Expression of K19 and integrin beta1 in the tissue of squamous cell carcinoma in Marjolin′s ulcer

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in Marjolin′s ulcer and the cutaneous stem cells. Methods Ten tissue specimens of SCC in Marjolin′s ulcers, 10 tissue specimens of chronic skin ulcers with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, 10 tissue specimens of primary SCC and 10 tissue specimens of normal skin were collected. The K19 and integrin beta1, two typical markers of cutaneous stem cells were studied with the method of immunohistochemistry. Results No K19 and integrin beta1 expressed in primary SCC tissues while K19 and integrin beta1 showed in some tumor cells in the tissues of SCC in Marjolin′s ulcer. The integrin beta1 mainly expressed in the cytoplasmic and cell membrane regions while K19 mainly expressed in cytoplasmic regions. In addition, over expression of K19 and integrin beta1 were seen in some atypia cells of epithelial foot sites in the chronic skin ulcer companied with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. K19 and integrin beta1 expressed in the regions of the basal layer and the bulge of follicles in normal skin. Conclusion Chronic skin ulcer can turn into SCC and the initial tumor cells may derive from the cutaneous stem cells of the ulcers. Key words: Skin ulcer; Carcinoma, squamous cell; Stem cells; Carcinogenesis; K19; Integrin beta1