Expressions of STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 in cutaneous malignant melanoma lesions

Abstract

Objective To investigate expressions of STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) lesions, and to explore their significance. Methods The expressions of STAT3 and p-STAT3 were detected with an immunohistochemical method using polymer enzyme-labeled secondary antibodies in skin specimens from 22 CMM lesions and 23 pigmented nevus lesions. The effects of STAT3 and p-STAT3 expressions on lymph node metastasis of CMM were evaluated. Results The expression rate of STAT3 was significantly higher in CMM lesions than in pigmented nevus lesions (95.5% vs. 56.5%, χ2 = 9.23, P 0.05), while the elevated expression of p-STAT3 in CMM lesions was a predictive factor for lymph node metastasis in CMM (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.05 - 3.38, P< 0.05). Conclusion Increased expression of STAT3 and p-STAT3 in CMM may play important roles in the pathogenesis of CMM, and elevated p-STAT3 expression may contribute to invasion and metastasis of CMM. Key words: Melanoma; STAT3 transcription factor; Lymphatic metastasis; p-STAT3