Ras and p53 expression in human thyroid carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the possible interaction between the ras and p53 genes over-expression in thyroid carcinoma, and whether there is a correlation between the ras and p53 over-expression and clinicopathological criteria. Methods: Eighty patients with thyroid lesions were examined for expression of ras and p53 genes by the labeled streptavidin biotin peroxidase (LSAB) method. Of these patients, 54 were diagnosed (average age: 39.9(15.9 years) with malignant lesions. Of those included in the study, 31 has papillary carcinoma, 13 had follicular carcinoma, 7 had medullary carcinoma, 3 had undifferentiated carcinoma and 19 were stratified to stage I, 28 to stage II, 2 to stage III and 5 to stage IV according to TNM staging system. Twenty-six benign nodular thyroid disorders were studied as control. Results: Positive immunostain results for ras and p53 genes were statistically significant between thyroid carcinomas and benign disorders (90.7% vs 23%, 55.5% vs 30.7%, P<0.05). Both p53 and ras overexpressions coexisted in 30 thyroid carcinomas, and of these, 3 died and 5 had recurrences within 4 years. Conclusions: Activation of ras gene and inactivation of p53 gene were cooperatively associated in thyroid tumorigenesis. The concurrent overexpressions of ras and p53 could result in a poor prognosis.