[Annexin A2 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
Over-expression of annexin A2 (ANXA2) has been reported in various cancers. However, no data are available on the expression of this protein in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The objective of this preliminary study is to investigate the expression of ANXA2 in these carcinomas.


METHODS
ANXA2 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded sections from 9 patients with premalignant lesions and 21 patients with HNSCC.


RESULTS
All dysplastic tissues showed significantly reduced ANXA2 expression compared to normal tissue. In contrast, ANXA2 expression was observed in all but one of the tumours studied. There was a significant correlation of lower ANXA2 expression with a poorer histological differentiation, larger tumours, and nodal metastases.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data show for the first time that ANXA2 is expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and that its expression seems to be related with the degree of differentiation status of these tumours.
Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Oviedo (Asturias), España. juanpablo.rodrigo@sespa.princast.es
Juan Pablo
JP
Rodrigo Tapia
Emma
E
Pena Alonso
Juana M
JM
García-Pedrero
Manuel
M
Florentino Fresno
Carlos
C
Suárez Nieto
Reginald
R
Owen Morgan
María Pilar
MP
Fernández
D017306:Annexin A2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D017306:Annexin A2