Expression of c-kit protein and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α in ovarian epithelial neoplasms

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of c-kit protein and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α(PDGFRα) in the ovarian epithelial neoplasms, and the relationships between their expression and clinical pathology. Methods c-kit protein and PDGFRα were detected by immanohistochemistry (SP method). The relationships of their expression with the type, differentiation or FIGO clinical stage of the ovarian epithelial neoplasms were analyzed. Results ( 1 ) Intense c-kit protein immunostaining was observed in 50.70% of ovarian epithelial carcinoma, which was significantly higher than that of normal ovarian ( 10.00% ) and benign ovarian epithelial tumors ( 20. 00% ) ( all P 0.05 ). In ovarian epithelial carcinoma, the positive staining of c-kit protein and PDGFRα in low differentiated grade group was signifieantly higher than that in high and middle differentiated grade group (69.23% vs 40. 00% ,80.77% vs 53.33% ,P 0.05 ). (3) There was no significant correlation between the c-kit protein and PDGFRα expression ( P> 0.05 ), Conclusions The expression of c-kit protein and PDGFRα is associated with histological grade of the ovarian epithelial neoplasm. The detection of c-kit protein and PDGFRet may be helpful to estimate the malignant degree and the prognosis of the epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Key words: c-kit; Platelet-derivod growth factor receptor α; Ovarian neoplasm