Heparanase, galectin-3, and tissue factor mRNA are expressed in benign neoplasms of the thyroid.
OBJECTIVE
Heparanase, galectin-3, and tissue factor (TF) are overexpressed in solid malignant thyroid tumors. We studied their expression in multinodular goiters (MNGs).


METHODS
Thyroid tissue specimens from 15 MNGs were obtained during surgery. mRNA expression for galectin-3, heparanase, and TF was assessed by RT-PCR.


RESULTS
Isolated expressions of heparanase and galectin- 3 mRNA were expressed in 2 and 4 of the 15 MNGs, respectively; 8/15 MNGs were positive for both heparanase and galectin-3. TF mRNA was found in all MNG specimens.


CONCLUSIONS
Galectin-3, heparanase, and TF RNA expression is prevalent in MNGs. Further studies will be needed to determine the prognostic significance of these findings.
Buchs
Andreas E
AE
Diabetes Unit and Internal Medicine "C", Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin 70300, Israel. abuchs@netvision.net.il
Zehavi
Sergei
S
Sher
Osnat
O
Yeheskely
Eyal
E
Muggia-Sulam
Michael
M
Sherman
Yoav
Y
Rapoport
Micha J
MJ
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D037502:Galectin 3 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D006044:Goiter, Nodular / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013925:Thromboplastin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry; D000099175:Heparanase
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D037502:Galectin 3; D005966:Glucuronidase; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013925:Thromboplastin; D000099175:Heparanase