Abstract
Introduction: The general mechanism of neoplastic development and progression is complex and has been extensively studied. Besides genetic alterations, metabolic imbalances involving fatty acid synthesis arise early in tumor development. In this scenario, the fatty acid synthase enzyme (FASN) overexpression in cancer cells has been highlighted. Several studies have shown that FASN-associated tumors act as a reservoir of anabolic energy, providing advantages to the tumor cells. FASN expression had not been widely investigated in salivary gland carcinomas. Objective: Analysis of FASN expression in samples of salivary glands carcinomas. Study Design: A total of 92 samples of salivary gland carcinomas were subdivided into high and low aggressiveness degree. FASN expression and cellular proliferation index (Ki-67) were verified through immunohistochemical reactions. Results: FASN was expressed in salivary duct carcinomas (100%), salivary gland secretory carcinomas (100%), acinar cell carcinomas (61.1%), high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas (40%), and high-grade adenoid cystic carcinomas (27.3%). Ki67 was significant in high grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas (21.2%), salivary duct carcinomas (14.9%), and high-grade adenoid cystic carcinomas (13.4%). No correlation between FASN and Ki-67 was found. Conclusion: Expression of FASN in salivary gland tumors is related to high degree of malignancy and secretory differentiation.
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