Cathepsin D in primary squamous laryngeal tumors: correlation with clinico-pathological parameters and receptor status.
Using an immunoradiometric assay, Cathepsin D (Cath D) levels were measured in the cytosol of 23 normal and 39 neoplastic human laryngeal tissues. Scattered Cath D levels (from 2.2 to 17.8 pM/mg protein; median = 7.6) were found in normal mucosa specimens. Cath D concentrations range from 2.0 to 29.3 pM/mg protein (median = 8.5) in laryngeal tumors. When a comparison between Cath D levels in normal and neoplastic tissue specimens from the same patient was done, Cath D levels were significantly higher in laryngeal cancers than in their normal counterparts (P = 0.03). No correlation with clinico-pathological parameters and steroid hormone and epidermal growth factor receptor status was found. Further studies should investigate whether the production of Cath D by laryngeal tumors could have a clinical relevance for this neoplasia.
Ferrandina
G
G
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy.
Scambia
G
G
Benedetti Panici
P
P
Almadori
G
G
Paludetti
G
G
Cadoni
G
G
Distefano
M
M
Maurizi
M
M
Mancuso
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002402:Cathepsin D / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015592:Immunoradiometric Assay; D007820:Laryngeal Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D002402:Cathepsin D