CLINICO-PATHOLOGICAL SIGNIfiCANCE OF B-CATENIN AND E-CADHERIN EXPRESSION IN SALIVARY GLAND TUMOR AT UCH IBADAN

Abstract

Objectives β-catenin (B-Cat) is a cell adhesion molecule associated with the invasion and metastasis of carcinomas of the head and neck, esophagus while reduced expression of E-cadherin (E-cad), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is associated with loss of differentiation, acquisition of an invasive phenotype, and an unfavorable prognosis in carcinomas from several sites. B-Cat & E-Cad complex are involved in cell adhesion, signal transduction & motility. Aim is to identify the clinical / pathological significance of B-Cat & E-Cad expressions in salivary gland tumors (SGTs) presenting at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Findings The expressions of β-cat & E-Cad were analyzed in 46 SGTs (10 pleomorphic adenomas PSA, 3 basal cell adenoma, 12 adenoid cystic carcinoma ADCC, 10 mucoepidermoid carcinoma MEC, 5 acinic cell carcinoma ACC, 4 polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma PLGA & 2 papillary cystadenocarcinoma PCADCA) by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded specimens (Rabbit monoclonal; Satacruz biotechnology). Result shows immunostaining of B-cat & E-Cad were membranous & cytoplasmic without nuclear involvement, staining was more severe in the ductal areas especially in PSA, there was significant loss of membranous stain in ACC on multivariate analysis. E-Cad staining loss was significantly associated with tumour stage in ACC & MEC. Conclusion loss of β-catenin adhesion molecule may be involved in the development of ACC. E-cad expression is an independent indicator of clinical aggressiveness in patients with ACC.& MEC.