title: Immunohistochemical assessment of proliferation markers and altered gene expression in archival specimens of ovarian epithelial tumors.
abstract: Recently reported morphologic and molecular genetic evidence suggests that some ovarian carcinomas arise from their benign and low malignant potential (LMP) counterparts. In order to help reach a better understanding of ovarian tumorigenesis, we studied a wide range of gene products involved in cellular growth regulation in archival material obtained from three groups of tumors with graduated malignant potential. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER-2/neu-encoded receptor protein, p53 gene product, and multidrug resistance gene product (P-glycoprotein). The expression of EGFR, HER-2/neu-encoded receptor protein, and mutant p53 product was significantly lower in LMP tumors than in carcinomas (p < 0.05). HER-2/neu immunopositivity was more prevalent in adenocarcinomas than in LMP tumors, and the proportion of HER-2/neu-positive adenocarcinomas increased with the progression of the disease. The staining differences between LMP tumors and adenocarcinomas with antibodies against Ki-67, PCNA, and P-glycoprotein were not statistically significant. Immunohistochemical detection of EGFR, HER-2/neu, and p53 in ovarian epithelial tumor is relevant to ovarian tumorigenesis. It could serve as a powerful tool for the pursuit of retrospective studies focused on these important biologic markers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Saint John's, Canada.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Khalifa
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Lacher
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lage
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Mannel
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Angros
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Min
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor