Stem cell markers CD133, MMP-9, and Ki-67 expressions in different grades of meningiomas and their prognostic significance

Abstract

Objective Meningiomas are known to recur frequently, even after complete resection, and some are refractory to treatment. Residual cancer stem cells (CSCs) after routine therapy may cause tumor recurrence and metastasis through self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. CSCs are increasingly realized to be necessary targets for effective cancer treatment. CD133 could be characterized as a marker of a CSC subpopulation and an invasive tumor phenotype. Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the possible role of the immunohistochemical expression of CD133 in prognosis, as well as the relationship between CD133, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and Ki-67 expression in various grades of meningiomas. Materials and methods Fifty-two cases of various grades of meningiomas were tested by immunohistochemical analysis for the expression of CD133 protein, MMP-9, and Ki-67 proliferation index (PI). Results The high expression of CD133, MMP-9, and Ki-67 PI was significantly associated with higher grade meningiomas. CD133, MMP-9 expression, and Ki-67 PI in meningiomas were positively related to each other (all P Conclusion There is a close relationship between the overexpression of CD133, MMP-9, and Ki-67 PI and progression of meningiomas, which together may play important roles in aggressive growth and relapse. Thus, their expression may be of value in further understanding the biological behavior and predicting the prognosis of meningiomas.