Immunoexpression Of Galectin-3 Research Articles

Immunoexpression of galectin-3 and its potential relation to hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in ameloblastomas

ABSTRACT In tumor biology, hypoxia triggers signaling pathways that induce transcription of genes related to angiogenesis, metastasis, glucose metabolism and apoptosis. We investigated the expression of hypoxia related proteins, galectin-3 (Gal-3) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), in conventional (CA) and unicystic ameloblastomas (UA). We applied immunohistochemistry for Gal-3 and HIF-1α to 72 cases of ameloblastoma: 59 cases of CA and 13 cases of unicystic UA. Immunoexpression was evaluated semiquantitatively. Gal-3 expression was observed in 40% of the cases: 23/59 CA and 6/13 UA. HIF-1α immunostaining was observed in 55% of cases: 36/59 CA and 4/13 UA. 19 CA and 2 UA were positive for both markers. Immunostaining was evident in the center of the tumor islands, which exhibited squamous metaplasia or cystic degeneration. The expression of Gal-3 and HIF-1α in ameloblastomas could be interpreted as a response to hypoxic stress. Co-expression of both proteins in CA may suggest a potential interaction that participates in the biological behavior of this ameloblastoma variant.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Galectins-1, -3, and -7 in Periapical Granulomas, Radicular Cysts, and Residual Radicular Cysts

IntroductionGalectins play important roles in immunoinflammatory responses, but their participation in the development of periapical lesions remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the expressions of galectins-1, -3, and -7 in periapical lesions, correlating them with the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate and the pattern of the cystic epithelium. MethodsTwenty periapical granulomas (PGs), 20 radicular cysts (RCs), and 20 residual radicular cysts (RRCs) were submitted to immunohistochemistry using anti–galectin-1, -3, and -7 antibodies. The percentage of immunopositive cells in epithelial and connective tissues was determined. ResultsIn connective tissue, PGs exhibited higher cytoplasmic/membrane expression of galectins-1 and -7 than RCs and RRCs (P < .05). There was higher nuclear expression of galectin-1 in PGs compared with RCs and RRCs (P < .05). The expression of galectins-1 and -7 in connective tissue was higher in lesions with grade III inflammation (P < .05). No significant differences in galectin-3 immunoexpression were observed for any of the parameters evaluated (P > .05). In the epithelial component, a higher nuclear expression of galectin-7 was detected in RRCs (P < .05), and a higher cytoplasmic/membrane expression of this protein was found in cysts with hyperplastic epithelium (P < .05). Positive correlations were observed between the nuclear and cytoplasmic/membrane expression of galectin-1 in connective tissue (P < .05) as well as between the nuclear and cytoplasmic/membrane expression of galectin-7 in epithelial tissue of cysts (P < .05). ConclusionsGalectins-1 and -7 may play important roles in the pathogenesis of PGs, RCs, and RRCs. On the other hand, the present results suggest only a minor involvement of galectin-3 in the development of these lesions.

Immunohistochemical expression of galectin-3 is significantly associated with grade, stage and differentiation of endometrial carcinomas

This study describes galectin-3 immunohistochemical phenotype and its association with clinicopathological factors in the carcinoma of endometrium. Seventy one cases of endometrial carcinoma and 30 cases of benign and normal endometrium were employed for the detection of galectin-3 protein using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry staining. Thirty nine (55%) cases, including 54.2% of endometrioid adenocarcinomas and 55.5% serous carcinomas, were positively stained for galectin-3. Brown granular expression of this glycoprotein was detected in transformed epithelial cells of 36 cases including 28 cases with membranous and cytoplasmic staining and 8 cases with only cytoplasmic staining; nuclear expression was present in stromal cells of the remaining 3 cases. Twenty-four (80%) control cases showed granular cytoplasmic and membranous expression, and six control cases were negative. Tumor grade, stage and differentiation were significantly associated with galectin-3 immunoreactivity (p-values are 0.043, 0.016, and 0.044 respectively), cases with membranous and cytoplasmic staining is significantly associated with grade I and stage II, while cases with loss of staining are more frequent in grade II, III and poorly differentiated tumors. No significant association of galectin-3 staining was observed with age, diagnosis, recurrence and alive status. The current study supports the tumor suppression role of galectin-3 in endometrial carcinoma. Greater galectin-3 immunostaining has been found in control endometrial tissues compared to endometrial tumors. Loss or decreased galectin-3 immunoexpression gives a sign for poor prognoses in endometrial carcinoma patients.

Association of immunoexpression of the galectins-3 and -7 with histopathological and clinical parameters in oral squamous cell carcinoma in young patients.

An increasing incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in individuals younger than 45 years has been observed in recent years. OSCC in younger patients differs in terms of biological behavior and prognosis with the disease being more aggressive than in older patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of galectins-3 and -7 in 32 cases of OSCC in young patients and to correlate this expression with clinical and morphological parameters. All cases of OSCC of the sample were diagnosed at oncology referral hospitals in Paraíba, Brazil, between 2002 and 2012. Clinical data were obtained from the patient records. Histological malignancy grading systems proposed by Bryne et al. (J Pathol 166:375-381, 1992) and the World Health Organization (In: Pathology and genetics of head and neck tumours: Word Health Organization classification of tumours, 2005) were used for morphological analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed by the streptavidin-biotin technique using anti-galectin-3 and -7 antibodies. The results were analyzed statistically by the Chi-squared and Fisher exact tests (p < 0.05). Immunoexpression of galectin-3 was observed in 65.6 % of the cases analyzed, but showed no significant association with any of the variables studied (clinical staging; histological malignancy grading systems). Immunoexpression of galectin-7 was observed in 96.9 % of cases and was significantly associated with histological malignancy grading systems (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggest the use of galectin-7 as marker of biological behavior and tumor progression in OSCC in young patients.

Immunohistochemical expression of HBME-1 and galectin-3 in the differential diagnosis of follicular-derived thyroid nodules

BackgroundThyroid nodules are common among adults with only a small percentage being malignant and histologically mimic benign nodules. Accurate diagnosis of these thyroid nodules is critical for the proper clinical management. The determination of malignancy in follicular patterned thyroid lesions is based on postoperative histological findings. Therefore, affected patients are referred for surgery, although only 10% will have a final diagnosis of malignancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of two immunohistochemical (IHC) markers; galectin-3 and Hector Battifora mesothelial-1 (HBME-1) individually or in combination, to distinguish between benign (non-neoplastic and neoplastic) and malignant (follicular and papillary carcinomas) thyroid lesions removed by surgical resection. MethodsWe investigated the immunoexpression of galectin-3 and HBME-1 in 50 cases of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The benign group included 13 cases of thyroid nodular goiter (NG) and 9 cases of follicular adenoma (FA). The malignant group included 5 cases of follicular thyroid carcinomas (FC), 18 cases of classic papillary thyroid carcinoma and 5 cases of follicular variant papillary carcinoma (FVPC). ResultsThe staining results showed that malignant tumors expressed galectin-3 and HBME-1 significantly more than benign nodules. The sensitivity of these markers for the distinction between benign and malignant lesions ranged from 89.3% to 92.9%. Co-expression of galectin-3 and HBME-1 was seen in 82.1% of carcinomas, but in none of the benign nodules. Immunoexpression was usually diffuse in malignant tumors, and focal in the benign lesions. ConclusionOur findings indicate that these immunohistochemical markers are significantly more expressed in malignant tumors compared to benign lesions and may be of additional diagnostic value when combined with routine histology. Galectin-3 has higher sensitivity and specificity of immunoexpression in thyroid malignancy than HBME-1, and the combined use of galectin-3 and HBME-1 can increase the specificity of immunoexpression in malignant tumors.

Significance of galectins-1, -3, -4 and -7 in the progression of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

The aim of this study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of galectins-1, -3, -4, and -7 in 65 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and to correlate this expression with clinical (disease outcome, metastasis, and clinical stage) and morphological parameters (histological grade of malignancy). Clinical data were obtained from the patient records. The histological grading system of malignancy proposed by Bryne (1998) [9] was used for the analysis of morphological parameters. The results were analyzed statistically by χ 2 test ( p < 0.05). Galectin-1 expression was observed in 87.7% of cases and was significantly correlated with metastasis ( p = 0.033) and clinical stage ( p = 0.016). Immunoexpression of galectin-3 was observed in 87.7% of cases and was correlated with the presence of metastasis ( p = 0.033) and histological grade of malignancy ( p = 0.031). Galectin-4 showed no significant correlation with any of the parameters studied. Expression of galectin-7 was observed in 73.8% of cases and was significantly correlated with the histological grade of malignancy ( p = 0.005). In conclusion, the intense immunoexpression of galectins-1, -3, and -7 suggests the participation of these proteins in oral carcinogenesis and their use as markers of biological behavior and tumor progression in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Immunoexpression of Galectin-3 in Colorectal Cancer and its Relationship with Survival

Galectin-3 is an endogenous galactose-binding protein that is expressed in a wide range of normal and neoplasic tissues and is thought to be involved in cellular adhesion, growth regulation, and apoptosis. Galectin-3 seems to have an important role in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of galectin-3 in patients with colorectal cancer under surgery and chemotherapy treatment and the relationship of galectin-3 expression and clinical aspects or tumor evolution. Galectin-3 expression was examined immunohistochemically in 75 samples of colorectal tissues. A scoring system was used to evaluate the cytoplasmic cells color. Among the patients, 40 were female; the average age was 61.98years old. According to the site, 42.6% was of the rectum, 33.4% right colon, and 24% left colon. Thirty-three tumors were stage II, 32 stage III, and ten stage IV. Galectin-3 immunoexpression was classified as 1 in 57.33% of tumors. The highest percentage of staining cells appeared in the most advanced cancer (p = 0.4899). Patients with recurrence had a great number of tumors with high score (p = 0.0465). In addition, high or moderate galectin-3 immunoexpression had been associated with an increased marginal risk for death (p = 0.0795). The immunoexpression of galectin-3 was strong or moderate in 42% of the colorectal tumors. Patients with strong or moderate immunoexpression of galectin-3 died or had recurrence more frequently. The risk of death was marginally reduced in patients with negative or low-grade galectin-3. Galectin-3 cytoplasmatic immunoexpression seems to be a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer because a higher risk of recurrence had been observed in tumors with a high score of galectin-3. However, a higher risk of death was not found on this group.

Diagnosticheskoe znachenie immunoekspressii galektina-3, NVME-1 i tsitokeratina-19 v opukholyakh shchitovidnoy zhelezy razlichnogo potentsiala zlokachestvennosti

The authors have studied the value of the immunoexpression of galectin-3, HBME-1, and cytokeratin 19 in the diagnosis of 17 benign (follicular adenomas) tumors of the thyrod, 23 malignant tumors (carcinomas of follicular cell origin), and 12 tumors of uncertain malignant potential. The diagnosis based on the analysis of the immuniexpression of galectin-3 and its combination with HBME-1 showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (96, 88, and 93%, respectively). The tumors of uncertain malignant potential were heterogeneous in the expression of galectin-3 and HBME-1. Coexpression of the above markers may suggest the malignant potential of individual neoplasms included in this group.

Diagnosticheskoe znachenie immunoekspressii galektina-3, NVME-1 i tsitokeratina-19 v opukholyakh shchitovidnoy zhelezy razlichnogo potentsiala zlokachestvennosti

The authors have studied the value of the immunoexpression of galectin-3, HBME-1, and cytokeratin 19 in the diagnosis of 17 benign (follicular adenomas) tumors of the thyrod, 23 malignant tumors (carcinomas of follicular cell origin), and 12 tumors of uncertain malignant potential. The diagnosis based on the analysis of the immuniexpression of galectin-3 and its combination with HBME-1 showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (96, 88, and 93%, respectively). The tumors of uncertain malignant potential were heterogeneous in the expression of galectin-3 and HBME-1. Coexpression of the above markers may suggest the malignant potential of individual neoplasms included in this group.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical Study With Galectin-3 and Cyclin D1 and Outcome

This study investigated the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), galectin-3 and cyclin D1 in a cohort of ovarian serous carcinomas with regard to outcome and clinicopathologic parameters. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archival tissues of fifty ovarian serous carcinomas were stained with anti-bodies to EGFR, Gal-3, and cyclin D1 by automated immunohistochemistry. Additionally, 10 benign serous cystadenomas and 10 typical serous borderline ovarian tumors were included in the study. Immunostaining was scored with regard to quantity and intensity of positively stained nuclei. Staining patterns were recorded. The EGFR expression was scored negative in all serous cystadenomas and serous borderline ovarian tumors. Membranous and cytoplasmic EGFR immunoreactivity was determined in 64% of ovarian serous carcinomas; it was related to high grade (P=0.0005) and poor outcome (P=0.0137) but not with stage (P=0.5118). Galectin-3 and cyclin D1 immunostaining decreased from serous cystadenomas and serous borderline ovarian tumors to the carcinomas significantly (P=0.0022 and P=0.0083, respectively). Galectin-3 immunostaining of any pattern (nuclear and cytoplasmic as well as merely cytoplasmic taken together) was not related to grade or stage in cancers; mere cytoplasmic expression was associated with poor outcome (P=0.0097). Cyclin D1 immunoreactivity in predominantly nuclear pattern was increased in low-grade carcinomas (P=0.0378) but was not related to stage and outcome (P=0.6578 and P=0.0675, respectively). This study indicates that with regard to EGFR and cytoplasmic galectin-3 immunoexpression, multiple marker testing may be an adjunct in the identification of high-risk ovarian serous cancers.

1066 POSTER Relevance of the immunoexpression of galectin-3 in tumor cell compartments and its impact on the metastasis potential of the well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma

1066 POSTER Relevance of the immunoexpression of galectin-3 in tumor cell compartments and its impact on the metastasis potential of the well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Human galectin-3 immunoexpression in thyroid follicular adenomas with cell atypia

Human galectin-3 (hgal-3) is a beta-galactoside binding protein involved in a number of physiological and pathological processes. Increasing hgal-3 immunoexpression has been reported in several human tumors, including thyroid carcinomas, but not in benign thyroid lesions. We analyzed the immunolocalization of hgal-3 in cell compartments of benign and malignant thyroid lesions. Hgal-3 immunoperoxidase reaction was carried out on 133 thyroid tissue samples obtained from 113 patients; 20 of these were normal (NT), 85 were benign thyroid lesions [20 colloid nodules (CN), 21 nodular hyperplasias (NH), 7 focal lymphocytic thyroiditis (FLT), 15 Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), 22 follicular adenomas (FA)], 25 differentiated carcinomas [15 papillary carcinomas (PC), 6 follicular carcinomas (FC) and 4 Hürthle cell carcinomas (HC)] and 3 anaplastic carcinomas (AC). Among the malignant thyroid lesions, hgal-3 was detected in 12/15 (80%) PC, 3/4 (75%) HC and in 4/6 (66.6%) FC, but in none of the 3 AC. Conversely, hgal-3 immunoexpression was absent in NT and in all benign thyroid lesions, but 1/15 HT and 10/22 (45.4%) FA. In the latter, hgal-3 was mostly expressed in microfollicular areas and in five of the six atypical FA. Hgal-3 cytoplasmic-perinuclear immunolocalization was observed in the majority of thyroid carcinomas and in more than half of the FA, theoretically suggesting an involvement of this protein in thyroid tumorigenesis throughout an antiapoptotic activity. Moreover, hgal-3 expression in FA might anticipate the likelihood of evolution of these benign lesions towards malignancy.