8 metabolism
Female
Humans
Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
Immunohistochemistry
Male
Melanoma pathology
Middle Aged
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 analysis
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 metabolism
Skin Neoplasms pathology
Telomerase analysis
Telomerase metabolism
Tissue Array Analysis
Biomarkers, Tumor metabolism
Melanoma diagnosis
Skin Neoplasms diagnosis
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1107-0625
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of B.U.ON. : official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 18067210