Is Immunohistochemical Galectin-3 Expression Associated with the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in High- and Low-Grade Invasive Urothelial Carcinomas of the Bladder?

Autor: Cin M; Department of Pathology, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey., Akyıldız İğdem A; Nishantashi Pathology Group Laboratory, 34365 Istanbul, Turkey., Bektaş S; Department of Pathology, Gaziosmanspasa Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 34255 Istanbul, Turkey., Gündoğar Ö; Department of Pathology, Gaziosmanspasa Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 34255 Istanbul, Turkey., Cin S; Department of Pathology, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 34200 Istanbul, Turkey., Komut N; Department of Pathology, Tekirdag Dr. Ismail Fehmi Cumalioglu City Hospital, 59030 Tekirdag, Turkey., Çetin B; Department of Urology, Bahcelievler Medicalpark Hospital, Altinbas University, 34180 Istanbul, Turkey.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) [Diagnostics (Basel)] 2024 Oct 12; Vol. 14 (20). Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Oct 12.
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14202270
Abstrakt: Background/Objectives : Bladder cancer, predominantly urothelial carcinoma, is an important malignancy of the urinary system. Despite the same histologic grade and stage, some patients seem to have a worse prognosis. In this context, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), characterized by the loss of E-cadherin and gain of vimentin expression, is an important process in tumor progression. Galectin-3, a lactose-binding protein involved in various cellular processes, has been associated with increased tumor cell migration, invasion, and treatment resistance. Methods: In this study, 223 bladder cancer cases were examined, and E-cadherin, vimentin, and galectin-3 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in tumor budding areas and invasive components. These markers were also correlated with clinicopathological parameters, including tumor grade and stage. Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in E-cadherin expression and an increase in vimentin staining in higher-grade and higher-stage tumors, supporting EMT involvement. Galectin-3 expression was notably higher in T1 high-grade tumors but decreased in T2 stage tumors. Despite this, no significant correlation was found between galectin-3 and E-cadherin or vimentin, suggesting a complex role of galectin-3 in EMT. Conclusions: High galectin-3 expression in T1 high-grade tumors highlights its potential role in early tumor progression and as a therapeutic target. However, the decrease in its expression in advanced stages underscores the need for further research to understand its multifaceted involvement in bladder cancer. These findings suggest that while galectin-3 may contribute to the EMT and early tumor progression, its exact role and potential as a therapeutic target require more detailed investigation.
Databáze: MEDLINE
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