Abstract
BackgroundGlycodelin is a cell surface glycoprotein offering a unique gender specific carbohydrate configuration. Sialylated carbohydrate structures, which are unusual for mammals, characterize Glycodelin isolated from amniotic fluid (Glycodelin A, GdA). Glycodelin in general exerts multiple, partly opposing functions ranging from immunosuppression to cell differentiation. As these markedly influence tumorigenesis, this study aimed to clarify whether expression of different Glycodelin isoforms is related to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Further the use of Glycodelin as a serum marker in benign and malignant ovarian diseases was evaluated.MethodsOvarian cancer specimens (n = 152) were stained for Glycodelin with carbohydrate and peptide specific antibodies. Associations between Glycodelin expression and histological grading, FIGO stage as well as patient’s prognosis were examined. Glycodelin was correlated to expression of gonadotropin receptors and mucin-1, which are discussed as ovarian cancer tissue markers. In addition, Glycodelin serum concentrations were analyzed in patients suffering from benign (n = 73) or malignant (n = 38) ovarian neoplasias.ResultsGlycodelin A was found to be an independent prognostic marker for poor prognosis in advanced ovarian cancer patients. GdA staining correlated with gonadotropin receptor (FSHR and LHCGR) and with hCG expression. Gd expression showed a positive correlation with a tumour-associated epitope of mucin 1 (TA-MUC1). Further, compared to ovarian cancer, serum Gd was increased in patients with benign ovarian tumors.ConclusionGlycodelin A might be related to tumor aggressiveness and poor clinical outcome in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Glycodelin serum levels found in patients suffering from benign ovarian tumors, might contribute to a more global attenuation during progression of these precursor lesions.
Highlights
Glycodelin is a cell surface glycoprotein offering a unique gender specific carbohydrate configuration
Patients’ characteristics and Glycodelin expression 34 patients presented with early disease in stage I (FIGO I). 10 patients had FIGO stage II and 103 patients underwent surgery because of suspected ovarian cancer involving the peritoneal cavity (100 patients FIGO stage III and 3 patients stage IV)
All patients who suffered from Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) staged FIGO II - IV received carboplatin and paclitaxel as chemotherapy after surgery
Summary
Glycodelin is a cell surface glycoprotein offering a unique gender specific carbohydrate configuration. Glycodelin in general exerts multiple, partly opposing functions ranging from immunosuppression to cell differentiation As these markedly influence tumorigenesis, this study aimed to clarify whether expression of different Glycodelin isoforms is related to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Gd is a glycoprotein whose immune-regulatory actions have been highlighted within different biological processes [4,5,6] and which is abundantly found in the female reproductive tract [7,8,9]. Structure wise it is part of the lipocalin superfamily and exerts its potent immune-regulatory activity via its unique, heavily sialysiated glycosylation pattern. While GdA is heavily sialylated, GdS is characterized by fucose-rich carbohydrate structures [13]
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