Comparative immunohistochemical study of endometrioid and serous papillary carcinoma of endometrium.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether immunohistochemical analysis of molecular parameters can provide an alternative method for classification of endometrial cancer cases according to their aggressiveness. METHODS: Sixty-four cases of endometrial carcinoma were assigned to three groups: group I--28 cases of endometrioid well and moderately differentiated (G1-G2) carcinoma; group II--14 cases of endometrioid poorly differentiated (G3) carcinoma; group III--22 cases of serous papillary endometrial cancer. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the existence of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and the expression of bcl-2, p53, HER-2/neu and Ki-67. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the immunohistochemical profile of the studied molecular parameters comparing the three study groups. The endometrioid G1-G2 cases (group I) were characterized by increased immunoreactivity for ER and PR (85.7% and 78.6%, respectively), increased immunoreactivity for bcl-2 (42.8%) and low expression of p53 (14.3%) and HER-2/neu (14.3%). In contrast to group I cases, the serous papillary endometrial cancer cases (group III) were characterized by immunonegativity for ER, PR and bcl-2 and high immunoreactivity for p53 (81.8%) and HER-2/neu (45.4%). The endometrioid G3 cases (group II) demonstrated an intermediate immunoprofile, characterized by immunonegativity for ER, PR and HER-2/neu, low immunoreactivity for bcl-2 (7.1%) and high expression of p53 (57.1%). The expression of Ki-67 did not differ significantly comparing the different cases of endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that the immunohistochemical analysis of endometrial carcinoma differentiates between different grades and histological types, thus being useful in the distinction of high risk cases.     

ER, PR and Ki-67 expression status in granulomatous and chronic non-specific endometritis

AIM: To study the changes in the histological pattern, distribution and intensity of sex steroid receptors (estrogen and progesterone) and cell proliferation by Ki-67 expression by semi-quantitative scores in granulomatous and chronic non-specific endometritis in the premenstrual phase. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 20 cases of granulomatous endometritis, 10 of chronic non-specific endometritis and 30 age matched (2 years) controls with no endometrial lesions. Morphological changes were noted on histological examination and semi-quantitative scoring of Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR) and Ki-67 expression was done by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: There was significantly higher ER, PR and Ki-67 expression in endometrial glandular and stromal cells in inflamed endometria as compared with the controls (all P-values < 0.02) regardless of the character of the inflammation. The cases with morphology not conforming to the secretory phase at which biopsy was taken had significantly higher ER, PR and Ki-67 expression in both endometrial and stromal cells indicating a lag in the endometrial maturation (all P-values < 0.02). Interestingly, all parameters except PR expression in glandular cells had a significantly higher expression even in cases with secretory morphology indicating disturbances in local milieu. CONCLUSION: Endometrial inflammation interferes with local expression of ER, PR and Ki-67. This may contribute to infertility regardless of other factors and other endometrial dysfunctional states.     

芳香化酶蛋白及性激素受体等在子宫内膜病变组织中的表达变化及意义

目的探讨芳香化酶蛋白、雌激素受体（ER）、孕激素受体（PR）及细胞增殖相关核抗原Ki67在子宫内膜病变组织中的阳性表达率及其在子宫内膜病变的诊断和治疗中的价值。方法采用免疫组化链霉菌抗生物素蛋白-过氧化物酶链接（SP）法,检测148例子宫内膜病变患者（观察组,其中子宫内膜增殖症30例,轻、中、重度子宫内膜非典型增生各10例,子宫内膜腺癌88例）及30例因患宫颈原位癌行子宫全切除术患者的正常子宫内膜组织（对照组,其中增殖期及分泌期子宫内膜各15例）中芳香化酶蛋白、ER、PR及Ki67的阳性表达率。结果（1）观察组子宫内膜增殖症、子宫内膜非典型增生组织芳香化酶蛋白、ER、PR、Ki67的阳性表达率与对照组增殖期内膜比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;（2）观察组子宫内膜腺癌组织芳香化酶蛋白阳性表达率为64％（56／88）,与子宫内膜非典型增生（23％,7／30）、子宫内膜增殖症（13％,4／30）及对照组（0／15）比较,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;（3）芳香化酶蛋白的阳性表达率与子宫内膜腺癌的临床分期（Ⅰ期61％、Ⅱ期77％、Ⅲ期70％、Ⅳ期67％）、肿瘤细胞分化级别（高分化64％,中分化74％,低分化58％）、有无淋巴转移（转移59％,无转移67％）无明显相关性（P〉0．05）。（4）子宫内膜腺癌组织中ER、PR、Ki67的阳性表达率分别为22％（19／88）、19％（17／88）、41％（36／88）,与对照组分别比较,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论子宫内膜良性病变组织与正常内膜组织中,芳香化酶蛋白表达无明显差异;子宫内膜腺癌组织中芳香化酶蛋白的过度表达,可作为诊断子宫内膜腺癌的指标之一。     

The patterns of expression of an apoptosis-related CK18 neoepitope, the bcl-2 proto-oncogene, and the Ki67 proliferation marker in normal, hyperplastic, and malignant endometrium.

Expression of a neoepitope on cytokeratin 18, recognized by the monoclonal antibody M30, is an early indicator of apoptosis in epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to determine the equilibrium between apoptosis (M30), anti-apoptosis (bcl-2), and proliferation (Ki-67) in different endometrial conditions. Paraffin-embedded samples (n = 107), representing proliferative endometrium (18), secretory endometrium (19), postmenopausal endometrium (15), disordered proliferative endometrium (6), simple hyperplasia (12), complex hyperplasia (8), and endometrial adenocarcinoma (29), were evaluated immunohistochemically. The indirect streptavidin-biotin-horseradish peroxidase technique, with 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole as the chromogen, was used to visualize the reactions. Proliferative endometrium showed high bcl-2 and Ki-67 expression levels with no M30. In the secretory phase, the balance was tipped in favor of M30 with a decrease of bcl-2 and Ki-67. Postmenopausal endometrium revealed high Ki-67 and bcl-2 expression levels and no M30. In complex hyperplasia, M30, bcl-2, and Ki-67 showed increased expression. In endometrial carcinoma, an increasing reactivity for M30 and Ki-67 was seen as the grade progressed. bcl-2 reacted weakly and only in grade 1 cancer. Immunohistochemistry facilitates the study of the expression of proteins related to cyclic endometrial activity. Interruption of these cyclic events is associated with specific disturbances in the expression patterns of these proteins.     

Correlation between histological grading and growth-related factors in human endometrial adenocarcinomas

In order to clarify biological significance of histological grading of malignant tumors, several "growth-related factors" were examined and compared in human endometrial adenocarcinomas with different histological grades. Growth fraction (estimated by Ki-67 immunostain) and cytoplasmic bcl-2 and nuclear p53 overexpression were estimated immunohistochemically in 40 cases of carcinomas with different histological grades. When the grades were divided simply into 3 tiers, G1 (well); G2 (moderately); G3 (poorly differentiated), essentially no differences were found between histological grade and growth fraction. In addition, bcl-2 expression, which is known to negatively affect Ki-67 expression, had no correlation with histological grade. Only nuclear p53 overexpression, known to reflect gene alterations, tended to be more common in the higher grade groups. The results indicate that growth fraction does not correlate well with histological grade of human endometrial adenocarcinoma, as far as examined by Ki-67 and bcl-2 immunostains. The p53 gene status may have some significance in histological grade of human endometrial adenocarcinoma, although its role is not always clearly understood.     

Cytoplasmic progesterone and estradiol receptors in normal, hyperplastic, and carcinomatous endometria: therapeutic implications

This study was designed to determine whether the presence of progesterone receptors (PR) and/or estradiol receptors (ER) could be used to predict progestin responsiveness of recurrent or advanced endometrial cancers. We have demonstrated the presence of physicochemically similar cytoplasmic progesterone and estradiol receptors in normal, hyperplastic, and carcinomatous endometria. All normal endometria contained both PR and ER. Seventy-three percent of endometrial hyperplasias were PR(+) and 93% were ER(+). A decreasing concentration of progesterone receptor activity was observed with increasing tumor anaplasia [grade 1, 84% PR(+); grade 2, 55% PR(+); grade 3, 22% PR(+)] and in irradiated tumors. A statistically significant (p less than 0.001) relationship has been demonstrated between the presence of specific cytoplasmic PR and response to progestin therapy in recurrent or advanced endometrial adenocarcinomas. Thus, we conclude that a PR assay may be used to help select the most appropriate therapy for patients with recurrent or advanced endometrial adenocarcinoma.     

雌激素受体、孕激素受体、C-erbB-2和Ki-67在子宫内膜癌中的表达及其与临床病理相关性

目的 探讨雌激素受体（ER）、孕激素受体（PR）、C-erbB-2和Ki-67在不同子宫内膜组织中的表达及其与临床病理的相关性。方法 采用免疫组化S-P法检测2004年1月至2013年1月郑州人民医院病理科存档30例正常子宫内膜、30例不典型增生、80例子宫内膜癌组织中ER、PR、C-erbB-2、Ki-67的表达。结果　ER、PR在正常子宫内膜、不典型增生和子宫内膜癌中表达逐渐降低(P<0.05),在不同分化子宫内膜癌组织类型中表达有差异(P<0.05);C-erbB-2在正常子宫内膜中不表达,在不典型增生中表达为53.33%和子宫内膜癌中表达为80.00%,两两比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);Ki-67在正常子宫内膜仅有少量表达,在不典型增生子宫内膜中表达为33.33%和子宫内膜癌中表达为63.75%,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。C-erbB-2及Ki-67的表达与子宫内膜癌的分化程度、临床分期、肌层浸润深度及淋巴结转移4种病理特征均有关(P<0.05)。结论　ER、PR、C-erbB-2和Ki-67表达与子宫内膜癌的临床病理相关,可作为判断子宫内膜癌预后及指导临床治疗的指标。     

Prognostic importance of selected molecular immunohistochemical markers and DNA ploidy in endometrial cancer

The aim of the study was the analysis of the new molecular genetic immunomarkers (p53, c-erbB-2, Ki 67, bcl-2) hormonal receptors (ER, PR) and ploidy disturbances and their relation to the most important prognostic factors for endometrial cancer. The study group consisted of 135 endometrial cancer patients. Biopsies of the tumours obtained at operations were routinely histopathologically examined. Subsequenly, the immunohistochemical tumour markers were determined. The same biopsies were examined by microdissection and flow cytometric ploidy analysis and karyotyping. The findings were compared with the most important prognostic factors for endometrial cancer, mainly with clinical stage of the disease and grade. RESULTS: High expression of p53, Ki 67, c-erbB-2 and low rate of progesterone receptors was found in the prognostically unfavourable group (G 3). Aneuploidy was found in 72% in the group of poorly differentiated endometrial cancers (G 3) in contrast to 27% in the group of G1 and G2 tumours, but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of p53, Ki 67, c-erbB-2, PR and determination of DNA ploidy is a useful tool to specify a group of prognostically unfavourable patients.     

子宫内膜癌bcl-2癌基因的持续性表达及其临床意义

目的：研究子宫内膜癌ｂｃｌ－２癌基因的表达及其临床意义。方法：采用免疫组化ＡＢＣ法检测增生期、分泌期、单纯型增生、复合型增生及不典型增生子宫内膜共２６份，子宫内膜癌４９例的ｂｃｌ－２癌基因蛋白表达及雌、孕激素受体（ＥＲ、ＰＲ）的表达。结果：正常增生期子宫内膜、增生的子宫内膜存在ｂｃｌ－２的表达，与ＥＲ相关，分泌期子宫内膜ｂｃｌ－２表达下降；４９例子宫内膜癌中２６例ｂｃｌ－２表达阳性，占５３％，２９例ＥＲ表达阳性，占５９％，２５例ＰＲ表达阳性，占５１％。７２％ｂｃｌ－２表达阳性者ＥＲ阳性，７５％ｂｃｌ－２表达阴性者ＥＲ阴性（Ｐ＜０．０１）。６８％ｂｃｌ－２表达阳性者ＰＲ阳性，６２％ｂｃｌ－２阴性者ＰＲ阴性（Ｐ＜０．０５）。子宫内膜癌Ｇ１、Ｇ２级ｂｃｌ－２的表达率为６６％，显著高于Ｇ３级者（２１％）（Ｐ＜０．０５）。ｂｃｌ－２的表达与肌层浸润、手术分期无关，ｂｃｌ－２表达阳性及阴性者生存率统计差异无显著性。结论：子宫内膜ｂｃｌ－２的持续性表达与卵巢激素相互作用可能在子宫内膜癌发生、发展中起作用     

A significance of immunohistochemical determination of steroid receptors, cell proliferation factor Ki-67 and protein p53 in endometrial carcinoma

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to preoperatively predict the biologic behavior of the endometrial carcinoma using immunohistochemical analysis of the p53 protein and Ki-67 expression, and estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status, in the material obtained by fractional curettage. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six patients with primary endometrial carcinoma were included in the study. In all 136 patients, the fractional curettage was performed before the hysterectomy, and the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma was confirmed pathohistologically after the surgical procedure on the hysterectomy specimens. The significance of the prognostic factors was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. The cutoff values of the percentage of ER, PR, p53, and Ki-67 positive cells in terms of survival probability determination were obtained as the values of the highest chi-square test, using proportional-risk regression method. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to estimate the influence of several clinical, pathohistologic, and immunohistochemical covariates to patients' survival. Survival curves were determined by the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method based on the most recent clinical status. RESULTS: According to the histologic type of the tumor, fractional curettage specimens revealed 111 histologically favorable types (81.6%) and 25 unfavorable types (18.4%). The data indicate that ER, PR, Ki-67, and p53 levels of the hysterectomy specimens and those of the preoperative specimens were in fairly good agreement. The patients with the most favorable tumor grade (G I) had significantly better prognosis when the percentage of p53 positive cells was less than 15%. In the group of patients with histologic grade II, the survival was affected by ER expression (more than 30% of positive cells) and p53 levels (less than 15% of positive cells). None of the parameters was predictive in the group of patients with histologic grade III. CONCLUSIONS: We found that determination of immunohistochemical parameters (ER, PR, and p53) on well-differentiated and moderately differentiated endometrial carcinoma of favorable histologic type obtained by curettage enables the recognition of the patients with favorable prognosis, who should not be treated by radical surgery.     

Effect of previous hormone replacement therapy on endometrial polyps during menopause.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the expression of Ki-67, bcl-2 and c-erb.B2 in endometrial polyps during menopause. Sixteen patients using HRT and 24 untreated controls with endometrial polyps were enrolled in this study. Polypectomy was carried out by hysteroscopy. The presence of c-erb.B2, bcl-2 and Ki-67 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. HRT was found to decrease Ki-67 and bcl-2 expression in endometrial polyps without affecting the c-erb.B2 staining reaction. HRT may cause endometrial polyp involution by decreasing proliferation and stimulating apoptosis.     

Effect of previous hormone replacement therapy on endometrial polyps during menopause

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the expression of Ki-67, bcl-2 and c-erb.B2 in endometrial polyps during menopause. Sixteen patients using HRT and 24 untreated controls with endometrial polyps were enrolled in this study. Polypectomy was carried out by hysteroscopy. The presence of c-erb.B2, bcl-2 and Ki-67 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. HRT was found to decrease Ki-67 and bcl-2 expression in endometrial polyps without affecting the c-erb.B2 staining reaction. HRT may cause endometrial polyp involution by decreasing proliferation and stimulating apoptosis.     

Impact of ovarian stimulation on mid-luteal endometrial tissue and secretion markers of receptivity

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ovarian stimulation for IVF on endometrial secretion and tissue markers of receptivity in the mid-luteal phase. In 10 oocyte donors, endometrial secretions and biopsies were sampled 5 days after spontaneous ovulation and oocyte retrieval in consecutive cycles. Four subjects received progesterone in the luteal phase of the stimulated cycles. Mid-luteal endometrial maturation in the stimulated cycle was compared with the spontaneous cycle, by histological dating, Ki-67, oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression, secretion levels of leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), glycodelin A (GdA) and progesterone, and protein profile. No significant differences in histological markers, expression of Ki-67, PR, ER, secretion protein profiles or concentrations of LIF, GdA, or progesterone were observed when comparing natural with stimulated cycles. Progesterone supplementation of stimulated cycles was associated with significantly lower Ki-67 (P = 0.03) and ER (P = 0.04) expression compared with the non-supplemented stimulated cycle. In this pilot study, ovarian stimulation was not demonstrated to alter the studied markers of endometrial maturation in the mid-luteal phase.     

Dissociated expression of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in endometrial lesions: diagnostic and histogenetic implications.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the expression of the proliferation marker, Ki-67, and the anti-apoptotic protein, bcl-2, in various endometrial lesions. Ki-67 and bcl-2 expressions were studied in 194 specimens of endometrial hyperplasia, polyps, carcinomas, and cyclic endometrium from a defined geographic area. Results were statistically analyzed with respect to marker expression, localization to the stromal or glandular component, and intraglandular topography. The lowest glandular Ki-67 expression was seen in secretory endometrium, in polyps, and in atypical hyperplasia. The Ki-67 score was significantly higher and less heterogeneous in endometrial carcinomas than in hyperplasia (p<0.001). Endometrial hyperplasia of all types was characterized by a markedly heterogeneous glandular expression of Ki-67. The glandular expression of bcl-2 was highest in proliferative endometrium and polyps. Bcl-2 expression was significantly lower in adenocarcinomas than in hyperplastic lesions (p=0.002). Ki-67 and bcl-2 expression showed a significant association in proliferative endometrium (p=0.003). Endometrial polyps demonstrated a unique pattern of very low expression of Ki-67 and high bcl-2 expression in both stroma and glands. Our findings indicate that an imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis may be an important factor in the development of different endometrial lesions, benign as well as malignant. The specific finding of inter- and intraglandular Ki-67 heterogeneity may be valuable as an adjunct to morphology in the differential diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia.     

子宫内膜癌组织中环氧化酶-2与雌、孕激素受体的表达及相关性研究

目的:探讨子宫内膜癌组织中环氧化酶-2(COX-2)、雌激素受体(ER)和孕激素受体(PR)的表达及相关性。方法:应用免疫组化SP法检测56例子宫内膜癌中COX-2、ER和PR的表达。结果:COX-2在子宫内膜癌中的表达率随病理分级的增高而升高,与患者年龄、临床分期和淋巴结转移情况无关。ER和PR在子宫内膜癌的表达与临床分期及病理分级、淋巴结转移有关,表达率随临床分期增加、病理分级增高及淋巴结转移而降低。COX-2的表达与ER和PR无关。结论:COX-2可能介导不同的生物学途径,可以联合内分泌药物与特异性COX-2抑制剂治疗转移或复发的子宫内膜癌。     

雌、孕激素对人宫颈癌HeLa细胞体外生长影响的研究

目的 :探讨雌二醇 (E2 )、孕酮 (P)对人宫颈癌HeLa细胞体外增殖及凋亡的影响。方法 :体外培养人宫颈癌HeLa细胞 ,免疫组化方法 ,测定其雌激素受体 (ER)、孕激素受体 (PR)的表达 ;不同浓度的E2 、P和E2 +P作用于HeLa细胞 ,采用四甲基偶氮唑蓝(MTT)比色法观测HeLa细胞的增殖 ;流式细胞仪 (FCM)检测细胞周期、细胞凋亡率及细胞内bcl 2蛋白的表达 ;光学、电子显微镜检测其形态学和超微结构变化。结果 :HeLa细胞PR表达明显高于ER(P <0 .0 1)。E2 对HeLa细胞有明显促生长作用 (P <0 .0 1) ,P和E2 +P对细胞生长有明显的抑制作用 (P <0 .0 1) ,增殖抑制率与浓度呈正相关 (P <0 .0 5 )。FCM显示E2 组细胞周期S期比例上升 ,凋亡率下降 ,细胞内bcl 2蛋白表达上升 ;P组和E2 +P组G0 /G1期细胞比例上升 ,S期细胞比例下降 ,凋亡率上升 ,细胞内bcl 2蛋白表达下降 (P <0 .0 1)。光镜和电镜可见E2 组细胞生长良好 ,P组和E2 +P组可见细胞凋亡的形态学改变。结论 :E2 对宫颈癌HeLa细胞具有促进增殖、抗凋亡作用 ;P则抑制HeLa细胞增殖 ,并诱导其凋亡 ;E2 +P显示了抑制增殖、诱导凋亡的增强作用。足量的P可拮抗E2 对宫颈癌细胞的促增殖作用。     

Apoptosis-related proteins and steroid hormone receptors in normal, hyperplastic, and neoplastic endometrium.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution and frequency of apoptosis-related proteins and their correlation with estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors in endometrial tissues. Immunohistochemical analyses of bcl-2, bax, bcl-x, and steroid receptors were performed in 22 endometrial carcinomas, 26 endometrial hyperplasias, and 19 cases of normal cyclical endometrium. Bcl-2 was expressed in 45.4% of carcinomas and 92.3% of hyperplasias. Bax immunostaining was found in 90.9% of carcinomas and 76.9% of hyperplasias. Bcl-x positivity was similar in carcinomas (68.1%) and endometrial hyperplasias (76.9%). In normal cyclical endometria, bcl-2 staining was intense and diffuse in the proliferative phase, but decreased dramatically in the early and mid-secretory phase to reappear in the late secretory phase. Bax was expressed throughout the menstrual cycle but more strongly in the secretory phase. Bcl-x displayed a similar degree of expression in proliferative and secretory endometria. Nineteen carcinomas (86.3%), 25 hyperplasias (96.1%), and 18 normal cyclical endometria (94.7%) were positive for estrogen receptor (ER). Progesterone receptor (PR) was observed in 20 carcinomas (90.9%), all hyperplasias (100%), and 18 normal cyclical endometria (94.7%). Androgen receptor (AR) positivity was seen in 7 carcinomas (31.8%), 6 hyperplasias (23.0%), and 3 normal cyclical endometria (15.7%). There was a statistically positive correlation between bcl-x and ER and a tendency toward significant correlation between bcl-x and PR and between ER and PR in carcinomas. In hyperplasias, there was a significant positive correlation between bcl-2 and PR and between bcl-2 and bax and a negative correlation between ER and bax. There was a statistically significant difference for bcl-2 (p = 0.001) and bax (p = 0.001) between the hyperplasia and carcinoma groups. There was increased expression of bax, decreased expression of bcl-2, and persistence of bcl-x protein in advanced endometrial carcinomas. Our findings show that ovarian hormones have a regulatory role on bcl-2 protein and that there is a correlation between other members of the bcl-2 family (bcl-x and bax) and steroid hormone receptors. Bax/bcl-x may be the major control mechanisms of apoptosis in advanced carcinomas; other members of the bcl-2 family may also be under hormonal control.     

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), receptors for estrogen (ER), and progesterone (PR), p53, ki67, and neu protein in endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at investigating by immunohistochemistry the relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and estrogen (ER), and progesterone (PR) receptors in a single institution series of 90 primary untreated endometrial cancer patients. The simultaneous assessment of p53 protein, ki67, and neu protein has been carried out. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded sections by using rabbit polyclonal antiserum against human COX-2, anti-ER (clone 1D5), and anti-PR (clone 1A6) monoclonal antibodies, anti ki67 (clone MIB-1) and p53 (clone DO-7), and polyclonal antibody anti human c-erbB2/neu. RESULTS: There was no difference in the distribution of COX-2, p53, and neu positive cases according to ER or PR positivity, while the percentage of ki67 positive endometrial tumors was significantly higher in ER negative versus ER positive tumors (54.5% versus 31.6%, P value = 0.044). ER and PR positive tumors showed a statistically significant association with clinicopathological parameters of better clinical outcome. There was no clear association between COX-2 positivity and any of the clinicopathological features. The percentage of ki67, p53, and neu positive tumors was found to be strictly related to more aggressive features. Only advanced stage of disease was found to be a predictor of poor prognosis (P value = 0.034). None of the biological parameters examined was shown to be associated with patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that COX-2 expression is not correlated with ER, PR, p53, and neu, thus suggesting that COX-2-mediated activities may follow independent pathways. Our findings provide the rationale to design trials based on the combination of antihormones with inhibitors of COX-2 and neu in recurrent/metastatic endometrial cancer.     

Molecular markers in the endometrium at baseline of postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer in the ATAC (Arimidex, tamoxifen, alone, or in combination) trial

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess baseline endometrial molecular events in the ATAC (Arimidex, tamoxifen, alone, or in combination) trial of breast cancer adjuvant therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels and markers of cell proliferation (Ki67) and apoptosis ( Bcl -2) were assessed in 93 patients at baseline. RESULTS: An inactive/atrophic endometrium was found in 63 patients, 5 had a proliferative endometrium, and 12 had a secretory endometrium. Thirteen endometrial polyps were analyzed. Inactive endometrium showed high levels of ER in the glandular epithelium, whereas in more than 50% of samples, PR expression was negative or low (+) in the glandular epithelium, and stroma. Ki67 expression was low in both the glandular epithelium and the stroma of the inactive endometrium, whereas Bcl -2 expression was mostly high or very high (+++/++++) in the glandular epithelium. Bcl -2 was strongly expressed (+++/++++) in the glandular epithelium of polyps. CONCLUSION: Although all patients were asymptomatic, some had endometrial pathology.     

Significantly greater expression of ER, PR, and ECAD in advanced-stage low-grade ovarian serous carcinoma as revealed by immunohistochemical analysis.

A 2-tier system that classifies ovarian serous carcinoma (OSC) as low grade or high grade is gaining acceptance. Women with low-grade OSC generally have higher 5-year survival rates than do women with high-grade OSC. We examined the expression of various markers to further understand the molecular differences between low-grade and high-grade OSCs: the potential therapeutic targets or prognostic markers Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor (PR); the metastasis-associated markers cyclin D1 (BCL1), E-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, and MMP-9; and the cell proliferation-associated markers BCL1, Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67), and p53. For this immunohistochemical analysis, we used paraffin-embedded specimens from 47 patients with advanced-stage low-grade OSC and from 49 patients with advanced-stage high-grade OSC. Our results showed that low-grade tumors expressed significantly higher levels of estrogen receptor, PR, and E-cadherin than did high-grade tumors, suggesting the involvement of gonadal steroid hormones, especially in the pathogenesis of low-grade OSC; the PR positivity was also observed in the stromal component of these low-grade tumors. On the other hand, high-grade tumors trended toward increased expression of MMP-9, BCL1, p53, and Ki-67, and robust MMP-9 positivity was observed in the stromal component of these high-grade tumors. These differences may lead to the development of different therapeutic strategies for women with either the low-grade or the high-grade form of OSC.